“Straight for the Heart” appears to be a straight-forward rock-pop single, but Toto always adds a level of sophistication to make their songs different.
Joseph Williams continues to shine with his vocal delivery. Here, he effectively emotes the anticipation and angst of a budding love with a hint of sexual prowess. The lyrics are nothing new, but they are catchy.
Jeff Porcaro’s 4/4 back beat is precise and relentless. Additionally, he provides a tom-tom overdub which, while unneeded, does not distract from the song. Mike Porcaro’s bass is a perfect foil to his brother’s back beat, as he includes some unexpected slapping which gives this song a kick.
Saxophonist Jim Horn provides support with his tenor over the chorus, and even an all-too-brief end-of-song solo. Singer Patti Austin helps out on the chorus and backing vocals, which furthers the track’s pop sensibilities – as does Steve Lukather’s well-placed power chords.
All these elements should have made this Williams/David Paich composition at least a moderate hit, yet this fourth single from 1988’s The Seventh One went unnoticed – perhaps signaling the shift in Toto’s U.S. chart fortunes permanently.
