Toto, “Modern Eyes” from ‘Toto XX’ (1998): Toto Tuesdays

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Recorded during Toto’s Fahrenheit sessions in 1986, “Modern Eyes” is a simple reggae groove with a relaxed and upbeat vibe.

Composed by David Paich, the liner notes from 1998’s Toto XX hint at the era they found themselves in – and probably explain the chilled-out nature of the recording.

With lead vocals handled by Paich himself and no mention of Joseph Williams, it’s safe to say this was a period when Toto were in between lead vocalists. At the same time, drummer Jeff Porcaro was “experimenting with programming a Synclavier to see if he could make it human.”



Let’s consider that for a moment. The pre-eminent drummer of the era – one universally acknowledged as having the most soulful feel and deepest pocket of any studio recording artist – was spending time trying to make a digital sampler/workstation sound like a person. Clearly, Toto had latitude to experiment freely and were not constrained by imposing deadlines or studio demands.

Setting all this aside, Toto’s “Modern Eyes” is an easy listen. Kicking off with a “whoop” from David Paich at the start, the sequenced groove is punctuated by timbales (played by Jeff, thankfully) and the harmonies are clear. David Sanborn joins the proceedings on sax, lifting the track with some call and response. Then comes two verses, two choruses – a smattering of non-sensical lyrics here and there – and a classic solo by Steve Lukather through the fade out. Very chill.


Toto Tuesdays is a song-by-song feature that explores the band’s rich musical history. They returned with three new songs on 2018’s ’40 Trips Around the Sun.’

Anthony Sonego