Daryl Hall & John Oates – Method Of Modern Love: Lyrics and Music Video

"Method of Modern Love" is a hit song by Daryl Hall & John Oates, released in 1984. Known for its smooth blend of pop, soul, and new wave, the song is one of the highlights of their successful Big Bam Boom album and showcases their signature sound that dominated the 1980s.

Key Details:

• Release Date: December 1984.
• Album: Big Bam Boom (1984).
• Writers: Daryl Hall and Janna Allen (Daryl Hall’s longtime collaborator and sister of Sara Allen, who was also a frequent contributor to the band’s music).
• Producers: Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Bob Clearmountain.

Themes and Meaning:

• Modern Romance: "Method of Modern Love" is about navigating relationships in a modern, evolving world. The lyrics touch on the idea of contemporary love, reflecting on how love and communication have changed in the modern age.
• Playful Wordplay: The chorus features clever wordplay, particularly the spelling of the word "method" ("M-E-T-H-O-D of L-O-V-E"). This playful use of spelling adds to the song's catchiness and distinctiveness, giving it a memorable hook that’s hard to forget.

Lyrics Overview:

The chorus is the most recognizable part of the song:

• "M-E-T-H-O-D O-F L-O-V-E"

The lyrics suggest a modern, almost scientific approach to love, blending both emotion and intellect. It contrasts the complexities of modern relationships with a more simplistic, old-fashioned view of romance.

Musical Style:

• Pop and New Wave Fusion: "Method of Modern Love" showcases Hall & Oates’ blend of soulful vocals and pop-rock instrumentation with new wave influences, especially in the use of synthesizers and electronic production elements. The song features a lush, polished sound typical of mid-1980s pop music.
• Smooth Vocals: Daryl Hall’s lead vocals are smooth and soulful, carrying the song’s emotional weight while maintaining the slick, cool vibe that Hall & Oates were known for. John Oates provides strong backing harmonies that give the song depth and richness.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  • In the U.S., the song reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1985.
  • It also achieved success on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at #19.

"Method of Modern Love" became another top 10 hit for Hall & Oates, adding to their string of successful singles during the 1980s.

Background and Creation:

• Big Bam Boom Album: The song was part of Big Bam Boom, which was one of Hall & Oates' more experimental albums. The album blended their signature soul-infused pop with the electronic, danceable production that was becoming more prevalent in the 1980s.
• The album, and "Method of Modern Love" in particular, reflected the duo’s ability to adapt to the evolving soundscape of pop music without losing their distinct identity as blue-eyed soul pioneers.

Music Video:

• The music video for "Method of Modern Love** was a staple of MTV in the mid-1980s. Like many videos from that era, it was visually experimental, featuring abstract imagery, neon lights, and cool visual effects that mirrored the song’s modern, futuristic themes.

Legacy:

• Consistent Chart Success: "Method of Modern Love" was another in a long line of chart-topping hits for Hall & Oates, solidifying their place as one of the most commercially successful duos in pop music history.
• 80s Classic: The song is often regarded as a quintessential example of 1980s pop music, combining the era’s characteristic blend of synth-heavy production with catchy, danceable rhythms.

In Summary:

"Method of Modern Love" by Daryl Hall & John Oates is a classic 1980s pop track that explores the complexities of modern romance through smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and playful wordplay. Released in late 1984 as part of their Big Bam Boom album, the song became a top 10 hit and remains one of the duo’s signature tracks from their 1980s catalog. Its blend of soulful vocals, electronic production, and catchy hooks has made it a timeless staple in 80s pop music.