This was a very informative episode. I had no idea the musicians in Toto were so influential in the world of music. It's interesting to know they had a huge role in making of Thriller. I'm not a Toto fan but, I'm familiar w/their hits. Hold The Line, 99 and of course the hits from Toto IV. I also like it when either Tim or Martin co-hosts an episode of The Contrarians. They come armed w/facts. I like that! Oh, I also love it, Tim, that you mentioned INXS. I love that band and, I saw the episode you did featuring them on your show. Thanks😊
This is my favourite Toto album too. It's just a pity it was the only one made with Fergie Frederickson RIP on vocals. Would have loved to have heard the band do more with Fergie. Carmen, Lion, Stranger In Town, Angel Don't Cry, Endless, The Title Track, Change Of Heart, all great songs and some of my favourite Toto songs.
And not to forget; Brad Dourif from the "Stranger in Town" video became the voice of killer doll Chucky. Toto still remain superstars overseas to this day, Europe was always a good market for them.
At the time, this was the only album Toto album I didn't have ('98 pre-Mindfields). I couldn't pull it out of the cd player. This is definitely my favorite album out of a killer catalog. What sticks out about this album is it is darker and heavier (don't understand the Journey comparisons). The musicianship is also amazing, as every song has some cool keyboard-guitar tradeoffs and little proggy parts within the context of your standard four minute rock song. Fergie's vocals soar over the mix, showcasing his amazing range! By far my favorite Toto vocalist (love his last two albums). I wish they would have tried one more album with him. As a huge Toto fan, every album, save for 'Mindfields', which has too many ballads that don't go anywhere, and 'Falling In Between', which starts out very strong but fizzles out towards the end, is an absolute classic! Their last album, 'XIV', is in my top three, which is a testament to how extraordinarily talented these guys are! To my ears, 'XIV' perfectly captures what they would sound like if you were to go back to '78 and wonder what they'd sound like thirty five years later. How many of their contemporaries even put out albums anymore, let alone one that rivals their previous material? What makes Toto special is the way they play off each other. Each player is doing something different and filling in the gaps, giving the music a contrapuntal feel reminiscent of classical music. Yes, truly there is only one Toto!!!
Interesting pic! My fav Toto album is "Hydra", the perfect blend between the classic Toto sound and Hard rock. My second is "Kingdom of Desire" (again more Hard rockin') and 3rd is "Seventh One". I haven't listen to "Isolation" in years and should give it a spin. Cheers!
Were Toto a radio band only? Or did they have some great deep tracks on their albums? Which was your favorite? When they go a little funky, a little proggy or a little heavy? Let us know! Support us on Patreon or Ko-Fi: www.patreon.com/contrarians ko-fi.com/thecontrarians Check out Tim's channel: @Tim's Vinyl Confessions
No, the singles were just part of the story, they made some amazing records with songs only hardcore fans know about, the latter albums are overlooked. There's "Wings of Time" and the title track from Kingdom of Desire, two epic tracks, "Gift of Faith" off Tambu is a great rocktune, the Mindfields album is pretty obscure, but the title track is awesome, there's the beautiful "After you've gone" and the superb "Caught in the Balance", which was the opening song of that tour
Steve Lukather once said about the change in production from IV to Isolation that the record company wanted the "Journey- Frontiers"- sound, which ofc was a massive album in 1983. Then when Isolation came out, the critics hated it because it 'sounded like a Journey album' 'The Seventh one' didn't go anywhere in North America, but in countries like Holland, Germany and France, this was a very big record
I can't decide between this and Hydra. I bought a used cd of this album many years ago, and was surprised by how much it rocked. I do consider Hydra a Prog album. Most would know Brad Dourif from the Child's Play movies. For those that love Fergie, check out the 1978 self-titled debut by a band called Trillion. Sounds like a combination of Yes, Styx, and Boston. I heard that Fergie was fired because he would be constantly doing backflips on stage. Interestingly, I heard that there is a demo version of Lion with Bobby Kimball on vocals. Bobby is also featured on Strager In Town on backing vocals. The next Toto album featured Fergie singing background on Could This Love. Joseph Williams was the singing voice of adult Simba in The Lion King. I remember seeing the video for Angel Don't Cry on VH1 Classic, but the song was never a single. Regarding the recent albums from Joe and Luke, they have similar covers because they're companion albums. Closest thing to Toto since there was the lawsuit preventing them from using the name
Not surprised that Turn Back tanked, it's the odd one out more jazzy in spots more like a Boz Scaggs album. Williams, for some reason, kind of reminded me of Michael Jackson first time I heard him with Toto.
@@LarryFleetwood8675 Softer? I think that it's more hard rocking, which is why it didn't sell. It didn't have the musicality of the first or fourth albums.
@@JIF882 Isolation is 'heavier' if that's even a word to use in connection with Toto, where Turn Back is the introvert experimental flop in their catalog, just not very memorable or catchy music. It sounds like what it is; a bunch of great session players goofing around. I don't hate it but understand why it did no business at the time, stylistically it's sort of in no man's land.
Isolation is my personal favourite. The album has a lot of very strong songs. The one problem I have with Toto is the criminal under-use of Steve Lukather.
YES! Although my favourite Toto album is The Seventh One, followed by Fahrenheit, Angel Don't Cry may be my third favourite Toto song ever after Mushanga and Home of the Brave, and the music video is just the coolest-looking, simple performance video ever, with the guys sporting some slick threads and voluminous hair. The whole album is solid from start to finish and sounds gorgeous.
I love Isolation but it lacks the sophistication of their debut and IV. As you said Isolation is pure pop rock bliss, very energetic and upbeat. The title track of Isolation is an amazing song, in my top 5 Toto songs. Overall it’s my third favorite Toto album. The songs on IV are more memorable and have a more anthemic quality. Plus Bobby Kimball is just a great singer. More varied songwriting as well, keeps things interesting. Their debut is my favorite. Hold The Line alone is an amazing rock anthem, probably their best song ever. The musicianship is top notch on songs like Manuel Run and Goodbye Girl. Just an excellent album front to back.
First 5 albums are Toto masterpieces . Another "contarians" masterpieces of the same style ( AOR) are the first 2 ALDO NOVA albums (self titled and Subject)
I love Toto. But for me, they never made an album nearly as good as the debut. MILES better than IV, as good as Africa is. Also, I think that Bobby Kimball was SUPER underutilized, he could have been considered one of the best singers ever, but the other egos in the band wanted to be singers too. Should have just been musicians and let Bobby sing. And like Tim said, Dave cant tour anymore, he does have some medical issues and he cant get on an airplane. So i guess he makes some local California shows when he feels like it. Him and Steve are still great buddies.
Great episode and the perfect contrarian choice (not just saying that because it also happens to be my #1 Toto album - IV barely makes my top 10 BTW!). Just had a reaction channel react to my list of Toto's top 10 vocalists (they didn't quite have 10 lead singers, but it was close) - feel free to check that out at ua-cam.com/video/rMT5w3Ve_50/v-deo.html - my number 1 pick there will no longer be a surprise (but Bobby Kimball's placing just might be!).
This was a very informative episode. I had no idea the musicians in Toto were so influential in the world of music. It's interesting to know they had a huge role in making of Thriller. I'm not a Toto fan but, I'm familiar w/their hits. Hold The Line, 99 and of course the hits from Toto IV. I also like it when either Tim or Martin co-hosts an episode of The Contrarians. They come armed w/facts. I like that! Oh, I also love it, Tim, that you mentioned INXS. I love that band and, I saw the episode you did featuring them on your show. Thanks😊
This is my favourite Toto album too. It's just a pity it was the only one made with Fergie Frederickson RIP on vocals. Would have loved to have heard the band do more with Fergie.
Carmen, Lion, Stranger In Town, Angel Don't Cry, Endless, The Title Track, Change Of Heart, all great songs and some of my favourite Toto songs.
And not to forget; Brad Dourif from the "Stranger in Town" video became the voice of killer doll Chucky. Toto still remain superstars overseas to this day, Europe was always a good market for them.
At the time, this was the only album Toto album I didn't have ('98 pre-Mindfields). I couldn't pull it out of the cd player. This is definitely my favorite album out of a killer catalog. What sticks out about this album is it is darker and heavier (don't understand the Journey comparisons). The musicianship is also amazing, as every song has some cool keyboard-guitar tradeoffs and little proggy parts within the context of your standard four minute rock song. Fergie's vocals soar over the mix, showcasing his amazing range! By far my favorite Toto vocalist (love his last two albums). I wish they would have tried one more album with him. As a huge Toto fan, every album, save for 'Mindfields', which has too many ballads that don't go anywhere, and 'Falling In Between', which starts out very strong but fizzles out towards the end, is an absolute classic! Their last album, 'XIV', is in my top three, which is a testament to how extraordinarily talented these guys are! To my ears, 'XIV' perfectly captures what they would sound like if you were to go back to '78 and wonder what they'd sound like thirty five years later. How many of their contemporaries even put out albums anymore, let alone one that rivals their previous material? What makes Toto special is the way they play off each other. Each player is doing something different and filling in the gaps, giving the music a contrapuntal feel reminiscent of classical music. Yes, truly there is only one Toto!!!
Always great to have a new episode of The Contrarians to watch!
haha thank you!! Always great to read your comments!!
@@thecontrarians2438 Thanks! I appreciate it.
Interesting pic! My fav Toto album is "Hydra", the perfect blend between the classic Toto sound and Hard rock. My second is "Kingdom of Desire" (again more Hard rockin') and 3rd is "Seventh One". I haven't listen to "Isolation" in years and should give it a spin. Cheers!
all good choices and easily could have been "contrarian" picks, we could do 3 toto episodes with different folks in the hot seat
Were Toto a radio band only? Or did they have some great deep tracks on their albums? Which was your favorite? When they go a little funky, a little proggy or a little heavy? Let us know!
Support us on Patreon or Ko-Fi:
www.patreon.com/contrarians
ko-fi.com/thecontrarians
Check out Tim's channel: @Tim's Vinyl Confessions
No, the singles were just part of the story, they made some amazing records with songs only hardcore fans know about, the latter albums are overlooked. There's "Wings of Time" and the title track from Kingdom of Desire, two epic tracks, "Gift of Faith" off Tambu is a great rocktune, the Mindfields album is pretty obscure, but the title track is awesome, there's the beautiful "After you've gone" and the superb "Caught in the Balance", which was the opening song of that tour
Steve Lukather once said about the change in production from IV to Isolation that the record company wanted the "Journey- Frontiers"- sound, which ofc was a massive album in 1983. Then when Isolation came out, the critics hated it because it 'sounded like a Journey album'
'The Seventh one' didn't go anywhere in North America, but in countries like Holland, Germany and France, this was a very big record
I hated that album, yet saw them on tour. Never liked the songs or Joseph
@@stilettos9 some of the deep tracks on there are Toto in great form, Mushanga, These chains, A thousand years, very atmospheric, darker songs
Not Jeff on Billie Jean, that would be Ndugu Chansler :) On Thriller, Jeff played on The Girl is Mine, Beat It, Human Nature and The Lady in my Life.
lol but whose counting!!?
Funny that he said "Falling into infinity" at 10:30 - which is a dream theater album
I can't decide between this and Hydra. I bought a used cd of this album many years ago, and was surprised by how much it rocked. I do consider Hydra a Prog album. Most would know Brad Dourif from the Child's Play movies. For those that love Fergie, check out the 1978 self-titled debut by a band called Trillion. Sounds like a combination of Yes, Styx, and Boston. I heard that Fergie was fired because he would be constantly doing backflips on stage. Interestingly, I heard that there is a demo version of Lion with Bobby Kimball on vocals. Bobby is also featured on Strager In Town on backing vocals. The next Toto album featured Fergie singing background on Could This Love. Joseph Williams was the singing voice of adult Simba in The Lion King. I remember seeing the video for Angel Don't Cry on VH1 Classic, but the song was never a single. Regarding the recent albums from Joe and Luke, they have similar covers because they're companion albums. Closest thing to Toto since there was the lawsuit preventing them from using the name
Not surprised that Turn Back tanked, it's the odd one out more jazzy in spots more like a Boz Scaggs album. Williams, for some reason, kind of reminded me of Michael Jackson first time I heard him with Toto.
@@LarryFleetwood8675 Turn Back is more hard rocking.
@@JIF882 I think it's a softer album than the ones than came before, it has more complex writing less straight ahead.
@@LarryFleetwood8675 Softer? I think that it's more hard rocking, which is why it didn't sell. It didn't have the musicality of the first or fourth albums.
@@JIF882 Isolation is 'heavier' if that's even a word to use in connection with Toto, where Turn Back is the introvert experimental flop in their catalog, just not very memorable or catchy music. It sounds like what it is; a bunch of great session players goofing around. I don't hate it but understand why it did no business at the time, stylistically it's sort of in no man's land.
This used to be my favourite Toto album back in the day, but I now think that Fahrenheit and The Seventh One have aged better. Still love it, though.
Stranger In Town is a cool song.
Brad Dourif played the Deputy in "Mississippi Burning".
Isolation is my personal favourite. The album has a lot of very strong songs. The one problem I have with Toto is the criminal under-use of Steve Lukather.
YES! Although my favourite Toto album is The Seventh One, followed by Fahrenheit, Angel Don't Cry may be my third favourite Toto song ever after Mushanga and Home of the Brave, and the music video is just the coolest-looking, simple performance video ever, with the guys sporting some slick threads and voluminous hair. The whole album is solid from start to finish and sounds gorgeous.
Btw, very nice touch with the background there, with Marco's head centered perfectly inside the Toto logo.
haha thanks!!!
Isolation was a great production with a fantastic singer, love it!!!!
I will have to check out ISOLATION, don't know anything off this album.
LOVE Kingdom Of Desire
pete pardo said an a sea of tranquillity episode that he pefers this by far to toto 4
Ya i watched his top 10 Toto albums and used that in my research, he actually put isolation at #2!
I love Isolation but it lacks the sophistication of their debut and IV. As you said Isolation is pure pop rock bliss, very energetic and upbeat. The title track of Isolation is an amazing song, in my top 5 Toto songs. Overall it’s my third favorite Toto album. The songs on IV are more memorable and have a more anthemic quality. Plus Bobby Kimball is just a great singer. More varied songwriting as well, keeps things interesting. Their debut is my favorite. Hold The Line alone is an amazing rock anthem, probably their best song ever. The musicianship is top notch on songs like Manuel Run and Goodbye Girl. Just an excellent album front to back.
A better album than iv imo
Great album. But my faves is Hydra and Turn Back. Every other albums is ok btw.
First 5 albums are Toto masterpieces . Another "contarians" masterpieces of the same style ( AOR) are the first 2 ALDO NOVA albums (self titled and Subject)
My favorite toto album!
Nice video...
I love Toto. But for me, they never made an album nearly as good as the debut. MILES better than IV, as good as Africa is. Also, I think that Bobby Kimball was SUPER underutilized, he could have been considered one of the best singers ever, but the other egos in the band wanted to be singers too. Should have just been musicians and let Bobby sing. And like Tim said, Dave cant tour anymore, he does have some medical issues and he cant get on an airplane. So i guess he makes some local California shows when he feels like it. Him and Steve are still great buddies.
Great episode and the perfect contrarian choice (not just saying that because it also happens to be my #1 Toto album - IV barely makes my top 10 BTW!). Just had a reaction channel react to my list of Toto's top 10 vocalists (they didn't quite have 10 lead singers, but it was close) - feel free to check that out at ua-cam.com/video/rMT5w3Ve_50/v-deo.html - my number 1 pick there will no longer be a surprise (but Bobby Kimball's placing just might be!).
ISOLATION lacks quite a bit of soulfulness compared to TOTO IV.