Toto XIV Songs Ranked
Toto XIV is the thirteenth studio album by the American rock band Toto (though the band’s fourteenth album overall, when one counts either Toto XX or the Dune soundtrack). Toto released the album on March 20, 2015. It is the band’s first studio album since Falling in Between in 2006. The album marks the return of Joseph Williams on lead vocals, Steve Porcaro on keyboards, and as well as the only album marking the return of its original bassist David Hungate (since Toto IV in 1982) before he left the band in September. The band continued without an official bass player in their lineup. Toto XIV is the first and only album with Keith Carlock on drums, replacing Simon Phillips, the longstanding successor to original drummer Jeff Porcaro, who died in 1992. It is also the first studio album since 1982’s Toto IV not to feature longtime bassist Mike Porcaro, who had been inactive since 2007 due to ALS and died shortly before the album’s release. Here are all of Toto XIV songs ranked.
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11. Great Expectations
“Great Expectations” (Paich, Williams & Lukather). One thing has been missing so far, that is a song where Toto have room to stretch musically, even show off a little – THIS IS IT! Toto have suffered from unrealistic “Great Expectations” in the past. In my imagination, I see Toto deliberately ending with this track as it rounds off the record exceeding all my personal expectations.”
10. All the Tears That Shine
“A beautiful ballad – thankfully not named after a girl this time! I have always enjoyed David Paich vocals & wish he had sung more. As so many of the members sing this contains some beautiful sung harmonies”
9. The Little Things
“While I feel like saying welcome home Steve Porcaro, he has always been a part of the Toto family. However, the last time he served lead vocal duty for Toto was on their best seller “Toto IV”, I have missed his vocals.”
See more: Toto Albums Ranked
8. Orphan
“This is the first radio release off the record & is incredibly catchy. Again, a lyrical message spot on & timely for the world “you are never alone in the world”. David Paich has done some great work with the UN, which seems to have influenced this & other songs.”
7. Holy War
“The best art always reflects something of society & Toto ask what do we fight for & why? Musically I love it; lyrically it is brilliant, “All in the name of peace & love”. It is almost spiritual in the way it gets us questioning, “what are we fighting for?””
6. Running Out of Time
“The opening cut, it makes a statement of intent with Lukes signature guitar riff, pulsating bass played by Tim Lefebvre, allows Keith Carlock a great opportunity to shine. This song rocks so if you only like Toto ballads (as some do) this is not for you.”
5. Burn
“They may have penned the track but, with Toto, I am sure they all contribute a lot after the demo was submitted. “Burn” starts as a subtle track giving Joseph opportunity to show his vocal strength before it bursts into a surprising rock refrain. I know Toto respect Elton John & in some ways, far more than the title, it sounds to me a nod to “Burn Down the Mission” but yet is very different at the same time.”
See more: Toto Songs Ranked
4. 21st Century Blues
“Once more lyrically, they hit the right spot, “how can we believe the world is round? It is hard to conceive it”. Blues & Gospel are musical twins & Toto update the tradition of Blues musically while lyrically asking Gospel like questions; “how many people gotta die before we lend a hand, I can see myself living in their promised land, someone help me.”
3. Unknown Soldier
“This finds them in a contemplative mood & Luke on main vocal duty. However, it builds into a positive musical feel. Martin Tillman plays cello bringing memories of Mike Porcaro who played cello on Toto IV. With Michael McDonald on backing vocals once again connecting the dots to Toto’s past releases.”
2. Chinatown
“This song could have been on “Toto IV” & would have charted high. I miss Jeff Porcaro (RIP) I started playing the drums heavily influenced by him frustrated that I knew I would never be 1% of the drummer he was. Simon Phillips wisely never tried to sound anything like Jeff. If he had the pain would have been too much, that is how much of a loss he was.”
1. Fortune
“Some interesting Steve Porcaro touches on this. While David Paich is a virtuoso on the keyboard, Steve has a great ear and creates amazing soundscapes. While you could argue that no band needs two keyboard players with midi these days, they work so well together approaching music from different places complementing each other.”
