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Best of the Doobies
The Doobie Brothers

Warner Bros. 2978
Released: November 1976
Chart Peak: #5
Weeks Charted: 93
Certified 5x Platinum: 10/22/84

Best of the Doobies a very carefully pieced together collection. Although side one stacks the hits, the album tracks on side two are exceptional, especially Michael McDonald's "It Keeps You Runnin'," and the group-authored rave-up "Without You." Although the Doobie Brothers lack a clear and distinct personality, under Ted Templeman's production the band has become a prime exponent of commercial, accessible yet tough and driving Seventies rock.

- Billy Altman, Rolling Stone, 1-13-77.

Bonus Reviews!

This is vintage wine from a first class group. Material is drawn from six previous projects and it's all there. Good-time lyrics, infectious rhythms, and all the rock'n'roIl joy they are capable of mustering. One also recognizes versatility in a "best of" hits package as evidenced by a funky rendition of HolIand/Dozier/Holland's "Take Me In Your Arms." Best cuts: "China Grove," "Long Train Runnin'," "Listen To The Music," "Black Water," "Take Me In Your Arms," "South City Midnight Lady."

- Billboard, 1976.

The Doobie Brothers - Best of the Doobies
Original album advertising art.
Click image for larger view.
One reason this band epitomizes corporate rock is that it has its meager merits, and I'm ashamed to say that on this compilation I enjoy them. In fact, the bassline hooks of "China Grove" and "Long Train Runnin'" move me so efficiently that by the time we get to "Listen to the Music" -- which with its easy-rolling rhythms, anonymous harmonies, countrified arrangement, meticulous production, and smug message made my ten-worst list of 1972 -- I'm still listening to the music. B+

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

To fault their musicianship would be unfair, to fault their product is inevitable; bleached soul/funk sounds geared to meaningless hooks and corporate marketing all presided over by Michael McDonald's adenoidal wail. A prime example of the decline of quality in the seventies version of rock music. The sound is about equal to that of an LP, but who cares? D-

- Bill Shapiro, Rock & Roll Review: A Guide to Good Rock on CD, 1991.

This formidable bunch of hard-rock hits appeared from 1972-1976. * * * *

- John Floyd, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

You can't lose with a hit compilation for a band whose strength was singles. * * * 1/2

- Gil Asakawa, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

"The Doobies are more than just alright with me," quip fans, and while they had many lineup changes over the years, this must-have captures the essence of their '70s rock with tunes like the great sing-along "Black Water" and fabulous "Long Train Runnin'." This catchy, fun, toe-tappin' stuff appealed to bikers, guitar junkies and Middle America and came on like a shot of adrenaline, reliable and dependable to jack you up. * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

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