John Oates Shined Through 5 Hall & Oates Songs

John Oates turned 77 on April 7, 2025—and while past headlines had focused on the legal tension between him and longtime bandmate Daryl Hall, it’s a great time to reflect on his musical contributions.

Though Hall is often seen as the face and voice of Hall & Oates, Oates was far more than just the guy in the background. He co-wrote some of their biggest songs, delivered soulful vocals, and added his signature guitar work to the duo’s sound. In honor of his birthday, here’s a look at five Hall & Oates tracks where Oates truly shines.

1. “She’s Gone” (1973)
This soulful breakup ballad is one of the duo’s most beloved early hits—and Oates was at the heart of it. He co-wrote “She’s Gone” with Hall, sings the verses and low harmonies, and delivers the standout guitar solo before the final chorus.

Originally released in 1973 on their Abandoned Luncheonette album, the song barely cracked the Top 60. But after “Sara Smile” became a hit in 1976, “She’s Gone” was re-released and climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. “Back Together Again” (1977)
Featured on the 1976 album Bigger Than Both of Us, this funky soul jam was written and sung by Oates. With a vibe that felt inspired by Curtis Mayfield, “Back Together Again” was a strong follow-up to the duo’s first No. 1 hit, “Rich Girl.”

Oates took the lead vocally and brought a confident swagger to the song. It reached No. 28 on the charts, proving Oates could deliver a hit of his own.

3. “How Does It Feel to Be Back” (1980)
Oates wrote and sang this jangly pop-rock tune, which opened their 1980 album Voices. The track feels like a personal statement, both musically and lyrically, and showcases his 12-string guitar playing.

Released as a single, it reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set the stage for the success of Voices, which included massive hits like “Kiss on My List” and “You Make My Dreams.”

4. “Mano a Mano” (1981)
While Private Eyes is best known for its No. 1 smashes like the title track and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”—which Oates co-wrote—it also featured a standout solo effort by him: “Mano a Mano.”

Oates wrote the song on his own and took lead vocals. The tune is a funky rock number with a positive message and a Latin-tinged chorus that added a refreshing twist to the album’s sound.

5. “Cold Dark and Yesterday” (1984)
Oates went full New Wave with this synth-driven track from the duo’s Big Bam Boom album. Written entirely by him, “Cold Dark and Yesterday” blends pop, dance, and rock elements with a moody but catchy feel that fit perfectly with the MTV era.

Though “Maneater” stole most of the spotlight from the album, this track showed Oates could tap into the trends of the time while keeping his own creative voice.

Beyond Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and though they haven’t released a new album since 2006, they toured together up until late 2022. Their future as a duo remains uncertain due to Hall’s 2023 lawsuit against Oates, which aimed to block him from selling his share of Whole Oates Enterprises, the company that handles their music publishing.

Still, Oates hasn’t slowed down. He’s continued his solo career with new releases, including the uplifting “Get Your Smile On” in December 2023. He also performed several solo shows in 2024, including dates in Beverly, Massachusetts.

At 77, John Oates is still doing what he’s always done—making music, staying creative, and giving fans something to smile about.