Patrick Simmons is one of the founding members of the Doobie Brothers, and the only member to appear on all of their studio albums (Tom Johnston missed 3 albums from '77 through '80).
This solo album was released in 1983, not long after the Doobies broke up (they would reform in 1989). I had no idea this album existed, until I came across it at a used record store a while back. Not long ago, after the Doobie Brother were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame (RRHOF), I saw it at a different used record store, and decided to pick it up.
Overall, it's pretty solid, although it is definitely a product of the mid 80's (early-mid 80's, at least). Very slick and polished. A lot closer to Michael McDonald era Doobies that previous. Then again, McDonald provides Keyboards, Synths, Backing Vocals... And he co wrote one of the songs (Why You Givin’ Up). Patrick Simmons co-wrote 6 of the 10 songs on this album, which is pretty respectable for the time. It includes a cover of the old Chi-Lites song "How You Seen Her?" Unfortunately (IMHO) it songs toomuch like the original. I'd've preferred a take more like the Doobie Brother did with the HDH song "Take Me In Your Arms".
There were actually two singles from this album. "So Wrong" peaked at #30 in May of 1983, and "Don't Make Me Do It" managed #75 in July 1985. (Billboard Hot 100). The album peaked at #52.
As I said, it's slick but solid. Not as memorable as one would hope, but nothing remotely bad, either. If you like later Doobie Brothers, you'll dig it. I'd give it 3.5 of 5.0 stars.
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so here's 2 to show what I'm trying to say with "slick". The photo on the left is Patrick Simmons, on the album cover for Arcade. On the right is Patrick Simmons on stage, from the early 70's Doobie Brothers. Neither is right or wrong. But different
Oh, and GOOD LUCK to the Doobie Brothers, hoping they make it in to the RRHOF.
Interesting side note: This is the only solo album I have by former Doobie Brothers, though it looks like there are others. Here's what the internet says, just for the original lineup (1971-1975):
- 1979 - Tom Johnston - Everything You've Heard Is True
- 1981 - Tom Johnston - Still Feels Good
- 1983 - Patrick Simmons - Arcade
- 1995 - Tiran Porter - Playing To An Empty House
- 1995 - Patrick Simmons - Take Me to the Highway
AND:
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