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Our Top 10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits looks at the hits from the legendary duo. Chances are you have heard their songs on the radio. They were huge in the 70s through the late 80s. Their songs can still be heard on the radio to this day. Hall & Oates are one of the most successful duos of all time. The duo has sold millions of records throughout their career. Fans enjoy their music. They have several hit singles in their catalog. They have 29 singles that have reached the Top 40. Six of their singles made it to number on the Billboard charts. They have a lot of hits, but we narrowed it down to 10 of their biggest songs.
# 10 – You Make My Dreams
The 10th song on our Top 10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits list is “You Make My Dreams” from The Voices album. The single was released in 1980. “You Make My Dreams” hit number five on the US Top 100 charts. The song sold over one million copies in the UK. The song is about the celebration of love. It is about being in love and how it can make you feel. You feel as if anything is possible.
Love has the power to transform our lives. He loves and desires the woman in his life. She makes his life feel fulfilled. His thoughts and dreams are scattered but when she comes into his life, she puts everything together. She gives him a sense of purpose that was lacking. She makes his dreams come true. He finds himself daydreaming about her. He embraces their relationship.
“You Make My Dreams” has a message of love and appreciation for the person in your life. It’s a celebratory song about the power of love and how it can affect you. It expresses the joy you feel when you find the right person. The right person can make all your dreams come true. This song is uplifting and optimistic. It will make you feel hopeful about love. It was written decades ago, but the message is timeless. The song has touched millions of fans around the world.
The song is still relevant decades later. This song will touch your heart whether you are a big fan of Hall & Oates or just a casual fan. It will be hard not to fall in love with this song. The lyrics are powerful, and the music is catchy. If you are a fan of soft rock fused with pop and soul, you won’t be able to resist this song. Once you hear the iconic piano riffs, you will be hooked to it. If the music doesn’t get you, Daryl Hall’s vocals may do the job.
# 9 – Sara Smile
The ninth song on our Top 10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits list is “Sara Smile” from their eponymous album. The single was released in 1975. The song hit number four on the US Billboard Top 100 charts. This is Hall & Oates‘ first Top 40 and first Top 10 hit. This song is about the deep connection he has with a woman named Sara. They find strength and solace when they are with each other.
Their connection is deeper during difficult times. When he feels as if he can’t go on she holds him. He does the same thing for her. They are each other’s support system. His desire is for her to be happy and joyful. He longs to see her smile. He wants her to release any worries she is carrying even if it’s temporary. In the next verse, Sara feels like leaving. He encourages her to stay one more day. He is determined to make things work between them so they can stay together.
“Sarah Smile” is a loving dedication to the woman he loves. They have a loving and supportive relationship. They find comfort in each other and enjoy being with each other. Hall & Oates stress how important it is to have open communication in your relationship. They educate you on the importance of love without being too sappy. Fans enjoy this song because it speaks to them. The poignant lyrics speak of love triumphing over hard times. “Sara Smile” was very popular in the late 70s.
Once blue-eyed soul became popular there’s no way this song could miss. Daryl Hall’s smooth vocals as well as John Oates’ fantastic guitar riffs made this song one of their most memorable tracks. The song has a comforting sound that is addictive. It’s easy to listen to. The track captivated audiences because the story resonated with people. Fans smile when they listen to the song. The realistic story will appeal to audiences of all ages. The song was so popular that other artists wanted to remake it. After 7, Rumer, Jimmy Wayne, as well as other artists covered the song over the years.
# 8 – Everything Your Heart Desires
The eighth song on our Top 10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits list is “Everything Your Heart Desires” from their Ooh Yeah! album. The track was released in 1988. The song made it to number three on the Billboard Top 100. This is one of their biggest hits on the Adult Contemporary charts. It remained one of their biggest hits until 2002 when another one of their hits beat it. “Everything Your Heart Desires” spent 16 weeks on the charts.
The track is about a person who doesn’t appreciate what they have because they want more. He is frustrated with the woman in his life. She has everything she could ever want, but she wants more. He gives her everything she could ever desire, but she is still not satisfied. She thinks she can do better. He lets her know that she may be overlooking perfection trying to find it elsewhere.
“Everything Your Heart Desires” is an eye-opening song about appreciating what you already have. It teaches you to appreciate what you have in your life instead of looking elsewhere for it. The message behind the song is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You shouldn’t throw away something good to look for something better because you may not find it.
The song was a hit for Hall & Oates and has remained a classic to this day. The harmonies in the song are smooth and rhythmic. The music blends pop and rock effortlessly. The beat is catchy and energetic which makes it easy to listen and dance to it. The lyrics reach out to people who are in a similar situation. The story is relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds. This song teaches you a valuable lesson about appreciating the love you have instead of looking around for it.
# 7 – Say It Isn’t So
The seventh song on our list is “Say It Isn’t So” and appears on the Rock ‘n’ Soul: Part 1 album. The single was released in 1983. “Say It Isn’t So” peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 100 charts. The song was on the charts for four weeks. It is about heartbreak and betrayal. The woman in his life seems dissatisfied and wants to leave him. He wants her to stay. He wants her to say that she isn’t dissatisfied with him. It would hurt him if that were true.
He doesn’t want to hear her say the words. He would rather stay in denial. The singer would do anything she wanted. He was there for her when she was down. It frustrates him that she would leave him after everything he’s done for her. After everything he’s done for her, there is no way she should be dissatisfied with him. As the song continues, he wants her to “say it isn’t so” that she wants to leave.
“Say it Isn’t So” is a poignant plea from a man who doesn’t want the woman in his life to leave. He doesn’t want to face the truth that she is dissatisfied in the relationship. He wants her to keep lying to him. He wants to keep her in his life and will do anything to get her to stay. Listeners will be invested in the song because of the realism of it. Hall & Oates recorded a story that might hit close to home with listeners because people have gone through infidelity and betrayal.
Most people have gone through moments where their significant others have wanted to be with someone else. It makes you want to live in denial about what’s really going on with your partners. This song is relatable to people of all ages and stages in life. Daryl Hall wrote the perfect anthem about denial that is still enjoyable to this day. “Say It Isn’t So” has a smooth r&b, pop and rock sound that fans enjoy. This timeless song will never get old.
# 6 – Out of Touch
“Out of Touch” appears on the Big Bam Boom album. It was released in 1984. The single reached number one on the Top 100 charts. The single was number one for two weeks. “Out of Touch” was the duo’s 14th consecutive hits. The track is about a couple who have lost their connection and understanding of each other. They are drifting apart. The couple hasn’t been communicating lately. They don’t have anything in common which is causing their bond to break. Despite their problems, there’s hope that things can be repaired between them. He’s out of his head when she’s not around. He misses what they once had with each other. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to bridge the gap between them.
“Out of Touch” is an emotional song that depicts what happens when a couple loses touch with each other. It teaches couples to maintain a meaningful connection with each other so their relationships can work. This is another realistic song that talks about what happens when the honeymoon phase is over. Everything is okay at first and then things take a turn for the worst.
The duo didn’t just give us the romantic side of the relationship. They got in touch with the real side. It will teach you to find common ground so you can connect with each other. Long time couples can understand the meaning behind the lyrics. You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy this song. The song has a classic 80s sound that fans can still appreciate years later. The song manages not to sound dated because the instrumentation makes it sound new. Hall & Oates blends different sounds to make this song stand out.
# 5 – Maneater
The next song on our Top 10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits list is “Maneater” and appears on the H2O album. The song came out in 1982. “Maneater” peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It’s about a woman who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. The woman is ruthless and dangerous. She goes after men and stops at nothing to get what she wants. The woman is only interested in wealth and using others to get what she wants.
“Maneater” is a cautionary tale about women who will do anything to get what they want. It’s a warning to people to watch out for gold diggers. It’s a warning against people who use others to get what they want. The song is a warning to men about women. The lyrics are universal because men use people too. The theme is something that still exists now. The song is a message about not being too focused on material things.
Hall & Oates want listeners to focus on things that matter. The song has become influential in pop culture. It became so popular that it was used in movies and TV shows. The song was recorded in 1982, but the message is still relevant today. The song has stood the test of time because it can still appeal to listeners. This is a message that will never get old because greed will always exist.
# 4 – I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)
“I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” is on the Private Eyes album. The single was released in 1981. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It’s Hall & Oates fourth number one single. The song sold over one million copies. The song is about not compromising your integrity in a relationship. He feels as if she is pressuring him. She desires to control his body and soul. He refuses to give in to her demands. He has experienced being taken for granted and manipulated in the past and refuses to go through it again.
“I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” tells a story about self-awareness and determination. He refuses to be treated the same way that he was in the past. The song was originally written about Hall & Oates not being told what to do by their labels, managers and agents. They intentionally wrote the song about a relationship to make it more relatable to the listeners. Their plan worked because the song is relatable. People want to take a stand and not be taken for granted all the time so they made the right move by making it about relationships.
The subject is relevant today. The lyrics delve into the power dynamics in a relationship where one tries to dominate the other. It pushes you to a point where you have to stand up for yourself. Hall & Oates wrote lyrics that are universal because they don’t have to be about a relationship. It can be about any situation you are going through in your life. The song is popular with anyone who has ever been manipulated or taken for granted. This is a subject that is timeless because people will keep doing that to others.
# 3 – Private Eyes
Coming in at number three is “Private Eyes” from the album of the same name. It was released in 1981. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It was number one for two weeks. “Private Eyes” is Hall & Oates third number one single. The song sold over one million copies. It’s about people watching and observing things that are going on. The people see everything you do.
He is aware that his girlfriend is doing something that she shouldn’t be doing. He lets her know that he knows what she’s doing behind his back. He warns her that “private eyes” are watching her every move. There’s tension in their relationship because of the things she’s done. He’s able to see through her disguise and her pretense. She needs to be careful what she does because she doesn’t know who’s watching.
“Private Eyes” is a cautionary tale about the consequences of one’s actions. It’s impossible to hide the things you do from observant people. This is a message about what’s being done in the dark coming out in the light. Be careful what you do because people are always watching. This is a theme that is current today.
People are always watching you so you never know who will see what you’re doing. The irresistible song sounds similar to their other hit “Kiss on My List.” This song invites listeners in with the handclap chorus. There’s no way you won’t fall in love with this song. The music and vocals will reel you in automatically. It will be impossible to listen to this song and not get hooked on it. It can still be heard on the radio today because fans love it to this day.
# 2 – Kiss on My List
“Kiss on My List” is from the Voices album. The hit song was released in 1980. The song made it to number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It spent three weeks at number one. It’s Hall & Oates second single to hit number one on the charts. The track is about a kiss from the woman he loves. His friends wonder why he’s always calling her. He is infatuated with her and keeps their relationship private.
He doesn’t feel the need to justify what he does with his woman. He doesn’t care what his friends think he should do about her. His connection to her is strong. When his friends ask him about his relationship he lies to them about it. Her kiss is on his list because it’s something he can’t resist. It has a lasting effect on him.
“Kiss on My List” depicts a deep and emotional connection a couple has for each other. It describes the effect a kiss has on someone. It’s a reminder that true love is more than just a physical thing. Hall & Oates express how important a kiss can be to someone. The lyrics are powerful and meaningful and are relatable to people of all ages. This song was an instant hit with fans because of the irresistible chorus and soulful vocals.
The song is still a fan favorite after all these years. It’s for couples of all ages. It’s a straightforward love song that will make you appreciate the love you have in your life. What’s good about this song is that you can enjoy it even if you aren’t in a relationship. “Kiss on My List” is considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time and we couldn’t agree more. We’re not surprised it hit number one on the charts. You could probably enjoy it even if you aren’t a fan of pop music.
# 1 – Rich Girl
The number one song on our Top 10 Hall & Oates Hits is “Rich Girl.” “Rich Girl” appears on the Bigger Than Both of Us album. The song came out in 1977. The song reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. The song is their first number one single. “Rich Girl” is about a spoiled girl who relies on her parents for money.
She feels she could do whatever she wants. She doesn’t understand the value of hard work. He warns her that relying on her family’s money won’t help her in the end. She needs to learn to support herself. She hurts people without realizing it. She’ll never find true love if she only relies on her family’s money and material things.
“Rich Girl” conveys the message that money can’t buy love and happiness. The song depicts that money can make you feel empty at times. The track is a reminder to listeners that happiness isn’t something you buy. You have to work for it. Having all the money in the world won’t necessarily get the love you want. Hall & Oates’ song is an eye-opener about what really matters in life.
People enjoyed “Rich Girl” because it has an interesting storyline. The theme still exists decades later. The song was a hit with fans because the music is upbeat and toe tapping. The song combines r&b and rock music. Fans of both genres enjoyed this song. It had crossover appeal. Daryl Hall’s vocals are enjoyable. He sings this song with a lot of passion and soul.
10 Biggest Hall & Oates Hits article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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