Though it’s not as upbeat and fun as Big Bam Boom, it’s a solid record. H2O is just one of the numerous hit albums for this duo. Luckily, the end of the album is saved by the catchy slow jam, “ Go Solo,” which finds Hall rightfully back on vocal duty. It’s also drawn out, slow, and boring making it a song you can’t wait to be over. It’s out of place because most of the songs are about relationships. Oates’ back on vocals singing about war and the military.
The following track “At Tension” doesn’t sound cheesy, but it’s so unfitting. Instead, it’s stuck on the tail end of the album bringing down the second half. “ Italian Girls” is a throwaway track filled with Italian stereotypes while Oates sings “Where are the Italian girls?” It’s so upbeat and generic it almost plays like a comedy song from the 80s. And unfortunately, they’re both written by John Oates. Though the album is mostly solid, there are some real stinkers. I woke up one day with the hook repeating in my head. And it has a hook that lodges itself in your head. What makes the Hall and Oates version stand out is how Hall’s vocals get more intense near the end, showing how this “family man” is about to lose it. He resists by screaming “Leave me alone/I’m a family man!” The song has a rock vibe with beefy guitars with some weird muted music making it sound like they’re in the middle of a jungle for a moment of the song. “ Family Man” is actually a Mike Oldfield cover about a man being proposition by a prostitute. It’s a Hall and Oates classic that never seems to get much attention. To make sure you get in the mood, the sax comes in during the bridge adding a suave vibe to the song. It’s a slow jam about getting some face time with your lover. And if you’re not used to Hall hitting those high notes, it comes off a little weird, but soon enough you’ll be singing “Whoooa, one on one/I wanna play that game tonight/One on one I know” with him. The soothing opening keys and Hall’s falsetto makes it sound like a lounge song from the 70s. The album also includes hits “ One on One” and “Family Man.” The former takes a bit to grow on you, but once it does, it never lets go. It’s a slow song about finding out a lover’s infidelity. The R&B sound returns on the lukewarm “ Open All Night.” It’s not a terrible song, but compared to the other tracks it doesn’t stand out. It’s an underrated Hall and Oates gem that lets them get in touch with the soul sound that launched their career. For an extra air of cool, the hot sax makes a return for a sensuous groove. These influences come out best on this album, especially on tracks like “ Art of Heartbreak.” Though the song is about being a heartbreaker, the song sounds sleek and sexy with the opening dirty blues riff and Hall’s crooning vocals. These songs don’t cause much of a reaction maybe just a subtle nod of the head at times.ĭaryl Hall constantly talks about growing up in Philadelphia and being influenced by soul and R&B music. Both are pretty straightforward pop songs, with the latter having a catchier, if not, simpler hook. While “Guessing Games” and “Delayed Reaction” aren’t bad, they’re kind of typical for the band. It’s a quirky moment from the duo before they go back to laying out the catchy, ear worm jams. It’s not as memorable or as interesting as the other tracks, but it still puts you in a good mood.
The music is the most notable thing about the song. It has a funky groove, glistening keys, and an upbeat dance vibe that’s meant to get you moving. The next track “ Crime Pays” is kind of weird, but fun to listen to. Years later, it’s still one of their best songs and a great example of what makes the duo so talented.
Though the song sounds like it’s about a vicious woman, the duo said it was inspired by the greed and lust of New York in the 80’s. It’s dangerous yet sensual as the music slowly builds up and Hall begins singing about this “maneater.” It’s pop meshed with soul for that “Motown groove” making it so irresistible. The album opens with one of their best singles “ Maneater.” That slick opening beat, hot sax riff, and lyrics about a woman whose dangerous yet tempting, makes this one of their coolest songs. This time, let’s look at the duo’s eleventh album H2O. I’ve covered Big Bam Boom, probably their biggest album, already so I wanted to look at another one of their successful records. In the past two weeks, I watched all their videos online, saw countless interviews, and watched their Behind the Music special. And lately, I’ve been in a Hall and Oates mood. I’ve always liked their hit singles, but I’ve grown to respect their contributions to music. Hall and Oates are a musical act I’ve grown to love over the years.