Focusing on the early years of the Doobie Brothers, Best of the Doobies follows the band from its humble boogie and country-rock beginning to the start of its transition to a smoother, more pop-leaning sound. With songs like "China Grove," "Rockin' Down the Highway," and "Listen to the Music," the album shows off the band's simpler years. And although "Takin' It to the Streets" is a preview of the Michael McDonald-dominated years that would follow, the first installment of this two-volume set features the band's most essential work from its rock & roll years.