Michael McDonald, “I Keep Forgettin’” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 62^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” by Michael McDonald. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ️!

   Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 62^nd  edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)”, performed by 🎙 Michael McDonald.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍

“I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore / I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again.” 🎙 Michael McDonald had a successful run as a member of 🎙 Doobie Brothers, an iconic, soft-rock, pop-soul collective. He also experienced a successful run as a solo artist beginning with his first and best studio album, 💿 If That’s What It Takes.  The crown jewel of his 1982, gold-certified LP is 🎵 “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)”. “I Keep Forgettin’” was a pop hit, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, his most successful solo single.

“I Keep Forgettin’” is an exceptional example of sound songwriting, period (McDonald, 🎼 ✍ Ed Sanford, 🎼 ✍ Jerry Leiber, and 🎼 ✍ Mike Stoller). The lyrics are strong, but also, the crossover appeal is what really stands out.  McDonald lies somewhere in the rock/pop/soul sphere, which makes him appeal to multiple audiences.  Thematically, McDonald is struggling with a break-up.  Sure, we’ve heard ‘this song and dance’ many times but it never grows old.  Clearly, McDonald hates that things have ended, and he isn’t coping well.  In the bridge, he asserts, “Don’t say that, don’t say that, don’t say that / I know you’re not mine anymore-anymore-anytime / But tell me how come I…” Basically, like all of us who have broken up with someone, you have to work through it, sigh.

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Final Thoughts 💭

All told, 🎵 “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” is a classic that needs little analysis or explanation – it speaks for itself.  The 1980s were a great decade for Michael McDonald, who shines on this crossover gem. Even at 40 years old, “I Keep Forgettin’” remains fresh and relevant pop music.

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🎙 Michael McDonald • 💿 If That’s What It Takes • 🏷 Warner • 📅 1982

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Michael McDonald, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 62 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, Warner]

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