Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Time is the Enemy” from ‘Tambu’ (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Time is the Enemy” from ‘Tambu’ (1995): Toto Tuesdays

“Time is the Enemy,” with an old-school vibe which hints at Steely Dan, is another deep cut which could use some dusting off by Toto.

Toto, “The Turning Point” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “The Turning Point” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Through it fizzled as a single, Toto’s clean, organic “Turning Point” again exceeds anything their contemporaries were doing at the time.

Toto, “The Other End of Time” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “The Other End of Time” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

At first, Toto’s ‘Tambu’ didn’t grab me — with a couple of exceptions. “The Other End of Time” was one of them.

Toto, “Baby He’s Your Man” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Baby He’s Your Man” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

“Baby He’s Your Man” from 1995’s ‘Tambu’ is funky, hook-laden – and unfortunately overlooked by fans of Toto.

Toto, “If You Belong to Me” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “If You Belong to Me” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

On another AOR band’s album, “If You Belong to Me” would have been a highlight, possibly even a hit. On Toto’s ‘Tambu,’ it’s a song I usually skip.

Toto, “Slipped Away” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Slipped Away” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

“Slipped Away” somehow ended up with no chart presence, but Toto’s B-side to “The Other End of Time” actually has it all.

Toto, “I Will Remember” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “I Will Remember” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

This series has often reflected on Steve Lukather’s depth as a balladeer. On Toto’s “I Will Remember,” he once again shines brightly.

Toto, “Gift of Faith” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Gift of Faith” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

If there were any doubts about Toto’s future, they were resoundingly dispelled with the opening song on 1995’s ‘Tambu.’

Toto, “Jake to the Bone” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Jake to the Bone” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

The closer for 1992’s ‘Kingdom of Desire’ is a rare treat for long-time Toto fans: a full-blown instrumental workout.

Toto, “Kingdom of Desire” from ‘Kingdom of Desire’ (1992): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Kingdom of Desire” from ‘Kingdom of Desire’ (1992): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s second-to-last track and title cut from ‘Kingdom of Desire’ powerfully closes the chapter on this era’s hard-rock theme.