(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