It’s difficult to believe, but keyboardist Steve Porcaro has made only three official vocal contributions to the Toto catalog. (There are four if you are lucky enough to own the Japanese version of Toto XIV, which includes the Porcaro gem, “Bend.”) Of course, Porcaro contributed mightily Toto’s song arrangements and sonics — but his vocals are rarely heard, even in the background.
The first turn at the mic, for those intrigued by Steve Porcaro’s terrific work on Toto XIV, dates back to the band’s self-titled 1978 debut: the classic “Takin’ It Back.” The song starts with a repeating synthesizer lead, quickly followed by a grand piano counterpoint. Immediately, the listener is thinking of progressive rock — but drummer Jeff Porcaro and bassist David Hungate throw down an insanely funky back beat, punctuated by a Tom Scott-type brass flourish.
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Steve Porcaro’s double-tracked vocals work perfectly, conveying longing and regret over the wash of string synthesizers. “Takin’ It Back” may well be one on the lushest Toto songs. Steve Lukather fills with a new-age acoustic guitar solo, which is quickly followed by a David Gilmour-like electric solo, which ultimately leads back to another verse. The rhythm section then kicks in double time to bring the song to an end.
A return to “Takin’ It Back,” which stands with Toto’s best, only adds to the anticipation of a forthcoming Steve Porcaro solo album mentioned by collaborator Michael Sherwood in a recent Something Else! Sitdown.
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