Mindfields

Best known for its multi-platinum TOTO IV, which earned the group six Grammies, Toto returned after a four-year absence with an album well worth the wait. MINDFIELDS reunited the band with original lead vocalist Bobby Kimball, at a point at which the band hoped to recapture some of its earlier magic. Long regarded as some of rock's best session men and songwriters, Toto's veteran players are at their best on this album. "Cruel" is an upbeat, swingin' jazzy number. "Caught in the Balance" is a fast rocker featuring the guitar work of ace Steve Lukather, who also handles lead vocals on the ballad "Last Love." Kimball digs deep on the bluesy "High Price of Hate." The band turns it down a notch on the wonderful ballad "Melanie" and takes a country rock route on "No Love," which features Clint Black on harmonica. Accessible arrangements, a tight horn section, and polished harmonies are all part of the Toto sound, which MINDFIELDS improves and expands to great measure.