Hall & Oates are just somewhat acceptable to listen to. Their first album, Voices was nothing if not adaptable — but Private Eyes was a different story that captured some elements in balance.
Hall and Oates were always on the verge of bad taste, the production of the time, by the way, probably having something to do with it.
There are at least five songs to die for on this record: “Private Eyes“, “I Can’t Go for That” and, the underrated “Mano A Mano “, for which fans have always had an inexplicable weakness. On the second side, a little less radical, “Unguarded Minute” and “Your Imagination” provide an end in apotheosis.
Private Eyes
Private Eyes is like a cousin to “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. Basslines were somewhat hysterical the way the bass player played it. Still a classic to get excited too and makes us remember our adolescence that we are from the generation of the best music.
I Can’t Go for That
I Can’t Go for That – John Oates described the song, not about a relationship, but “is about the music business. That song is really about not being pushed around by big labels, managers, and agents and being told what to do, and being true to yourself creatively.” But honestly, the older we get, the more we appreciate this kind of music. Pure bliss!
Mano A Mano
The harmonies and lyrics say it all, the bonus is the guitar lick in between, and it’s enjoyable to listen to nothing but a simple example of being friendly music.
Unguarded Minute
The downside is why the group chose this to be put on the B-side – this could have been a Top 10 on their catalogue.
Your Imagination
Considerably the most underrated H&O song and the bass is a monster. No one would ever imagine that there is this killer track from the Private Eyes. The groove and the standout vocals describe its greatness. This song should have been a much bigger hit.