"Takin' It to the Streets" is a song by American rock band the Doobie Brothers from the album of the same name. It was their first single with Michael McDonald on vocals and was written by McDonald. The song peaked at number 13 in the US and number 7 in Canada.

Reception Cash Box stated that "both instrumentally and vocally this is the best thing the Doobie Brothers have done to date," adding that "the melody is based around a strong chordal structure" and that the repetition of the song title in the chorus has "maximum hook potential." Record World said that the song "has all the essential qualities that have contributed to making this group a dominating chart force" and that "all these ingredients are wrapped together in an appealing package."

Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci rated "Takin' It to the Streets" as the Doobie Brothers' 6th greatest song, praising McDonald's "soulful rasp" on the vocal. The staff of Billboard rated it as the Doobie Brothers' 3rd best song, saying that it "hits an elemental theme and drives it home with soulful urgency."

Personnel

Michael McDonald – piano, lead vocals Patrick Simmons – guitar, backing vocals Jeff "Skunk" Baxter – guitar Tiran Porter – bass, backing vocals John Hartman – drums Keith Knudsen – drums, backing vocals

Additional personnel Jesse Butler – organ Bobby LaKind – congas Ted Templeman – tambourine, handclaps The Memphis Horns – saxophones

Chart performance

Weekly charts Chart (1976)PeakpositionAustralian (Kent Music Report)94Canada RPM Top Singles7

Year-end charts Chart (1976)RankCanada86US (Joel Whitburn's Pop Annual)111

Christine Anu and Deni Hines version

In November 2008, Australian singers Christine Anu and Deni Hines recorded and released a version of the song. 50% of net profits of the song went to the Salvation Army's Oasis Youth Support Network and the Everyone Is Homeless Fund. Anu and Hines promoted the single with a tour throughout May and June 2009.

Track listing "Takin It to the Streets" – 3:33 "Nak E Ba Na Na" by Christine Anu – 3:01 "Freedom" by Deni Hines – 3:43

References