If That's What It Takes

by Michael McDonald

If That's What It Takes cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 9 August 1982
  • Label: Warner Bros.
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 39:59
  • Community rating: 3.63/5 from 4 ratings

Artists on this release: Michael McDonald

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Michael McDonald's 'If That's What It Takes' refines yacht rock and blue-eyed soul into lush, nocturnal arrangements. The album's sentimental lyrics and melodic sophistication captured the smooth adult contemporary sound of the era. It marked a successful solo debut for the former Doobie Brothers vocalist.

Genres

Descriptors: breakup, melodic, soulful, polished, velvety, vocal, piano

Tracklist

  1. Playin' By The Rules (4:55)
  2. I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near) (3:39)
  3. Love Lies (3:21)
  4. I Gotta Try (3:53)
  5. I Can Let Go Now (2:54)
  6. That's Why (4:24)
  7. If That's What It Takes (4:17)
  8. No Such Luck (3:44)
  9. Losin' End (4:11)
  10. Believe In It (4:41)

Credits

  • Michael McDonald - primary artist, written-by, electric piano [rhodes], synthesizer, backing vocals, written-by, piano, synthesizer, backing vocals
  • Jerry Hey - arranged by [horn arrangements]
  • Marty Paich - arranged by [string arrangements]
  • Michael Boddicker - synthesizer [additional]
  • Willie Weeks - bass
  • Steve Gadd - drums
  • Dean Parks - guitar, guitar [overdubs]
  • Bobby LaKind - percussion

More from Michael McDonald: full discography