Toto “Toto”

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#204 in the Series) is the debut, self-titled release from Toto.

Could they be the most musically talented band of all time? Could they be the most misunderstood band of all time?

Toto has always been an enigma. If you say ‘Toto’ you get some interesting takes. Someone who knows just hit radio…. We’ll they’ll most likely remember Toto IV and the huge hits and Grammy Awards that that album produced. ‘Rosanna, Africa, I Won’t Hold Back’ were all over the airwaves.

As a rocker and you might get a look like ‘What the heck you listening to them for man?’

But ask a musician. Ask someone that can really play and they’ll tell you about Toto. And they just might say that there has never been a more talented rock and roll band in history. I’m talking about a band that can, flat out play their instruments better than anyone else. Who else would be in my team picture? Let’s see, and I know I’ll be missing people.  But off the top of my head I’d go with Little Feat, Utopia, Toto, Steely Dan, The Tubes, Was (Not Was)  and The Band.  I’m sure Zappa would have to represented somehow as well.

When I’m talking about musical talent, in this argument I’m talking who can lay it down the best. Not songwriting or presence or anything of the like. But who can PLAY.

Toto was made on the first album by Bobby Kimball on Lead Vocals; Jeff Porcaro, drums; David Hungate, bass; Steve Lukather, guitars, vocals; David Paich, keyboard, vocals; Steve Porcaro, keyboards.

All of them some of the most sought after studio musicians that played on someone the most well- known albums in music history.   Just look at who the band was on Thriller.

Toto is still around, releasing albums and touring. To this day they are HUGE in Europe! Not as much here. Toto’s debut album peaked at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. In order of release… Georgy Porgy peaked at #48, Hold The Line #5 and I’ll Supply The Love at #45 on the Top 100 Billboard Singles chart. Toto was produced by Toto

Track Listing

1. “Child’s Anthem”
2. “I’ll Supply the Love”
3. “Georgy Porgy”
4. “Manuela Run”
5. “You Are the Flower”
6. “Girl Goodbye”
7. “Takin’ It Back”
8. “Rockmaker”
9. “Hold the Line”
10. “Angela”

Official Toto Website