Yamaha All-Star Concert at the Winter NAMM Show 2018
Our Michael McDonald Albums Ranked article takes a look at the solo albums released by one of the greatest blue eyed soul singers in classic rock history. With one of the most distinctive voices in rock and roll, Michael McDonald first made a name for himself singing backup in Steely Dan. However, it was when he joined the Doobie Brothers that he became a household name. While some may not have liked his contributions to the Doobie Brothers because he changed their sound a bit, there’s no arguing the massive commercial success that he helped the Doobie Brothers achieve. And of course they were millions who became Doobie Brothers fans for the first time because of Michael McDonald’s incredible vocals.
This article will look at the albums that Michael McDonald released as a solo artist and not include any of his Doobie Brothers material. We think you will really enjoy this list as there are so many great Michael McDonald albums to take a look at.
# 9 – Motown
We open up our Michael McDonald albums list with the first of the two Motown albums that he released in the 2000s. These Michael McDonald Motown albums would become some of the most successful albums of his solo career. The first Motown album was released on June 24, 2003. It is the only Michael McDonald solo album to sell at least a million copies and be certified platinum. On this Michael McDonald Motown album the blue-eyed soul singer did not go for the rarities. He recorded all the big-time Motown hits by Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and The Supremes and The Temptations. All the big ones were here and it seems that’s what the people enjoyed.
# 8 – Motown Two
With the success of Michael McDonald’s first Motown album his record company didn’t wait too long to release the second volume. Michael McDonald Motown Two was released a year after the first Motown album. It actually charted higher than the first one. It broke into the Billboard Top 200 albums top 10. The album went gold it. This one was heavy on Four Tops covers but also included some more of the legendary standards of Motown. If you love Motown and Michael McDonald then these two albums were for you. We enjoyed them, but as crazy as this may sound, they were almost too perfect.
# 7 – Soul Speak
Soul Speak was Michael McDonald’s fourth straight album of cover songs including the first two Motown albums and a Christmas record. Michael McDonald continued to cover some of the all-time classic songs in American popular music of the previous 30 years. Guest appearances on the album included Stevie Wonder playing harmonica on Michael McDonald’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s song “For Once In My Life.” Michael McDonald also covers Stevie Wonder’s classic “Living for the City.” There were so many great cover songs on this record. Some of our favorites included Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic.”
# 6 – Blink Of An Eye
Michael McDonald’s Blink Of An Eye album was released in 1993 at the height of the grunge music and boy bands which didn’t help the album sell well. Nonetheless this is one of his biggest star-studded album releases. So many brilliant and talented musicians appeared on this album. A heavy rock and roll presence is felt on the record with members of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench contributing to some great tracks. Michael McDonald didn’t mess around with backing vocalists either as he brought along the legendary voices of Vince Gill and Alison Krauss to sing backing vocals. Four singles were released from the album with only the first one “I Stand For You,” breaking onto the Billboard charts. The album also contained a great version of Carole King’s “Hey Girl.”
# 5 – Blue Obsession
Michael McDonald Blue Obsession album would be the last album of original material to singer would release in close to 20 years. The album was released in 2000. Michael McDonald collaborated with money songwriters on all the original songs on the album. The Undefeated great rhythm and blues feel that was produced by Tommy Sims. The album failed to break on to any of their music charts and they were no singles released from the record. That’s not helpful in promoting an album. However, this was a quality record produced, written and expertly performed by some of the best in the business including the brilliant Michael McDonald. The albums limited commercial success seemed to cause Michael McDonald change to change gears and begin releasing cover albums with which he would find great success with.
# 4 – Wide Open
In 2017, Michael McDonald celebrated the release of his 10th solo studio album entitled Wide Open. This is one that for various reasons kind of fell under the radar. And that’s sad because this is a great record. What is even more extraordinary about this album is that Wide Open would become the first Michael McDonald solo album that featured new material in over 17 years. It has been a while since Michael McDonald had released any new solo material because he had found such great success with the Motown album series and other cover albums. Like many previous Michael McDonald albums, the Wide Open album featured some wonderful guest appearances are some great music legends such as Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule and the Jazz legend Branford Marsalis.
# 3 – If That’s What It Takes
At the number three spot on our Michael McDonald albums list we present the great Michael McDonald album If That’s What It Takes. This was Michael McDonald’s debut solo album. It stands as his biggest selling and highest charting album of original material. Only his first Motown album sold more copies. The success of Michael McDonald’s first solo album was ignited by the album’s first single “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” The song hit number four on the Billboard Top 100 becoming the highest charting single if his solo career and in many ways his signature song. It’s very similar to many of the hits he had with the Doobie Brothers. In fact, we would guess that many people probably thought it was a Doobie Brothers song.
There were so many great recordings on this album. One needs to hear the track “That’s Why,: which featured on backing vocals Christopher Cross, Brenda Russell, Kathy Walker and Amy Holland. There were more musical legends on the album including the great Tom Scott on saxophone as well as Edgar Winter also contributing some sax. Two killer guitar players Steve Luthaker and Robben Ford also played on the record as well as two of the best drummers in the business in Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro. This was the type of personal one could usually find on a Steely Dan album including Michael McDonald himself.
# 2 – Take It to Heart
As we close in on the number one spot on our Michael McDonald albums list we take a look at the great Michael McDonald album Take It To Heart. The album was released on May 15 1990. The album did not chart that high as it peaked at number 110 on the Billboard Top 200. Three singles were released with only the first single “Take It To Heart,” making the charts at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100. However the song did reach all the way up to number four on the US Adult Contemporary Charts. Despite it’s lack of singles. the album is overall simply fantastic. Eleven great tracks of brilliant musicianship, well written songs, and amazing vocals. Its also one of the best sounding CDs we have ever heard. This one got a lot of spins in our CD player when it was first released.
# 1 – No Lookin’ Back
At number one on our Michael McDonald Albums list is the great Michael McDonald album entitled No Lookin’ Back. The album was released on Warner Brothers Records. It was actually his final album for the label. The No Lookin’ Back album hit the stores during the summer of 1985. The album featured many of Michael McDonald’s friends performing and co-writing with him on his spectacular second solo album. This included Joe Walsh who played some fine side guitar on the track “Bad Times,” which is one of the highlights of the album. “Bad Times,” was also released as the second single from the record. It broke the top 40 section of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks. The album’s first single and also title track was a song called “No Lookin’ Back,” which was written by Michael McDonald, and the legendary Kenny Loggins along with Ed Sanford. The song featured the great Jeff Porcaro on drums along with David Pack of Ambrosia fame on guitar. Willie Weeks of The Doobie Brothers played bass and Michael McDonald played keys and of course sang lead vocals. This was a rocking song filled with soul and grooves that had become a staple of Michael McDonald’s work. The song broke the Billboard Top 40 peaking at number 34.
There were so many more great songs on the record besides the first two singles. “Our Love,” was a teary eyed ballad made even more emotional with Michael McDonald’s passionate delivery. Other standout tracks included side two’s opener “Any Foolish Thing,” along with the great Michael McDonald, Chuck Sabatino track “(I’ll Be Your)Angel.” Michael McDonald’s second album did not chart as well as his solo debut album that hit number six on the Billboard Top 200. Still, the album reached up to number 45 which would become his second highest charting album of all original material in his career. In the end charts don’t matter a thing to us because this is our favorite Michael McDonald album.
Michael McDonald Albums Ranked published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
