The last time Michael McDonald contributed to an album featuring new tracks by the Doobie Brothers was back in 1980, a time when record sales were the primary measure of a hit song. Artists like this California-based group enjoyed the luxury of developing their sound over several years without the looming threat of being dropped by their record label. Their eighth studio album, Minute by Minute, released in 1978, marked a significant turning point as it soared to the top of the LP charts and earned them numerous Grammy Awards. This period was characterized by a rich tapestry of musical exploration and growth.

After one final collaboration with the band on the album One Step Closer, McDonald embarked on a successful solo career, continuing to explore the rich, smoky tones of blue-eyed soul that he had infused into the band’s sound since 1976. This unique style significantly contributed to the band’s rise as one of the most popular acts in music by the end of the decade. McDonald made a notable temporary return in 2014 for a tribute album dedicated to the Doobie Brothers and again in 2021 to celebrate their 50th anniversary tour, underscoring his enduring connection to the group.

With the release of the Doobie Brothers’ 16th studio album, Walk This Road, McDonald rejoins band co-founders Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, along with guitarist John McFee, who has been an on-and-off member since 1980. This latest album stands out as their most gratifying work since their iconic late-’70s period. Much of this revitalization can be attributed to McDonald’s return, as evidenced in the track “Learn to Let Go,” where he shares the vocals with Johnston and Simmons. This collaboration reaffirms the band’s essence, showcasing that their strength lies in their unity and collective talent rather than any single individual.

READ MORE: 2025 Album Reviews

The album opens with the bluesy track “Walk This Road,” featuring the legendary Mavis Staples, signaling that the Doobie Brothers are not seeking to reinvent themselves for a modern audience. Instead, Walk This Road delivers comforting music that resonates during challenging times. It reflects a nostalgic blend of their pre-McDonald era and the six years of collaboration with him that defined their golden age. The album masterfully balances elements of rock, soul, pop, and refined adult contemporary sounds, catering to a diverse array of Doobie Brothers fans.

Listeners will easily recognize the influences from earlier musical styles: the breezy mid-’70s shuffle evident in “Call Me,” the full-band funky groove of “The Kind That Lasts,” the riff-driven midtempo rock of “Here to Stay,” and the prime-era soulful pop showcased in “Learn to Let Go.” Despite the numerous lineup changes over the decades and their evolution from a boogie-centric bar band to a blue-eyed soul powerhouse, the Doobie Brothers have remained steadfast in their artistic intentions. With Walk This Road, they successfully bring their musical journey full circle.