Takin' It to the Streets (song)

"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

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

 * 1) "Takin It to the Streets" – 3:33
 * 2) "Nak E Ba Na Na" by Christine Anu – 3:01
 * 3) "Freedom" by Deni Hines – 3:43