What does Takin' It to the Streets sound like?

A fusion of blue-eyed soul and rock, blending smooth vocals with rhythmic grooves and thoughtful lyrics. Rooted in soft rock and blue-eyed soul. Start with "Wheels of Fortune".

Is Takin' It to the Streets a good place to start with The Doobie Brothers?

Yes, Takin' It to the Streets is recommended as a starting point for new The Doobie Brothers listeners. A fusion of blue-eyed soul and rock, blending smooth vocals with rhythmic grooves and thoughtful lyrics. Released in 1976, Takin' It to the Streets marked a significant shift for The Doobie Brothers as it was their first album featuring lead vocalist Michael McDonald. This change came after the success of their previous albums, showcasing a more soulful direction that would redefine their sound and broaden their audience.

Who is Takin' It to the Streets for?

Takin' It to the Streets works well if you're into smooth vocal-driven experiences, consistent rhythmic grooves and engaging storytelling moments.

How many songs are on Takin' It to the Streets?

Takin' It to the Streets has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Takin' It to the Streets

The Doobie Brothers · 1976

38 min · 9 tracks · pop music

A fusion of blue-eyed soul and rock, blending smooth vocals with rhythmic grooves and thoughtful lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Takin’ It to the Streets — This title track encapsulates the album's essence with its anthemic chorus and soulful delivery, reflecting both a call to action and personal introspection.
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It Keeps You Runnin’ — This track showcases Michael McDonald's emotive vocal style paired with intricate harmonies, highlighting the band's transition towards a more polished sound.
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Wheels of Fortune Start here — With its catchy melodies and reflective lyrics about chance and destiny, this song represents the thoughtful lyricism that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and soul effectively, showcasing strong melodies and solid production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered harmonies and a prominent horn section, establishing its blue-eyed soul influence.
Each song typically features a strong melodic hook, often supported by rhythmic guitar riffs and smooth vocal delivery from Michael McDonald.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 5/10

Significant within its genre. 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

smooth vocal-driven experiences
consistent rhythmic grooves
engaging storytelling moments
contemplative afternoon vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First album with Michael McDonald, establishing the band's mainstream presence.
Career context: Released in 1976, Takin' It to the Streets marked a significant shift for The Doobie Brothers as it was their first album featuring lead vocalist Michael McDonald. This change came after the success of their previous albums, showcasing a more soulful direction that would redefine their sound and broaden their audience.
Stylistic neighbors: The Eagles· Chicago· Hall & Oates