Sailin' was recorded at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, with producers Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett.

[2] Barbra Streisand later covered the song on her album Superman, released in the following year.

Streisand had offered the song to film director Richard Brooks for the opening credits of Looking for Mr. Goodbar, but he declined.

[3] Billboard described Sailin' as "an outstanding effort" from Carnes, showing "strength with lyrics and melodies" a voice that "reflects white gospel roots".

[4] Cashbox described "Let Your Love Come Easy" as having "good chorus hooks and snappy instrumentation".