The Doobie Brothers: What A fool Believes (1979)

About the song

“What a Fool Believes” stands as a timeless classic in the realm of soft rock, written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and famously recorded by the Doobie Brothers for their 1978 album *Minute by Minute*. This track became their breakout hit, reaching the pinnacle of success by topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a week in April 1979 and earning prestigious Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1980. In recognition of its enduring popularity and cultural impact, the song was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2024.

The genesis of “What a Fool Believes” began when Kenny Loggins visited Michael McDonald at his Los Angeles home. McDonald was playing a piano melody that caught Loggins’ ear, who then proposed they collaborate on the song, contributing the poignant hook line, “She had a place in his life.” Their shared influences from classic pop tunes, such as those by the Four Seasons, shaped the song’s melodic structure and emotional depth. By the next day, they had completed the composition, blending their distinct musical styles into a cohesive narrative of love and longing.

Interestingly, both Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald recorded their versions around the same time. Loggins released his rendition on his album *Nightwatch* in July 1978, produced by Bob James, featuring a softer, more intimate arrangement that highlighted his vocals and the song’s lyrical poignancy.

In contrast, the Doobie Brothers, with Michael McDonald on lead vocals, crafted a version produced by Ted Templeman that showcased their signature blend of rock and soul. The recording process was meticulous, spanning several days to achieve the desired “floppy feel” that characterized the track. McDonald’s addition of keyboards, vocals, and strings transformed the song into a stylistic departure from their previous works, ultimately capturing the attention of Warner Bros. executives who recognized its potential despite initial reservations.

Upon its release as a single in January 1979, “What a Fool Believes” quickly ascended the charts, resonating with audiences for its soulful vocals, intricate production, and emotive storytelling. Its inclusion in the video game *Grand Theft Auto V* on the fictional radio station Los Santos Rock Radio further solidified its status as a classic rock anthem, reintroducing it to new generations of listeners.

Critically acclaimed for its melodic prowess and lyrical depth, “What a Fool Believes” continues to be celebrated as one of the Doobie Brothers’ greatest achievements. Its enduring legacy underscores its place in music history as a quintessential example of 1970s soft rock, captivating audiences with its timeless charm and musical sophistication.

Video

Lyrcs

Michael mcdonald/kenny loggins

He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don’t see
Tryin’ hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life

She musters a smile
For his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize
It never really was

She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watching her go

But what a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
And nothing at all keeps sending him…

Somewhere back in her long ago
Where he can still believe there’s a place in her life
Someday, somewhere, she will return

She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watching her go

But what a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
There’s nothing at all
But what a fool believes he sees…