Ten years separate
World Gone Crazy from Sibling Rivalry, their last studio album, but the bigger news about this 2010 release is that it sees
the Doobie Brothers reuniting with
Ted Templeman, the producer of their breakthrough ‘70s hits. With
Templeman at the board,
the Doobies wind up with a tight album that recalls all of their glory days -- even the smooth blue-eyed soul of
Michael McDonald, who graciously guests on “Don’t Say Goodbye” -- in a mere 11 songs.
The Doobies certainly mean to evoke the past, but they never sound forced when they indulge in some “Black Water”-styled fingerpicking, ease back for a little bit of boogie, or even re-create the AOR thump of their late-‘80s comeback, “The Doctor.” Some credit must go to the old pro
Templeman, who certainly knows how to pull out the best from a band, but
Tom Johnston,
Pat Simmons,
John McFee, and
Mike Hossack are in fine form, writing solid songs and giving relaxed, lived-in performances, all adding up to a surprising strong album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine