The Doobie Brothers are gearing up to release their highly anticipated 16th studio album. The band has excitingly announced that the legendary Michael McDonald will return to lend his vocals on the newly unveiled album titled Walk This Road, promising a mix of nostalgia and fresh sounds for fans.

On December 30, during a year-end wrap-up shared on their official Facebook page, the Doobie Brothers excitedly revealed news about their upcoming record. They expressed amazement at how quickly the year has passed, stating, “It’s hard to believe another year just shot by like a rocket!” They also celebrated nearly 56 years of unity as a band since the release of their self-titled debut album, The Doobie Brothers, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

The band reflected on their long journey, noting, “It’s been a long winding road since those early days but we’re still working together, doing our best to remain creative, and looking forward to bringing our music to you folks out there again next year.” This sentiment highlights their enduring commitment to their craft and their connection with fans, promising more exciting music in the future.

As they looked back on their activities throughout 2024, which included nearly 60 live performances, including an opening stint for the Eagles in the U.K., the Doobie Brothers expressed optimism for the coming year. They shared their eagerness to produce new music, showcasing their dedication to evolving their sound and continuing to engage with their audience.

“Here’s the goal we’ve set for 2025,” they stated in their post. “This train keeps rollin’ down the track, and we’re almost ready to release our new album Walk This Road sometime after the first of the year.” The band revealed that the album will feature 10 fresh tracks performed by Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, and Pat Simmons, highlighting their collaborative songwriting effort and the joy they experienced during the recording process.

They also praised John McFee for contributing his remarkable musical talents to the album. The band mentioned their collaboration with the talented John Shanks, who produced, wrote, and played alongside them on the tracks. Excitingly, they confirmed their partnership with Warner Brothers/Rhino Records for this release, hinting at the potential for a song debut soon after the New Year, with the full album expected to drop in Spring or Summer.

One of the most significant highlights from the band’s update is the anticipated return of Michael McDonald on an album filled with original music. McDonald, who joined the band in 1975 prior to the release of their iconic Takin’ It to the Streets album, played a pivotal role as the lead vocalist until 1982, contributing to some of their most beloved hits, including the chart-topping album Minute by Minute.

Although the Doobie Brothers reunited in 1987, McDonald’s involvement with the band has been sporadic. He made appearances in 1992, 1995, and again in 2014 as a studio member. His last full studio album with the band was 1980’s One Step Closer, but he also contributed to a track on their 2010 album, World Gone Crazy, and was part of the collaborative album Southbound released in 2014.

While McDonald officially rejoined the Doobie Brothers as a full-time member in 2019, he notably did not participate in their 2021 album, Liberté, leaving many fans eager for his return in this new project. His involvement in Walk This Road signifies a promising new era for the band, blending nostalgia with contemporary creativity.