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Since the Magnificent 'Seventh
One', it has been a bit of an up and downhill ride with Toto
- I loved the new tracks from 1991's 'Past To Present' Best
of ..compilation (yes I know Byron (the all singing, all dancing,
Prince wannabe) was singing on them but good tracks non the
less!!), but thought 'Kingdom Of Desire' & 'Tambu' were somewhat
patchy in places. 'Mindfields got things back on track big
time, then we had the Covers album, which I still think wasn't
as bad as a lot made it out to be, but yes,we wanted new material
right?? And finally after a 6 + year wait it is here. 'Falling
In Between' just about covers all bases that the band have
touched on previous albums, but with a few new tricks added
as well.***
"Falling In Between"
The title track kicks things off
and shows the band at their most Progressive. Admittedly,
it isn't the easiest way to start the album off, and if you
are expecting the more commercial sounding Toto of say 'Africa'
or 'Rosanna', then you are going to be in for a bit of a shock!
It's a great track though, make no mistakes about that, with
one of Luke's heaviest riffs I have yet heard on a Toto record.***
"Dying On My Feet"
Is also quite a challenge throughout
it's various sections, but is a brilliantly arranged piece,
especially during it's final 2 minutes, which features a massive
horn section, underpinned by a huge Lukather riff. An amazing
track for sure, and one that encompasses everything I love
about this band.***
"Bottom Of Your Soul"
Is completely different yet again.
This features the welcome return of Joseph Williams on vocals
and is the first single choice from the album. Soundwise,
this is a real return to the 80's sound of the band, especially
'The Seventh One' album. A mellow, Lukather sung verse, leads
to one of the best choruses on the album, with Williams adding
that extra something to the hook. ***
"King Of The World"
Is another more commercial track
and, as with 'Bottom Of Your Soul', harks back to the bands
80's sound. This features Paich, Lukather & Kimball all sharing
vocals and again features a very strong hooky chorus as well
as an inspired instrumental mid section. Without a doubt,
one of the strongest tracks on the album.***
"Hooked"
Is yet another change in direction.
Soundwise a more stripped back sound than what has gone previously,
although quite heavy in the guitar department. Jethro Tull's
Ian Anderson lends a hand on flute towards the end of the
song, which adds a more Progressive edge to the overall feel.***
All previous Toto albums have featured
a killer ballad or two and 'Falling In Between' is no different.
"Simple Life"
Is the song in question here and
is an exquisite, Steve Lukather sung track. My only complaint
with this one is that it is way too short at under 2 minutes
30. Programme the repeat x 4 on your player for this one!!***
"Taint Your World"
Is all balls out with an excellent
Bobby Kimball vocal, huge Van Halen style riff from Lukather
as well as another curious but effective instrumental section
mid way through. One that will definitely fire the crowd up
on the upcoming tour of the album.***
"Let It Go"
Reminds me of 'Jake To The Bone'
from the 'Kingdom Of Desire' album, especially the rhythm
section arrangement, although as the track progresses it slips
easily into the more laid back, soulful sound the band showed
on the 'Tambu' album. The song is also notable for new boy
Greg Phillinganes to shine on lead vocals, which also lends
the track a Funky/R&B'ish flavour.***
"'Spiritual Man"
I will go on paper as saying that
this is one of my favourite Toto tracks that they have ever
recorded. Everytime I spin this album, this gets at least
3 or 4 repeats – yes, that good. A soulful, gospel tinged
ballad featuring lead vocals from Paich, Phillinganes & Kimball
plus a massive choir to add to the mix as well. I swear, by
the time Bobby Kimball's lead comes in on the second verse,
the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. It all builds
up to the final climax with the choir, sax and multi-instrumentation
all battling it out together in superb style. A track definitely
not to be missed and the albums complete highlight.***
"No End In Sight"
Mixes the tempos between verse/chorus
and again reminds me of 'The Seventh One' era especially percussion
wise. Not the most accessible track on the album but one that
pays off with repeated listens. **
"The Reeferman" (Japanese
bonus track)
Is basically a 2 minute studio
jam/jazz session that doesn't really add anything to the album
overall, and could, if I'm honest have been left off. Not
really worth spending the extra money on the Japanese version
over the European one just for this track, although if you're
a Toto completist then I know you will have to have it!!!!
***
This is without a doubt the best
(and most varied) Toto album since 'The Seventh One' and with
time will probably be looked upon as one of the strongest
albums they have ever recorded. The biggest thing about it
is the way that it completely mixes the styles throughout
and always keeps the listener completely engrossed as to what
is coming next. Bobby Kimball hasn't sounded this good in
years, whilst the rest of the band sound fresh and invigorated,
which comes across in a big way in the whole sound. With so
much going on and with so much instrumentation, the band has
done an excellent job on the production and especially the
mix, which rounds off the whole package in great great style.
If you're not already a fan of Toto's music, then this album
will probably not change your mind about them. If you are
expecting a complete album of 'Africa' or 'Rosanna' you have
also come to the wrong place. If you are looking for an album
that is superbly played by real musicians, sounds a million
dollars, challenges in it's diversity on every listen and
leaves you with a big grin on your face ... then people -
'Falling In Between' is the space to be in.***
GRADE: A+
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