“Running Out of Time” opens what was once believed to be the final Toto studio project. In the end, 2015’s Toto XIV may not have even seen the light of day were it not for a contractual obligation with Frontiers Records.
Let’s step back a moment. Steve Lukather put out a news release announcing the end of Toto on June 5, 2008, after the Falling In Between tour.
“I would like to make a formal announcement as I have been barraged by e-mails and speculations on various websites,” he said. “The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I told the guys before the last leg of our tour.”
Lukather had been the only original member to appear at those most recent shows. Co-founder David Paich was looking after his sister at the time and not touring, Mike Porcaro was battling ALS, and without Steve or Jeff Porcaro, Lukather was questioning the essence of the band.
“When Mike fell ill and had to leave, that was it for me,” Lukather added. “If there isn’t a Paich or at least one Porcaro, how can we even call it Toto?”
In 2010, however, Steve Lukather received a call from David Paich urging him to reform Toto so they could tour and raise money for Mike’s medical expenses. Lukather was in, provided Joseph Williams returned to handle vocals and Steve Porcaro joined to help re-create that classic Toto sound.
It was to be the first time since 1988 that they all played together on stage. The tour went well and additional legs were added. It seemed Toto was back!
At this point, their record label notified the band that they were under contract for another album. It was a challenging set of circumstances. Lukather clearly painted the picture on his site in 2013: “This record was born out of litigation, pain and loss … and for Mike Porcaro, who could use a miracle about now.”
Chronicling the recording process, Lukather later shared the title of the album on his site on Dec 27, 2014: “Toto XIV is definitely the title of our new album. We thought it looked cool, sword on the cover and roman numerals have been VERY lucky for us, so we thought we would stack the deck ya know.”
Although keen fans will attest that this is the 13th studio album, the band counts the 1998’s Toto XX compilation, as it also includes previously unheard studio material.
To fulfill a contractual obligation, it is not unreasonable to think a filler album would be offered, with the band just going through the motions. Toto XIV, however, was the opposite. There’s a fascinating insight into the making of this album, and it is clear Toto was energized and bringing their best to the music.
Talking as if he was an observer to the process, Steve Porcaro summed things up elegantly: “The guys are just digging in this time like their lives depend on it.” Continuing, with a wry smile, he added: “They’re really treating this like it’s Toto V – our follow up to [1982’s] Toto IV.”
So, the stage was set: Toto XIV was going to be a phenomenal album.
Written by Lukather, Paich and Williams, “Running Out of Time” blasts out of the gates with a fiery guitar lead. If that signature opening Steve Lukather lick isn’t enough to let you know Toto was bringing their A-game, then the big production that envelops it should have been. As seasoned veterans, the band knew what they are doing.
“The record we’re making is real hi-fi,” Lukather added in an Oct. 1, 2014 post for his website. “It has that big, obnoxious production that people who love our music are really going to love: big harmonies, big synths, big guitars, big grooves, great virtuoso musicianship, and classic Toto melodies.”
The whole rhythm track is worth looking into: A strong driving back beat, syncopated changes, and pulsing synth tones make this an energetic and upbeat intro. The drum sound in particular was especially refreshing. Simon Phillips didn’t participate in this recording; instead Toto XIV is blessed Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, James Taylor, Donald Fagen). David Paich later confirmed that Carlock played “a huge part in defining Toto’s sound on this album.”
The other defining sound on this track (and, indeed, the album) was Joseph Williams’ voice. It was so good to hear him again, and he was in excellent form. At that point, it had been some 27 years since he recorded his last album with Toto, 1988’s The Seventh One. I keep coming back to how strong his vocal performance was. There was power and depth to his tone during the verse, and he absolutely soared in the pre-chorus: It’s clear he still has the range.
The chorus itself was a glorious piece of songwriting, and a perfect showcase for the rejuvenated Williams.
No more waiting (boy you’re running out of time)
Time is wasting (it’s time to stop and start your life over)
Start life over (just turn around and you’ll be on your way)
This was a truly catchy chant, and Williams was right at home punctuating the lines with assurance and ease. The final line, with that contrapuntal movement between bass and melody, was another device that made “Running Out of Time” such an effective piece of writing.
After the second verse and chorus, there was a tasteful and restrained solo from Steve Lukather. You’d think he would lift the energy here, but the contrast was welcome since the track already had a bustling pulse underneath. The more lyrical approach also served to contrast with the return to the chorus.
This is my favorite part of this song: “Running Out of Time” stops, and there is a glorious and exceptional fill from Keith Carlock – accompanied by a righteous guitar swoop from Lukather. It’s pure energy and serves as the perfect catapult back to the chorus. Take a listen at 3:23.
More Joseph, more Keith, more Luke, more Paich and Porcaro. Yeah, Toto were back!
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