As the lead singer of
the Doobie Brothers from 1975-1980,
Michael McDonald's soulful voice and skilled writing gave the group classics like "Minute by Minute," "Real Love," and the perfect "What a Fool Believes." After the group's 1980 album
One Step Closer displayed a tension that was almost audible, it was no surprise that a split was in the works. 1982's
If That's What It Takes is
McDonald's first solo effort, and was recorded at the great recording studios like Warner Bros. and Sunset Sound and was co-produced by
Ted Templeman and
Lenny Waronker. The album's biggest hit, the moody and sleek "I Keep Forgettin'," continues
McDonald's unflinching look at heartbreak, and it is more R&B-influenced than the previous
Doobie Brothers work. The buoyant "I Gotta Try," co-written by
Kenny Loggins, perfectly captures the early-'80s L.A. pop sound. While
McDonald's pop acumen is no surprise,
If That's What It Takes also offers
McDonald the chance to do ballads. The poignant and spare "I Can Let Go Now" has some of his best lyrics. "Losin End," which first appeared on 1976's
Takin' It to the Streets, gets recast as an even bleaker rumination with a suitably sorrowful solo from
Tom Scott. The melodically complex "Believe in It" has
McDonald doing some great, offhanded gospel-tinged vocals. This debut juggles tracks of merit and those of less distinction, but the bright spots make this essential. ~ Jason Elias