The Ultimate Collection [CD]

After beginning "paying his dues" as a soul singer in clubs in the late 60's, Michael McDonald began to make a name for himself as a top notch backup vocalist for Steely Dan and countless other artists.

The Doobie Brothers recruited him to tour whilst Tom Johnston was ill. Afterwards, they did not let him go. His talents as a first rate vocalist, competent keyboards player and truly sophisticated composer blossomed within the band and brought him to the attention of millions.
Almost single-handedly, he quickly turned an excellent - but fading boogie band - into a slick, soul-inflected and still more successful rock/pop band.

This charting, US Top 20 collection includes his best known works with the Doobies. "Takin' It to The Streets" and "It Keeps You Running" were classics from their first recorded collaboration. "You Belong to Me", co-written by Carly Simon (who enjoyed a Top 50 single with it) was later recorded with the Doobies as well. By the time of the multi-platinum, funky "Minute By Minute" album (# 1), McDonald was all over the place. His co-composition "What a Fool Believes" hit the US singles #1 spot. He also co-composed the title track which reached #14 (he re-recorded it in 1991 for the "Live at the Beacon" album where it was one of the better tracks). McDonald co-wrote "Real Love", a # 5 hit from the Doobies from their "One Step Closer" album. In the end, these songs would become indistinguishable from McDonald's solo work.

After the band's 1982 break-up, McDonald embarked on a solo career. He did very well. His first, and maybe more consistent release, was "If That's What It Takes" (a # 6 album) represented here by the subtly funky "I Keep Forgettin' [Every time You're Near]", the unforgettable, poignant breakup song co-written by him, Leiber, Stoller and Sanford) as well as the pop sounding "I Gotta Try" (which he co-wrote with Kenny Loggins).

In 1983, the uplifting "Yah 'Mo B There", his Quincy Jones produced duet with Luther Ingram, made the top 5 and won a Grammy)
"No Lookin' back", written with Kenny Loggins and Ed Sanford, was the title track of his Warner Bros. album from 1985.

In 1986, Michael McDonald's duetted with veteran soul diva Patti LaBelle on the slightly Oriental sounding "On My Own". This heartbreak ballad, featuring delicate minor R&B riffs, climbed to the # 1 spot on both pop and R&B charts. It appeared on LaBelle's #1 "The Winner Is You" album.

"No Lookin' back", written with Kenny Loggins and Ed Sanford was the title track of his Warner Bros. album from 1985. "Lost in the Parade" comes from the same album. It tackles a harder form of rock.
The superb "Sweet Freedom", is a Rod Pemberton composition that was included on the soundtrack of Peter Hyam's movie titled "Running Scared". This edited version was edited and released as a single that reached # 7 on the pop charts in 1986. It is a delightful dance-pop song with a slight Stevie Wonder influence.

"Take It to Heart" is the title track from McDonald's 1990 album. It was a good but small hit. It comes under the guise of a "radio edit".

The reggae influenced "I Stand for You" comes from the 1993 album "Blink of an Eye".

"No Love to Be Found" comes from the excellent "Blues Obsession" 1997 album released on Ramp. This album also contained the terrific "Open the Door" although, unfortunately, the latter is featured in an "Urban Remix" that obliterates the delicate retro feel of the original.

McDonald's 2003 "Motown" album was a Top 14 album for the artist. Some consider it as a return to his original roots. In any case, his extraordinary voice puts his individual stamp on this cover of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".

At over 77 minutes, this is a truly excellent compilation with a wonderful sound quality to boot.

However, as Rhino did already release a (non charting) 16-track compilation titled "The Very Best of Michael McDonald" (2000), I find that - with the backlog of quality material featuring Michael McDonald - it would have been artistically wiser to release a definitive 2-CD anthology including excellent but less well-know material (although this kind of compilation generally sells in smaller quantities).

I find, to say the least, surprising that only two tracks were culled from McDonald's superlative first solo masterpiece (which has never been remastered).

His other WB/Reprise albums include much superlative material (think about "All I Need", his cover of Neil Young's "Down by the River", "No More Prayin'", "Bad Times", "Love Can Break Your Heart", "All We Got", "Higher Ground" and "Tell It Like It Is").

There are also other successful duets like "Ever Changing Times" (with Aretha Franklin), the sensual "Hey Girl" (with Ray Charles) or the cover of "Knock on Wood" with Phoebe Snow. And this still leaves out many first rate tracks recorded with the Doobie Brothers, including live takes (what about "Little Darling (I Need You), "I'm Depending On You", "Keep This Train A-Rolling" to name a few).

As excellent as the CD under review actually is, it was definitely designed more as a commercially successful cash-in on McDonald's renewed success than a genuine attempt to offer a definite overview of his multifarious talent.

Just love this man's voice.. always know when he is singing on the radio or on tv as his voice is so distinctive and so soulful. He is my favourite singer along with George Benson...sweet soul voices that make you tingle all over!!

SENT FOR MICHAEL McDONALD 'THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION' FROM AMAZON. WHAT A VOICE. TRACK 'SWEET FREEDOM' IS MY FAVOURITE. CAN RECOMMEND THIS CD TO ANYONE. 10 OUT OF 10.