“I Keep Forgettin’” By Michael McDonald Sounds So Good It Hurts Our Hearts

Anyone who has heard “I Keep Forgettin’” by Michael McDonald will always remember that horrible, incredible ache in the chest those words bring. The instrumentation doesn’t overstay its welcome, but rather is like the perfect stage to shine a spotlight on McDonald’s soft, wounded intonation that perfectly brings to life the feeling of our first heartbreak. Over four decades later, it still holds up.

The sun was shining in August 1982 when “I Keep Forgettin’” was released on McDonald’s If That’s What It Takes but the visceral emotions of this song are all rainy days and cloudy nights. It’s often joked that nobody remembers anyone in a band besides the lead singer, but for his first foray away from the Doobie Brothers, McDonald made his mark with some impressive chart numbers to back him up.

“I Keep Forgettin’” was a big project for Michael McDonald and others

The Doobie Brothers were formed in 1970 and would have a bit of a rotating lineup over the years. For instance, the intrepid McDonald didn’t join until ‘75, serving as a second vocalist and a keyboard player. He brought with him a unique interest in soul music that bled into what the Doobie Brothers put out with great effect—look no further than 1976’s Takin’ It to the Streets.

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By ‘82, the Doobie Brothers were dissolved…for a time. But even when this short-lived breakup repaired itself, McDonald kept his work relationship limited mostly to guest appearances until 2019 for their 50th-anniversary tour. In the meantime, he was busy crafting a masterpiece. If That’s What It Takes ended up his first solo album separate from the Doobie Brothers.

This uncharted territory proved loaded with success, as the album peaked at #6 on Billboard 200. “I Gotta Try” reached #44, but he had an even bigger gem in that treasure vault of an album.

He got to stretch his creative wings and show what he could do

All of If That’s What It Takes were shaped by McDonald’s keen eye for music writing, with some additional credits throughout the album. “I Keep Forgettin’” was touched by McDonald as well as Ed Sanford.

Ironically, “I Keep Forgettin’” evokes that agonizing feeling of separation so well, while also being a perfect example of a lot of parts coming together very successfully, like McDonald’s appreciation for soul. It wasn’t limited to instrumentation; McDonald brought that right into his vocals to elevate “I Keep Forgettin’” to not just a song but a truly emotional experience, like an actor whose performance can truly be believed.

McDonald and the object of his affections may not be in love anymore, but plenty of artists appreciate the song and it’s been sampled countless times over the years. But, of course, nothing beats the original, so be sure to give it a listen again and again and again. Hopefully, we’ve made that so clear.