John Oates, best known as one half of the popular music duo Hall & Oates, is releasing his sixth solo album titled “Reunion” on May 17. Despite the title, the album is not a hint at a potential reunion with his former partner Daryl Hall. The duo is currently embroiled in litigation after Hall sued Oates for planning to sell off his share of their joint venture without permission. The ongoing legal battle has temporarily blocked Oates from selling his stake, but he remains hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon.
Inspired by his 100-year-old father who is not doing well, Oates found meaning in the concept of reunions as a way of reconnecting and reuniting with different aspects of his life. He sees the album as a way of reuniting with his essential self as a man and a musician, moving on from his Hall & Oates experience. While he acknowledges the impact and success of their 50-year partnership, Oates is firm in his decision not to pursue a Hall & Oates reunion. He wants to focus on exploring new creative ventures and finding personal satisfaction in his music.
The album “Reunion” features 12 tracks that Oates describes as his most personal work to date. Some of the songs, like “I Found Love” and “All I Ask of You,” were written in the ’90s, while others serve as musical history lessons reflecting Oates’ passion for different genres and artists. The album includes covers of songs by artists like John Prine and Fraser & DeBolt, as well as original tracks that showcase Oates’ individual style outside of the Hall & Oates legacy.
Oates hopes that “Reunion” will allow listeners to see him as a man and musician separate from the fame and legacy of Hall & Oates. He emphasizes his desire to be recognized as an individual artist and not just as part of the famous duo. Despite the challenges and legal issues surrounding his partnership with Daryl Hall, Oates remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to moving on with his music career. He sees the album as a way of expressing his personal journey and reconnecting with his true self through music.
While the Hall & Oates partnership has brought them immense success and recognition in the music industry, Oates is ready to explore new avenues and pursue his creative interests independently. He acknowledges the legacy they have created together but feels a sense of fulfillment in moving on to new projects and opportunities. As he navigates the challenges of the current legal dispute with Hall, Oates remains focused on his music and the message he hopes to convey through his solo work.”The fact that I’m moving on from my Hall & Oates experience, I’m basically reuniting with myself,” he says. “I’m trying to reunite with the essential part of who I am, not only as a man but a musician.”
