John Oates, known as one-half of the duo Hall & Oates, is set to release his sixth solo album, titled “Reunion,” on May 17. Despite the title, the album is not an attempt to reunite the band, as Oates is currently embroiled in a legal battle with his partner, Daryl Hall. Hall sued Oates for planning to sell off his share of a joint venture without permission, calling it a “ultimate partnership betrayal.” A judge has temporarily blocked Oates from selling his share, and the litigation is ongoing. Oates acknowledges the lack of communication with Hall but believes the situation will eventually be resolved.
The inspiration for “Reunion” came from Oates’ 100-year-old father, who is not in good health and has expressed a desire to reunite with his deceased wife. This sparked Oates to reflect on the concept of reuniting, both emotionally and metaphysically. He sees the album as a way to reunite with his inner self and move on from his Hall & Oates experience. Oates states that a Hall & Oates reunion is not in his plans, despite their 50-year legacy of creating music together. He wishes to focus on exploring new interests and finding personal satisfaction in his music.
The album “Reunion” consists of 12 tracks that Oates considers to be his most personal work to date. Some of the songs, such as “I Found Love” and “All I Ask of You,” were originally written in the 90s. Oates incorporates his love for musical history into the album, paying tribute to the Piedmont blues-and-folk duo Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, as well as covering songs by John Prine and Fraser & DeBolt. He hopes that through this album, people will see him as an individual musician separate from the fame of Hall & Oates.
Despite the legal and personal challenges he has faced, Oates remains optimistic and focused on his music. He expresses his desire to spend his remaining creative years exploring new interests and finding personal fulfillment. While the future of Hall & Oates remains uncertain, Oates is committed to forging his own path as a solo artist. “Reunion” serves as a testament to his growth and evolution as a musician, allowing fans to see a deeper, more personal side of him beyond the legacy of his past collaborations.
