In total, the duo had 34 singles chart hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, seven RIAA platinum albums, and six RIAA gold albums. Because of that chart success, Billboard Magazine named them the most successful duo of the rock era, surpassing even The Everly Brothers. In 2003, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They were also placed #15 on the Billboard Magazine list of the 100 greatest artists of all time and the #1 duo, while VH1 placed the duo as #99 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
From their first hit in 1974 onwards, Daryl Hall and John Oates' smooth, catchy take on Philly soul brought them commercial success— including six number one singles and six platinum albums as referred to before. Hall & Oates' music was well-constructed and produced; at their best, their songs were filled with strong hooks and melodies that adhered to soul traditions without being a slave to them by incorporating elements of arena rock and new wave.
Daryl Hall, born on October 11, 1946, began performing professionally while he was a student at Temple University. In 1966, he recorded a single with Kenny Gamble and the Romeos; the group featured Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, who would all become the architects of Philly soul. During this time, Hall frequently appeared on sessions for Gamble and Huff. In 1967, Hall met John Oates, a fellow Temple University student. Oates was leading his own soul band at the time. The two students realized they had similar tastes and began performing together in an array of R&B and doo wop groups. By 1968, the duo had parted ways, as Oates transferred schools and Hall formed the soft rock band Gulliver; the group released one album on Elektra in the late '60s before disbanding.
After Gulliver's breakup, Hall concentrated on session work again, appearing as a backup vocalist for The Stylistics, The Delfonics, and The Intruders, among others. Oates returned to Philadelphia in 1969, and he and Hall began writing folk-oriented songs and performing together. Eventually they came to the attention of Tommy Mottola, who quickly became their manager, securing the duo a contract with Atlantic Records. On their first records — Whole Oates (1972), Abandoned Luncheonette (1973), War Babies (1974) — the duo were establishing their sound, working with producers like Arif Mardin and Todd Rundgren and removing much of their folk influences. At the beginning of 1974, the duo relocated from Philadelphia to New York. During this period, they only managed one hit — the number 60 "She's Gone" in the spring of 1974.
After they moved to RCA in 1975, the duo landed on its successful mixture of soul, pop, and rock, scoring a Top Ten single with "Sara Smile." The success of "Sara Smile" prompted the re-release of "She's Gone," which rocketed into the Top Ten as well. Released in the summer of 1976, Bigger than the Both of Us was only moderately successful upon its release. The record took off in early 1977, when "Rich Girl" became the duo's first number one single.
Although they had several minor hits between 1977 and 1980, the albums Hall & Oates released at the end of the decade were not as successful as their mid-'70s records. Nevertheless, they were more adventurous, incorporating more rock elements into their blue-eyed soul. The combination would finally pay off in late 1980, when the duo released the self-produced Voices, the album that marked the beginning of Hall & Oates' greatest commercial and artistic success. The first single from Voices, a cover of Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," reached number 12, yet it was the second single, "Kiss on My List" that confirmed their commercial potential by becoming the duo's second number one single; its follow-up, "You Make My Dreams" hit number five. They quickly released Private Eyes in the summer of 1981; the record featured two number one hits, "Private Eyes" and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)," as well as the Top Ten hit "Did It in a Minute." "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" also spent a week at the top of the R&B charts — a rare accomplishment for a white act. H20 followed in 1982 and it proved more successful than their two previous albums, selling over two million copies and launching their biggest hit single, "Maneater," as well as the Top Ten hits "One on One" and "Family Man." The following year, the duo released a greatest-hits compilation, Rock 'N Soul, Pt. 1, that featured two new Top Ten hits — the number two "Say It Isn't So" and "Adult Education."
In April of 1984, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Hall & Oates had surpassed Everly Brothers as the most successful duo in rock history, earning a total of 19 gold and platinum awards. Released in October of 1984, Big Bam Boom expanded their number of gold and platinum awards, selling over two million copies and launching four Top 40 singles, including the number one "Out of Touch." Following their contract-fulfilling gold album Live at the Apollo with David Ruffin & Eddie Kendrick, Hall & Oates went on hiatus. After the lukewarm reception for Daryl Hall's 1986 solo album, Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine, the duo regrouped to release 1988's Ooh Yeah!, their first record for Arista. The first single, "Everything Your Heart Desires," went to number three and helped propel the album to platinum status.
However, none of the album's other singles broke the Top 20, indicating that the era of chart dominance had ended. Change of Season, released in 1990, confirmed that fact. Although the record went gold, it only featured one Top 40 hit — the number 11 single, "So Close." The duo mounted a comeback in 1997 with Marigold Sky, but it was only partially successful; far better was 2003's Do It for Love and the following year soul covers record Our Kind of Soul.
Intuition
Hall & Oates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My intuition's telling me so
Just the beginning
A seed you planted deep in my soul
And I never knew this love before
Didn't have a clue that there was more
So I'm gonna tell you how it's gonna be
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
This voice inside me
Is screaming don't put fear in the way
Let your spirit guide me
Like a shining light that's calling my name
And I never knew one love so strong
Didn't have a clue where I belong
Now I'm like a kid in a candy store
Always wanting more, coming back for sure
And you gotta believe
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
I know we can make it
My intuition tells me
Ain't no one else for me
Ain't no one else, ain't no one else
I know we can make it
My intuition tells me
Don't tell me no, don't tell me no
Don't tell me no, baby
I know we can make it
Ain't no one else for me
I know we can make it
My intuition tells me
Don't tell me no, don't tell me no
Don't tell me no, no
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
I never knew my love's so strong
Never knew where I belong
I'll never give it up, give it up
Oh, I'll never give it up
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
Gonna use my intuition
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
Gonna use my intuition
The lyrics of the song "Intuition" by Hall & Oates are about someone following their intuition, which is telling them that they've found true love. The first verse speaks of a "feeling" that the singer is having; they're realizing that something better is out there and that they need to follow their instincts to find it. This new love has taken root deeply in their soul, and they're determined to hold onto it. The singer feels compelled to tell their partner that they're not letting go, no matter what obstacles they may face. They believe that they can make it and their intuition is telling them so.
The second verse speaks of a voice inside the singer that is urging them to let go of their fears and trust in their intuition. This voice is like a "shining light" that is guiding them towards their true path. The singer is overwhelmed by the strength of their love, a love that they never knew existed before. They're like a "kid in a candy store", always wanting more of this newfound love. They're willing to fight for it no matter what it takes, using their intuition as a guide. The singer is convinced that this person is the one for them, and nothing will change that.
The chorus is a repeating of the singer's determination to follow their intuition and fight for their love, no matter how difficult it may be. They've found something special, and they're not letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a feeling
There is a strong sensation inside me.
My intuition's telling me so
My instinct is guiding me to a particular course of action.
Just the beginning
This is the start of something new.
A seed you planted deep in my soul
A powerful and lasting impression was made on me.
And I never knew this love before
I have not experienced this kind of affection previously.
Didn't have a clue that there was more
I was unaware that such a fulfilling love existed.
So I'm gonna tell you how it's gonna be
I will describe how I envision this situation will unfold.
Going down with me, going up this street
We will embark on this journey together and face any obstacles along the way.
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
I am committed to this path, regardless of the challenges or naysayers.
Gonna use my intuition
I will rely on my gut feelings and inner voice.
No matter how tough, I'm never givin' up
I will persevere through anything and remain steadfast in my resolve.
This voice inside me
There is a compelling internal dialogue within me.
Is screaming don't put fear in the way
It is urging me not to let fear hinder my progress.
Let your spirit guide me
I will allow my spiritual beliefs to inform my decisions.
Like a shining light that's calling my name
A bright and beckoning force is drawing me forward.
And I never knew one love so strong
This level of love is unprecedented in my experience.
Didn't have a clue where I belong
I was uncertain of my place in the world before this.
Now I'm like a kid in a candy store
I am filled with unabashed joy and excitement.
Always wanting more, coming back for sure
I crave more of this happiness and will return to it repeatedly.
And you gotta believe
It is imperative that you have faith in this as well.
I know we can make it
I am confident in our ability to succeed.
Ain't no one else for me
No one else compares to you.
Don't tell me no, don't tell me no
Do not reject me or this love.
No matter what it takes, no matter what they say
My commitment to this remains unwavering.
I never knew my love's so strong
I have discovered a depth of love I did not know I possessed.
I'll never give it up, give it up
I will not abandon this love or our connection.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Billy Mann, Mark Philip Taylor, Paul Barry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Linda Mclendon
Love them Halls & Oates! Hope all is well for you John & Daryl
Martha Coffman
I love this song!
william gomes veras
No matter what someone says....daryl &oates are the best...👏👏👏👏
Rebecca Huizinga
Love this one ❤️
Duke Thompson
man these guys are still doing it big! This song is perfect...
Duke Thompson
@Justin Gorgun and this is 30 + years later.
Linda Mclendon
I love this song Hall & Oates. I do use my intuition.
Chastity James
Great Song
Alexia Smith
que bonita canción ¡a mi me gusta!😆😆😆😆
Paula Kelly
Awesome.