Livetime cover

Livetime

Hall & Oates · 1978

38 min · 7 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and pop rock, capturing the duo's melodic prowess and emotional depth in live performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rich Girl Start here — As one of their biggest hits, it represents Hall & Oates' signature sound with catchy melodies and sharp lyrical wit that critiques wealth and desire.
  • →
    Sara Smile — This track highlights the duo’s ability to blend emotive storytelling with smooth harmonies, showcasing their blue-eyed soul roots in a heartfelt performance.
  • →
    Do What You Want, Be What You Are — The song's message of self-acceptance resonates deeply, while its extended live rendition allows for improvisation and showcases the duo's musical chemistry.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with emotional depth
  • narrative arc through gradual build
  • reflective moments for quiet introspection
  • sing-along potential with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking rapid-fire hits
  • prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Came after their commercial breakthrough, solidifying their status in the late 70s music scene.
Themes
live concert energy· 1970s pop culture· blue-eyed soul revival
Career context
Released in 1978, Livetime is Hall & Oates' first live album, coming shortly after their commercial breakthrough with Bigger Than Both of Us. At this point, the duo was solidifying their place in the pop landscape, leveraging their recent hits to engage audiences with dynamic performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Michael McDonald· Steely Dan· Billy Joel
New to Hall & Oates? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Rich Girl Start here 3:28
  • 2 The Emptyness 3:44
  • 3 Do What You Want, Be What You Are 6:53
  • 4 I’m Just a Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel Like a Man) 5:24
  • 5 Sara Smile 7:52
  • 6 Abandoned Luncheonette 6:05
  • 7 Room to Breathe 4:38

What to play next

X-Static
Listen next

X-Static

1979

Continues the vibrant pop rock sound with fresh energy and catchy hooks.
Along the Red Ledge
Go back to

Along the Red Ledge

1978

Sets the stage with similar themes and style leading into Livetime's live vibe.
Full Hall & Oates discography Where to start with Hall & Oates Artists like Hall & Oates
blue-eyed soul pop rock

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Aja

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Steely Dan

Features sophisticated arrangements and smooth vocal harmonies, echoing the melodic finesse of blue-eyed soul.

Chicago VI

Chicago VI

Chicago

Combines pop rock with soulful elements and live performance energy, reflecting the same era's musical spirit.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata