"Dreamtime" is a song by American singer-songwriter Daryl Hall. Co-written with John Beeby, the song was issued as the lead single to Hall's second solo album Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine (1986) on July 21, 1986.
"Dreamtime" peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in October 1986 and reached number 3 on the Radio & Records pop airplay chart.
Formatting The original recording is 4:45 in length. The music video extends the track length to 5:12.
Critical reception Kent Zimmerman of the Gavin Report responded positively to "Dreamtime", saying it is a "riveting record layered with hooks and soulful roots." His colleague Dave Sholin also responded favorably in that he "leaves his mark of originality on this full blown production that's pop all the way." A staff review from Cash Box was also welcoming of the track, praising its "blustery, infectious production."
In his four-star review of the parent album, AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine singled out the song, calling it "tremendous" and "a swirling slice of arty new wave psychedelia that stands in direct contrast to anything Hall & Oates sent into the Top Ten".Allmusic review; retrieved February 23, 2012
Track listings and formats 7-inch single
"Dreamtime" – 4:48 "Let It Out" – 4:27
12-inch single
"Dreamtime" – 5:00 "Let It Out" – 4:25 "Dreamtime" (7" Version) – 3:57
12-inch dance mix single
"Dreamtime" (Dance Mix) – 7:55 "Dreamtime" (Instrumental) – 7:49 "Let It Out" – 3:50
Personnel
Daryl Hall – lead and backing vocals, electric guitar, keyboards David A. Stewart – guitar solo Tom "T-Bone" Wolk – bass guitar, electric guitar Tony Beard – drums Michel de la Porte – percussion Kate St. John and June Montana – additional backing vocals Michael Kamen – string arrangements and conductor
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1986–1987) PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report) N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA between mid 1983 and June 19, 1988.28 Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)53 European Airplay (Music & Media)3 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)17 Israel (IBA)4US Cash Box Top 100 Singles5US Adult Contemporary (Gavin Report)26US Top 40 (Gavin Report)3US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)23US AOR Tracks (Radio & Records)7US Contemporary Hit Radio (Radio & Records)3
Year-end charts Chart (1986) PositionUS Billboard Hot 10094US Cash Box Top 100 Singles36US Top 40 (Gavin Report)53US AOR Tracks (Radio & Records)86US Contemporary Hit Radio (Radio & Records)53
References