SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 36:54 Min.
In 1973, Atlantic Records (or Atlantic Recording Corporation) released Daryl Hall & John Oates’ second studio album: Abandoned Luncheonette. The duo separately composed seven tracks, as the other two were composed by Hall & Oates in collaboration.
This pop/folk album’s tracks are:
- “When The Morning Comes” (3:12) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Hall
- “Had I Known You Better Then” (3:22) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Oates
- “Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)” (2:57) Co-Lead Vocals (Composer: Oates)
- “She’s Gone” (5:15) Co-Lead Vocals & Co-Composed
- “I’m Just A Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel Like A Man) (3:20) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Oates
- “Abandoned Luncheonette” (3:55) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Hall
- “Lady Rain” (4:26) Co-Lead Vocals & Co-Composed
- “Laughing Boy” (3:30) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Hall
- “Everytime I Look At You” (7:02) Lead Vocalist & Composer: Hall
REVIEW:
Including its quirky title, Abandoned Luncheonette is very much folk/easy listening pop for its time. Though the album’s modest sound isn’t polished like their 80’s radio prime, Hall & Oates deliver a good effort. This 1973 album, in that sense, comes off as the duo’s answer to Simon & Garfunkel. More so, Tracks # 4, 7, and the prolonged finale offer welcome foreshadowing of Hall & Oates’ future hits.
Abandoned Luncheonette, overall, isn’t a long-neglected gem. If anything, its pleasant vibe holds practical value a half-century later. Aside from a decent work playlist, this low-key album delivers some welcome road tunes.
PACKAGING:
The tracks and their running times are listed on the case’s back. The fold-out insert lists the tracks, running times, instrument credits, and technical credits. Included is a black-and-white, sketch-like portrait of the duo in a diner booth.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
