How Do You Do cover

Released 15 years ago this October

How Do You Do

Mayer Hawthorne · 2011

39 min · 12 tracks · soul

A vibrant blend of vintage soul and modern pop, infused with catchy hooks and smooth melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Get to Know You — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious groove and lyrical playfulness, showcasing Hawthorne's knack for blending classic soul vibes with contemporary sensibilities.
  • →
    The Walk — This track features a catchy chorus and an upbeat rhythm, representing the album's overall theme of romantic exploration and connection.
  • →
    Finally Falling — With its smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the essence of falling in love, highlighting Hawthorne's emotional depth as a songwriter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album balances vibrant energy with moments of introspection, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent brass sections, establishing a lively atmosphere.
  • Tracks 4 through 7 introduce more melodic variations and slower grooves, creating a contrast in pacing.
  • The final three tracks shift towards a more introspective tone, with softer instrumentation and reflective lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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, consistent energy levels
  • engaging danceable rhythms
  • mid-tempo groove explorations
  • warm, inviting atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 10, 2011, How Do You Do is Mayer Hawthorne's second studio album, following his debut A Strange Arrangement. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary soul scene, building on the critical acclaim from his debut while further refining his sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Anderson .Paak· Leon Bridges· Charles Bradley

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • You’re Not Ready

    The bridge shifts abruptly from hopeful anticipation to a stark declaration of unpreparedness in love.

    This pivot emphasizes the tension between desire and reality, showcasing Hawthorne's ability to convey complex emotions through structural choices.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Get to Know You 4:40
  • 2 A Long Time 3:43
  • 3 Can’t Stop 3:57
  • 4 Dreaming 3:42
  • 5 The Walk 3:38
  • 6 Finally Falling 3:20
  • 7 Hooked 2:32
  • 8 Stick Around 2:57
  • 9 The News 1:37
  • 10 You Called Me 2:34
  • 11 You’re Not Ready 3:03
  • 12 No Strings 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata