Orleans Albums Ranked

Orleans is an American pop-rock band best known for its hits “Dance with Me” (No. 6 in 1975); “Still the One” (No. 5), from the album Waking and Dreaming (1976); and “Love Takes Time” (No. 11 in 1979). The group’s name evolved from the music it was playing at the time of their formation, which was inspired by Louisiana artists such as Allen Toussaint and the Neville Brothers. Orleans was formed in Woodstock, New York in January 1972 by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter John Hall, vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist/bassist/songwriter Larry Hoppen and drummer/keyboardist/songwriter Wells Kelly. In October of that year, the group expanded to include Larry’s younger brother, Lance, on bass. Drummer Jerry Marotta joined in 1976, completing the quintet. Here are all of Orleans albums ranked.

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3. Waking And Dreaming (1976)

“In spite of all these formatic shortcomings, the awful audio quality of cassettes, this record still sounded great! The songs which comprise Waking and Dreaming have stood the test of time; in fact… in musicianship, composition, mixing and production values, Waking and Dreaming IS for me, still one of the most outstanding records of its time, from Orleans or anyone else.”

2. Let There Be Music (1975)

“I love live music and this CD was a good one…..Orleans flew under the radar, in my opinion. A terrific group which produced some great stuff. This is a good one to have although. If you like the songs Dance With Me and Still The One you will probably like the other songs on these album.”

1. Forever (1979)

“Orleans, the group best known for the 70s pop staples “Still The One,” (from ’76) and “Dance With Me,” (from ’75), was minus a couple of founding members by 1979 but still managed to turn out a strong, solid album that should please fans of the group. They had a moderate hit this time out with the opening track “Love Takes Time.” The title track is also good, and most of the album retains the laid back, down-home feel that made big hits for the group a few years before.”