John Oates Releases Oates – A Groovy + Soul-Infused Return 

New Solo Album Out Today: https://sl.cmdshft.com/oates

Watch New Visualizer for “A Ways Away” HERE

“His next era as an artist is one to watch… an album that is equally looking ahead to pop and R&B music's future, and offering a sonic harkening back to yesteryear.” – PEOPLE“Lovely songs” – NPR Music“Juxtaposes tales of love, heartbreak, and frustration on a bed of swirling soul, R&B, and bossa nova melodies. It's a reminder to listeners to keep their spirits high even when navigating life's low points” – Entertainment Weekly

August 29, 2025 // Today, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and multiple-time GRAMMY nominee John Oates releases Oates— his long-awaited new solo album — today, August 29. The self-titled LP marks a return to the soulful, groove-driven sound that helped define a generation, while introducing a vibrant new chapter in one of music’s most celebrated careers. Oates is now available on DSPs.

 To celebrate the release, Oates has also shared a visualizer for the album’s track “A Ways Away.” Check it out here. A new music video for the track will be coming next week.

With Oates, the legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist plugs back in — quite literally — embracing the rhythm-rich pop and R&B spirit of the ‘70s and ‘80s with renewed energy and creative fire. The 13-track collection was recorded primarily in his longtime hometown of Nashville and co-produced by Oates alongside multi-platinum producer David Kalmusky (Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood). Together, they crafted a sound that’s both timeless and modern — smooth, funky, and brimming with soul.

 The album features standout collaborations with a new generation of artists who inspired Oates’ return to this sound: Clyde and Gracie Lawrence (of the band Lawrence) lend their powerhouse vocals to lead single “Enough Is Enough,” and Devon Gilfillian joins on the soaring track “Mending.” Other highlights include the slinky “Pushin’ a Rock,” the optimistic and groove-heavy “Real Thing Going On,” and a smoky, Spanish-tinged reimagining of “Walking in Memphis.” The track also receives a high-energy reinterpretation from genre-defying producer and artist Grabbitz, who delivers a bold, futuristic remix to close out the record.“This album is a full-circle moment,” says Oates. “I’ve spent years exploring the roots of American music — folk, blues, acoustic storytelling — but this time, I wanted to revisit the soul and pop that shaped me early on. It’s music that feels good, grooves hard, and still says something real.”Oates just wrapped a successful cross-country tour, which culminated in a packed album release show this week at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Audiences were treated to electrifying previews of the new material, with the full-band arrangements bringing the record's soulful energy to life on stage and building massive excitement for today's official drop.