If ever I needed a reminder as to why I love good music this is it.
The Doobie Brothers’ “Walk This Road”: A Triumphant Homecoming Worth the Wait
For a band that famously rode the “long train runnin’” for over five decades, The Doobie Brothers’ 16th studio album, “Walk This Road”, isn’t just another stop—it’s a full-circle homecoming. Released June 6, 2025, this marks the band’s first album of new material with Michael McDonald since 1980’s One Step Closer . More than a reunion, it’s a masterful synthesis of their boogie-rock roots and blue-eyed soul zenith, proving that legacy acts can still create vital, emotionally resonant art.
The Michael McDonald Effect: Bridging Eras
McDonald’s return isn’t a cameo; it’s a renaissance. His smoky, spiritually resonant voice—last heard on a Doobies album during the Reagan era—seamlessly intertwines with co-founders Tom Johnston’s gritty rock vocals and Patrick Simmons’ folk-inflected warmth. As Johnston notes, making records with McDonald now feels “like riding a bike” . The magic shines brightest on:
- “Learn to Let Go”: A silky, reggae-tinged anthem with McDonald on lead, echoing Minute by Minute’s sophistication .
- “Walk This Road” (feat. Mavis Staples): A gospel-tinged opener where all three principals trade verses, anchored by Staples’ show-stopping vocals .
McDonald penned four tracks, each a nostalgic yet fresh nod to the band’s late-’70s peak, while avoiding pastiche. As LouderSound observes, his presence turns a “well-crafted album” into their “most satisfying since their heyday” .
A Tapestry of Sound: From Bayou Funk to Hawaiian Elegy
Produced by John Shanks (who co-wrote every track), the album avoids nostalgia traps by balancing the band’s dual identities:
- The Rockers: Johnston’s “Here to Stay” channels their early biker-bar energy with Steely Dan-esque guitar riffs, while “New Orleans” pays homage to the city that inspired 1972’s Toulouse Street .
- The Soul Poets: McDonald’s “Speed of Pain” showcases his “stentorian piano” and introspective lyrics, grappling with aging and regret .
- The Storytellers: Simmons’ “Angels & Mercy” blends folk-rock and searing guitar solos (Johnston “distorting the shit out of it” on command), while “Lahaina” mourns Hawaii’s wildfires with ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood .
Lyrical Depth: Wiser, Weathered, but Unbroken
This is an album by septuagenarians (McDonald, the youngest at 73) reflecting on endurance. Johnston’s “Call Me” celebrates connection in isolation, while Simmons’ “State of Grace” admits, “I’ve played the hero, played the fool/Sometimes life can be so cruel” . Even the title track evolved from a band biography to a universal meditation on perseverance . The Doobies aren’t reliving glory days—they’re reconciling them with hard-won wisdom.
The Elephant in the Room: “Yacht Rock” Be Damned
When asked if Gen Z’s “yacht rock” fascination boosted their appeal, McDonald’s deadpan retort—“go f*** yourself”—drew laughs, but his point was serious: The Doobies defy labels . While McDonald’s smoothness defined their late-’70s hits, Walk This Road reaffirms their core identity: a rock band with range. Tracks like “The Kind That Lasts” (swampy funk) and “Angels & Mercy” (blues-rock grit) would sound alien on a luxury cruiser .
Criticisms? A Few Quibbles
- Collaborative Limits: Despite billing, the songwriting process was fragmented. Johnston, Simmons, and McDonald worked separately with Shanks, leading to less vocal interplay than fans might crave .
- Laid-Back Energy: Those craving Johnston’s “Long Train Runnin’” ferocity may find only glimpses (e.g., “New Orleans”) .
Verdict: An Unlikely Victory Lap
“Walk This Road is comforting music made for dispiriting times,” declared Ultimate Classic Rock . Indeed, in an era of algorithm-driven hits, the Doobies offer craftsmanship without cynicism. They honor their past (“Learn to Let Go” could’ve slid into Minute by Minute) while pushing forward (“Lahaina” is a poignant modern eulogy) .
Final Score: 9/10
Essential Tracks: “Walk This Road,” “Angels & Mercy,” “State of Grace,” “Learn to Let Go”
The Doobie Brothers aren’t just back—they’re renewed. As they tour with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and muse about “old-school” recording for LP #17, Walk This Road stands as proof: Great music, like a great band, never stops evolving .
Have you heard “Walk This Road”? Share your thoughts below—especially if you’re Team Johnston, Team McDonald, or (like this reviewer) both!