Is Change of Season a good place to start with Hall & Oates?

Yes, Change of Season is recommended as a starting point for new Hall & Oates listeners. Smooth harmonies and polished production define this reflective pop rock album, steeped in the duo's signature blue-eyed soul style. By the time 'Change of Season' was released in 1990, Hall & Oates had already established themselves as major figures in pop music since their breakthrough in the late 1970s. This album marked their first studio release after a brief hiatus and charted a new direction with more mature themes, showcasing their evolution as artists while still retaining their classic sound.

Who is Change of Season for?

Change of Season works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, gradual emotional peaks throughout and for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Change of Season?

Change of Season has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Change of Season

Hall & Oates · 1990

56 min · 12 tracks · pop rock

Smooth harmonies and polished production define this reflective pop rock album, steeped in the duo's signature blue-eyed soul style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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So Close Start here — This track stands out with its heartfelt lyrics and smooth melody, encapsulating the essence of longing and connection that defines the album.
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Starting All Over Again — The upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics offer a refreshing take on renewal, making it a standout anthem for personal reinvention.
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Change of Season — The title track features introspective lyrics that reflect on life's transitions, showcasing the duo's mature songwriting and harmonic prowess.
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I Ain’t Gonna Take It This Time — With its powerful chorus, this song delivers a message of resilience and determination, exemplifying the emotional depth present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases polished pop rock with strong harmonies but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, characteristic of Hall & Oates, particularly in the choruses.
The production is polished with prominent use of keyboards and smooth guitar lines, creating a lush soundscape throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
gradual emotional peaks throughout
for afternoon relaxation
smooth melodies for easy listening
unplugged version for intimate vibes

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy anthems
wanting quick, punchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued creativity and relevance in a later phase of their career.
Themes: musical reinvention· emotional longing· personal resilience
Career context: By the time 'Change of Season' was released in 1990, Hall & Oates had already established themselves as major figures in pop music since their breakthrough in the late 1970s. This album marked their first studio release after a brief hiatus and charted a new direction with more mature themes, showcasing their evolution as artists while still retaining their classic sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Michael McDonald· Steely Dan· Billy Joel