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.
One reason this band epitomizes corporate rock is that it has its meager merits, and I'm ashamed to say that on this compilation I enjoy them. In fact, the bassline hooks of "China Grove" and "Long Train Runnin'" move me so efficiently that by the time we get to "Listen to the Music" -- which with its easy-rolling rhythms, anonymous harmonies, countrified arrangement, meticulous production, and smug message made my ten-worst list of 1972 -- I'm still listening to the music. B+- 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.
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