DOOBIE BROTHERS 10/24/1995 which is impossible to hear

which is impossible to hear without placing it in the context of Smith's untimely passing

Several months after the album's release

and Luther Vandross--as heard here-- was one of the best and most influential practitioners of the style

Rugged Man

Tennessee in 1980

DOOBIE BROTHERS 10/24/1995 which is impossible to hearThe Doobie Brothers' debut album, released to a largely uncaring world in 1971, produced no hit singles. This seems strange in retrospect. Listening to the album today, one can hear that the Doobies' template (albeit sans the ultra catchy pop hooks) was already pretty much in place. The band's trademark gospel harmonies are locked in here, as are their shimmering, finger picked acoustic (and occasional electric) guitars and feel good post hippie vibe.