PRESTON FRAZIER: Toto’s self-titled debut starts with an instrumental tour de force, “Child’s Anthem” and ends with a tender yet dynamic David Paich composition, “Angela.” After what I assume is a Jim Horn recorder introduction, Paich provides a classically based piano opening flourish — something that only confirms why Paich is regarded as one of the finest rock and roll keyboardists. Guitarist Steve Lukather sings the opening lines of desperation and longing.
Can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t seem to find time anymore
Somewhere she weeps, her hair gently brushes the floor
I know my way, I know that I’ll find her somehow.
The years will show that Lukather is the best Toto balladeer, and his vocals here show how he was off to a fantastic start.
“Angela” shifts moods quickly, with David Paich’s lyrics hinting of and unintended pregnancy and a fleeting romance. Paich leeps in for the chorus vocals which act a counter point to Lukather’s tender and romantic lyrics. Is Paich playing the Id in this situation? Is Paich the Devil on Lukather’s shoulder?
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“Angela,” like most Toto songs, packs a musical wallop, with Steve Lukather providing dramatic power cords over top of a bouncy yet straight forward rock rhythm. The song includes hints of sitar sounding guitar in the opening, and graceful middle section dominated by Paich’s piano, Steve Porcaro’s synth-ensemble accents and a rocking end. Great production and playing, strong writing and solid arrangements make it a great way to end the Toto debut; they’re also part of why the band garnered a Grammy nomination for best new artist.
PERPLEXIO: If Toto is Latin for “all-encompassing,” then “Angela” — the first in a long line of songs named after women — puts an exclamation mark on their debut album’s bold musical statement.
With the woodwind embellishments of Jim Horn, the song hints at the pastoral elements of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. Together, Toto create a sound and style unlike anything else on their debut, let alone anything the band has done since.
Just when you start thinking to yourself, “Is this the same band that just did ‘Hold the Line,’ Steve Lukather’s driving electric guitar riff comes in as a less than subtle reminder that yes, indeed, this is still very much Toto.
“Angela” also speaks to Lukather’s versatility as a vocalist. The song is quite a departure from the more jazz-tinged “Georgy Porgy” earlier on their debut. Still, with his vocals and driving guitar, “Angela” cements itself as key part of Toto’s grander vision — and more than hints at some of Toto’s great work to come. That makes it the perfect closing song for Toto’s brilliant first album.
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