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Song Review: The Doobie Brothers feat. Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro and Henry Kapono - “Lahaina”

As a song, “Lahaina” is nothing to get excited about. But it’s also a must-listen.

And that’s because the new Doobie Brothers single - a joint with drummer Mick Fleetwood, ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro and singer Henry Kapono - benefits the People’s Fund of Maui as the Hawaiian island recovers from devastating wildfires.

Set to a balladic, tropical arrangement that epitomizes the downside of yacht rock, the track finds Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald and Kapono harmonizing:

Deep roots of the banyan tree growing in the sand/are strong like the people of the island/ … it’s calling me Lahaina/carry me home/where I belong

So, yeah, it’s overwrought. But the island is overwhelmed and the sentiment and fundraising motivation is unassailable.

“I hope this song brings some peace and healing to those who need it,” Fleetwood, whose restaurant was destroyed in this year’s blazes, said in a statement.

Grade card: The Doobie Brothers feat. Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro and Henry Kapono - “Lahaina” - C-

Tom Johnston (foreground) and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers - Concord Pavilion; Concord, CA (6-7-17).