If Thats What It Takes

Michael McDonald | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 30, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino Flashback
• ASIN: B001ET082Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,080 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

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

Editorial Reviews

His first solo effort from 1982 wouldn't be complete without a little writing help from his buddy Kenny Loggins on I Gotta Try , plus Playin' by the Rules; I Keep Forgettin'; Love Lies; I Gotta Try; I Can Let Go Now; That's Why, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Music Commentator on Love and Relationships!, September 11, 2002

By 

Mick (Canberra , Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If Thats What It Takes (Audio CD)

Though much has been written on the latter transformation to the blue eyed soul outfit of the Doobie Brothers by Michael McDonald, not enough has been written on this album. Put simply its difficult to label it but great music! with the lyrics that show passion and intelligence, especially with the theme of relationships. I suspect that Michael McDonald had many a number done on him by endless females in the late 70' amnd early 80's as I cannot imagine the similar themes explored by "What a Fool Believes", "Real Love", "Minute by Minute" and in this album "I Keep Forgettin' " and "Love Lies" are mere coincidences. The theme is a recurring one however with each song there is a stellar and unique characteristic of style and substance. This album was released during a major turning point in Music's history when Disco was dead, the West Coast sound hiding in a witness protection program and when the world focussed on a new romantic period that is thanfully now forgettable. I have had this album since I could afford it on vinyl,later tape and now luckily on CD it still trascends time and captures an artist truly on the top of his game. Trust me you will have no regrets!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh my...I keep forgetting I have this CD!, April 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: If Thats What It Takes (Audio CD)

I don't know how, but I happened on this CD recently and when I played it, I remembered how moved I was when I first purchased this CD over 10 years ago. Michael McDonald's voice is one of a kind, his musicianship is stellar, his style and talent as a writer...untouchable. "I Can Let Go Now" still brings tears to my eyes, just as it did many moons ago, when I heard the song as I was experiencing a heartbreak at that time. "Losing End", "Love Lies", etc. this entire CD tells a very vivid, moving story about love and it makes you want to continue to experience love...even at the risk of heartbreak.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars his best work, October 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: If Thats What It Takes (Audio CD)

Michael Mcdonald is a highly unappreciated artist whose distinctive vocals with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers & Christopher Cross helped create a pop standard of the 70's & 80's and spawned many imitators. This solo album was his best work, with well written songs, crisp harmonies and excellent musicianship throughout. The title song is & love lies are 2 highlights of a uniformly dynamite effort. I only wish he would record more often.