If That's What It Takes (1982)

"As the lead singer of the Doobie Brothers from 1975-1980, McDonald's soulful voice and skilled writing gave the group classics like "Minute by Minute," and "What a Fool Believes." After the group's 1980 album "One Step Closer" displayed a tension that was almost audible, it was no surprise that a split was in the works. This 1982 album is McDonald's first solo effort. The album's biggest hit, the moody and sleek "I Keep Forgettin'," continues McDonald's unflinching look at heartbreak, and it is more R&B-influenced than the previous Doobie Brothers work. The buoyant "I Gotta Try," co-written by Kenny Loggins, perfectly captures the early-'80s L.A. pop sound. While McDonald's pop acumen is no surprise, it also offers McDonald the chance to do ballads. The poignant and spare "I Can Let Go Now" has some of his best lyrics. "Losin End," which first appeared on 1976's "Takin' It to the Streets", gets recast as an even bleaker rumination with a suitably sorrowful solo from Tom Scott." (Jason Elias, Allmusic)

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