Best of the Doobies a very carefully pieced together collection. Although side one stacks the hits, the album tracks on side two are exceptional, especially Michael McDonald's "It Keeps You Runnin'," and the group-authored rave-up "Without You." Although the Doobie Brothers lack a clear and distinct personality, under Ted Templeman's production the band has become a prime exponent of commercial, accessible yet tough and driving Seventies rock.

- Billy Altman, Rolling Stone, 1-13-77.

Bonus Reviews!

This is vintage wine from a first class group. Material is drawn from six previous projects and it's all there. Good-time lyrics, infectious rhythms, and all the rock'n'roIl joy they are capable of mustering. One also recognizes versatility in a "best of" hits package as evidenced by a funky rendition of HolIand/Dozier/Holland's "Take Me In Your Arms." Best cuts: "China Grove," "Long Train Runnin'," "Listen To The Music," "Black Water," "Take Me In Your Arms," "South City Midnight Lady."

- Billboard, 1976.

Original album advertising art. Click image for larger view.

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

To fault their musicianship would be unfair, to fault their product is inevitable; bleached soul/funk sounds geared to meaningless hooks and corporate marketing all presided over by Michael McDonald's adenoidal wail. A prime example of the decline of quality in the seventies version of rock music. The sound is about equal to that of an LP, but who cares? D-

- Bill Shapiro, Rock & Roll Review: A Guide to Good Rock on CD, 1991.

This formidable bunch of hard-rock hits appeared from 1972-1976. * * * *

- John Floyd, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

You can't lose with a hit compilation for a band whose strength was singles. * * * 1/2

- Gil Asakawa, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

"The Doobies are more than just alright with me," quip fans, and while they had many lineup changes over the years, this must-have captures the essence of their '70s rock with tunes like the great sing-along "Black Water" and fabulous "Long Train Runnin'." This catchy, fun, toe-tappin' stuff appealed to bikers, guitar junkies and Middle America and came on like a shot of adrenaline, reliable and dependable to jack you up. * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

 Reader's Comments

No comments so far, be the first to comment.