The Atlantic Collection

AMG Review of The Atlantic Collection

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Drawing from Hall & Oates' four Atlantic albums and adding one previously unreleased song, The Atlantic Collection is a definitive overview of the duo's early years. Although they only had one hit during this period -- "She's Gone," which is included here in its full-length album version -- their early recordings contained some of their richest, most diverse music. Much of the material is based in soul, particularly the smooth Philly soul of the early '70s, yet it also has strong folk overtones, as well as distinct pop/rock leanings. Within these 21 tracks, it is possible to hear the roots of their later hits, as well as directions they never wound up pursuing. For serious Hall & Oates fans, The Atlantic Collection can be a revelatory listen.