It’s almost inconceivable that Michael McDonald has been a solo star almost three times longer than he was in the Doobie Brothers. It’s even more astonishing that it’s been about a decade since his last solo effort – and 17 years since one of original material.
On September 15, 2017, that all changes with the release of his latest album, Wide Open.
Of course, McDonald has been very active with solo tours, tours with Donald Fagen and Boz Scaggs as the Dukes of September; and with Warren Haynes and Don Was on the tribute to the Band’s Last Waltz tour. He also appeared with Thundercat on the hit single, “Show You The Way.”
Wide Open starts the next chapter in the long career for the multi-Grammy winner. With coproduction by drummer Shannon Forrest, the drummer for Toto, Michael McDonald walks the line between a contemporary rock/R&B sound and his unmistakable hook-laden trademark sound.
The lead single “Find It In Your Heart” simmers with a mid-tempo back beat propelled by Forrest, which is quickly boosted by wah-wah guitar, conga and McDonald’s unmistakable tenor. Touches of Hammond B-3 and Fender Rhodes piano add to the mood, but Michael McDonald’s multi-tracked voice is front and center, leading the listener to the hook.
McDonald breaks no new lyrical ground on “Find It In Your Heart,” and why should he? The song fits comfortably in his canon of strong love songs, and is a welcome return of the master.
If you can’t wait for the upcoming release of Wide Open, check Michael McDonald out on tour now.
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