After the effectiveness of “Simple Life,” Toto’s “Taint Your World” comes across as subtle as an unsolicited slap on the ass.
Toto collaborated as a band on this rocker from 2006’s Falling in Between, with the exception of latest edition Greg Phillinganes. Bobby Kimball serves up a mid-register, growling lead vocal, spitting out the lyrics like his life depends of it. Equally effective is the Michael Anthony-like Toto choir.
Simon Phillips provides a direct, yet nuanced backbeat, employing double bass drums with his usual power yet making the hard-charging backbeat funky. Mike Porcaro takes an even more direct route to the caffeinated groove.
The organ swells from David Paich fit perfectly, but by the time you get the feeling this could be an Isolation or Kingdom of Desire leftover, Steve Porcaro throws a left hook with a sonically adventurous sound design. No, this is not something the Van Halen boys would employ; it sounds like Toto.
Hard rocking songs from Toto are not uncommon. Yet “Taint You World,” with the metallic lead guitar of Steve Lukather (and yet another fantastic solo), ups the game for a band with already high standards.
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