The Doobie Brothers - Takin' It To The Streets (1976) {2026 Rhino Reserve}

A transitional record for The Doobie Brothers, as Tom Johnston, the band's original voice, had been ill up to this point; his presence here is limited to a couple of tracks, which left Ted Templeman to hand the lead vocal duties to keyboard player Michael McDonald. Johnston's 'Turn It Loose' and backing parts on 'Wheels of Fortune' are what remain of the previous era, while the title track is the piano-led prancer, with funky, Memphis Horns presiding over the guitar break. Patrick Simmons and Jeff Baxter are still here, but the centre of gravity has moved to into sultry soft funk territory, 'Takin' It To The Streets' being the most deliberately driven hit in this vein, as Tiran Porter's bass matches the hook in confident unison.