“Throughout their spectacular run of hit singles in the ’80s, Hall + Oates took full advantage of emerging technology, applying layers of synths and programmed rhythms to their rock/soul hybrid sound,” (Ultimate Classic Rock). “But by the end of the decade, they were ready for a change. That restlessness manifested itself on the duo’s 14th studio album, the suitably titled Change of Season … Although it happened to arrive in the midst of an acoustic boom helped along by the popular MTV Unplugged series, Hall + Oates insisted they were simply heading back to their roots after riding the crest of pop stardom as far as it could take them.
Yet if Change of Season … offered a measure of liberation from Hall + Oates’ pop-star past, it came with a price. After nearly 20 years of working side by side, the duo — only recently returned from a three-year mid-’80s hiatus — knew their days as a working recording act were coming to a close. ‘The essence of our working relationship hasn’t changed over the years. We collaborate the same way and for the same reasons,’ Oates told the Inquirer. ‘The only change has been with our personalities. A decade ago, we were wrapped up as Hall & Oates and our career. The individuality was defined as part of the group. You’ll see more solo projects from each of us in the future.'” The new albums indeed stopped; equally unfortunately, the touring did, too: the duo are now battling bitterly over their divergent views on the management of their shared publishing rights.
“So Close” opens in C major, with several verses and choruses leading to a bridge (3:13 – 3:57). Halfway through the bridge (3:37), there’s a whole-step shift up to D major as the sonic and lyrical energy builds: There’s a restless look in your eye tonight / there’s a secret hurt in my heart / and the dream that pulls us together, girl / is a dream that’s gonna tear us, tear us apart. Although the tune reached #11 on the pop charts, it was the duo’s last major hit. It was a great half-century-plus career while it lasted: Hall + Oates remain the most successful duo of all time, ahead of the Carpenters, the Everly Brothers, and Simon + Garfunkel (Billboard).
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