Introduction:
“What a Fool Believes” is an iconic song by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released as a single in January 1979. It is a standout track from their eighth studio album, Minute by Minute, which was released in December 1978. The song is predominantly classified as soft rock, but also incorporates elements of yacht rock and blue-eyed soul, genres that gained significant popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s for their smooth, polished production and soulful vocals.
The song was co-written by The Doobie Brothers’ vocalist and keyboardist Michael McDonald and singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins. This collaboration proved to be exceptionally fruitful, resulting in a track that would transcend typical chart success.
“What a Fool Believes” quickly became a massive hit for The Doobie Brothers. It soared to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 1979, becoming one of the few non-disco songs to reach the top spot during a period heavily dominated by disco music. This achievement alone cemented its place in music history. Beyond its commercial success, the song garnered significant critical acclaim, most notably at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1980. Here, “What a Fool Believes” swept two of the most prestigious categories: Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This double Grammy win underscored its widespread appeal and songwriting brilliance.
The song’s enduring legacy is further highlighted by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2021 (at No. 343) and its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing its lasting qualitative and historical significance. Its distinctive keyboard riff, McDonald’s soulful lead vocals, and its relatable narrative of unrequited belief in a past romance have made “What a Fool Believes” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
