Title: If That's What It Takes Artist: Michael McDonald Release Date: 1982 Label: Warner Bros., Flashback Duration: 39:59 Album Type(s): lyrics/libretto UPCs: 075992370325, 081227990077, 075992370318, 759923703252 Genre: Rock Styles: Adult Contemporary, Soft Rock, Pop/Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul Moods: Laid-Back/Mellow, Smooth, Soothing, Amiable/Good-Natured, Romantic, Sentimental, Gentle, Poignant, Reserved Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Playin' by the Rules
2. I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)
3. Love Lies
4. I Gotta Try
5. I Can Let Go Now
6. That's Why
7. If That's What It Takes
8. No Such Luck
9. Losin' End
10. Believe in It

Year Type Label Catalog # 2008 CD Flashback 23703 ------ CD Warner Bros. 2-23703

No other editions were found for this album.

As the lead singer of the Doobie Brothers from 1975-1980, Michael McDonald's soulful voice and skilled writing gave the group classics like "Minute by Minute," "Real Love," and the perfect "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. 1982's If That's What It Takes is McDonald's first solo effort, and was recorded at the great recording studios like Warner Bros. and Sunset Sound and was co-produced by Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker. 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, If That's What It Takes 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. The melodically complex "Believe in It" has McDonald doing some great, offhanded gospel-tinged vocals. This debut juggles tracks of merit and those of less distinction, but the bright spots make this essential. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide

Name Credits Amy Holland Choir, Chorus, Vocals Bobby Hata Mastering, Engineer Bobby LaKind Percussion Brenda Russell Choir, Chorus Christopher Cross Choir, Chorus Dean Parks Guitar, Guitar Overdubs, Overdubs Donn Landee Engineer, Overdub Engineer Ed Sanford Vocals (Background), Vocals Edgar Winter Soloist, Sax (Alto), Saxophone Greg Phillinganes Keyboards, Fender Rhodes, Piano, Clavinet, Organ Irving Azoff Direction James Isaacson Overdub Engineer, Engineer Jeff Adamoff Design, Art Direction Jeff Porcaro Drums Jerry Hey Horn Arrangements Jim Shea Photography Joan Parker Production Coordination Kathy Walker Production Coordination, Choir, Chorus Ken Deane Engineer Kenny Loggins Vocals (Background), Vocals Lee Herschberg Engineer, Mixdown Engineer, Overdub Engineer Lenny Castro Percussion Lenny Waronker Producer Louis Johnson Bass Mark Linett Engineer, Overdub Engineer Marty Paich String Arrangements Maureen McDonald Vocals (Background), Vocals, Choir, Chorus Michael Boddicker Synthesizer Michael McDonald Vocals, Choir, Chorus, Fender Rhodes, Keyboards, Vocals (Background), Main Performer, Synthesizer Michael Omartian Keyboards, Fender Rhodes Mike Porcaro Bass Paulinho Da Costa Percussion Paulo César Medeiros Keyboard Technician Robben Ford Saxophone, Guitar, Soloist Steve Gadd Drums Steve Lukather Guitar Steve McManus Engineer Ted Templeman Percussion, Producer Tom Scott Soloist, Guitar, Lyricon, Saxophone Vicki Fortson Production Coordination Willie Weeks Bass