Takin’ It To The Streets Songs Ranked
Takin’ It to the Streets is the sixth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The album was released on March 19, 1976, by Warner Bros. Records. It was the first to feature Michael McDonald on lead vocals. By late 1974, touring was beginning to take its toll on the band, especially leader Tom Johnston. Things became worse during touring in support of Stampede when he was diagnosed with stomach ulcers. His condition worsened and several shows had to be cancelled. With Johnston forced to reduce his involvement with the band, the other members considered just calling it quits, but while in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, member Jeff Baxter suggested calling up friend and fellow Steely Dan graduate Michael McDonald, who at the time was between gigs and living in a garage apartment. McDonald’s was reluctant at first, feeling he was not what they wanted; according to him, “…they were looking for someone who could play Hammond B-3 organ and a lot of keyboards, and I was just a songwriter/piano hacker. But more than anything, I think they were looking for a singer to fill Tommy’s shoes.” He agreed to join them and met them at the Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans, where they moved into a warehouse to rehearse for the next two days. Expecting to be finished once touring was completed, McDonald was surprised when the band invited him to the studio to work on their next album. Here are all of Takin’ It To The Streets’ songs ranked.
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9. Losin’ End
“Losin’ End” has the St Louis blues feel that Michael grew up with, but that would actually hit the mark even better with the last song on the album, a joint composition with Pat and Skunk.”
8. Rio
“Rio” is just an all around world fun Brazilian jazz (no kidding? Brasil eh?) fest. Get dressed for Carnavale time as Pat and Skunk composed a killer track with all the Parrot chords they could find. Look for the vocal cameo from Maria Muldaur too! The real Memphis Horns throw down on this track as well.”
7. 8th Avenue Shuffle
“Pat’s “8th Avenue Shuffle” is the evolutionary result of all the songs he ever composed. Drawing a bit from 50’s rock and roll, with hints of bop-jazz guitar, the “shuffle” works its way into a guitar lovers paradise and Pat’s technical prowess (easily illustrated on “Neal’s Fandango” on the previous album STAMPEDE) just goes to town.”
See more: The Doobie Brothers Albums Ranked
6. For Someone Special
“For Someone Special” by Tiran Porter is another landmark track for the Doobies. Taking lead vocal for the first time (and he has one velvet smooth R&B voice), Tiran wrote this song as an affectionate tribute for and about bandleader Tom. It is a beautiful composition and perfectly executed including a fantastic progression change with jazz guitar flourishes, electric keys, and power-down beats that swirl into a kaleidoscope of textures and colors.”
5. Takin’ It to the Streets
“The title track “Takin’ It To the Streets” is Michaels first foray out into the wilds of Doobie Land and the song is actually one of his finest ever. An R&B ballad that seems to draw heavy influence from Marvin Gaye’s classic album WHAT’S GOING ON?, per street level social protests, Michaels vocals are plaintively Motown, and his keyboards winding their way through the double drums and bass line are a classic song in the making. Pat and Skunk augment without intrusion. A first rate “Doobie Brothers” song!”
See more: The Doobie Brothers Songs Ranked
4. It Keeps You Runnin’
“The hit single “It Keeps You Runnin'” is probably the weakest track on the album. Rather a pop R&B song of the hum drum variety it was obviously tailor made for single submission and since we all know Michael McDonald was fully capable of way more enriching compositions, I file this one away as the song that should have been on MINUTE BY MINUTE, an album ideally designed as a hit factory product. Don’t kill me too badly, “Runnin'” is a nice song, but that’s about it, nice.”
3. Wheels of Fortune
“Wheels Of Fortune” begins the album with familiar strains of Doobie guitars but they are quickly all jazzed up and the three part harmony vocals and interchanging leads of Pat and Tom, typifying Doobie art, are about to get a new kick in the pants. First of all this is a joint composite venture between Pat and Skunk on guitar and John Hartman’s fabulous drumming which takes center stage like never before.”
2. Carry Me Away
“Carry Me Away” is a fine finale for a fantastic album and leaves the listener just that…carried away. You might even hit play to start it all over again!”
1. Turn It Loose
“Turn It Loose” is Tom Johnston in full guitar rock regalia with all his usual bells and whistles. Many seem to think this was a toss off by Tom but far from it. If you really listen to the guitar work and have a full grasp of Tom’s composition styles, “Turn It Loose” is a hot rocker, with well crafted guitar licks and riffs, and the rhythm section pulls out all the stops to back him full force.”