Customer Reviews

Change of Season

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After 1984's BIG BAM BOOM and 1988's OOH YEAH, which were percussion-oriented records and explored new rhythms, this was a return to SONGS. Scaled down acoustic and let the music stand on its own.

I nearly wore out the CD replaying it. All quality songs, esp. DONT HOLD BACK YOUR LOVE, which seems unanimously the best of the bunch, and a killer reprise of SO CLOSE, scaled down to piano and spanish guitar.

I have been an admirer of Hall and Oates since PRIVATE EYES and H20 flooded the air waves in the early 80's. This was a refreshing surprise with some of the music that has come out in the last decade. Although it was not a "fashion in vogue" record, and it was at a time when MTV shifted genre (their videos in the 80's helped them--Daryl moves very well), I believe that good music transcends time and catagory---for example, Daryl re-recorded "She's Gone" for an import release and it sounds fresh and contemporary.

If you like good music and well-crafted pop songs, you'll enjoy this for a long time.

Hope that they will have the freedom to record again without bending to corporate pressure. They had that freedom on CHANGE OF SEASON

Hall and Oates came upon a good trend - strip down the songs and use acoustic instruments if possible. Unfortunately, after recording the album I assume someone at Arista got panicky; there seems to be no other explanation for the second, louder version of "So Close," produced by studio vet Danny Kortchmar and then-hitmeister Jon Bon Jovi, that became the album's big hit. Oddly, Bon Jovi's contribution appears to be limited to the booth (he's not listed as a player in the album's massive credit list, although he and Kortchmar are given partial songwriting credits). Kortchmar contributes guitar with longtime buddy Waddy Wachtel; he's rewarded by having his name misspelled in the production credits.

Anyway, don't go just on the basis of that one song. It does appear H&O were a little dry on ideas - "Starting All Over Again" is a remake of an old Mel & Tim song, "Give It Up (Old Habits)" only credits Hall with additional lyrics, and "Heavy Rain" and "Don't Hold Back Your Love" are written (and produced) by David A. Stewart and Richard Tyson, respectively. But the album is more cohesive than anything they had done since "Voices" (unless you want to count the consistently misogynistic "H2O"). The themes are simplicity (title track), getting back to basics ("Sometimes a Mind Changes") and working to keep what's good in your life around ("Give It Up").

Hall is in good voice throughout, and manages to restrain himself from overdubbing furiously. Oates is, as usual, underused - he's down to one solo spot ("Only Love") and a couple of cowrites. Guests include Heartbreaker Benmont Tench, Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit on backing vocals, and a couple of dozen others - the "band" from "Private Eyes" had ceased to exist by that point.

Start with the last track first (the unplugged version of "So Close," which far outshines the hit version), then program the other songs randomly. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

While "So Close" and "Don't Hold Back Your Love" are definite keepers on this album, there are a couple more that make it very worthwhile. Notably, "Starting All Over Again" is a catchy remake worth hitting the repeat button for, as is the jazzy "Halfway There," guaranteed to make you dance and sing along. "Starting All Over" is cool because it showcases John Oates' voice as well as Daryl Hall, who dominates on stage during their concerts.

By the way, their "Rock and Soul Revue" with Michael McDonald and the Average White Band is a fantastic show, a must-see. The boys and their band kick some ass on many of your favorite songs, and if you stomp hard enough, they'll return for an encore of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and another song.

Stunning Song, Production and Sonud Design.

The team of David Tyson and Kevin Doyle are still going strong after Alannah Myles's "Black Velvet". Hall & Oates were luckey to have such a Great Song. Don't miss this one if your of great Hall & Oates songs

When I first heard "Don't Hold Back Your Love", I was totally blown away. I find myself still after a couple of years, playing it over and over again.I recently discovered that David Tyson and Kevin Doyle who were responsible for the classic Alannah Myles "Black Velvet" were also responsible for this masterpiece. Also check out the acoustic version of "So Close".

I just read the reviews by my fellow amazon reviewers and i was sad to see 4 and half stars and 5 star ratings for hall and oates "change of season" album! I love hall and oates, but come on guys/gals lets be realistic here, ok? "Don't hold back your love" is the best song here ( written by richard page ( ex-mr.mister ), + pat mestelotto plays drums on this song ( also ex- mr.mister ). "so close" sounds best on the unplugged version, ( try to find "looking Back", japan only greatest hits cd, has "so close" played at There best! ), starting all over again" ( now there "antheme" song for concerts).most of the album is unfocused, daryl halls voice...at times, sounds angry and tired.Its no wonder why hall and oates took a 6 year break from Each other.

Daryl Hall and John Oates were dropped from RCA after 1984 and found a new home at Arista in early 1988. Their first Arista album,OOH YEAH,released that same year,was neither a flop nor a major hit. This is the duo's first album since the vinyl record phaseout began in 1989. There were LP copies of this album available in limited areas and quantities when it was released in the fall of 1990. Hits from this album include SO CLOSE,DON'T HOLD BACK YOUR LOVE and STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN which was first a hit for another R&B artist in 1973. After this album,the duo went on a studio break for seven years.

finally, Daryl and John made their way back to their sound from the urban\electronic sound trip they were on. it think it paved the way to the great "Marigold Sky" (the CD that came after this one). if you love Hall & Oates, or just love good music, you won't be disappointed. this CD may be a little too underrated. it has some really beautiful songs. listen to "So Close", "Change Of Season" or "Heavy Rain" and, again, you won't be disappointed, and that's just to start with. take it home, turn the lights off, and put it on.

This album is pretty hit and miss, but it's nice to see them getting back to their roots. "Don't Hold Back Your Love" is the finest moment on this album by far, and in my opinion is one of their best songs of all time. I absolutely love that song! There are some other songs on this album that I hit repeat on the CD player for, mainly "Change of Seasons" and "So Close", their last big hit. Still hoping they can make the big comeback, because there is so much talent and quality there.

That's as good as it gets. There are very few CDs that you can stand letting play straight through. Love this CD, and when I don't want to think too hard in picking something to take in the car or drop in the home player, I always grab this one, knowing I'll be completely satisfied!