Description
Daryl Hall and John Oates – Voices – Clear Vinyl Record
2021 (July 17) Record Store Day Exclusive
French Import
printed inner sleeve and embossed album jacket
interview booklet
translucent clear LP
cut from original analog master
3,000 made
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Daryl Hall and John Oates’ Voices (1980) is the ninth studio album by the legendary American pop-rock duo and is often regarded as a pivotal release in their career. This album marked a shift in Hall & Oates’ sound, moving away from their earlier blue-eyed soul style toward a more polished, new wave, and pop-rock sound that would define much of their 1980s output. Voices is notable for containing some of their biggest hits and helped solidify the duo’s place as one of the most successful acts of the decade.
The album reflects Hall & Oates’ versatility as songwriters and performers, blending genres such as rock, pop, soul, and new wave into a seamless, radio-friendly package. It marked their transition into full creative control, as the album was largely self-produced, and it spawned several major hits that became staples of their live performances.
Voices features a more modern, radio-friendly pop-rock sound compared to their earlier work. The duo incorporated elements of new wave and synth-pop into their music, which was becoming increasingly popular in the early 1980s. This blend of contemporary sounds, combined with their soulful vocal harmonies and catchy melodies, helped them reach a broader audience. While the album leans more into pop and rock, it still retains Hall & Oates’ signature blue-eyed soul influences, especially in the vocal harmonies and smooth production. Tracks like “Everytime You Go Away” showcase the duo’s ability to blend soul with more mainstream pop sounds.
Voices marked the first time Hall & Oates took full control of the production process, resulting in a sound that was uniquely theirs. This creative freedom allowed them to experiment with new sounds while staying true to their core strengths.
Key Tracks
“Kiss on My List”: One of Hall & Oates’ most iconic songs, “Kiss on My List” became a massive hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s infectious melody, bright synths, and catchy chorus exemplify the duo’s knack for crafting irresistible pop hooks. The song’s smooth, polished production and vocal harmonies helped establish their signature sound for the 1980s.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”: A cover of the classic Righteous Brothers hit, Hall & Oates’ version is updated with a more modern arrangement while staying true to the original’s emotional depth. The song showcases the duo’s vocal prowess, particularly in the way they handle the song’s soaring harmonies.
“You Make My Dreams”: Another major hit from the album, “You Make My Dreams” is a high-energy, upbeat track with a memorable piano riff and an infectious, feel-good chorus. The song’s playful energy and sing-along quality made it one of Hall & Oates’ signature songs and a pop culture staple, frequently used in movies and commercials.
“Everytime You Go Away”: Although not a hit for Hall & Oates themselves, this song would later become a chart-topping success for Paul Young in 1985. The ballad showcases the duo’s softer, more soulful side, with heartfelt lyrics and a smooth, emotive vocal performance from Hall.
“How Does It Feel to Be Back”: The album opener, sung by John Oates, blends rock and soul with a sense of nostalgia. It’s a driving, guitar-based track that provides a dynamic start to the album, showing Oates’ ability to carry lead vocals with confidence and energy.
Many of the songs on Voices deal with themes of love, relationships, and heartbreak. Tracks like “Kiss on My List” and “Everytime You Go Away” explore the highs and lows of romance, often with a blend of optimism and vulnerability. In addition to songs about love, Voices contains more introspective tracks, such as “How Does It Feel to Be Back,” which reflect on personal emotions and experiences. These themes give the album a relatable, human quality that connects with listeners on a deeper level.
The album’s cover of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” reflects the duo’s ability to honor the past while also reinventing classic sounds for a new era. This blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking production is a key theme throughout the album.
The duo’s signature harmonies are a defining feature of the album. Daryl Hall’s smooth, emotive lead vocals are complemented by John Oates’ harmonies, creating a rich, dynamic sound. Their vocal interplay is a hallmark of their music, particularly on tracks like “Kiss on My List” and “You Make My Dreams.” Voices features a prominent use of synths and keyboards, reflecting the influence of new wave and 80s pop. The album also retains strong guitar work, especially on tracks like “How Does It Feel to Be Back,” which gives the album a rock edge amidst the pop melodies.
The production on Voices is sleek and polished, typical of early 1980s pop records. Hall & Oates’ self-production on the album allowed them to blend their musical influences—from rock and soul to pop and new wave—into a cohesive and accessible sound.
Voices was a major commercial success, revitalizing Hall & Oates’ career and launching them into the mainstream. The album produced multiple hit singles, including “Kiss on My List” and “You Make My Dreams,” which became some of their most enduring songs. It helped solidify their position as one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s.
Several tracks from Voices, particularly “You Make My Dreams,” have become staples in pop culture, frequently appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song’s infectious energy has kept it relevant decades after its release, making it a timeless pop anthem. Voices marked a turning point in Hall & Oates’ career as they took full creative control of their music. This self-production approach allowed them to experiment with new sounds and expand their musical range, setting the stage for their dominance in the 1980s with subsequent albums like Private Eyes and H2O.
Voices by Daryl Hall and John Oates is a landmark album that helped define the duo’s sound in the 1980s, blending new wave, pop, and blue-eyed soul into a cohesive and accessible package. With massive hits like “Kiss on My List” and “You Make My Dreams,” the album propelled Hall & Oates to new heights of commercial success and cultural relevance. Voices showcases their versatility as songwriters and performers, combining catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics and polished production, and remains one of the key albums in their discography.
Track Listing
How Does It Feel To Be Back
Big Kids
United State
Hard To Be In Love With You
Kiss On My List
Gotta Lotta Nerve (Perfect Perfect)
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling
You Make My Dreams
Everytime You Go Away
Africa
Diddy Doo Wop (I Hear The Voices)
