A middle-of-the-road rocker, “One Road” is yet another Toto deep cut which deserves attention. The Randy Goodrum, Steve Lukather, David Paich composition has a strong, memorable hook. That’s to be expected given the band’s past successful collaborations with Goodrum.
Unlike most of those, however, “One Road” features Bobby Kimball on lead vocals instead of Steve Lukather. Kimball delivers one of his best performances 1999’s Mindfields, effectively delivering the tale of one’s trip through life.
Lyrically, the song is cryptic, yet there is something immediately identifiable about “One Road.” Lukather joins Kimball for the chorus – along with Chris Thompson, a long-time former member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and collaborator with the Doobie Brothers’ Patrick Simmons. Together, they create a moment that is appropriately uplifting.
The music is equally strong. David Paich’s alternating piano intro is met by an equally challenging melodic intro by Lukather. The middle guitar solo boasts a soaring, Brian May-ish feel. Before you know it, however, “One Road” is done and we’re on to “Melanie.”
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