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One Step Closer

by The Doobie Brothers

Released: September 17, 1980

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

Despite changes in the lineup, One Step Closer reflects the band's ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their popular sound. "One Step Closer" is the ninth studio album by the Doobie Brothers, released on September 17, 1980, by Warner Bros. One Step Closer is notable for being the last studio album featuring Michael McDonald as a member of the Doobie Brothers until the 2014 album Southbound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This album is also the first studio release…

This album is also the first studio release to feature John McFee as a member of the band.

McFee, who joined the band in the late…

McFee, who joined the band in the late 1970s, brought his guitar skills and multi-instrumental talents to the group's sound, adding a new dimension to their music.

The song was a major hit and is…

The song was a major hit and is one of the standout tracks from the album.

McDonald’s presence on the album contributed to its…

McDonald’s presence on the album contributed to its distinctive sound, characterized by his soulful vocals and keyboard work.

The album continued the Doobie Brothers' successful run…

The album continued the Doobie Brothers' successful run during the late 1970s and early 1980s, blending rock, pop, and soul elements.

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Essential Tracks

Real Love

This album marks a significant moment in the band's history for several reasons: The album includes the hit single "Real Love," which achieved notable success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

One Step Closer

Despite changes in the lineup, One Step Closer reflects the band's ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their popular sound.

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Explore the Album

The Doobie Brothers - One Step Closer

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Reception

This album marks a significant moment in the band's history for several reasons: The album includes the hit single "Real Love," which achieved notable success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"One Step Closer" is the ninth studio album by the Doobie Brothers, released on September 17, 1980, by Warner Bros. Records. This album marks a significant moment in the band's history for several reasons:

The album includes the hit single "Real Love," which achieved notable success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was a major hit and is one of the standout tracks from the album.

One Step Closer is notable for being the last studio album featuring Michael McDonald as a member of the Doobie Brothers until the 2014 album Southbound. McDonald’s presence on the album contributed to its distinctive sound, characterized by his soulful vocals and keyboard work.

This album is also the first studio release to feature John McFee as a member of the band. McFee, who joined the band in the late 1970s, brought his guitar skills and multi-instrumental talents to the group's sound, adding a new dimension to their music.

The album continued the Doobie Brothers' successful run during the late 1970s and early 1980s, blending rock, pop, and soul elements. Despite changes in the lineup, One Step Closer reflects the band's ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their popular sound.