Wheels of Fortune (song)

"Wheels of Fortune" is a song written by Patrick Simmons, Jeff Baxter and John Hartman. It was first released by the Doobie Brothers on their 1976 album Takin' It to the Streets. It was also released as the second single from the album.

"Wheels of Fortune"
Portuguese cover
Single by The Doobie Brothers
from the album Takin' It to the Streets
B-side"Slat Key Soquel Rag"
ReleasedAugust 4, 1976
StudioWarner Bros. Studios
GenrePop rock
Length4:57 (album)
3:48 (single)
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Patrick Simmons
Jeff Baxter
John Hartman
Producer(s)Ted Templeman
The Doobie Brothers singles chronology
"Takin' It to the Streets"
(1976)		 "Wheels of Fortune"
(1976)		 "It Keeps You Runnin'"
(1976)

Lyrics and Music

According to Billboard Magazine, "Wheels of Fortune" has a similar theme to Blood, Sweat & Tears' 1969 single "Spinning Wheel."[1] The lyrics describe how the wheels of fortune keep changing so that sometimes you lose and sometimes you win.

Nevada State Journal critic Pat O'Driscoll found "Wheels of Fortune" to be generally in the typical Doobie Brothers' style, with "layers of strumming rhythm guitars", but that it also incorporated jazz elements.[2] J. Greg Robertson of the Hartford Courant similarly found the song to be in the Doobie Brothers' traditional style, with "fast tempo, multiple drumming, standard guitar riffs and group vocals."[3] On the other hand, David Guo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette remarked that the song's "warbling and syncopated rhythms" were reminiscent of Steely Dan.[4] Likewise, Terry Anderson of The Daily Journal heard jazz influences from Steely Dan.[5] Allmusic critic Bruce Eder also saw "Wheels of Fortune" as an example of the Doobie Brothers being influenced by Steely Dan.[6]

Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston shared the lead vocals on "Wheels of Fortune."[7] This was one of Johnston's last lead vocal performances for the Doobie Brothers before being forced to leave the band due to health reasons.[7][8]

Reception

"Wheels of Fortune" was released as the second single from Takin' It to the Streets as a follow up to the title song. Although the previous single reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Wheels of Fortune" was far less successful, peaking at #87.[9]

Billboard rated "Wheels of Fortune as a "worthy follow-up to 'Taking It To The Streets,'" describing it as combining "funky instrumental tracks and country-rockish vocalizing into a stunning sound."[1] Los Angeles Times critic Steve Pond found that although it incorporates new elements for the band such as the Steely Dan influences, it was "every bit as appealing as the early hits the Doobies once seemed content to merely rewrite."[10] Despite its lack of chart success, Brian Kay of Classic Rock History rated "Wheels of Fortune" as the Doobie Brothers all-time greatest song, praising its composition, production values and performance.[11] Chris Epting of Ultimate Classic Rock described the song as "powerful."[7]

Other Appearances

"Wheels of Fortune" was included on the 2007 compilation album The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers.[12]

The Doobie Brothers played "Wheels of Fortune" on Dinah! on July 24, 1976.[13]

Personnel

The Doobie Brothers

Additional personnel

References
  1. "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. August 21, 1976. p. 60. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  2. O'Driscoll, Pat (April 25, 1976). "Discovery". Nevada State Journal. p. 41. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  3. Robertson, J. Greg (May 2, 1976). "Doobie Sixth Shows Growth". Hartford Courant. p. 22F. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  4. Guo, David (November 18, 1976). "Doobie Brothers Still Big Here". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 15. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  5. Anderson, Terry (May 11, 1976). "Doobie's Latest". The Daily Journal. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  6. Eder, Bruce. "Takin' It to the Streets". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  7. Epting, Chris (April 7, 2020). "Who Sang the Most Doobie Brothers' Songs? Lead Vocal Totals". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  8. "40 Years Ago: Michael McDonald Makes Doobie Brothers Debut With 'Takin' It To The Streets'". Society of Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  9. "The Doobie Brothers Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  10. Pond, Steve (May 30, 1976). "Pop Album Briefs". Los Angeles Times. p. 66. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  11. Kay, Brian. "Top 10 Doobie Brothers Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  12. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  13. "Saturday's TV Highlights". Chicago Tribune. July 24, 1976. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
  14. Giles, Jeff and Wardlaw, Matt. "How Doobie Brothers Redefined Their Sound on 'Takin' It to the Streets'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2020-08-07.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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