Following the dramatic revival of Daryl Hall & John Oates’ career on AC radio, Hall’s long-lost fourth solo album at last sees the light of day in the U.S. “Can’t Stop Dreaming” was recorded in 1999 and released only in Asia—but one would never guess that these songs are nearly five years old. As always, Hall’s loose, soulful voice is front and center and as comfortable and familiar as a bedside photograph of your mama. Leading the set is the title track, which packs a midtempo punch as good as anything from the singer’s overflowing songbook. “Cab Driver” and “Let Me Be the One” lend a smooth jazz tenor; “Never Let Me Go” and “Justify” are ideal interstate driving thumpers; and “What’s in Your World” is stunning in its sad beauty. For fun, there’s also a cool, acoustic rerub of classic “She’s Gone.” Not only will “Can’t Stop Dreaming” thrill fans of the enduring artist, but it’s also likely to stir a new generation of aficionados of pure, heaven-sent singing.—CT
