Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 3487
Date: 04/16/1988
Debut: 46
Peak: 3
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop, Blue-Eyed Soul
Pop Bits: Between 1981 and 1985, Hall & Oates had an incredible run of singles. Of the thirteen songs that made the Pop chart during that time period, all but one would go Top 10. Of those, five would hit #1. That success combined with two other Top 10s and one #1 from their 70s era made them the most successful duo in rock history. Most all of those hits were for RCA Records. In addition to that, Daryl Hall recorded a solo album for RCA in 1986 that yielded a Top 10 hit. However, by 1987 the duo's contractual obligations with RCA were met and they were ready to start a new chapter in their career. They signed on with Arista Records, took the "&" out of their moniker, and recorded their thirteenth studio album Ooh Yeah! It had been nearly four years since their last studio LP, the #5 double-platinum Big Bam Boom, and in that time pop music had changed. Could the duo still secure hits following their extended break? The answer was a resounding...kinda. This first single would get them back in circulation and it would do well making the Pop Top 10 while peaking at #2 AC and #13 R&B. However, the hit didn't do much to promote the album. It would stall at #24 to become their lowest peaking album since 1979. While it would later be certified platinum, that was a drop from the multi-platinum levels of their previous two efforts. Changes in music and their four-year hiatus seemed to have taken a toll and in the long run, this single would prove to be their final one to reach the Pop Top 10.
ReduxReview: On the duo's return, it did sound as if they were taking some notes about what was happening on the chart, but mainly just production-wise. The track had all the bells and whistles of other late 80s hits. It had a dense, layered sound with big drums, tinkling keyboards, synth effects and echo-laden vocals. Yet the song at the actual heart of it all was still very Hall & Oatesy. Their trademarked blue-eyes soul was still apparent through the din of the production. It was a good tune, but I would not rank it among their best efforts. The chorus is slick and memorable, but the verse doesn't do much for the song. I found it lacking a clear melody. It just sounded like Daryl Hall was riffing through it over a single chord. While the production was right for the time period, I think it overpowered the actual song. Compare this to the beautiful simplicity of "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" and you'll hear what I mean. Of course, that song was far, far better than this one, but you get the point. It was just overdone. At least they were able to grab one more Top 10.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This hit helped expand Hall & Oates' lead as the biggest charting duo of all-time. They claimed that titled back in 1984 when they surpassed The Everly Brothers. Don and Phil Everly amassed eleven Top 10 hits and four #1s. The third biggest duo was the Carpenters who earned nine Top 10s and three #1s. They should have had more #1s, but five of their singles stopped at the #2 position. Simon & Garfunkel and The Righteous Brothers would round out the Top 5. (Side Note: The Carpenters' five #2s is not a record. At this point in time Madonna holds the record with six #2s. Both acts were fortunate to grab #1 hits as well. However, Creedence Clearwater Revival holds the record of having the most #2 hits without ever getting to #1. Five of their songs peaked at #2.)
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