Hall & Oates - Voices [Clear]

Voices is where Daryl Hall and John Oates found the formula that would rule early-1980s radio, pressed here on clear vinyl.

Released in 1980, it was the first album the duo produced themselves, and taking the controls clearly suited them. The songs are lean, hook-heavy and threaded with new wave sharpness, their Philadelphia soul upbringing filtered through crisp, modern production that pointed straight at the decade ahead.

'Kiss on My List' became their first number one of the decade, a gliding, rhythm-box pop song that still sounds effortless, and 'You Make My Dreams' bounces on one of the most joyous grooves of its era. Their take on 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' gives the Righteous Brothers classic a cooler sheen, while 'Everytime You Go Away' is a slow, aching soul ballad that Paul Young later took to the top of the charts.

Plenty of acts had hits in 1980, but few made a record this consistent from start to finish. Voices launched the most successful stretch of Hall and Oates' career, and it still sounds like the moment blue-eyed soul learned to dance to new wave. Its songs remain remarkably durable fixtures on radio, in films and on wedding dance floors more than four decades later.