NEW YORK — The first track on the Doobie Brothers’ newest album introduces a refreshing twist to their signature harmony. The notable feature of this song isn’t only Michael McDonald’s soulful voice marking his return after 45 years; it also includes the harmonious blend of founding member Pat Simmons and original vocalist Tom Johnston.
The song “Walk This Road,” enhanced by the vibrant presence of Mavis Staples, delivers a powerful mix of horn and slide guitar, encapsulating the spirit of bluesy, energetic rock. It serves as a testament to a band that has withstood numerous changes and continues to reunite as its members gracefully age into their seventies.
Michael McDonald reflects on the band’s enduring journey: “Somehow, here we are,” he remarks. The connections between them have remained strong as their children grew up together, often bridging gaps even when band members drifted apart over the years.
The Doobie Brothers, originating in 1970 before their initial dissolution in 1982, have a bustling schedule set for 2025. They’re preparing for a European tour that will transition to North American venues, promoting their robust new album and celebrating their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
McDonald shares his amazement at their continued presence in music: “I don’t think any of us ever even really thought we’d still be on stage at this age doing this, much less together.” The band appreciates that they continue to have artistic avenues available to them.
The North American leg of their tour begins in Detroit on Aug. 4, extending to cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto, with The Coral Reefer Band as the opening act.
“Walk This Road,” comprising ten new tracks, features the vocal and writing talents of McDonald, Simmons, and Johnston, with each contributing to the others’ compositions. Their long-time collaborator John McFee also rejoined them for this project.
The album, set for release on June 6, offers a musical buffet with genres ranging from honky-tonk and country to Southern pop and folk-infused rock. Themes within the songs vary, including stories about New Orleans and Hawaii, with lyrical references to angels scattered across two tracks.
McDonald explains the band’s versatile musical approach: “One of the strengths of our live show was the fact that you couldn’t get bored with any one style of music.” He equates this album with the same spirit of diversity.
The project saw John Shanks, who produced their previous album “Liberté,” return to guide “Walk This Road.” Utilizing his Los Angeles studio, they tailored a collaborative environment with designated spaces for writing and recording.
“The band…presents all of us with an opportunity to do things we might not do just as individual songwriters,” McDonald reflects on the creative process behind the album.
Despite not being envisioned as a concept album, “Walk This Road” delves into themes of seizing moments and reconciling with the past. Johnston aptly describes it as capturing the band’s and songwriters’ current essence.
Notable tracks include “Learn to Let Go,” an exploration of parting ways with hindrances, and “Speed of Pain,” a contemplation on adversity’s hidden rewards. McDonald muses on life’s harsh lessons: “In many cases, it’s just a situation where you have to lose it all.”
The Doobie Brothers, honored in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for hits such as “Takin’ It To the Streets,” will soon be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame following the album’s release. Johnston comments, “I think it’s really great for this band,” highlighting its significance for both their individual and collective achievements.
Reflecting on their journey, McDonald and Johnston express surprise at still making music with longtime collaborators and drawing crowds. Johnston shares, “It’s just fun to visit all these places musically. It’s fun to put that out in front of the crowd live.” Despite not anticipating another album at this stage, he embraces the opportunity wholeheartedly.
