Method of Modern Love by Hall & Oates

Album: Big Bam Boom (1984)

Charted: 21 5

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This was written by Daryl Hall and Janna Allen, the sister of Hall's long-term girlfriend and songwriting partner, Sara Allen. Janna Allen also co-wrote Hall & Oates #1 hits "Kiss On My List" and "Private Eyes."
The song is about how true love is timeless in a modern world even though methods of communication change.
As befitting the modern theme of the lyrics, this was Hall & Oates' most up-to-date single yet with a rap-like ad-lib in the song's closing verse.
Daryl Hall commented: "There's a freedom in the New York street music. As long as you have the beat, you can do anything you want. People are stretching things more than at any time since the psychedelic era."
This was sampled for the hook of the song "Method Man" from the Wu-Tang Clan's 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers.
Jeff Stein, who also did "Out of Touch," directed the video, which shows the duo and their band larking about on a faux rooftop that gets awfully foggy. Hall & Oates had little use for videos, so they let the directors dictate them.

Comments: 7

Markantney from BiloxeFeb 2015, to EXPLAIN it's popularity back then. H&O were the "Blue Eye'd" Soul Wonders of the era and this song (somehow) combined: Pop, R&B, and even Rap into one song. Blonde's "Rapture" broke the mold earlier but not authentic as "Method of Modern Love".

Don't know how they did it, if it was their intent,..but they pulled it off like a Veteran Stripper:):)

Oh and it was one of the first times I heard a Caucasian RAP and it sounded like they Wrote the Rap and not some Ghost "Urban" Writer.

And Hall's background vocals (so R&B like, I say check Hall's Birth certificate to see if one his parents was from Motown or Sounds of Phili) and riffing towards the end doesn't hurt either; which I believe separates it even more from "Rapture".

One of their best songs to me.
Guy from Benson, NcLOL @MIKE!!!! Not one of my faves. I love Wait For Me.
Steve from Bradford, United KingdomStrange that its about communication and true love ~ Paula B a good friend of mine bought me the 12'' version in 1984 ~ it's been played alot but it's also been looked after, so a little bit crackley now. although me and paula are not together now I still play 'Her Record' 7 think of the good times ~ 20 years on & nearly 2 days to the date Irecieved the first recording ~ I managed to get the remastered 'BIG BAM BOOM' & on it was the 12'' version of 'Method of Modern Love' & when I played it, it was like meeting an old friend again, it really was.
Paul from Detroit, MiLove this song, and why isn't my all time fave, "Say It Isn't So", a huge hit for them, not listed here?
Rain from Clinton, MdThis song sounds very different from their other ones but it's a refreshing change with a very different beat and set up. It's actually one of my favorites by H&O, although they have many other great ones to be appreciated, including I Can't Go for That, It's a Laugh and Say it Isn't So (all my top H&O faves).
Jon from St. Paul, MnI actually like this song a lot by them. I think it's pretty cool and catchy. Plus it is also not like any of their other songs. I am just wondering Mike what songs do you like better by Hall and Oates that did not gain as much air time?
Mike from Santa Barbara, CaI've long like Hall & Oates, but I never liked this particular song. During the chorus, it sounds like Hall is reading an eye chart. It's sad that this song became so popular, when they have so many other better songs that didn't gain as much air time.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Live ForeverOasis

The Oasis song "Live Forever" was written in response to "I Hate Myself And I Want To Die" by Nirvana. "Kids don't need to hear that nonsense," said Noel Gallagher.

Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae's 2006 hit "Put Your Records On" borrows the opening line ("Three little birds sat on my window") from the Bob Marley song "Three Little Birds." Both songs have the same message: Don't worry, because every little thing's going to be alright.

When I'm 64The Beatles

In The Beatles' "When I'm 64," Paul McCartney asks a woman if she'll still be there for him when he's 64. In 2006, he got his answer when shortly before his 64th birthday, he and Heather Mills separated.

Try AgainAaliyah

Until December 5, 1998, a song had to be issued as a single to make the Hot 100. Aaliyah's "Try Again" was the first tune to top the chart based on airplay alone, without any sales figures being included.

I Remember EverythingZach Bryan

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves had both gone through divorces when they wrote and recorded the wrenching duet "I Remember Everything." It was the first #1 Hot 100 hit for each of them.

Bad RomanceLady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a big fan of horror movies; listen for the names of these three Alfred Hitchcock films in the lyrics to "Bad Romance": Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window.