After 1999’s very good, occasionally brilliant yet overly long Mindfields, Toto reunited to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Instead of recording another batch of original songs to mark the occasion, the band convened at drummer/engineer Simon Phillips’ Hollywood studio to cover tracks that – with the exception for Elvis Costello’s “Watching the Detectives” – celebrate their heroes.
The result was 2002’s Through the Looking Glass, which was released on the now-defunct CMC International label. This is now one of only two original Toto albums that are out of print.
Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” the single and leadoff song, is a perfect reflection of Toto’s modus operandi. Phillips’ engineering is up to Toto standards, and Steve MacMillan’s mix is perfect.
Bobby Kimball’s vocals are front and center, and fit excellently with the reggae feel of this song. Of course, the backbeat of Simon Phillips is perfectly restrained and confirms his ability to play any style. The drummer also provides the loops which weave a funky magic on this and a few other songs.
Mike Porcaro’s bass contribution further cements the pocket, bouncing off a rhythm that is enhanced by David Paich’s Fender Rhodes piano and Steve Lukather’s guitar. D.J. Tippa Irie provides a credible vocal ad-lib to the song, and the late James Ingram’s backing vocals are icing on this well-produced cake.
The only single from the album that was released in America, “Could You Be Loved” failed to chart. It was a bold move for Toto – perhaps too bold.
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