"Minute by Minute" stands as a pivotal album for the Doobie Brothers, released on December 1, 1978, under Warner Bros. Records. It marked the band's eighth studio album and the last to feature founding members John Hartman and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter until their return for the "Cycles" album.
The album's commercial success was exceptional, spending 87 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and becoming the best-selling album in the United States for five non-consecutive weeks in the spring of 1979. It achieved 3× Platinum certification by the RIAA, indicating widespread popularity and sales.
The standout track, "What a Fool Believes," became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1979. This song not only became the band's biggest hit but also garnered multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The album's title track and "Depending on You" were also released as singles, both reaching the top 30 on the charts.
At the 22nd Grammy Awards, "Minute by Minute" further solidified the Doobie Brothers' success by winning the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The album itself was nominated for Album of the Year, reflecting its critical acclaim and commercial impact.
Overall, "Minute by Minute" not only propelled the Doobie Brothers to the forefront of mainstream rock in the late 1970s but also remains a significant milestone in their career, showcasing their musical versatility and ability to produce enduring hits that resonate with audiences decades later.
