Search - Toto :: Falling in Between

Toto's Return to Form

Christopher J. Benz | Melbourne, Australia | 02/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For a band that essentially exists in the realm of mainstream rock, TOTO are an odd entity.



It is well known that the band are essentially alumni of the late 70's/early 80's LA studio scene. Members of the band cut their teeth working as session musicians for the likes of Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Rickie Lee Jones, George Benson, The Jacksons, Randy Crawford, Boz Scaggs... the list is literally endless. Most famously, members of TOTO were the core band behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album.



As a band in their own right, TOTO have (not surprisingly) supplied superlative musicianship but perhaps lacked consistent A-Grade compositions and originality despite their ability to play ANY style for ANY other artist or composer. The one exception to this rule was the knockout album "TOTO IV" released in 1982 and spearheaded with two astonishing David Paich compositions "Rosanna" (named for actress Rosanna Arquette) and "Africa", the remainder of the album was so solid, that "IV" is a 5 star album in the books of many music fanatics.



Strangely the success of this LP marked the end of the 'classic' line-up of TOTO with Bobby Kimball (lead vocals) and David Huntgate (bass) departing.

Since then, the band have (and I know many will disagree with this generalisation) largely struggled to hold a consistent identity that has found any sort of universal following. However, they are such superb musicians that they are always guaranteed an audience.



If, like me, you were most in love with TOTO's classic line-up, you will LOVE this album. Aside from "IV" and arguably their debut, it is their most enjoyable release and their most consistently excellent collection of songs. The playing is extraordinary, and despite those of us who dearly miss the astonishing talent of drummer Jeff Porcaro, Simon Phillips can outdrum the other 99% of the opposition. The sound of the record is very reminiscent of the first 4 TOTO lps, with Bobby Kimball restoring a tasty R&B flavour to kick against the almost anal musicianship of the rest of the band.

The various instrumental breaks (most songs on this CD have at least 2) are jaw dropping affairs with finger crunching chords, keyboards, electrontics and strings flying in and out of constantly shifting time signatures. The playing really is a joy to behold.



The addition of the very talented Greg Phillinganes on keyboard (presumably to fill the vocal and instrumental gap left from David Paich quitting life on the road) is a terrific additional layer to TOTO's sound restoring some of the Paich/Porcaro duel keyboard arrangements of their early albums. Phillinganes has similar studio credentials to the rest of the band going right back to the late 70's and his clean, Roachford style vocals add immensely to the scope of the music.



As for the songs, they still feature TOTO's always present weakness; a lack of lyrical maturity, although Kimball's soulful delivery helps to mask the frayed edges of their songwriting. Having said that, if you don't expect poetry in words, you'll be in 7th heaven with the music. "Dying on my feet", aside from the electronics, sounds like a beautiful and nasty bluesy ballad, that would've been equally at home on 'Hydra' or 'Turn Back'. "King of the World" offers up passionate, over the top rock and roll fun with all 3 key vocalists contributing on the same tune. "Simple Life" is one of Steve Lukather's best (and very concise) ballads, and "Spiritual Man" is classic and new at the same time - a nice piece of songwriting from David Paich. It's far from 'innovative' music but it completely succeeds on it's own terms as an uplifting rock anthem.



It's worth pointing out that Steve Porcaro's contribution to this album was so prolific, you wonder why they didn't just list him as a member of the group as he once was. Perhaps it is that he doesn't tour with them any more. Nonetheless, his touch improves every song that features his production work or signature synth playing.



This album is a genuine return to form, and you need make no consolations to the age or shifting personnel in the band. If you are at all partial to TOTO's original line-up, this one's for you. Enjoy it!"

One of the best Toto cd's..How about one of the best rock cd

K. B. Pendry | Sandersville, GA United States | 03/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This may be the best rock cd i've herd in the last 5 years!!!!!!TOTO is back in fine form. Steve and the boys have pulled out all of the stops for one of....if not the best rock album since Steely Dan's "Two aginst Nature". This is an album that is out of time and place in todays market however because it's high quality professional musicians playing there hearts out. I hope this album gets the credit it's due because it's a true masterpiece....it's the new Mona lisa of rock in my book....TOTO has arrived for a new generation of fans! And like other reviwers I agree "Spiritual Man" is a classic!!!"

Top of Their Game

Jack LaFrance | Los Angeles, California | 03/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes sir, where other bands from this era are still holding on to the past or have completly forgotten themselves, Toto has continued to reach "Bachanalian" (that's J.S. Bach) greatness. They're even better than when they were experts and they push themselves to make some difficult things happen musically. They pull it off and make for one incredibly fine high-end rock album. There are no songs with chick names this time, but songs about todays headlines: the war, Enron and such.... or about spirituality and mental health. Who's doing that today? I agree with the guy above that some of the lyrics seem like odd choices at times, but then again, there are many that hit the bullseye.

Pick this album up if you want to hear something other than screaming in your ear during and entire song or some rappers deep bedroom voice telling you to "Shake that *** girl." Like Steve Howe, Stevie Wonder and John Coltrane in their day, Toto are a thing of beauty for those who really know music and what it can do."