Review
'Voices' isn't just a Hall & Oates album; it's a musical chameleon that seamlessly blends their soulful past with the neon-bright future of the 80s. This self-produced gem marks the duo's first foray into taking full control of their sound, and boy, did they nail it. With tracks like 'How Does It Feel to Be Back' and 'Everytime You Go Away,' they prove they haven't lost their rock 'n' soul mojo, while 'United State' and 'Gotta Lotta Nerve (Perfect Perfect)' show they can hang with the new wave kids on the block.
But let's talk about 'Kiss on My List,' shall we? This little earworm burrowed its way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three whole weeks in 1981, probably because it's catchier than the flu in a kindergarten classroom. Along with 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' and 'You Make My Dreams,' it helped catapult 'Voices' to number 17 on the Billboard 200 and eventually platinum status. Not too shabby for a couple of guys who look like they raided a 1970s thrift store.
The album's got range, baby. 'Africa' serves up a proto-club rhythm that's like Motown after a few too many espressos, while 'Diddy Doo Wop (I Hear the Voices)' is the musical equivalent of finding a perfectly preserved vintage jacket in your grandpa's attic. It's no wonder 'Voices' spent 100 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and snagged the 80th spot on Rolling Stone's list of 'The Greatest 80 Albums of 1980.' Hall & Oates didn't just adapt to the changing musical landscape; they redecorated it with their own funky wallpaper. - Melanie
