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Our Kind Of Soul

by

Hall and Oates

 
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Our Kind Of Soul
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Avg: 3.5 (56 ratings)

  • We Say...

    Review by Fred Goodman

    Something of a homecoming for the Philadelphia duo, this collection on their own DKE label is particularly intriguing as it focuses on reinterpreting a slew of soul classics from the era when Hall & Oates were just beginning to make their professional mark. In that regard it's unique: this isn't the typical songs-we-grew-up-singing collection, but an attempt by the duo to couch their professional development in the milieu of Philadelphia in the '70s. It's also significant to see that they've chosen to re-interpret these songs, including such soul classics as "You Are Everything," "Ooh Child" and "Used to be My Girl," in the acoustic/quasi-folk style of their earliest Atlantic albums. Virtually every arrangement is anchored by acoustic guitar, and Hall & Oates sound more like the early-'70s coffeehouse act they began life as than the confidently slick crossover kings they became in the '80s. That's not to suggest Our Kind of Soul sounds like James Taylor covering "Handyman": on the contrary, the spirit of such standards as the Spinner's "I'll Be Around," the Four Tops' "Standing in the Shadow of Love" and Gladys Knight's "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" is intact. Also included are several new original compositions, including the O'Jays-inflected "Let Love Take Control" and the Daryl Hall-penned ballad "Soul Violins." But fans of both '70s soul and the Philly sound will find the real meat on such remakes as "Rock Steady" and "I Can Dream About You" on this thoughtful and heartfelt collection.

  • They Say...

    Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

    Considering that soul has been at the foundation of Hall & Oates' sound throughout their career -- even their early folk-rock records had soulful underpinnings -- it only made sense for the duo to eventually cut their own soul tribute album. As the title suggests, that's exactly what 2004's Our Kind of Soul is: Hall & Oates' spin on their favorite soul sounds. This includes, of course, heavy doses of Philly soul and Motown, along with other smooth soul of the '70s. Most of the album is devoted to covers -- usually familiar tunes like "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "I'll Be Around," and "Used to Be My Girl," yet there are a couple of more obscure entries and a heavily rewritten "I Can Dream About You" (in his excellent track-by-track liner notes Daryl Hall reveals that Dan Hartman wrote the song with the duo in mind) -- but there is a handful of originals that fit into the vibe quite well, such as the lush "Soul Violins" and "Let Love Take Control." All the songs, whether they're covers or originals, are given a clean yet warm production similar to the pair's successful 2003 comeback effort, Do It for Love, but this is a little more laid-back and unassuming. Consequently, it doesn't make as big of an impression, but it's a friendly, mellow affair that finds Hall & Oates in good form. It's not quite as strong as Do It for Love, and its tasteful relaxed vibe may strike some fans of their '80s hits as being a little sleepy, but for longtime fans who like the folky Atlantic material as much as their blue-eyed soul, this is a nice, enjoyable listen.

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