Takin' It To The Streets - THE DOOBIE BROTHERS****

Wheels Of Fortune/Takin' It To The Streets/8th Avenue Shuffle/Losin' End/Rio/For Someone Special/It Keeps You Runnin'/Turn It Loose/Carry Me Away

Takin’ It To The Streets is very much a transitional album from the Doobie Brothers. Tom Johnston has been edged out and Michael McDonald steps up to take on songwriting duties. This would soon transform them from a hard rocking band to a bland soul outfit. Here however both aspects are in balance and the McDonald songs are quite good. (US:8 UK:42)

“Michael McDonald joins, Tom Johnston departs. The transformation of The Doobies from twin-guitar rock band to cloyingly sweet soul band begins, sadly, though here the band is still mostly in top form. A lot of Takin It To The Streets still absolutely rocks Michael McDonald does have a wonderful voice, there's no denying that. But he's definitely not a rocker. Still his vocals, combined with The Doobies still rockin' sound, make this an enjoyable album. The Doobies weren't doomed yet, but they were starting to get there. It's a very transitional album, but quite good enough to please fans of both eras of the band.”

“Michael McDonald and The Doobies. Following this album they went down hill faster than a greased roller skate on butter. Regardless of McDonald’s R & B moments Wheels Of Fortune and 8th Avenue Shuffle are good tracks, seemingly the tail end of the Doobies' fading former selves.”

“It's no secret that I don't care for Michael McDonald, yet despite that this is a pretty good record. However, the writing was clearly on the wall.”

“On Takin' It To The Streets, the Doobies started their transition from a rock-oriented to pop-soul oriented sound. Michael McDonald makes his Doobie's recording debut while original leader Tom Johnston makes his departure. What makes this album great is that both elements of the band sound show up and it isn't exclusively one or the other. The album kicks off with the rocking Wheels Of Fortune and then rolls into the classic title cut. These two songs perfectly frame the two styles. This album bridges the gap and is the best of both Doobie worlds.”

“This is the best album with Michael McDonald appearing. His songs are very strong and the album still retains that Doobie sound.”