TOTO IV

Q - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...The superb musicianship, pristine production, gentle jazz influences and lively songs mark it as a classic....still makes for great late night listening." Q (5/95, p.136) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...The superb musicianship, pristine production, gentle jazz influences and lively songs mark it as a classic....still makes for great late night listening."

Although Toto's second and third albums (HYDRA and TURN BACK, respectively) didn't fare well commercially, especially when compared to the group's self-titled debut, 1982's TOTO IV brought the band to a whole new level of success. The cadre of Los Angeles session players pooled their talents to create a potent form of market-savvy arena rock, which resulted in the inescapable smash singles "Rosanna" and "Africa". While those two tunes, both penned (at least in part) by keyboardist David Paich, easily outshine the rest of TOTO IV, the record does feature enjoyable, upbeat songs such as "Make Believe" and "We Made It", which showcase the buoyant vocals of Bobby Kimball and the formidable guitar riffs of Steve Lukather. Though many critics savaged the album, it went on to become a platinum seller and win six Grammy Awards. The group would carry on for decades in various incarnations, but no later outings could top this blockbuster record, which stands as the indisputable high point of Toto's career.|