Michael McDonald on vocals and was written by McDonald. The song peaked at number 13 in the US and number 7 in Canada.[3]
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."[4]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."[5]
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.[6] 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."[7]
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.[11][12]