Hydra, Toto’s second album, confounded critics and fans alike upon its release in October 1979, but it has aged well. The album kicks off with the title track, which has the distinction of being the only song composed by the entire original band.
Like “Child’s Anthem,” the opener on Toto’s debut, “Hydra” boasts obvious progressive rock leanings but “Hydra” takes things up several notches. Instead of relying on their tenor lead voice, Bobby Kimball or the smooth vocals of Steve Lukather, David Paich provides the dark and murky lyrics. Paich’s vocal delivery is perfect, casting a spell over the listener.
There lies a lady
Naked and yet not knowing
A spell, it gains her heart forever
Preyed upon by the wolves in Time Square
Fell into an abyss of dead air
Innocence caged in sanctuary
There sat the Dragon Lord
Playing solitary
Defying the rules the holy boys leap Hell’s Kitchen
Bobby Kimball and Steve Lukather’s soaring background vocals force home the point. It almost goes without saying that the playing is stellar, as well.
David Paich’s piano parts propel the song forward, while Steve Porcaro holds true to his mad scientist’s reputation by creating images of a king’s horn ensemble. Toto’s intricate piano, synthesizer and guitar harmonies are other worldly, yet eclipsed by the slinky and insane Lukather guitar solo.
<<< BACKWARD (“Angela”) ||| ONWARD (“St. George and the Dragon”) >>>
“Hydra” is also expertly recorded. Toto engineer/mixers Tom Knox and Dana Latham bring out every nuance from Jeff Porcaro’s crash cymbals to David Hungate’s trademark bass slides.
Along the way, they all set a high water mark for Hydra, drawing a line a line in the sand both musically and lyrically. The song has become a concert favorite, and deservedly so. How does the first single from the album, “St. George and the Dragon,” fare? Tune in next time.
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