One of the most immediately recognizable voices in all of contemporary music, Michael McDonald's signature sound fuses rock, R&B, soul, and gospel. As he evolved onward from his formative days as a backup singer for Steely Dan, McDonald's artistry bridged the gap between jazzy blue-eyed soul and and chart-topping pop rock, earning him superstardom both as lead vocalist/keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers and as a solo artist. Spanning 1976 to the present, this hit-packed new compilation spotlights his inimitable baritone on 19 timeless songs that will have you believing from the very first minute.

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.

Blue-eyed soul crooner Michael McDonald gave his career a much-needed shot in the arm with 2003's Motown, a commercially well-received collection that matched the one-time Doobie Brother and '80s solo star's rich vocals with songs from Hitsville's peak. One year later, McDonald again delves into the Motown bag to come up with another 14 selections from such giants as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson. McDonald is a distinctive enough vocalist to bring something to these classics, as tough as that task is. Unfortunately, the uninspired production and stilted musicianship keeps the likes of "I Was Made to Love Her," "Tracks of My Tears," and Nowhere to Run" from being anything more than dubious offerings to McDonald partisans. Motown became a hit factory as much on the strength of its foot soldiers as it did its commanding stars, but producer Simon Cline employs thin and lethargic backing tracks where some of the most inspired pop playing in history once stood. Return to the Motown source to hear inspired pop soul music. --Steven Stolder

The unforgettable voice of Michael McDonald is back with his follow up to his two Motown tribute albums! The former Doobie Brother and touring member of Steely Dan returns with a 13 track record, featuring some of Michael's favorite songs: "Love TKO" by Teddy Pendergrass, "Walk on By" by Dionne Warwick, "Into The Mystic" by Van Morrison, "Living For The City" by Stevie Wonder, "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley and more. "Soul Speak" also features the brand new song from Michael "Getting Over You". Let Michael's familiar voice take you higher with "Soul Speak".

Great collection at a great price.

After many classic and award winning hit recordings with The Doobie Brothers as well
as his many important stints with Steely Dan and other top selling recording acts, Michael
McDonald struck out on his own and launched his own very successful solo career.
His voice is one-of a-kind, while his music fuses all the elements of rock, soul, pop and
jazz that only an artist of his caliber could successfully achieve. No Lookin Back continues
the tradition which has made Michael McDonald become one of the world s greatest gifts
to popular music.
This gold and platinum rocker s second album features the Top 5 title track which also
reunites the writing duo of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins (What A Fool Believes, I
Gotta Try), as well as the super mega bonus track hit Sweet Freedom from the movie Running Scared.
The multi-format crossing album also delivered several other smashes at radio including
the soul rocker Bad Times, which features the amazing lead guitar of Joe Walsh (Eagles,
James Gang). This smoking tune was played heavily on radio stations throughout the year
as well as tracks Don t Let Me Down and I ll Be Your Angel.

Never short on A-list musician friends to choose from, No Lookin Back features some
of the greatest talent of all time including guitarist extraordinaire Robben Ford, the late
great Jeff Porcaro on drums (Toto, Steely Dan), David Pack from Ambrosia, plus his
Doobie Brother alumni Willie Weeks on bass and the late great Cornelius Bumpus on
horns.
After the success of our Michael McDonald Take It To Heart cd and subsequent Doobie Brothers 180 Gram releases, it is true to say that we are very proud here at Friday Music to be the home of this incredible effort.
Remastered impeccably from the original Warner Bros. tapes by Joe Reagoso, as
well as including all of the stunning original art elements, No Lookin Back by Michael
McDonald surely looks to be one of the most anticipated revisits of his long career, especially now with the addition of his huge hit single Sweet Freedom

Compact Disc

2009 holiday release from the singer/songwriter and former Doobie Bro. Michael McDonald has maintained incredible popularity and has been awarded numerous accolades and honors in both personal and professional arenas. He has won an impressive five Grammys and earned innumerable chart successes and sales feats, yet all the while McDonald remains the artist's artist and an enduring presence in popular music. This year, Michael McDonald celebrates the holiday season with the release of This Christmas, a collection of 12 Christmas classics and new holiday favorites.