Michael McDonald got his big break in Southern California singing with Steely Dan in 1974. He later became a superstar as a lead singer/keyboardist with The Doobie Brothers from 1975 to 1982, contributing such megahits as "Takin' It To The Streets," "It Keeps You Runnin'," "Minute By Minute," and the triple-Grammy'-winning #1 smash "What A Fool Believes." Post-Doobies, McDonald scored gold with his 1982 solo debut LP If That's What It Takes and its #4 single "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)." His career has since taken him back to the rootsier rhythms he explores today. The Very Best Of Michael McDonald spotlights the legendary artist's greatest solo sides, including all of the hits from his own albums, movie soundtracks, and collaborations with James Ingram, Patti LaBelle, Kenny Loggins, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, David Foster, Peter Wolf, Joe Walsh, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, John Tesh, and Don Was-plus a previously unissued version of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" taken from the ex-Doobie's 1990 Take It To Heart sessions. The accompanying liner notes feature new quotes from McDonald himself.
The Very Best of Michael McDonald,Michael McDonald,Rhino / Wea,Adult Contemporary,Blue-Eyed Soul,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop,Soft Rock
The Very Best of Michael McDonald
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The Very Best of Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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ASIN: B00004YLIV Release Date: 2001-04-03 |
Tracks:
- No Lookin' Back
- I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)
- I Gotta Try
- No Mercy: Our Love (Single Version)
- Yah Mo B There (Single Version)
- On My Own
- By Heart
- Bad Times
- Matters Of The Heart
- Sweet Freedom (Single Version)
- Get The Word Started
- Any Foolish Thing
- Take It To Heart
- Higher Ground
- Lost In The Parade
- Blink Of An Eye
Album Description
Michael McDonald got his big break in Southern California singing with Steely Dan in 1974. He later became a superstar as a lead singer/keyboardist with The Doobie Brothers from 1975 to 1982, contributing such megahits as "Takin' It To The Streets," "It Keeps You Runnin'," "Minute By Minute," and the triple-Grammy'-winning #1 smash "What A Fool Believes." Post-Doobies, McDonald scored gold with his 1982 solo debut LP If That's What It Takes and its #4 single "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)." His career has since taken him back to the rootsier rhythms he explores today. The Very Best Of Michael McDonald spotlights the legendary artist's greatest solo sides, including all of the hits from his own albums, movie soundtracks, and collaborations with James Ingram, Patti LaBelle, Kenny Loggins, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, David Foster, Peter Wolf, Joe Walsh, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, John Tesh, and Don Was-plus a previously unissued version of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" taken from the ex-Doobie's 1990 Take It To Heart sessions. The accompanying liner notes feature new quotes from McDonald himself.Customer Reviews:
On His Own.......2006-07-30
The 2001 Very Best of Michael McDonald, is a single disc reflection of his solo efforts throughout the 1980's, and early 90's. The songs here are remastered quite well, and sound a lot better than they did back in the 80's. The record includes some feel good tracks like Sweet Freedom, the #1 duet with Patti LaBelle, On My Own, his first solo hit I Keep Forgettin', a remake of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground, and other good tracks. While that is highlighted fairly well, the album definitely isn't completely definitive. It sadly overlooks his golden era with The Doobie Brothers on songs that shine on McDonald's voice like Real Love, What A Fool Believes, and Takin' It To The Streets.
All in all, The Very Best Of Michael McDonald isn't a bad hits record, but there is a better one out there. If you love his solo efforts only, than this record is for you. Otherwise, I suggest you purchase his 2005 Ultimate Collection instead. It is a much more definitive album at the same price. This record however, isn't the sweet freedom it is supposed to be.
Album Cover: B
Songs: C 1/2+
Price: B-
Remastering: B-
Overall: C+
Truly the "Best Of ...".......2006-03-10
His Hits Are All Here!.......2006-01-24
He has two good duets on this one....One with James Ingram, Yah Mo Be There, and the other with Patti LaBelle, On My Own. My personal favorites are Sweet Freedom and I Keep Forgettin" (Everytime You're Near). Buy it if you like blue-eyed soul!
The Best Way to Get a Snapshot of McDonald's Career .......2005-09-16
For the most part, "The Very Best of " focuses on the first decade of his career (1982-1993). During this time McDonald would release 4 solo albums, collaborate with some other artists, and do some soundtrack work. The contains 15 songs during this time period.. The 4 solo albums that are represented on "The Very Best of Michael McDonald" are: "If That's What it Takes" ("I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You're Near)", "I Gotta Try"); "No Lookin Back" ("No Lookin Back", "Our Love (Theme From No Mercy)", "By Heart", "Bad Times", "Any Foolish Thing", "Lost in the Parade)"; "Take it to Heart" ("Get the Word Started", "Take it to Heart"); "Blink of an Eye" ("Matters of the Heart", "Blink of an Eye"). There are two songs that are from other artist's albums in which McDonald sang a duet with. This includes the song "Yah Mo Be There" - a duet that McDonald did with James Ingram on his 1983 "It's Your Night" album. The other collaboration included is the duet "On My Own" that McDonald did with Patti LaBelle (this would become McDonald's biggest solo hit). From the soundtrack to the movie "Running Scared", we get another popular McDonald tune - "Sweet Freedom". Finally, the collection includes one unreleased song - a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground". There is an obvious slant to the work from McDonald's "No Lookin Back" album (6 tracks are included on "The Very Best of Michael McDonald"), but in fairness - this was probably McDonald's best album from both a commercial and critical standpoint.
The "Very Best of " was released in 2001. In the period 1982-1993, we see that McDonald clearly established himself in the R&B arena. McDonald also proved he could successfully broaden his horizons. This was heard on the title track "No Lookin Back" in which McDonald showed some harder rock. McDonald would show his ability to do an upbeat pop tune on the "Sweet Freedom" track. The track "Our Love" shows McDonald deliver a song in a way that reminds me of a David Foster love tune. However, when it comes down to where McDonald's niche is - it's clearly in the R&B area. The majority of the tracks on this album showcase McDonald's R&B talents. This is heard on some of his more popular tracks such as "I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You're Near)" and "Yah Mo B There". However there are some outstanding tracks that aren't quite as well known to the mainstream audience that showcases McDonald's R&B side. These tracks include: "I Gotta Try", "Bad Times", "Matters of the Heart", "Any Foolish Thing", and "Blink of an Eye". Finally, McDonald has been known to even incorporate some gospel style music into his music. This fits perfectly with his R&B mold - and it is heard terrificly on the track "Get the Word Started".
One thing that is definitely worth hearing is the cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground". I consider this one of Stevie Wonder's great songs - and McDonald pulls this off as well as Wonder's original. I'm surprised that this song was left off the "Take it to Heart" album - this is actually one of McDonald's best tracks. This song probably influenced McDonald to take on the 2004 "Motown" and "Motown 2" projects - in which he does covers of some of Motown's greatest hits. McDonald does several Stevie Wonder tunes on those albums. It are these "Motown" albums that actually rejuvenated McDonald's career - namely because he does such a good job with this style of music. However, if you liked the "Motown" albums, you will not only appreciate McDonald's cover of "Higher Ground" - but also some of those lesser known R&B influenced tracks that are mentioned above.
There are two small negatives on this album. I normally like when an artist puts tracks in chronological order because this allows me to hear how the artist progressed over time. Unfortunately, this collection does not do so. The other negative is I feel that there is a small portion of McDonald's work not represented. McDonald has always had a slight Christian Contemporary influence dating back to his Doobie Brothers days. Songs such as "Homeboy" and "Lonely Talk" are great examples of this influence in his solo career. I'm disappointed songs like these are not included.
One thing worth noting is that McDonald released a new compilation called "Michael McDonald - The Ultimate Collection". This collection includes some of his Doobie Brothers material, but not goes nearly as deep with his solo material as "The Very Best of" does.
The liner notes feature a terrific biographical write-up on McDonald that discusses a lot of background for the songs that are included on "The Very Best Of". It also lists what albums the songs are from. Overall, this is a terrific collection to get a snapshot of McDonald's career. Overall, a highly recommended album.
Just Went Gold.......2005-04-25
The ultimate Michael "Best Of" would have to include his hits from the Doobie Brothers. Since there's talk of a second volume of THE VERY BEST, hopefully they can work something out. Maybe they can release an ESSENTIAL volume to include everything.
I probably have everything already on CD from him, but I'm sure I'd buy a new collection that tried to cover his extensive career.
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