The Doobie Brothers
Walk This Road
Rhino Records
For more than 50 years, The Doobie Brothers have succeeded in building a righteous and revered all-American music brand. And with the recent release of studio album #16, the iconic California combo remain faithful to their roots while forging into the future.
Overseen and co-written by veteran songwriter, session guitarist, and producer John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Melissa Etheridge), Walk This Road reunites co-founding singer-songwriters and guitarists Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston, with “classic era” singer-songwriter and keyboardist Michael McDonald and perennial guitarist John McFee for their first studio project since the Southbound record in 2014.
Featuring authentic gospel-flavored backup vocals from the legendary Mavis Staples, the title track is a qualified roadhouse-birthed, blues-soaked opener. The Americana-style Simmons / Shanks-penned lead off video / single “Angels & Mercy” is a moving, spiritual feel-good, while the sunny-sounding Johnston / Shanks collab “Call Me” packs as much appeal as many of the Doobie’s heyday hits.
Of the record’s other standouts, the smooth-groovin’ “Learn to Let Go” is arguably one of the tallest, oozing McDonald’s suave, signature R&B-inspired vocal / keyboard style. Another highlight, the crisp and catchy “Here to Stay,” owns a hook large enough in which to park the band’s tour bus. Featuring contributions from celebrated Hawaiian musicians Jake Shimabukuro (ukulele) and Henry Kapono (guitar), “Lahaina” would have made for a comfy fit on The Captain and Me. Boasting drum work from Hawaiian transplant Mick Fleetwood, this breezy record-closer is certainly worthy of taking home MVP honors.
In a day when so much new music is less than joyful for those who imbibe the classic rock vibe, Walk This Road provides a welcomed, friendly-feeling, breath of fresh air — well worth a spin or a stream, for sure. #ListenToTheMusic
Walk This Road Track List
01. Walk This Road (M. McDonald, J. Shanks) – 3:37
02. Angels & Mercy (P. Simmons, J. Shanks) 3:49
03. Call Me (T. Johnston, J. Shanks) – 3:38
04. Learn to Let Go (M. McDonald, J. Shanks) – 4:19
05. State of Grace (P. Simmons, J. Shanks) – 4:00
06. Here to Stay (T. Johnston, J. Shanks) – 3:56
07. The Kind that Lasts (M. McDonald, J. Shanks) – 3:47
08. New Orleans (T. Johnston, J. Shanks) – 3:50
09. Speed of Pain (M. McDonald, J. Shanks) – 3:34
10. Lahaina (M. McDonald, P. Simmons, J. Shanks) – 4:17
