In August 1982, “Warner Bros” label released “If That’s What It Takes”, the debut Michael McDonald studio album. It was recorded 1981 – 1982, at “Warner Bros. Recording Studio”; “Sunset Sound Recorders” and “Ocean Way Recording” in Hollywood, and was produced by Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker.
Personnel:
- Michael McDonald – lead and backing vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes, synthesizer
- Dean Parks, Steve Lukather, Robben Ford – guitar
- Greg Phillinganes – piano, clavinet
- Greg Phillinganes – organ
- Michael McDonald, Greg Phillinganes, Michael Omartian – Fender Rhodes
- Michael Boddicker – synthesizer
- Tom Scott – lyricon
- Willie Weeks, Louis Johnson, Mike Porcaro – bass
- Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro – drums
- Lenny Castro, Bobby LaKind, Paulinho Da Costa, Ted Templeman – percussion
- Edgar Winter, Tom Scott – saxophone
- Jerry Hey – horn arrangements
- Marty Paich – string arrangements
- Ed Sanford, Maureen McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Brenda Russell, Kathy Walker, Amy Holland – backing vocals
- Ken Deane, Bobby Hata, Lee Herschberg, James Isaacson, Donn Landee, Mark Linett, Steve McManus – engineer
- Lee Herschberg, James Isaacson, Donn Landee, Mark Linett – overdub engineer
- Lee Herschberg – mixing
- Bobby Hata – mastering
- Paul Mederios – keyboard technician
- Jeff Adamoff – art direction, design
- Jim Shea – photography
- Irving Azoff – direction
- Joan Parker, Kathy Walker, Vicki Fortson – production coordinator
Track listing:
- Playin’ by the Rules – Michael McDonald, Ed Sanford
- I Keep Forgetting – Michael McDonald, Ed Sanford, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
- Love Lies – Michael McDonald, Randy Goodrum
- I Gotta Try – Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins
- I Can Let Go Now – Michael McDonald
- That’s Why – McDonald, Randy Goodrum
- If That’s What It Takes – Michael McDonald, Jackie De Shannon
- No Such Luck – Michael McDonald, Grady Walker, Harry Garfield
- Losin’ End – Michael McDonald
- Believe in It – Michael McDonald
musicalphabet 