I was never a huge Toto fan. For some reason I’ve always been drawn to this CD, though. I know a lot of people tend to disregard it. Perhaps it’s because it’s not the most typical Toto disc. There is a lot of great music on this one and in some ways it’s more progressive rock oriented than some of the rest of their discs. No matter the reason, I have to say this is probably my favorite album from the band. You may have overlooked it in the past, but perhaps now is the time to give it a second chance.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Weird effects styled sounds hold the first thirty seconds or so of the track. Then keyboards enter and we begin a dramatic and powerful progressive rock styled building process. This eventually gives way to a cool, rather funky groove that serves as the backdrop for the song proper. This is a cool tune that reminds me in some ways of Alan Parsons Project. They work it out into a more hard rocking sound later on. This is a great tune, but perhaps not an instantly accessible “pop” number. It’s quite proggy. There’s a cool instrumental section later that reminds me of Saga meets Emerson Lake and Palmer. The extended outro jam is also quite firmly in a progressive rock vein.

While there are still some definite progressive rock tendencies here – and some Toto trademarks, in some ways this really makes me think of Supertramp. It’s bouncy and fun and very catchy. There is an exceptionally tasty guitar solo segment on this number. The closing section is quite meaty, as well.