The Doobie Brothers sound amazing. Give thanks to their reunion with expert producer Ted Templeman, who has always done amazing things behind the soundboard. He brings the band into tight focus. Michael Hossack is locked in fierce on drums and everyone builds from there. “A Brighter Day” features the band’s classic tight harmonies and a snap in their step that proves that age has nothing on dedicated rockers. Little Feat’s Bill Payne adds some mean Hammond B-3 on “Chateau” and elsewhere. Michael McDonald throws his blue-eyed soul into the mix for the foreboding sound of “Don’t Say Goodbye.” Willie Nelson joins up for “I Know We Won.” Plenty of guests add to the festive air, but Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee cover much of the ground themselves. “Young Man’s Game” is ironic in this context. “Little Prayer” shows the gentler side of the group. “Law Dogs” roughs things up. The deluxe version of the album includes a documentary and an acoustic version of “Black Water” that highlights the band’s vocal prowess.