Collaboration with other writers, producers and musicians also played a major role in the making of the new album. Their A-Pawling studio, a converted space situated "where suburbia meets rural America," was the setting for much of this work. "It was the first time we haven't made a record in New York City," Daryl says. "We're very influenced by what's around us, so it's not an urban record. The studio gave us a feeling of family. We spent long hours there without realizing it." The spontaneity in this atmosphere gave the album a "very live" feel, explains John. "It's a return to band-oriented music as opposed to machine-oriented music."

The first single, "So Close," was produced by Danny Kortchmar (Don Henley) and Jon Bon Jovi. Music for "So Close" was written by Daryl Hall, with lyrics co-written by Hall and George Green. John Mellencamp sent Green's original lyrics to Daryl who then reworked them for "So Close." "It happened in about 15 minutes. George seta great scene, "Daryl recalls. The song comments on "how people start wrong in a relationship, get together for one reason or another and stay wrong, "he explains. The single was recorded in L.A. with guest musicians Waddy Wachtel and Kortchmar on guitars, bassist Randy Jackson (Bon Jovi, Elton John, Madonna), drummer Kenny Aronoff, and keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers).

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