Hall and Oates

Rock 'n Soul (RCA '83) Rating: A-
This collection contains ultra smooth and slick soul sounds from two white guys with the knack, one of whom is a real good singer (Daryl Hall, the tall blonde one who sings lead on the vast majority of these songs). Although many critics find them too tasteful and refined (i.e. too slick for their own good), and they certainly had cheesy characteristics that gives their music a dated quality from time to time (raise your hand if the synth drums and processed vocals on "Adult Education" makes you cringe), at their best these guys produced guilty pleasures galore, and since the singles format was both their calling card and their true métier, why not collect most of their best ones all on one satisfying (if all too brief) package? From the hummable synth pop of "Say It Isn't So," "Kiss On My List," and "Private Eyes" through the sighing "Sara Smile" and onto the moody "Maneater," just try to deny the simple charms of these songs. I know that I can't, especially since they also throw in some catchy up-tempo rock on the cranky "Rich Girl" and the bouncy "You Make My Dreams." Topping it all off are "She's Gone" (which, incredibly enough, isn't on the 18-track The Very Best Of Hall and Oates), an anguished soft soul classic, and "One On One," one of the flat-out sexiest songs that I've ever heard. In short, these 12 Rock 'n Soul songs provide many an enjoyable reminder as to why Hall and Oates are basically the best selling pop duo of all-time.

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