One of the most famous anecdotes in pop history involves Michael Jackson admitting to Daryl Hall that he "borrowed" the groove for his 1983 hit "Billie Jean."
It was one of the first major pop hits to feature a drum machine so prominently, moving away from the organic drumming of the 1970s. I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)
I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) is a landmark single by the American duo Hall & Oates, released in 1981 as part of their album Private Eyes . While it remains one of the most recognizable pop hits of the 1980s, its legacy is defined by its cross-genre appeal, innovative use of technology, and profound influence on the evolution of hip-hop and Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean." 🎹 Origins and Composition One of the most famous anecdotes in pop
Though often interpreted as a song about a difficult relationship, Daryl Hall has stated that the lyrics are actually about the music industry and personal creative integrity. References the hook in "I Got a Story to Tell
References the hook in "I Got a Story to Tell." 📈 Chart Performance Release Date: December 1981.
Used the song as the basis for their #1 hit "Sunrise" in 2003.
The song was born from a late-night recording session at Electric Lady Studios. Daryl Hall began playing a Roland CR-78 drum machine, which provided the track's distinctive, hypnotic pulse.