This is the 1997 comeback album of sorts from perennial ‘good guys’ and pop/R&B legends Hall And Oates.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Hall And Oates
ALBUM: Marigold Sky
LABEL: Push Records
SERIAL: 5034504101128
YEAR: 1997
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Daryl Hall – vocals, guitars * John Oates – vocals, guitars * Dave Bellochio – guitars, keyboards, percussion programming * T Bone Wolk – guitars, bass * Shawn Pelton – drums, percussion * Paul Pesco, Ken Sebesky, Dave Stewart – guitars * Charlie DeChant – sax * Rob Mounsey – string arrangements
TRACK LISTING: 01 Romeo Is Bleeding * 02 Marigold Sky * 03 The Sky Is Falling * 04 Out Of The Blue * 05 Want To * 06 Love Out Loud * 07 Throw The Roses Away * 08 I Don’t Think So * 09 Promise Ain’t Enough * 10 Time Won’t Pass Me By * 11 Hold On To Yourself * 12 War Of Words
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
This is the 1997 comeback album of sorts from perennial ‘good guys’ and pop/R&B legends Hall And Oates. A permanent fixture in the charts during the early 80’s, both Daryl Hall and John Oates had been relatively low key during the 90’s, releasing only one album at the start of the decade (‘Change Of Season’ – 1990). As with all their prior releases, there is an element of ‘white mans soul’ permeating Hall And Oates’ music, with the overall sound taking a laid back and smooth approach.
The Songs
There are a handful of songs which immediately stand out. The hit single ‘Promise Ain’t Enough’ captures the essence of the duo perfectly. A melodic backwash with subtle vocals. Both the title track ‘Marigold Sky’ and ‘War Of Words’ are heartfelt moments, with a hint of the mid-west ‘jangle’ contained in them.
Vintage Hall And Oates can be heard on the pairing of ‘Throw The Roses Away’, a piano based ballad, and ‘I Don’t Think So’, in which you can hear backing vocals comparable to the those 70’s soul groups. ‘Romeo Is Bleeding’ is perhaps their most AOR-ish effort, with a pulsing bass line and keyboard stabs. Elsewhere, the other tracks are soul based, and don’t raise any levels of energy. It’s cruisy all the way.
In Summary
Yes, in summary, a ‘nice’ album, perhaps deemed to be too safe, but with enough interest to keep collectors happy. Both guys from Hall And Oates are still busy at work, with John Oates about to release his first solo album during 2002 called ‘Phunk-Shui’.
Hall And Oates on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
