FALLING IN BETWEEN - TOTO
Anyone who knows Toto only for its cadre of pop hits in the ’80s (”Rosanna,” “Africa,” et al.) simply knows little about this enduring dream team. “Falling in Between,” its 18th disc over 30 years — and first in four years — unites members David Paich, Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, Mike Porcaro and Simon Phillips with a newcomer to the group, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes (Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder). The band experiments with world beats, blowtorch rock and a generally more progressive imprint than in past efforts. Kimball supports the expert instrumentation with consummate lead vocals, while frequent free-wielding guitar solos from maestro Lukather never overshadow Toto’s strongest suit: indelible melodies. There is even a trio of ballads here as beautiful as anything that ever hit the singles chart. The lush “Dying on My Feet” shows that an act now free to experiment to its heart’s desire is still as capable as ever of crafting the perfect pop song. This outfit has it all and delivers without fail.Billboard
