Reviewing for New Musical Express, Derek Johnson wrote: "Take an invigorating gypsy hora dance, and slow it down to mid-tempo – and you'll get some idea of the rhythmic feel of this sparkling item.

Jogs along merrily and features an attractive vocal blend from Vanity Fare, while the acoustic guitars and clavioline emphasise the Balkan quality.

[25] In May 1969, Cliff Richard recorded a second one, which was a cover of "Early in the Morning" by Vanity Fare, arranged by and featuring the orchestra of Mike Vickers.

"Early in the Morning" was first released as a single in the Netherlands in August 1969, with the B-side "Shout", a cover of the Isley Brothers song and taken from Richard's album Don't Stop Me Now!.

[31] "Early in the Morning" was also released as a single in France, Italy and Spain with the B-sides "Baby I Could Be So Good at Loving You", "I Get the Feelin'" and "Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)", respectively.

[35] Richard has said that he was "amazed" that his version was successful in Japan, "because I know that Vanity Fair [sic] had made by far the superior record, because I'm a sucker for vocal harmonies and things.