For the last 38 years, Toto has consistently pushed their creative boundaries incorporating different genres of music into their own unique sound and has left an indelible mark on the world of pop rock music. The band is back with their first studio album since 2006’s “Falling In Between” with a brand new release on Frontiers Music “Toto XIV.” Today’s version of Toto features original members Steve Lukather, David Paich, and Steve Porcaro with original bassist David Hungate making his return to the fold as well as long time vocalist Joseph Williams and drummer Keith Carlock.
The record takes off with “Running Out of Time,” a hard driving rocker that will make your heart race. But the record is not full blown rockers of course as Toto blends elements of rock, pop, jazz, blues, and progressive into the mix. The melodies are simple and catchy but the arrangements are often complex and the band sounds as good as they did back in the eighties. “Orphan” is a great radio friendly pop rock single and “21st Century Blues” is just that, a killer blues number. Don’t miss the laidback feel of “The Little Things” with vocals by Steve Porcaro and the classic Paich ballad “All The Tears.” Lukather’s guitar work is out of this world throughout the record and “Chinatown” is a stand out featuring lead vocals by Williams, Lukather, and Paich each bringing their own stylistic elements to the tune.
With “Toto XIV,” Toto has given us a record worthy of the wait cementing their position as not only incredible musicians but pop culture icons. As the band has hinted that this album may be their last, this is a must add to your collection.
