Customer Reviews

Our Kind of Soul

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very good album of soul classics. After over 30 years together, Hall and Oates pay tribute to the music that inspired them to become musicians. The best track is their cover of the Spinners song I'll Be Around, but there are so many others. I loved their version of Ooh Child. It is a very postive and optimistic song. Used To Be My Girl is another favorite of mine on this album. I also liked the song Used To Be My Girl. This song has a great beat and really captures the spirit of the original.

There is a beautiful rendition of You Are Everything on here. I think this is one of the best love songs ever written and Hall and Oates sing it so well. I liked the song Can't Get Enough of Your Love too. Hall and Oates' version of this song sounds just as soulful, but I think is more subtle and mellow than Barry White's original.

Neither One of Us is another highlight for me on this CD. Darryl Hall's voice has so passion singing this Gladys Knight classic. You can sense the pain of losing someone in his voice. I really liked it.

Our Kind Of Soul is a CD filled with great tunes. All of the tracks sound great and bring back a lot of memories for me. I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys classic soul.

I just got my CD today, and am listening right now (again) trying to decide what makes this CD not just a rehash of classic material by mature artists. It could be the way H&O found their own arrangements instead of just swiping the old ones (like the Michael McDonald karaoke CD of soul songs). It could be the obvious love of and respect for genuine R&B. It could be the great way their voices blend, lift above each other, then blend again. It could be the soul genie that blessed Daryl Hall's vocal cords. Or the great mix of classic R&B with new songs that have the feel, the heritage of the great old songs but does not merely imitate or plagiarize them. Could be any of those or all. This is one fine CD - I don't know why you haven't bought it yet!

I have read all the reviews lately about artists doing remakes and being at the end of their career...well, I got news for them; Hall and Oates (as well as Michael Mcdonald)are still at the top of their game. I swear between Daryl and Michael- I can't think of soul singers who can touch them today!!! It is refreshing to hear real soul music for a change. Today's artists (justin T. and Usher) are battling it out, thinking they are the best today.....HA, please. The both of them are more pop than anything and you can't hear any emotion, passion, or heart in their songs...maybe if they wrote their own stuff ;) hehe. Anyway, If you were to listen to this album...you would be blown away by the arrangements of these classics. For example, the harmonies used would never be used in todays music (do they even know what harmony means?). You know it's soul when the goose bumps jump out when Daryl belts out a note, or his throaty falsettos (the man's range is still phenominal) and passionate growls got ya feeling like you're having a religious experience.
I kept replaying his cover of "Standing in the shadows of love"...one word..WOW !! you can feel it...when he belts out..."please don't leave me". That track alone is worth buying the CD for !! Their cover of the O'jays; "used to be my girl" is Fun and infectious. I almost had to grab a kleenex for his rendition of Gladys Night's, "Neither one of us". My all- time favorite group is the Stylistics...and The rendition that Hall and Oates do on "You are everything" is incredible. Daryl stays with the smoothed out Falsetto stylings that made the Stylistics a household name too. Their remake of Teddy P's "Love TKO" and the Spinners, "I'll be around" are sure to be on the Adult contemporary radio stations. I can't help but move on their rendition of "Rock steady"..the beat and groove will have you dancing in your car (leaving other drivers wondering what it is you are listening too). They recorded 3 originals too,I just love their song, "Soul violins" it sounds like an Al Green song. My only disapointment with the album is that....as great as Daryl sounds, he still sounds 10 times better in concert (I've seen them over 9 times). I understand the biz (because I am in it) and know that labels and producers sometimes have a direction different than the artist may have. I just am spoiled that's all. This is not to belittle Daryl... in my opinion he is one of the best soul singers of the last 30 years (no kidding)...check a live show sometime and prepare to be amazed by the man's performance and vocals. I have heard him sing a couple of the songs on the album before and he just seems a bit more subdued than he did in concert. Regardless, this album is a instant classic for Hall and Oates fans or even the Fans of real soul music. I can't wait for a part 2...if there is going to be one. Thank you H&O for putting out music worth listening to.

For those of us who grew up or remember the originals of these soul classics, this album is like coming home again. "Our Kind Of Soul" is a beautifully crafted album that pays homage to some of the best soul songs every written. Best of all, are the three original tracks written by Daryl & John. Dary Hall's vocals are well...the man is just so darn soulful he oozes soul. John does a spectacular performance of "What You See Is What You Get." The harmony is what first drew me to the music of Hall & Oates and that hasn't diminished with time. "Our Kind Of Soul" reinforces all that I have come to love about Hall & Oates. "After The Dance" is a prime example of the harmony that is Hall & Oates. Surely, Marvin Gaye is smilin' down on their rendition of his song. Simply put, I have fallen in love all over again with the music and harmony of the best selling duo of all time.

Normally I don't like artists rehashing each others work but after listening to these cuts all I can say is, wow! The first time that I heard Hall & Oates version of "I'll be Around" I thought that the Spinners had reissued it. If you buy this album for only one song, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the rest. There are even a few nuggets on here that may be difficult to obtain in other forms, my favourite being the Five Stairstep classic "Ooh Child" (originally O-o-h ). There are "rememories" here for everyone. Sure, opinions are that there could be a song or two left off or added but Hall & Oates covered the ones that were important to them. This isn't a recording by a twosome who's better days are behind them, rather a twosome that is paying homage to the music that influenced their works and I for one wondered why it took this long. It was time. And I hope a followup soon to come.

Ahhh to spread the word about Daryl Hall & John Oates (and from this point forward fondly referred to as the Boys). As I type this review of "Our Kind Of Soul" and with the tunes dancing in my mind (pausing long enough to sing a verse or two) which is a good thing!

A fan of the Boys for 30 yrs and being a Philly Boy growing up in the 70`s, this album is Pure Bliss. Anyone back then thinking they were hip or was really hip, will just smile as each tune dances in your mind through out the day.

For example; I brought the Cd to work the other day to listen to and all I can say it that the music spread like a virus thru the work place, well a Good virus, and now every one has their own favorite tune that means so much to them.

The greatest gift of this CD is Daryl's track by track personal notes about what each song meant to them. I learn more about Daryl reading the track by track, than I knew as a 30 yr fan.

And finally to me Barry White is smiling down on Boys for their own unique tribute to him with their version of "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love".

Thinking I'm blowing smoke? See what songs gets your arms in the air and your finger snapping or better yet, which one has you singing back up with the Boys....enjoy, for everyone I turned on to this treasure has been bopping with a smiles and song dancing in their mind.

This is possibly the album that America's most successful duo have waited over 30 years to make. Their Philly roots are at the forefront of the 17 tracks that are a delight on the ear, from the self penned lead track to the wide range of soul classics.
The use of acoustic guitars on several interpretations shows the soulful voice of Daryl Hall to full effect, while John Oates adds his own distinctive vocals and playing. Overall they have created an album that could never have been made when they came to prominence in the late 70's.
I only wish I had this available then to charm former girlfriends, instead of having to get up after 20 minutes to turnover a vinyl copy of 'Abandoned Luncheonette'.

I'm one of those (former) 12-year-old pre-pubescent girls who fell in love with the Hall and Oates machine back in the early 80's. After seeing them a few times on MTV, I bought Private Eyes, then back one album to Voices. Then H20. Then I was scouring the racks at Musicland at the mall for anything else the duo had released, and there was a lot. I played Private Eyes so many times, my cassette wore through. By the time Big Bam Boom came out, I felt these two had stepped away from their roots, and the music wasn't that interesting to me anymore. But I continued to listen to my old tapes, then replaced those with CDs.

My cousin, a fellow H&O junkie (she was one of those 12-year-old girls right along side me), bought me Do it for Love two years ago, and I thought, "Wow! Now THIS is the Hall and Oates I remember." And then OKOS comes out...EVEN BETTER!

I have to say, first, that Daryl Hall sounds amazing, still. And as much as I really enjoy the remakes of Motown classics like Rock Steady, Neither One of Us, and O-o-h Child, my favorite has to be the original Let Love Take Control, the first track on the album, and one that never fails to make me smile. It's a rock-the-church-style gospel/love celebration, and is fun, happy, and uplifting.

The songs on this album that are covers are clean, and the arrangements have been re-worked to make them sound like they were written for Hall & Oates. There's a new kind of maturity in this CD, as well, a respect for those who have gone before, and a real joie de vivre in general.

Funny how life goes full-circle. Here I am, listening to these two again, these two who sound like they haven't aged a day in voice or in spirit. These guys have gotten back to what they love. And I think when you do what you love, it shows through in the quality of your work.

I'd recommend this CD for both the Hall and Oates fan and those fond of soul classics. Most outstanding is their Spinner's remake "I'll Be Around." Personally, I think "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" is another excellent track, worthy of being released as a single all on it's own too. Powerful, sometimes edgy vocals entwined in this famous Philly duo's consistency to satisfy make it a great CD for numerous reasons. Unlike many of my other favorite Hall and Oates recordings, this one was my most coveted. My mom (age 60) stole my first copy for her car, my sister (age 37 living 1500 miles from me) stole my second copy for herself. Most intestingly perhaps, my third copy my 12-year old daughter took possession of. Her favorites are "Let Love Take Control" "I Can Dream About You" and Barry White's "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love." Aside from everyone just loving it, it's really a cool package. The songs are so classic, I'd compare their remake to that of Todd Oldham's interpretation of 50s furniture...so old it's new, it's cool..and everyone should have some! WARNING: BUY WITH BULK

Fresh off the heels of a successful original album (2003's Do It For Love), an album of mostly covers of Soul classics may have seemed an odd choice. Not so fast. This album is much more than a paint by numbers covers record. This is the "tribute" record that Daryl & John have been threatening to make for years and the sheer joy they must have had in recording it shines through throughout the disc.

Track by Track:

Let Love Take Control-On an album of mostly covers Hall & Oates take the bold route by kicking it off with a brand new original (penned by Daryl, John and fellow Philly boy Billy Mann) and kick it off it does. Powerful vocals and an infectious chorus get this party started right. "Sweet soul gotta hold on me!"

Standing In The Shadows Of Love-Daryl & John take what was already a classic and give it a powerful treatment that adds a 2004 flavor while retaining the spirit of the original. Acoustic guitars shimmer against a soulfully desperate lead vocal and perfectly executed harmonies. "Don't leave me here Standing In The Shadows Of Love".

I'll Be Around-This treatment doesn't break any new ground as much as it plays homage to the original. In keeping with the theme of the album the track bristles with modern production while retaining a "classic" soul sound. "Whenever you call me, I'll be there..."

Used To Be My Girl-What a fun song! The beat never stops and it's nearly impossible to listen to this track without moving. The guys jazz this classic up and give it a playful bouncy feel as the insanely catchy chorus drills it's way into your subconscious. "The girl's got plenty good lovin'"

Soul Violins-Another Hall & Oates original follows and it's a beautiful tale of how a man feels when his lover enters the room. This track, like all of the originals on this record, stands up to anything they've ever recorded. A mid tempo sexy groove thumps along as Daryl oozes longing, sadness, and romance all in the same breath. "I hear Soul Violins when you walk through that door."

I Can Dream About You-Originally written for D & J by Dan Hartman but later turned into a hit for himself. The song is stripped to its core and while it is a good version the rewriting of the lyrics was not only unnecessary but also obtrusive. Most of the new lyrics carry neither the poignancy nor the melodic flair of the original, which causes the song to sound awkward in places. The chorus remains fantastic though. "I can dream about you, if I can't hold you tonight...."

Don't Turn Your Back On Me-Who would have thought that on a record mainly filled with cover songs that an original would be the best track on the disc? If you're a Hall & Oates fan then this song has everything you love about them: Sweet soulful vocals, intricate harmonies and sensual wordplay. Musically the song picks up where DIFL left off favoring a vibe reminiscent of "Life's Too Short" and "Getaway Car". "I won't give up on us baby, don't turn your back on me..."

Fading Away-Sometimes cover songs work the best when you're not familiar with the original rendition. That is definitely true with this lost Temptations' gem (written by Smokey Robinson) that Daryl & John give a classic, sensual and soulful acoustically charged reading. A subtle highlight, but a highlight none the less. "Like smoke from a cigarette it's fadin' away..."

Neither One Of Us-Taking the Pips out of the equation was an interesting choice for a duo known for it's harmonies, but surprisingly, it works. Daryl settles in to this song and gives it an emotional feel that tells a story of what once was and what never will be. Truly heart breaking. "Farewell my love.....goodbye"

After The Dance-The song kicks off with Daryl & John's soulful harmonies and the song takes off from there, slinking and pulsating around the vocals. The song is adequate but never really catches fire." Dance with me, come on dance with me baby..."

Rock Steady-T-Bone displays some of his best bass work as the guys have a virtual soul party on this one far surpassing the original. Awesome vocal interplay, driving bass, syncopated horns, what more do you want? This song should be explosive on the live stages in the years to come. "What it is, what it is, what it is...."

Love TKO-An odd choice for a first single (but it does fit the smooth jazz format) the recorded version falls flat in comparison to the live rendition that Daryl has been performing for years, both with and without John. Not great, not bad, just adequate. "Looks like another Love TKO..."

Watcha See Is Watcha Get-John Oates turns in his best vocal performance on a Hall & Oate's song here since 1984's "Possession Obsession". The only problem is the arrangement is cumbersome and as good as his singing is the song never quite feels natural in this treatment by the duo. "I'm as real as real can get and watcha see is watcha get...."

Can't Get Enough Of Your Love-Daryl & John recently began covering this song live and this version has neither the energy nor sensuality of the live rendition. Part of this could be attributed to removing the back up vocals, and in effect John Oates, which is what gave the song a lot of its sensuality. If the live version were Rocky Road I'd have to call this one Vanilla. "My darling I, can't get enough of your love baby...."

You Are Everything-Daryl turns in one of his finest vocal performances that shows off his ageless falsetto. The song is stripped to an acoustic reading that works very well with the nuances in the duos back up vocals. It doesn't stray too far from the original, but an excellent reading regardless. "You are everything, and everything is you...."

I'm Still In Love With You-Sweet hors and sweet soul singing shimmer through this soul classic as Daryl & John play it safe but still manage to put their own signature on it. "Don't you know that I'm still in love with you?"

O-O-H Child-Including one of the sappiest songs ever written seemed like an oddball choice to me at first until the first few seconds of the track unfolded. John begins the song and the track continues with lead vocal interplay that rivals their best shared recordings ("She's Gone", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling"). By the end of the track you can't help but smile and sing along. "Someday, we'll put together what was coming undone, someday we'll tie it all tighter...."


Overall the album is excellent and a worthy follow up to "Do It For Love" as it achieved two things: The duo finally realized their goal of paying their respects to their influences on record and they also provided a look into the future of Hall & Oates. And it appears to be a very strong future indeed.