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This is an album I bought shortly after getting IV. I remember at the time seeing a review by David Fricke in Rolling Stone stuck to the bin, and it was one of the most brutal reviews I've ever read. The album received a one star rating, and the band was blown off as a bunch of over zealous studio musicians who over complicated stuff and still ended up with a worse than generic rock album. Needless to say, I was curious. I mean, really how bad could it be? Much to my surprise this would become my favourite Toto album - ever. They've released some great stuff, but for me my love affair with the band, and in particular Steve Lukather's playing, and his voice - are rooted very much in this album. The album rocked my world, and I've been listening to it quite a bit this month as well. I can't tell if it holds up well or not because I still really like this one. There's still a good helping of cheese here and there, particularly the "No no no no" bits in "Goodbye Elenore" but it made me smile then, and it still makes me smile. Same thing with the "I Think I Could Stand You Forever" people who think of Toto as a bunch of humourless self indulgent wankers don't know much about the band. This is funny stuff, in a good way - not to mention it has some killer fret work thrown in for good measure. "Live for Today" is one of those Steve Lukather songs that should have been huge - it's up there with my favourite songs, and although it is a little worn now it still puts a grin on my face. The coolest song is the title track, that is as far from generic as you can get. I know there are people out there who will wonder if I've lost my marbles, but I stand behind this as one of the best albums of the early 80's, and the forgotten gem in the Toto catalog. Reviewed September 26, 2008 |
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There are some albums that are amazing, and then there are amazing albums. Toto was one of those bands I'd always liked but hadn't picked up anything by them. It wasn't until I was browsing in my local record store back in '82 where they were playing a new album really loud, the song turned out to be "Afraid of Love" by Toto. I was hooked. I shelled out my cash and took the album home and wore it out. Then as luck would have it, the album became a monster success and is considered by many fans to be Toto's crowning achievement. Critics however shredded these guys - which I could never figure out. The guys got zero respect, and hauling in the half dozen Grammy awards only solidified the disdain they had for the band. Between Christopher Cross and Toto music was ruined. To that I say (profanity alert) Bullshit. These guys were (are still) players players, and if being good was a crime then the guys in the band were serving life sentences. Of course there are songs on this album I don't like (okay, so it's singular), "Waiting for Your Love" is as insipid today as it was when I first bought this - it's really the only fly in the ointment on an otherwise killer album. From the opening signature drum fills on "Rosanna" to the brilliant one two punch of "Afraid of Love" and "Loves in the Night" and the haunting ballad "I Won't Hold You Back" to the album's closer "Africa" the band was kicking ass and taking names. It's too bad that this is the only album most people think of when they think of the band - if they think of the band at all. However, for many like me - this is simply one of many great albums by one of the greatest bands ever. Reviewed September 12, 2008 |
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Released back in 1984 this was the long awaited follow-up to Toto IV. It did manage to go Gold in the US (eventually), but never really took off with the fickle public. Which is a real shame, as this is in my opinion one of the great gems in their catalog. Bobby Kimball had left the band, and Fergie Frederiksen a man whose vocal range is at the top of the tweeter-nut-cracker range really rocks. David Paich is well represented here too, which is a good thing. He's all but disappeared from later releases. His work on "Stranger in Town" is excellent, as is "Holyanna". Steve's ballad "How Does It Feel" is vintage heartache angst. The rest of the songs are rocky, punchy, and full of the great musicianship you'd expect from Toto. "Endless", and "Change of Heart" are next to brilliant. Sadly this would be the only album to feature Fergie. He's a great talent. Reviewed November 23, 2001 |
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Kingdom of Desire (Japanese Version)
After the departure of Joseph Williams, and the odd misstep of enlisting Jean-Michel Byron to sing, Steve had had enough and stepped up to the plate and assumed the frontman position. Who knows what would have happened if the band had released this before the career limiting Past to the Present. The album steered the band back to it's AOR roots. Yes, many would argue that Toto had zero credibility within rock circles, but I'd argue with you. Kingdom of Desire was Toto stripped down and ready to rock. So what happened? It took forever for this to be released in North America, and to this day it is the forgotten album. Which is criminal. It is one of the band's best albums ever. It would be the last release to feature Jeff Porcaro, who passed away after this album was recorded. There are some brilliant moments, "The Other Side" is vintage Toto, and in an album of mostly up tempo rockers, it stands out. The title track is the band at their best. People tend to think of Toto as a lightweight pop band; they forget they have some pretty heavy prog leanings. This is one of the most underrated albums in their catalog, and if you miss the harder edge to the band, this is must have. Reviewed May 20, 2006 |
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Gee, how do you not give one of your favourite bands five stars? Hey, no laughing! These guys have put out a truck load of albums after Toto IV, and "Africa" wasn't one of their best songs in my opinion. After Tambu, I was eagerly waiting for their next effort (Toto XX doesn't count - it was a good collection of near misses) and when Mindfields was released I held off ordering it as an import, hoping that it wouldn't take forever to get North American distribution. It didn't take forever, but it felt like it ... Bobby Kimball is back behind the mic; I wish David would sing a few more songs, and Steve a few less. There are some really good songs here, they can't all suck. "After You've Gone" is good, but the ten minute dentist drill called "High Price of Hate" had me paying the price in a hurry. "No Love" is another good tune along with a few others. On the whole a good effort. If the boys were expecting to regain some fans with this one, they'll be waiting a little longer - they're going to have trouble just keeping the faithful interested. Addendum May 30, 2000 - this album gets better and better with repeated listening. Maybe I was a little stinky ... "High Price of Hate"? Still hate it. |
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Bonus CD: I Will Remember / Hold the Line / Won't Hold You Back / Videos: Melanie; Cruel Okay, this is more like it. Much better than 1993's Absolutely Live. Live albums are a gamble, and this one is a sure thing. There are songs that I wish were here, but the songs that are here are great. Their North American audience may have jumped off the band wagon years ago, but at least Europeans show good taste. I saw these guys back in 1985, and that concert still ranks up there among the best shows I've ever seen. Jevster's featured CD March 2001 |
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Through
the Looking Glass (©2002
CMC)
This is a strange release. It's a great sounding disc - what else would you expect from some of the best musicians in the world. But come on, a collection of covers? Ack. It also happens to be the first disc I own that boldly states it has copy protection. Great, let's go after the consumer who likes to make mixed CDs, and MP3's. Yup, good idea. I guess this is the way of the future, and I can't the band and go, "You guys. This'll really stem the tide of international piracy." I'll blame CMC instead. Anyway, this about the album, not international bootlegging. This is a disc I initially put on my "rubbish" shelf, but I stuck with it for a while, and it started to grow on me. Some of the song choices are very strange, like the version of "Watching the Detectives", which I'm sure they did just to annoy Elvis. This is not an album that is going to get them any new fans, heck it'll be enough of a trick not to turn off their core of stalwart fans. However, if you stick with it, there are some gems here, not the least of which are "Bodhisattva", "Burn Down the Mission", and a creative version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Also, the one song I cringed thinking about was actually pretty good. "House of the Rising Sun" actually sounds fresh. Despite a rocky start to this one, I held on and didn't fall off the bandwagon. Reviewed April 2002 |
Live
in Amsterdam (©2003 Eagle Recordings)  
I know I've praised their live albums in the past, but does the world really need another live album from TOTO? Heck, do I need another live album from TOTO? Regardless of the answer, the fellers in TOTO not wanting to be outdone by Cheap Trick for most consecutive live albums have unleashed their own 25th anniversary extravaganza.
The results are actually pretty good. There are some really cool moments like the medleys, "Gift with a Golden Gun", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Home of the Brave". "Africa", one of the band’s signature songs sounds flat and uninspired - which is a shame. Maybe Dave was tired, as I tend to really like the songs Dave sings. "Rosanna" gets the full-blown treatment, and is a lot of fun, as I can only imagine how boring it must get for the guys after a while to roll out the same songs gig after gig.
Yes, I could have done without another live album they at least kept it fresh by not repeating themselves. Love ‘em or hate ‘em these guys have a lot of material and it must be a real pain trying to come up with a set list that will please everybody.
The band is a tight as ever, and it’s nice to know that as the guys get older they aren’t going quietly into that good night. Bobby’s voice does show a little wear here and there but he still packs a punch.
Of course I bought this on CD; perhaps I should have shelled out for the DVD, but dang that would have cost a lot more, and at heart I’m cheap.
Reviewed May 13, 2004 |
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Falling
in Between (©2006 Frontiers)
There was a lot of buzz about this CD. As a pretty hardcore fan, I snagged a copy as quickly as I could. Over the last few years the guys have been spotty, but they're still Toto, and even a spotty Toto album held more enjoyment than most other albums that manage to cross my desk. The problem with hype is you can set your expectations pretty high. Which I tried not to do ... but I did anyway. And to be perfectly frank, or imperfectly Jevon, my first pass through the album was pretty uneventful. WTF? This is the great second coming? Whatever. I was almost inclined to put my thoughts down after a cursory listen, which would have been a terrible mistake. I decided to play it a few more times, and pay attention. After the second listen I was hooked. This was indeed a great album. In typical Toto fashion vocals are shared amongst the band: Steve, Dave, and new guy Greg Phillinganes all step up to the mic. Bobby as usual anchors the band, and holy smokes is he ever cooking. From the opening bellowing notes on "Falling in Between" the entire band is waving their collective bottoms at the critics who have written them off. I've played it everyday for months now. Something I've not done with any album for a long time. Everyone looks to Toto IV as the band's high water mark, but I'd put this one right up there with the most consistent album they've ever done. The guys are hungry and are at their creative peak. Signing to Frontiers, the little Italian label that's snagged some pretty big names over the years, was obviously a smart move for both band and label. Toto may not make any inroads in North America - after all, they are best known as an 80's band, and radio here doesn't favour the old. However, in Europe where the band still draws fans like flies, this will no doubt be extremely well received - as it should be. For those of us who still faithfully ride the wagon, this is a welcome reward for years of faithful service. Rock on, and youth is wasted on the young. Reviewed April 29, 2006 |
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Falling
In Between Live (©2007, 2008)
[Disc 2] 1: Rosanna 2: I'll Supply The Love 3: Isolation 4: Gift Of Faith 5: Kingdom Of Desire 6: Luke Solo 7: Hydra 8: Simon Solo 9: Taint Your World 10: Gypsy Train 11: Africa 12: Drag Him To The Roof Following on the heals of the Falling in Between tour, Toto releases yet another live collection. I had the CD first, and later picked up the DVD. Both feature the same song list which is cool, and it's a really good show clocking in just under 2 hours there's a little bit of everything here. What I like so much about Toto is that they're a band with a strong catalog and they don't have to rely on recycling "Africa" and "Rosanna" over and over again - although they are here. If they're supporting a new album, they play songs from the new album (what a concept). With Dave's retirement from the band, Steve's the only member of the band who has been along for the entire ride. Sure Bobby is back which is cool, and Simon Phillips has been onboard for years and years - but as good as this album and the performances are, is this really Toto? Does it really matter? Bands are malleable things and members come and go, and if a few members drop in or out, does it really matter? Falling in Between Live features the legendary Leland Sklar on bass filling in for an ailing Mike Pocaro. Greg Philliganes is on keys and vocals, and Tony Spinner adds guitar and vocals. Like I said the performances are pretty good, but the weaker moments are provided by Greg and Tony. Greg's keyboard solo never really catches, and is just sort of there. Tony gets to sing some Joseph Williams era stuff, and while he's decent - it just doesn't feel right. In the past with the band's live efforts I've only had the CDs, and with this album I had the discs first, and they stand on their own. However it's the DVD that is worth picking up. I'd seen the band once back in 1985 on the Isolation tour, and it was one of my favourite concerts for years. This one had that same kind of magic. It's really quite good, and considering these guys aren't exactly kids anymore to see the energy and effortless nature of their playing this is a level of musicianship and entertainment most of the young bands aren't able to duplicate in an age of protools and autotune (although I have to say, Steve used his autotune a fair bit on this album so I shouldn't knock it). As it turns out, this would end up being the band's swansong, and although it's not the Toto you'd remember, it's was a band that was still bigger than you'd expect in Europe and they went out on their terms. Reviewed January 13, 2009 |
1:
Gift With A Golden Gun 2: English Eyes 3: Live For Today 4: A Million
Miles Away 5: Goodbye Elenore 6: I Think I Could Stand You Forever 7:
Turn Back 8: If It's The Last Night
1:
Rosanna 2: Make Believe 3: I Won't Hold You Back 4: Good For You 5:
It's A Feeling 6: Afraid Of Love 7: Lovers In The Night 8: We Made It
9: Waiting For Your Love 10: Africa 
the
songs: Carmen / Lion / Stranger in Town / Angel Don't Cry / How Does
It Feel / Endless / Isolation / Mr. Friendly / Change of Heart / Holyanna
1:
Gypsy Train 2: Don't Chain My Heart 3: Never Enough 4: How Many Times
5: 2 Hearts 6: Wings Of Time 7: She Knows The Devil 8: The Other Side
9: Only You 10: Kick Down The Walls 11: Kingdom Of Desire 12: Jake To
The Bone 13: Little Wing (Bonus Track) 
the
songs: After You've Gone / Mysterious Ways / Mindfields / High Price
Of Hate / Selfish / No Love / Caught In The Balance / Last Love / Mad
About You / One Road / Melanie / Cruel World / Better World (parts I,
II, & III)
the
songs: Caught in the Balance / Tale of a Man / Rosana / Luke Solo /
Million Miles Away / Jake to the Bone / Simon Solo / Dave's Gone Skiing
/ Acoustic Set: Out of Love; Mama; You Are the Flower; The Road Goes
On / Better World / Girl Goodbye / Dave Solo / White Sister
tracks:
Could You Be Loved / Bodhisattva / While My Guitar Gently Weeps / I
Can't Get Next To You / Living For The City / Maiden Voyage - Butterfly
/ Burn Down The Mission / Sunshine Of Your Love / House Of The Rising
Sun / Watching The Detectives / It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A
Train To Cry
1:
Girl Goodbye 2: Goodbye Elenore 3: Child's Anthem 4: I'll Supply The
Love 5: Gift With A Golden Gun 6: While My Guitar Gently Weeps 7: Bodhisattva
8: Africa 9: Waiting For Your Love 10: Georgy Porgy 11: Lion 12: Hydra
13: English Eyes 14: Till The End 15: I Won't Hold You Back 16: Rosanna
17: Afraid Of Love 18: Hold The Line 19: Home Of The Brave 
1:
Falling in Between 2: Dying on My Feet 3: Bottom of Your Soul 4: King
of the World 5: Hooked 6: Simple Life 7: Taint Your World 8: Let it
Go 9: Spiritual Man 10: No End in Sight
[Disc
1] 1: Falling In Between 2: King Of The World 3: Pamela 4: Bottom Of
Your Soul 5: Caught In The Balance 6: Don't Chain My Heart 7: Hold The
Line 8: Stop Loving You 9: I'll Be Over You 10: Cruel 11: Greg Solo