Doobie Brothers – Stampede VG+/VG+

Stampede is the fifth studio album by the American rock band the Doobie Brothers, released on April 25, 1975 by Warner Bros. Records. The album was the last one to feature Tom Johnston as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter, before he was replaced by Michael McDonald in 1976. The album was recorded in various locations, including Switzerland, California, Chicago and Nashville.

The album consists of 11 tracks, blending elements of rock, country, funk and folk music. The album features many guest musicians, such as Maria Muldaur, Ry Cooder and Curtis Mayfield. The album also marks the first full participation of guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, who had joined the band as a guest on previous albums. The album spawned three singles: “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me)”, a cover of a Motown song by Holland-Dozier-Holland; “Sweet Maxine”, a catchy rocker co-written by Johnston and Patrick Simmons; and “I Cheat the Hangman”, a haunting ballad by Simmons. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the band’s musical diversity and craftsmanship. The album was also a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 8 on the US Billboard 200. It was certified gold by the RIAA for selling 500,000 copies in the US.