MICHAEL McDONALD – If That’s What It Takes [Japan SHM-CD AOR Best Selection 1300] Rare oop
As requested, here’s in exclusive “If That’s What It Takes”, the other MICHAEL McDONALD album released as part of the Warner Music Japan ‘AOR Best Selection 1300’ reissue series.
For this, McDonald’s solo debut, the ‘who’s who’ from the legendary LA Session is present: half-Toto in Steve Lukather and Mike & Jeff Porcaro, Robben Ford, Greg Phillinganes, Michael Omartian, and more.
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 West Coast AOR influenced than the previous Doobie Brothers work…
