There are not many songs in the Toto canon that feature the writing input of the entire band. Tambu’s “Slipped Away,” which also includes writing input from Stan Lynch, is a great example of how Toto collaborates on such an effort. While the song had no chart presence – it was the B-side of “The Other End of Time,” which also failed to chart – “Slipped Away” has an unmistakable hook and killer guitar and drumming.
Steve Lukather’s melodic guitar is dark and brooding, while Simon Phillips’ drums lay back on the beat and Mike Porcaro’s bass provide a solid under current.
You’re a soul with no religion
There’s ice in your embrace
In your dance of indecision
I see the anger in your face
A little drink to help my vision
A little something for the pain
There’s no drug for my condition
There’s no sweetness in the taste.
Tell me where the ride’s gonna lead you
Do I have to pay to be your friend?
There’s nothing left to say
When you slipped away
Lukather’s vocals deliver the lyrics, which are more introspective and complex than those on 1992’s Kingdom of Desire. Part of the lyrical heft must be attributed to Stan Lynch, whose song writing went unused while he was the drummer with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, but flourished with his involvement with Don Henley and drummer Steve Jordon.
Steve Lukather’s palette as a vocalist seems to have also stretched, as “Slipped Away” has him bringing an emotional heft and urgency fitting on this mid-tempo blues-infused rocker. Oh, there’s also an end-of-song modulation and solo section, which ignites the smoldering fire. Yes, “Slipped Away” has it all.
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