DOOBIE BROTHERS – On September 28, 2010, the Doobie Brothers released their thirteenth studio album titled – World Gone Crazy, via HOR Records. Classic Rock is named such due to it’s ability to cross generations and make us revisit the songs and albums that became the building blocks of what Rock and Hard Rock is today… and Classic Rock continues to build that solid foundation in which Rock finds it’s stability to this very moment. World Gone Crazy is as fine an example of a Classic Rock foundation block as I could ever point out. The Doobie Brothers are Classic Rock warriors, returning with fire and melody in their sound that needs to not just be listened to, their new album needs to be celebrated.
For a new Doobie Brothers album to have what I consider to be my new “favorite all-time” song from them is quite a Rockin’ thrill to tell. You see, China Grove from their third album The Captain and Me, released back in 1973, has forever been my favorite Doobie Brothers song. No more. Now my favorite Doobie Brothers song is My Baby. The Rock infectious melody coupled with the trademark Doobie Brothers chorus is spellbinding to my ears. Listening to My Baby is like I’m taking a journey back to 1978, I’m a young lad once more and I’m listening to the radio… and being introduced to Rock ‘N’ Roll all over again.
I know I can’t just continue on about My Baby the whole time here, however, this song has brought back something to my senses that has been missing for quite some time… and this song just makes me feel so goooooooooood. This song is like the fountain of youth to my ears. Tom Johnston, you wrote one incredible song with My Baby… take a Rockin’ bow. Alright, onto the rest of World Gone Crazy. I’m crazy about this album. Get it? World Gone Crazy… I’m crazy about it? Whatever.
A Brighter Day opens up this Doobie Brothers gem, packed with enough Caribbean flavor oozing from it’s sound, to send my day dreams longing for that island in the sun. The musical flirtation with Funky grooves summons up this song’s positive theme to even greater heights. The title track, World Gone Crazy is a Doobie Brothers take on the state of our economy, (with the way things are going in 2011, you can take your pick on global or U.S. economy). This song, as with the entire album, glistens with every Classic Rock aspect and nuance that The Doobie Brothers are world famous for.
Far From Home is a mid-tempo ballad that beholds some very inspirational lyrics. Far From Home combines it’s soothing lyrics, cool melodies and harmonious vocals to make it a mellow winner among some hot Rockin’ Doobie Brothers numbers. Young Man’s Game is what Doobie Brothers Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about, with a Classic Rockin’ guitar solo and plenty of foot stompin’ piano, all mixed into a non-stop and up-tempo groovin’ listen on this album.
Don’t Say Goodbye features the legendary and former Doobie Brother, Michael McDonald. This song is a mid-paced and easy listening experience, which fits right into the musical scope of what The Doobie Brothers have ventured into in the past. The only drawback to this song is that Michael McDonald’s vocals are “featured” as background and chorus. Initially, I was expecting a Michael McDonald performance where he takes center stage on vocals, with both lead and background.
With the legendary Country Outlaw we all know as Willie Nelson, his “featured” vocals on I Know We Won are utilized for both lead and background. This song’s lead vocals are shared by both Pat Simmons and Willie Nelson, their duet, if you will, is as fabulous as I could have ever expected. Old Juarez embodies a latin Rock sound and vibe that has me seeking out my Santana albums. I’d swear Carlos Santana plays a lick or two on this song, only his name does not appear in the liner notes. The Doobie Brothers are not falling short on Rock diversity with World Gone Crazy, the shifting of Rock gears makes this album smoke.
Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons both sound excellent on vocals. This Doobie Brothers band has proved to me, they are still a major player in the world of Rock, a Classic Rock icon of a band they truly are. Yes… The Doobie Brothers can still play and jam the Rockin’ lights out. There is comfort food… then there is comfort Rock. The Doobie Brothers epitomize what feel-good Classic Rock sounds like to my ears. Metal be thy name.
In the event I have to recommend that “one” Classic Rock album from 2010 to purchase, (and I guess that this is the event), it is World Gone Crazy. The Doobie Brothers may have let nearly an entire decade pass without a new studio album, yet they have more than made up for the long recess between albums. If The Doobie Brothers are to substitute quality over quantity, then they have unquestionably succeeded, for World Gone Crazy is top tier, Classic Rock quality… magnified ten times.
Doobie Brothers:
Tom Johnston – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals, background vocals
Michael Hossack – drums & percussion
John McFee – acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, percussion, violin, electric guitars, resonator guitars & vocals
Pat Simmons – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals & background vocals
Other World Gone Crazy Info:
* Bob Glaub plays bass on all songs except I Know We Won. (There’s no bass on this song, that’s why)
* World Gone Crazy was produced by the legendary Ted Templeman and The Doobie Brothers.
* Ted Templeman plays tambourine on Chateau. (I Thought you’d want to know).
* Nobody is a remake from The Doobie Brothers single Nobody, taken from their debut/self-titled album released back in 1971 on Warner Bros. Records.
* For more info on the Doobie Brothers, click on the link below:
Doobie Brothers – Official Website
World Gone Crazy Track Listing:
A Brighter Day
Chateau
Nobody
World Gone Crazy
Far From Home
Young Man’s Game
Don’t Say Goodbye (Featuring Michael McDonald)
My Baby
Old Juarez
I Know We Won (Featuring Willie Nelson)
Law Dogs
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.
LONG LIVE THE DOOBIE BROTHERS.
Stone.
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