Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and multiple-time GRAMMY nominee John Oates releases his long-awaited solo album, Oates, today. The self-titled LP marks a return to the soulful, groove-driven sound that defined a generation while introducing a vibrant new chapter in one of music’s most celebrated careers. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Critics are already praising Oates as a bold step forward. PEOPLE notes, “His next era as an artist is one to watch… an album that is equally looking ahead to pop and R&B music's future, and offering a sonic harkening back to yesteryear.” NPR Music calls it “lovely songs,” while Entertainment Weekly adds, “Juxtaposes tales of love, heartbreak, and frustration on a bed of swirling soul, R&B, and bossa nova melodies. It's a reminder to listeners to keep their spirits high even when navigating life's low points.”
Recorded primarily in his longtime hometown of Nashville, Oates was co-produced by John Oates and multi-platinum producer David Kalmusky (Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood). Together, they crafted a sound that is both timeless and modern — smooth, funky, and brimming with soul. The 13-track collection reflects Oates’ signature groove-driven style while incorporating fresh influences from a new generation of collaborators.
The album features several notable collaborations. Lead single “Enough Is Enough” features powerhouse vocals from Clyde and Gracie Lawrence of Lawrence, while the soaring track “Mending” includes rising soul star Devon Gilfillian. Other highlights include the slinky, rhythm-heavy “Pushin’ a Rock,” the optimistic groove of “Real Thing Going On,” and a smoky, Spanish-tinged reimagining of “Walking in Memphis,” which also receives a bold remix from genre-defying producer Grabbitz.
Oates reflects on the project: “This album is a full-circle moment. I’ve spent years exploring the roots of American music — folk, blues, acoustic storytelling — but this time, I wanted to revisit the soul and pop that shaped me early on. It’s music that feels good, grooves hard, and still says something real.”
Oates just wrapped a cross-country tour, culminating in a packed album release show at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Audiences experienced electrifying previews of the new material, with full-band arrangements bringing the record's soulful energy to life. Earlier this week, NPR Music featured Oates in their prestigious Field Recordings series at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Accompanied by percussionist John Michel, he delivered an intimate, raw set, including stripped-down versions of “A Ways Away” and “Get Your Smile On.” Fans can already enjoy a visualizer for the album’s track “A Ways Away,” with a full music video coming next week.
The album’s tracklist includes: Enough Is Enough (feat. Lawrence), Real Thing Going On, Mending (feat. Devon Gilfillian), A Ways Away, Let Me Be the One, World Gone Wrong, Pushin' a Rock, Disconnected, Get Your Smile On, Dreaming About Brazil, Bajo la Luz de la Luna, Walking In Memphis, and Walking In Memphis (Grabbitz Remix).
Though widely recognized as the co-creator of the pop duo Hall & Oates, John Oates’ musical roots run deep. Growing up in the 1950s, Oates absorbed the sounds of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, and Elvis, as well as the rich regional rhythms of AM radio stations. During the folk revival of the 1960s, he immersed himself in blues and folk legends like Mississippi John Hurt, Doc Watson, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, while enjoying R&B icons like Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and James Brown. In the early 2000s, Oates moved to Nashville, reconnecting with his early musical DNA and collaborating with the city’s vibrant Americana community. Over the years, this journey has produced seven solo albums, numerous singles, and a multitude of memorable collaborations, culminating now in Oates, a record that bridges past and present while looking boldly toward the future.
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