The band had not recorded at Criteria, or with Dowd, since 1971. For the album, the band strived to reach their "classic" sound, typified by their earliest releases. Criteria owned a row of houses along Biscayne Bay they allowed artists to stay in while recording; Eric Clapton had named his album 461 Ocean Boulevard after his residence while there.
The band hadn't recorded at Criteria or with Dowd since 1971. They aimed to recapture their signature sound, reminiscent of their early work, for the new album. Criteria offered housing on Biscayne Bay to artists during recording sessions; Eric Clapton chose to name his album "461 Ocean Boulevard" after his residence there.