[.ca] Do It For Love

From Amazon.com:
VH-1's Behind the Music may signify the final curtain for some acts, but Hall and Oates aren't so easily confined to the dustbins of pop history. With a chart run that spanned most of the '70s and '80s, Philadelphia's most enduring purveyors of blue-eyed soul went on to keep a fairly low profile until "Do It for Love," a newly recorded track for their 2002 VH-1 retrospective, crept up to the top of the adult contemporary charts. Nearly a year later, the duo reprises the track and title on a full album that aims to recapture the best aspects of their glory days. Among its highlights are a sublime cover of New Radical's "Someday We'll Know" that teams them up with War Babies collaborator Todd Rundgren, and the funky "Miss DJ," a playful pop confection that avoids the excessive novelty of their more calculated '80s hits. After three decades, Hall's remains one of pop's most expressive voices. And while the album as a whole may lack the edge and energy of the pair's earliest work, it's still a promising collection from a rock duo that's earned a place in Philly soul history. --Bill Forman

One of their best releases in an already amazing career:
Daryl Hall and John Oates latest release is what I believe to be to be one of their finest as it may truly redefine the type of product that one can except from a class act. They could have easily rested an their laurels as they've had so many hits that there is no "need" for them to continue. I did not like their previous release "Marigold Sky" on the whole as it lacked strong songs and that Hall & Oates magic. My expectations are always high for these guys, but I had heard "Do It For Love" and decided to give it a try. What a great choice... "Man of a Mission", "Getaway Car", "Forever For You", "Intuition" (I love the chorus),just to name a few, are gorgeous songs. Daryl Hall's voice is as beautiful and expressive as ever, but it has matured and although the songs are all catchy, Daryl's voice is what makes them special. John Oates' influence on the duo has never received the credit it merits. Daryl Hall's single releases have been hit or miss, but always with great gems here and there. The the active participation of John Oates adds something that is not quickly definable in specific terms as his voice is not the best, but he seems to challenge John and provide great guitar work that cannot be copied by sometimes overproduced tricks that dominate the charts. This is not to say that the boys who sang "Adult Education" have given up on tight production, but here there is a melodic center which is enhanced by the production. This release is what that so-called "Philly blued-eyed soul" is all about. Three decades later these guys have released an album that proves that artists can successfully survive the ups and down of a career that could have easily ended with the amazing time specific-successs that they enjoyed in the 1980's. Many acts (even some good ones) were never able to get beyond their association with the 1980's, but thank these guys for staying in the picture. They are around before the 1980's and their 2003 release has flashes of the early days, but it never disregards its many musical influences and sounds as current as some of the disposible material that tops the charts. I give this CD my highest recommendation.

What A Comeback!:
I used to love Hall and Oates back in their 80's heyday with their catchy pop hooks and harmonies and I had some feedback from others that this was a great album and they were right! This CD always seems to find it's way back into my car and it gets better with each listen. I was hooked the first tme I heard the first three songs and found some true gems hidden in the middle of the album. I play "Breath of Your Life" for friends and family and most of the time, people can't figure out who it is-the love it and end up being shocked when I tell them it's H & O. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. Support these artists by buying this and convinving them to make more music. This is great stuff and way better than a lot of the music on top 40 radio nowadays. Kudos to Daryl Hall & John Oates for making a classic. I'll be listening to this one for a long time!

Underrated masterpiece:
Being from Pennsylvania, I have been a Hall and Oates fan since the mid 70's. My first album from them was the 'Silver' on 8 track!!! Being 'local' boys was a big deal and actually my favorite music was their earlier efforts, Abandoned Luncheonette and Whole Oats. In the 70's every year brought a new album, War Babies,Silver, Bigger Than Both of Us, Beauty on a Back Street, x-static, Along the Red Ledge. They had had a couple hits along the way, Sara Smile, She's Gone, Rich Girl and in my mind should have been THE big thing. FINALLY with 'Voices' they were heard! However with success we 'old' timers while happy for that success, longed for some of the sound that got them there. 'Do It For Love' is it!!! I hadn't followed Hall and Oates for several years, the last thing I bought was "Change of Season', in the bargain bin no less. When I heard the song 'Do It For Love' from the VH1 show, I thought hmmmm, more would be nice. Then last September 2003, they were making a 'hometown' appearance with Kenny Loggins (ironic because the first time I saw them live was in 1977 and KL was the opener then!!!). The show blew me away and the next day the album 'Do It For Love' began heavy rotation in our cd players. My wife loves it and I feel it holds up to anything they have ever done. It has elements of all they have done in the past with a mature professionalism. Hope they continue to 'Do It For Love'!!!!!

Still Got it After all these years:
I had always liked hall & oates - appreciated their music on many levels but never really bought their records - one morning I happened to see them on the Today show live Friday and they sang "do it for love" halfway through the live version I thought - that is a great song - and I wanted to find out more. I got the greatest hits as a gift and it has not left the CD player since - and now I have do it for love. An infectious tightly written an arranged album that proves yet again the professionalism of this duo. What was even more refreshing was it's positive message and uplifting songs about love - something so blatantly missing in today's landscape of manufactured bands and electric wizardry. Their like two friends your never tired of seeing or hearing about - who never outstay their welcome - and you always look forward to seeing again soon. I'll even go the step further and write that the next time they are in my home town I'll be sure to grab a ticket and visit with them one more time. When it comes to doing things with grace and class as years roll by - they prove they can still right a great hook and get you to sing off key with them in your car - and make no apology about it. A great album - get it and remember... - do it for love!

Hall and Oates are BACK BABY!:
It is rare that I will write a review of a CD as I have always maintained that rock critics are the lowest form of critical life (I've never agreed with a rock critic in my life) and I never like to tell anyone what to listen to. However, in this case, I felt moved to show my suppor for the new H & O album. I saw them on their Marigold Sky tour and wasn't impressed with the material from that album. Recently, I purchased the Behind the Music CD (another excellent album) and it had some of the new tracks and I fell in love. Do it for Love is, top to bottom, an amazing album. Each time I listen to it, it gets better. The first three songs will grab you and Love in a Dangerous Time (I don't pretend to understand the lyrics, but I love the tune), the last track, will stay in your head. However, the stuff in the middle, gets better and better. These guys are as good as they were on H20 and Bing, Bang, Boom. Their melodies are smooth, their hooks strong, and the music just so much fun. I've always loved Hall and Oates (I was raised on their '80s hits), but this is a new love. Look out world, they are back. Enjoy and fall in love.

• Man on a Mission
• Do It For Love
• Someday We'll Know
• Forever For You
• Life's Too Short
• Getaway Car
• Make You Stay
• Miss DJ
• (She) Got Me Bad
• Breath of Your Life
• Intuition
• Heartbreak Time
• Something About You
• Love Ina Dangerous Time