The Best Michael McDonald Songs You May Not Have Heard

As a singer with Steely Dan, later a front man with The Doobie Brothers, and as solo act, Michael McDonald has one of the most enduring, original voices in music. His style is often referred to as "blue eyed soul" because of his husky voice with a baritone range.

From the 1970s to present day, Michael McDonald successfully remade Motown classics, gospel, and Christmas songs, and performed his own, original music.

Despite a list of great songs as long as your arm, many of his best songs are ones that didn't quite make the spotlight.

Here are ten of his lesser known songs that are among his best:

"You Can't Make It Love"-Blue Obsession-Warner Brothers 2000

A poignant ballad about an affair that fell short of all the things it should have been. While sad, the song's orchestration is tight and does not get in the way of McDonald's wonderful voice.

"KikwitTown"-Blue Obsession-Warner Brothers 2000

Kikwit lies along Kwilu River in the Congo Region. It was the sight of a deadly outbreak of the ebola virus in 1995. "Kikwit Town" may be one of the only songs about life there during the virus breakout.

"East of Eden"-Blink of an Eye- Reprise Records 1993

A love song with a gospel touch, "East of Eden" highlights the softer side of McDonald's voice.

"Take It to Heart"-Take It to Heart-Reprise Records 1989

An upbeat love song that got some radio play when it was released but did not get the attention it deserved.

"Searching for Understanding"-Take It to Heart- Reprise Records 1989

A driving tune that is part gospel, part love song, "Searching for Understanding" features a strong beat to compliment McDonald's vocals.

"(I Hang) On Your Every Word"-No Looking Back-Warner Brothers 1985

An upbeat love song, "(I Hang) On Your Every Word" was written by McDonald and Amy Holland, who is Mrs. Michael McDonald.

"We've Got More Than We Need"-Crackers Soundtrack-Warner Brothers 1984

An energetic tune about life, this rare gem is on a near impossible-to-find soundtrack of a strange 80's comedy that starred a young Sean Penn.

"I Can Let Go Now"- If That's What It Takes-Warner Brothers 1983

A sad ballad about love lost, the song was used by the soap opera, Search for Tomorrow.

"I Gotta Try"-If That's What It Takes-Warner Brothers 1983

A song of hope, "I Gotta Try" was co-written by frequent collaborator, Kenny Loggins.

"Midnight Rider"-That was Then-Bell Record 1972

A classic cover tune that McDonald more than does justice to on an incredibly hard to find, early album.

If you are a Michael McDonald fan, you owe it to yourself to check these songs out. I'm confident you will enjoy them as much I have.