How Do You Do

How Do You Do represents Mayer Hawthorne's major-label debut on Universal Republic, marking a significant step up in production value from his bedroom-soul debut, A Strange Arrangement. While his debut was a lo-fi homage to the Motown sound, this record expands the palette to include 1970s Philly soul, yacht rock, and even touches of Steely Dan-esque pop sophistication. Recorded with a full live band and featuring a notable guest appearance by Snoop Dogg, the album solidified Hawthorne's transition from a Stones Throw hip-hop DJ (Haircut) to a legitimate soul frontman. Critics from AllMusic and BBC Music praised his encyclopedic knowledge of soul history and his ability to write hooks that feel instantly classic. The album is central to the early 2010s soul revivalist movement, standing alongside artists like Raphael Saadiq in bridging the gap between vintage aesthetics and contemporary audiences.