John Oates’ “Good Road to Follow” – more like “Awesome!”

Before we get into the “hey, man, I thought this was a site for indie music,” stuff…

It may be hard to believe, but even though it’s on a big label and the people involved are all stars, the new record, “Good Road to Follow” by John Oates is an indie record from start to finish. Oates says, “it came together out of necessity,” explaining that it was indeed the spirit of music itself causing the record to be made. He has spent the last year working with musicians from all walks to make a 3-disc set of 15 songs – each one written and recorded with the tastes of the musicians in mind.

I’ve been a fan of John Oates since Hall and Oates were the biggest thing on the radio, and I stuck with him even when top 40 fame began to fade in the 80’s. To be honest, I sort of lost track and I don’t know where he’s been all this time, but damn I’m glad he’s back!

“Good Road to Follow” opens up with a pop number that just slams! “Stone Cold Love” written and produced with Ryan Tedder is a simple plea for that straight-up, undeniable love between two that is so elusive. With a fist-thumping, foot-stomping beat and a fantastic Moog bassline leading it, this short number wakes one up and sets a great mood for the record.

“Pushing a Rock Uphill” a take on Sisyphus’ struggle is my new anthem. John wrote this one for me, with Nathan Paul Chapman. Cool guitars and emotional lyrics with a ’70’s soul groove make it seem easy to roll that rock.

“Six Men” has to be one of the the best songs of the year, the warning that we all eventually wind up in a wooden coat, six-feet under feels like a wake-up call to get up and do something good with life. Seriously, this one deserves awards!

The whole record is like that… it’s full of soul, rock, pop, funk, a little country and jazzish influence here and there and some really neat little effects. Every song is produced to top-notch standards and the artistry of the individuals really shines.

Oates has defied time. His voice is stronger than ever, his attitude is as laid-back and fun as always, and if this one is any indication, we can look forward to many more years of music from one of the most respected in the art.

Jerry Douglas, Hot Chelle Rae, Vince Gill, and Jim Lauderdale are just some of the folks you’ll hear rockin’ with John Oates. My advice… buy this one.