Every Toto album has moments of greatness. The band’s hardcore geeks will debate between themselves which songs makes the cut. The lead single from 2015’s Toto XIV is the first one that reaches that level for me.
Joseph Williams, who co-wrote “Orphan” with Steve Lukather and David Paich, delivers yet another outstanding vocal performance. Williams wasn’t in the rock spotlight after his first tenure ended, but when Toto reunited to tour in support of Mike Porcaro, he quickly demonstrated the capability to deliver the entire catalog live.
“Orphan” further cements his standing as the best of all Toto vocalists.
Lyrically, Williams, Paich and Lukather deliver a socially conscious and uplifting message which is matched by the rhythmically tense and ambitious music. Lukather’s haunting guitar arpeggios add touches of prog rock, as Keith Carlock’s drums build and tie in tightly with the bass played by Lukather.
Touches of Steve Porcaro’s synthesizers and Paich’s keyboard add textures, as you would expect with Toto. Vocalist Mabvuto Carpenter provides a different yet welcome flavor to the Toto choir, sharing backing vocal duties with Williams.
Lenny Castro’s arsenal of percussion makes its presence felt during the guitar section, bouncing off Carlock’s drum breakdown. In fact, “Orphan” is one of Carlock’s most interesting performances, though it could benefit from a more prominent drum mix. Not to be overlooked are the two Lukather solos that impress even the most jaded Toto fan.
“Orphan” is Toto at its best, yet it’s still not my favorite song on Toto XIV.
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