Hall & Oates VH1 Music First: Behind The Music-The Daryl Hall John Oates Collection CD

Additional Tracks

Hall & Oates: Darryl Hall, John Oates (vocals, guitar).
Compilation producers: Brian Doyle, Rob Santos, Jeremy Holiday.
Includes liner notes by David Wild.
VH1 Behind the Music: The Daryl Hall and John Oates Collection compiles some of Hall & Oates' better known hits and album tracks that were featured in the music channel's documentary episode on the group. Unfortunately, as with past Hall & Oates compilations, VH1 Behind the Music doesn't really give you every song you probably want in one place. Included are such expected staples as "Rich Girl," "Maneater," and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)." Glaringly missing though are such obvious hits as "Private Eyes," "Kiss on My List," and "Family Man." "So Close" and "She's Gone" are live performances. As a souvenir of the television series, VH1 Behind the Music works, but there are better single-disc collections available. ~ Matt Collar
VH1 Behind the Music: The Daryl Hall and John Oates Collection compiles some of Hall & Oates' better known hits and album tracks that were featured in the music channel's documentary episode on the group. Unfortunately, as with past Hall & Oates compilations, VH1 Behind the Music doesn't really give you every song you probably want in one place. Included are such expected staples as "Rich Girl," "Maneater," and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)." Glaringly missing though are such obvious hits as "Private Eyes," "Kiss on My List," and "Family Man." Making matters worse, both "So Close" and "She's Gone" are live performances. That may be good news for longtime fans looking for alternate versions of songs, but for the casual listener it's most likely a deal-breaker -- the original recording of "She's Gone" is a classic and really should be the one version you have. As a souvenir of the television series, VH1 Behind the Music works, but there are better single-disc collections available. ~ Matt Collar
Too-hip rock types may have dismissed Daryl Hall and John Oates as pretty-boy pop-stars during their heyday in the '70s and '80s, but the term "blue-eyed soul" was practically invented for this duo, who took the sweet sounds of Motown and Philly International, added their own pop sheen and distinctive personalities, and turned out one perfect hit after another for an astonishing amount of time. From '70s classics like the sweet, winsome "Sara Smile" and the punchy, bratty "Rich Girl" to '80s gems such as the sensuous "One on One" and the jubilant, propulsive "You Make My Dreams," this compilation hits all the highest points in the group's career. Live versions of the epic soul stirrer "She's Gone" and insistently catchy "Kiss on My List," among others, sweeten the pot. The new recordings "Somebody Like You" and "Heartbreak Time" successfully combine the old H&O sound with something new, showing that these two very musical men are far from done.