What comes to mind when you hear Hall and Oates?
Group from the 80’s, blue-eyed soul, lots of hit songs or I remember them? I’m guessing all those things crossed your mind when I mentioned them and yes, they are still around.
I was extremely happy to discover Hall and Oates was touring the country again this summer. I grew up listening to their music and watching the early videos on MTV and Night Tracks on TBS. Turns out the Hall and Oates video for Family Man (H20 album) was the first video aired on Night Tracks. It seems they were always churning out a hit or two that captured my attention and had me singing along with them. (FYI: Night Tracks aired June 1983 – May 1992).
Sometimes you forget how many hits an artist has until you see them live. The closest place I could see Hall and Oates was in Orlando at the Amway Center. I’ve been in the Amway for college and professional basketball games but never for a concert. Multiple outlets had tickets available but decided to use Vividseats.com since this site didn’t have the ‘extra’ fees associated with booking directly with the Amway Center or Ticketmaster. I’m always looking for a deal!
Train was the opening act for Hall and Oates. I’ve heard some of their music but I’m not a fan. I was pleasantly surprised to see and hear a lot of Hall and Oates fans singing along to every word of Train’s set. Turns out the lead singer is from the Philadelphia area and has been influenced by Hall and Oates. May have to give them another listen knowing this new fact.
Hall and Oates started their set with ‘Maneater’ which was one of their largest hits from the 80’s. Their sound and band were better than I expected. The musicianship displayed was impressive and had everyone standing, singing and dancing along. They covered about an hour and a half of their hits going back to the early days: She’s Gone, Can’t Stop the Music, Sara Smile, Rich Girl, Kiss on My List, Maneater, One on One and new stuff [Philly forget me Not with Train].
Texted one of my Philly area friends during the show and asked for her favorite Hall and Oates song. She gave me two: She’s Gone and Rich Girl. I texted back my favorite Hall and Oates song is: Sarah Smile. Of course, this changed as they played hit after hit and I loved each one of them. Guess my true favorite Hall and Oates song is the most recent one I hear. Their sound and music carry well, and they will be making audiences smile for years to come. Their last encore song was You Make my Dreams Come True. What an appropriate song to send fans home–well done Hall and Oates!
Went back and watched their 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and they performed just as well there. Hit after hit and making the crowd smile.
What’s your favorite Hall and Oates song? When’s the last time you listened to it? I recommend going to YouTube and experiencing it again—enjoy!
Walk Into the Future 