Iconic rock band The Doobie Brothers have announced their upcoming studio album Walk This Road, set for release on June 6, 2025, via Rhino Records. This highly anticipated 10-track album marks the return of former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, joining Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee in both the recording studio and the songwriting process. The band will also embark on a global tour, with the album serving as a centerpiece for their live performances.
Today, The Doobie Brothers released two new tracks from the album: the title track “Walk This Road” and “Call Me,” in addition to the previously released song “Lahaina.” Fans can preorder the album now.
In other exciting news, the band’s extraordinary songwriting legacy was recognized with an announcement from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, revealing that The Doobie Brothers will be inducted in June 2025 in New York. Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons will be honored in the Performing Songwriters category for their contributions to music that has resonated worldwide.
Walk This Road: A Journey of Hope and Recovery
Walk This Road was recorded in the winter of 2024 with producer John Shanks, known for his work with artists like Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow. The album’s creation captures The Doobie Brothers' creative chemistry, with each of the three principal songwriters—McDonald, Johnston, and Simmons—working closely with Shanks. The result is a cohesive album that combines their diverse musical styles into a sound that is uniquely Doobie Brothers.
The band explores recurring themes of recovery, enlightenment, and finding the right path forward. “Waking up to see the important things you’ve been missing,” says Simmons, reflecting on the album’s thematic focus. The title track, "Walk This Road," is a collaboration with the legendary Mavis Staples, adding a powerful layer of hope and unity to the song’s message.
“We all sang on ‘Walk This Road,’” Johnston shares. “It’s a different kind of track for us to do, but it’s good to try new things.” The collaborative spirit that emerged during the recording sessions at Shanks' studio mirrors the band's longstanding philosophy of camaraderie and mutual respect, a mentality that has allowed The Doobie Brothers to maintain their musical brilliance for over 50 years.
A Band Built on Friendship and Musical Legacy
Despite the individual differences in their musical styles, The Doobie Brothers have continually found ways to blend their distinct approaches into a cohesive sound that has captivated fans for decades. Their ability to work together, complementing each other’s strengths, is part of what has made them a beloved institution in rock music. McDonald’s return to the band is particularly special, as he expressed, “In my heart, I’ve always been a Doobie Brother. We’ve all remained friends over the years, and it’s been wonderful getting back together and playing again.”
The Doobie Brothers have always maintained a deep friendship that transcends the music business, and their upcoming global tour promises to bring new music and classic hits to fans across the world.
Tracklisting:
- Walk This Road (featuring Mavis Staples)
- Angels & Mercy
- Call Me
- Learn to Let Go
- State of Grace
- Here to Stay
- The Kind That Lasts
- New Orleans
- Speed of Pain
- Lahaina
About The Doobie Brothers
Formed in 1970, The Doobie Brothers quickly became one of the most influential rock bands of their era. Known for their harmonized vocals, multi-instrumental arrangements, and genre-blending sound, the band found mainstream success with hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Black Water,” and “What a Fool Believes.” The group has gone through several lineup changes over the years but has always maintained its signature sound. Michael McDonald, whose soulful voice and songwriting talents defined the band’s 1970s and 1980s hits, returns for Walk This Road, marking a significant reunion with his former bandmates.
About Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples is a living legend whose career spans over six decades. Born into the iconic Staple Singers, Mavis became known for her powerhouse voice and socially conscious music, blending gospel, soul, and R&B into an unforgettable sound. Staples is a Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Her unique voice and message of hope and unity make her a perfect collaborator on Walk This Road.
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