Michael McDonald - The Ultimate Collection

One of the most immediately recognizable voices in all of contemporary music, Michael McDonald's signature sound fuses rock, R&B, soul, and gospel. As he evolved onward from his formative days as a backup singer for Steely Dan, McDonald's artistry bridged the gap between jazzy blue-eyed soul and and chart-topping pop rock, earning him superstardom both as lead vocalist/keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers and as a solo artist. Spanning 1976 to the present, this hit-packed new compilation spotlights his inimitable baritone on 19 timeless songs that will have you believing from the very first minute. Album Description

Nothing better !

I just love this man ! Yes, these are old favorites, but I never get tired of his voice ! Beautiful ! September 3, 2008

Great CD

I received my order promptly and perfect condition. I love the CD and will order again.

Thanks
Wanda Jensen May 27, 2008

Best CD Ever

Michael McDonald sings all of his hits! This is an album all fans of
Michael McDonald will love. December 21, 2007

ULTIMATE IS THE RIGHT WORD FOR THIS TAPE

I FOUND THIS TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST MY ERA I GUESS
BUT I LOVED IT December 4, 2007

Solid overview of an undervalued talent.

Released to capitalize on the surprise success of Michael McDonald's Motown tribute, Rhino beefed up the barely four year old Very Best of Michael McDonald with one track from that covers album and some of his best Doobie Brothers songs. It makes for a much better overview of McDonald, who became a huge singles artist in the 80's even when his albums didn't seen to get much notice.

From the moment he stepped to the front of the Doobie Brothers, McDonald captured everyone's ears. His urban leanings moved the Doobies away from their greasy biker rock and into "Taking it to the Streets." Soon he was making Grammy worthy hits like "What a Fool Believes" and then to the ultimate solo career. But "I Keep Forgetting" was an incredible song from a great album (If That's What It Takes) that appeared just as 80's New Wave became dominant. It meant that McDonald's brand of easy listening soul took a back-seat to the likes of Culture Club and The Cars.

So while albums like No Lookin' Back didn't get the huge success songs like "Lost In The Parade" were worthy of, McDonald joined his friend Kenny Loggins as a go-to guy for soundtrack songs, like "Sweet Freedom." His one-off singles with James Ingram ("Yah Mo Be There") and Patti LaBelle ("On My Own," which hit number one) did keep him in the public eye, even as his albums charted lower and lower. It means that songs here like "Blink of an Eye" or "Open The Door" went mostly unheard till now. (In all honesty, the popular singles are the most interesting songs.)

Regardless of the chart status of the any of the songs here, it is still McDonald's voice that captivates. His forays into blue-eyed soul gave both his band (The Doobies, Steely Dan or solo) gravitas, or hits for others (Carly Simon with "You Belong to Me"). While his style of singing may have fallen from style for a time (the Motown CD's were his first top 40 albums in almost 20 years), his resonant soulful baritone voice never did. November 20, 2007

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