If That's What It Takes
Michael McDonald · 1982
40 min · 10 tracks · pop music
Smooth, soulful melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics and a polished pop production characteristic of early '80s blue-eyed soul.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) — This track showcases McDonald's signature soulful vocals paired with a catchy hook, exemplifying his ability to fuse pop sensibilities with deeper emotional resonance.
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Playin’ by the Rules — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its engaging groove and reflective lyrics about love's complexities, highlighting McDonald's songwriting prowess.
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If That’s What It Takes — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of determination and emotional commitment, featuring a strong vocal performance that underscores McDonald's mastery of blue-eyed soul.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases polished production and strong melodies but lacks standout compositional depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a smooth, soulful tone, followed by the hit single which features a prominent bass line and layered harmonies.
- Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in 'I Can Let Go Now' and 'If That’s What It Takes'.
- The last three tracks maintain a consistent tempo but shift towards more introspective themes, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- smooth melodies for relaxation
- soulful vocals for emotional depth
- easy listening during commutes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer immediate, punchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 1, 1982, 'If That's What It Takes' marked Michael McDonald's first solo album after his successful tenure with The Doobie Brothers. At this time, he was transitioning from band member to solo artist, establishing his distinctive voice in the pop and R&B landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Toto· Steely Dan· Hall & Oates
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)
The chorus reveals an abrupt shift in emotional realization about love and longing as it contrasts with earlier verses filled with uncertainty.
This lyrical turn enhances the song's tension, creating a compelling juxtaposition that captures the struggles of remembering both joy and pain in relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Playin’ by the Rules 5:01
- 2 I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) 3:43
- 3 Love Lies 3:25
- 4 I Gotta Try 3:55
- 5 I Can Let Go Now 2:56
- 6 That’s Why 4:26
- 7 If That’s What It Takes 4:20
- 8 No Such Luck 3:48
- 9 Losin’ End 4:15
- 10 Believe in It 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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