Matt LuceyFifty Years On, Still Rolling
The Doobie Brothers are amongst the most well known and respected Rock bands of all time. I wouldn’t blink twice if someone declared them their favourite. Founded in 1970, the band was adept at covering a variety of genres. They have been active now for over 5 decades, bringing out some truly iconic songs. Some of these include “Listen to the Music” and “Long Train Runnin’”. A mix of rock, blues, funk, folk and country, these legends really showed again and again that they were musical masters. Original members included Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald and John Mcfee. Many others have joined them through the years, though the core members were staples in the bands makeup. Unlike other bands, that experience deaths, fights and breakups, the core band members have remained the same this whole time.
In 2020, the band was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was long due and met with wide approval. The following years saw releases, a 50th anniversary special even and appearances on live shows. In 2023, the band opened for the Eagles, another huge accomplishment, and performed an incredible show.
A New Chapter: Walk This Road
This album, Walk This Road, marks the bands 16th studio album. Following the release of the 2023 single “Lahaina”, in support of Hawaii wildfires, fans were eagerly awaiting an accompanying album. That track bookends this album beautifully after it successfully built up anticipation for the upcoming album. The album was released under the label Rhino and produced by John Shanks. The mixing and final edits were masterfully done. Clean and polished, the sound was professional and did the music justice.
The albums sound is familiar, and yet new. Guitar work is nostalgic and a total throwback to the original sound. While the vocals feel familiar, you feel the age and experience in the singing, which adds to the style of the album. The rock sound feels like it always did, bluesy with a slight hint of funk. But the standout difference is in some of the softer songs, like state of grace, which is a lot softer and more gentle that a lot of what you might be used to.
“Walk This Road “
The vocals on this track are phenomenal. Just harsh enough to work without sounding too gravelly. With the classic bluesy rock guitar, this one feels right. If this song had appeared in an album 40 years ago, no-one would have blinked an eye. The guitar and vocals take turns in the spotlight in this one. The drums create a bouncy rhythm that works well with the perfect bass and rhythm. The theme of the song is one of ambivalence. The repetition of “Walk this Road with me” paired with lyrics like “what will be, will be”, encourage the listener to take life less seriously and to go with the flow.
“State of Grace”
This song is one of my favourites and is a totally new sound. It fades in with what sounds like violins for a few moments. This is joined by a gentle guitar and soft drums which set the tone for the song. A soft country twang and accompanied by vocals that in no way detract from the tone set. The guitar heard in the background throughout is not overpowering at all, but backs up the song with wistful, gentle, sounds. A great song.
“New Orleans”
Starting with a monotone, this song also builds up slowly, but to an entirely different song. The guitar comes out prominently with a twangy, tasty riff. This feels right, like everything just works together. The vocals compliment this perfectly. With lead vocals coming in gruff and with a classic rock tenor, the whole ensemble works in unison. The backup singers add layers to this song, building out the sound masterfully. Mavis Staples in particular shines in this one, taking the spotlight on numerous occasions. We are also blessed with not one, but two guitar solos. The first, a classic rock solo, short, sweet and self contained. The second solo is slightly more adventurous and is accompanies once again by the fantastic vocals. This was certainly a highlight of the album.
Victory Lap
This album, 55 odd years after the bands inception, is a victory lap for the band. Members of the hall of fame, world famous and renowned, they had nothing to prove. And yet, The Doobie Brothers have brought us yet another incredible album. If you haven’t already, give it a listen. You wont regret it.
