The Doobie Brothers have released a fourth advance track from their upcoming studio album, Walk This Road, which is due out on June 6. The song, “Learn to Let Go,” is a soulful tune sung by Michael McDonald.
Videos by American Songwriter
McDonald co-wrote the track with Walk This Road producer John Shanks. Co-founding Doobies members Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons contributed backing vocals to the song.
“Learn to Let Go” is available now as a digital download and via streaming services. In addition, a companion lyric video has debuted at The Doobie Brothers’ official YouTube channel.
McDonald discusses the tune in a new video message posted on the band’s and Michael’s social media pages.
He says in the clip, “‘Learn to Let Go’ is a song about, more or less, one of the hardest lessons we learn in this life, especially where love is concerned, and probably the last decision we make on this earthly plane. The song is not all that serious, but we hope you enjoy it.”
The its title suggests, the song is about learning to accept when something can’t be changed in your life, such as the end of a romantic relationship.
More About the Walk This Road Album
As previously reported, Walk This Road is the first collection of new Doobie Brothers songs to feature McDonald since the One Step Closer album in 1980. McDonald rejoined The Doobie Brothers’ lineup in 2021, when the band launched its 50th anniversary tour.
Walk This Road features 10 songs. McDonald, Johnston, and Simmons all lent their songwriting talents to the various tunes, with each co-writing material with Shanks.
The album includes the song “Lahaina,” which The Doobie Brothers first released in November 2023. Some proceeds from that track are being donated help those affected by the devastating fires that struck the Hawaiian island of Maui in August 2023.
Two more songs from Walk This Road, the title track and “Call Me,” were released in January in conjunction with the announcement of the album.
“Walk This Road” is a gospel- and soul-influenced tune that features guest vocals by Mavis Staples. McDonald, Simmons, Johnston, and McFee also sang on the track. “Call Me,” meanwhile, is a melodic roots-rock tune sung by Johnston.
Walk This Road can be pre-ordered now. The album is available on CD, as a vinyl LP, and via digital formats. The Doobie Brothers’ online store is offering an exclusive version of the LP pressed on tiger’s-eye vinyl.
The Doobie Brothers’ 2025 Tour Plans
The Doobie Brothers recently announced dates for a 2025 North American summer tour in support of Walk This Road.
The trek currently features 19 confirmed shows, kicking off August 4 in the Detroit suburb of Clarkston, Michigan, and running through a September 18 performance in Toronto.
The late Jimmy Buffett’s longtime backing group, The Coral Reefer Band, will be The Doobies’ support act.
The Doobie Brothers also have a series of concerts in the U.K. and Ireland scheduled for July.
Doobie Brothers Members’ Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
Shortly after Walk This Road’s release of, McDonald, Johnston, and Simmons will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The 2025 induction ceremony will take place on June 12 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York City.
The Doobie Brothers previously were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
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