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:

1. Playin’ by the Rules – Michael McDonald, Ed Sanford
2. I Keep Forgetting – Michael McDonald, Ed Sanford, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
3. Love Lies – Michael McDonald, Randy Goodrum
4. I Gotta Try – Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins
5. I Can Let Go Now – Michael McDonald
6. That’s Why – McDonald, Randy Goodrum
7. If That’s What It Takes – Michael McDonald, Jackie De Shannon
8. No Such Luck – Michael McDonald, Grady Walker, Harry Garfield
9. Losin’ End – Michael McDonald
10. Believe in It – Michael McDonald