"How Does It Feel to Be Back" by Daryl Hall & John Oates

Song#:  0262
Date:  07/19/1980
Debut:  84
Peak:  30
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Pop, Blue-Eyed Soul



Pop Bits:  Hall and Oates began recording in 1972 and finally scored their first Top 10 in 1976 with "Sara Smile." A reissue of an earlier single release, "She's Gone," hit #7 the same year leading to their first #1 song in 1977 "Rich Girl." But the remainder of the 70s didn't bring any major hits and the duo decided to refocus for their first effort of the 80s. Their album "Voices" was their first fully produced by the duo and this was the lead single. It didn't set the tone well for chart performance and it looked like they were still in a rut, but that would change quickly with the next three singles. It would take a while, but "Voices" would be a hit album and go platinum.

ReduxReview:  This was one of the rare H&O singles that featured Oates on lead vocals. By this time, Hall was being seen as voice of the duo and that sound made their singles stand out. He has an almost instantly recognizable voice. Oates, not so much. He's very capable, it's just when you are put against Hall it pales in comparison. And I don't know the reason behind releasing this song first. A good chunk of the album is more single-worthy than this song - as they would find out.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  "Voices" included the track "Every Time You Go Away." Although it was not released as a single, it was a popular song in their catalog. It gained even more fans when Paul Young covered the song and took it to #1 in 1985.

_________________________________________________________________________________