First Listen: Mavis Staples joins the Doobie Brothers reunion on new single

(January 24, 2025) When Michael McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers a half century ago, he immediately helped transform the popular boogie rock band into a more complex sound that incorporated soul and jazz, making the act a tentpole in the Yacht Rock movement of the early 80s.

Now, after more than forty years apart, McDonald has rejoined the Doobies for a soon to be released new album, Walk This Road, that promises to cover broad swaths of musical styles. And the group has just released the title track from the album, a rollicking blues-rock track featuring a guest appearance by soul music royalty, Mavis Staples.

“Walk This Road” begins with a bluesy electric guitar and McDonald’s familiar gruff baritone, followed by verses featuring Tom Johnston and Staples taking turns. The song, co-written by McDonald and Shanks, sounds like it could have been released any time in the last six decades, but it feels far more like a single by B.B. King or Stevie Ray Vaughan than like the Doobie Brothers of the “What A Fool Believes” and “Real Love” days.

This is a fun, welcome return of a great band that is stretching out, and the presence of Staples just adds to the affair. Check out “Walk This Road” below, and enjoy!

By Chris Rizik

The Doobie Brothers feat. Mavis Staples

"Walk This Road"

Video

Music Player

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Song of the Month

K.Avett

"Peace For Me"

Album of the Month

Teri Tobin

"Forever"

Choice Cut

Russell Thompkins, Jr.

"Hello Love"

Choice Cut

Sargent Tucker

"The Presence of You"

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.