About this album
Where they were
What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits is The Doobie Brothers' fourth studio album, released after their commercial breakthrough with The Captain and Me. By 1974, they were solidifying their sound and expanding their fanbase, marking a pivotal moment in their shift from a primarily rock-oriented band to one that embraced more diverse musical influences.
Why it matters
This album features the hit single 'Black Water', which became The Doobie Brothers' first number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. Its blend of rock, pop, and country elements contributed to its enduring popularity and solidified the band's place in the soft rock movement of the 1970s.
Essential tracks
- "Black Water" — 'Black Water' showcases the band's ability to fuse rock with Southern soul, featuring memorable melodies and harmonies that helped catapult them to mainstream success.
- "Another Park, Another Sunday" — This track highlights the band's lyrical depth and smooth vocal arrangements, embodying the reflective spirit of 70s soft rock.
- "Eyes of Silver" — 'Eyes of Silver' stands out for its intricate instrumental sections and harmonized vocals, demonstrating the band's musical versatility and craftsmanship.
- "Daughters of the Sea" — The haunting quality of 'Daughters of the Sea' reveals a more introspective side of The Doobie Brothers, showcasing their lyrical storytelling abilities.
Release Date
January 1, 1974
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Song to See You Through 4:07
- 2 Spirit 3:16
- 3 Pursuit on 53rd St. 2:35
- 4 Black Water 4:21
- 5 Eyes of Silver 3:00
- 6 Road Angel 4:48
- 7 You Just Can’t Stop It 3:31
- 8 Tell Me What You Want (And I’ll Give You What You Need) 3:55
- 9 Down in the Track 4:17
- 10 Another Park, Another Sunday 4:31
- 11 Daughters of the Sea 4:34
- 12 Flying Cloud 1:59
