Kingdom of Desire Songs Ranked
Kingdom of Desire is the eighth studio album by Toto, released in 1992. It is the first album on which guitarist Steve Lukather assumed sole lead vocal duties and the final album to feature drummer Jeff Porcaro, who died during rehearsals for the tour promoting this album. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain. During the tour for The Seventh One, lead singer Joseph Williams was fired from Toto. In between The Seventh One and Kingdom of Desire, the band released Past to Present, a compilation album that contained four new tracks. Multiple vocalists were considered to replace Williams for the new tracks, including original singer Bobby Kimball (although not included on Past to Present, Kimball’s contribution “Goin’ Home” would ultimately be released on Toto XX). At the suggestion of Columbia director of A&R, the band ultimately auditioned South African singer Jean-Michael Byron. Byron was championed by Jeff Porcaro and hired by the band to perform the new tracks on Past to Present. Steve Lukather described Byron’s live performances with Toto as “horrifying.” As a result, not unlike the prior tour with Williams, Lukather was pressed into often assuming lead vocals. Byron became the fourth lead vocalist fired by Toto. Here are all of Kingdom of Desire songs ranked.
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12. Gypsy Train
“Gypsy Train begins with Jeff Porcaro’s thunderous beat. Luke’s raw vocals let you know he could have taken lead anytime. Multiple guitars solos bring this monster to a close.”
11. Never Enough
“Rather than holding onto the over-the-top synthesized glossiness of the eighties, Toto decided to take a much more raw bluesy approach on KOD. Steve Lukather lends his slightly raspy vocals to these uptempo rockers. The band sounds and feels more like a band on this album than on any other before.”
10. 2 Hearts
“We have Two Hearts, Toto’s first true power ballad. It begins with pounding drums. Multiple guitars rush in, and passionate singing and majestic harmonies follow. A simply beautiful song.”
9. She Knows the Devil
“I guess you could say that a majority of Toto’s albums are soft adult contemporary or are somewhat bland offerings compared to what else is being released. The 1980s was full of that. That doesn’t mean I don’t like it. This particular release is probably one of the more guitar oriented Toto albums which I like because it’s always good to hear Lukather take charge and shine which he does on this release.”
See more: Toto Albums Ranked
8. Only You
“Acoustic guitars! Wow! Forgot they existed on this album! A very nice track, but slightly repetitive in the chorus. Apart from that, very nice and the melodic break after the second chorus is sublime. “
7. Kingdom of Desire
“The penultimate track, ‘Kingdom of Desire’ starts with an overwhelming sense that something special is brewing. There is space and the gentle plucking of an overdriven electric guitar and the crisp hi-hat beat. Each time I hear the beginning of this track I still get chills.”
6. Jake to the Bone
“That first track I listened to,’Jake to the bone’, is a blistering, lengthy rock fusion instrumental that sounds more like Dream Theater. This was Jeff Porcaro showing that not only was he the groovemeister but could thrash out in odd time signatures as well. “
See more: Toto Songs Ranked
5. Kick Down the Walls
“With this album, Toto show their ability to just play good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n roll, but with the melodic grace and structure of their earlier works. Gone are Bobby K. and Joseph W., leaving Luke to take up the lead vocals, and he goes about his work in competent, if not inspiring, fashion.”
4. The Other Side
“And of course there are a few great ballads on here. I will mention in particular track number 8–a song called “The Other Side”. Of all the great Toto ballads I have heard over the years, this ranks right up there amoung the best–with its soulful vocals and yearning, heartfelt message.”
3. Wings of Time
“Wings of time is another mid tempo ballad. Just not much going on. There is a semblance of a melody somewhere, and the synthesiser/keys are ok (I like the three chord descending progression, very memorable), but I would have preferred them to be more prominent in the mix and a little more busy.”
2. How Many Times
“Steve Lukather’s guitar mastery is showcased here better than I had ever heard it. Lukather also provides excellent lead vocals as well. There are also a bunch of guest musicians and backing vocalists that really round out this tour de force of rock ‘n’ roll/R&B/funk rock/progressive etc.”
1. Don’t Chain My Heart
“A wonderful blues shuffle. Once Again Jeff’s drums thunder in. This album I think is Jeff’s moment. Never before has he pounded this hard. Also Luke blisters with a guitar sound you can feel in your gut. And Mike Porcaro’s Booming bass lays a great foundation. Great tune.”
