It was inevitable that Toto would take stock during the recording of 2015’s Toto XIV, reflecting on their rich musical legacy, incredible performances, and the bonds of friendship and brothers passed.
To this end, if I were a betting man, I’d have put money down that David Paich and Steve Lukather felt a calling to honor founding member, and spiritual leader, Jeff Porcaro. The result is “Unknown Soldier (for Jeffrey).”
For fans not aware, the Civil War was a lifelong fascination for Porcaro. Robyn Flans’ It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro – The Man and His Music recalls a childhood spent playing Civil War games, while fastidiously painting uniforms on toy soldiers. Lenny Castro confirms this continued into Porcaro’s adult life while touring: “When we went to New Orleans, the first thing he wanted to do was go to the antique shops and go looking for Civil War stuff. He loved to talk about that whole era.”
Flans also confirms the impetus for this song, and how Paich “spent a lot of time researching the Civil War to write the lyrics so he could honor his friend’s love of the period.” The lyrics are exceptional.
Opening with a forthright guitar strum and delicate piano, Toto’s introduction sets the mood. There’s a tale to be told:
Thousands of my brothers lay before me
A hallowed ground like ghosts I hear them cry
young men taking bullets forged from blood, smoke and fearAs I enter the valley of death and heartache
a river of blood as far as the eye can see
angry and confused it’s hard to stand and walk the lineShine on unknown soldiers
Steve Lukather handles vocals on this one – and the choice is right. Although Joseph Williams was knocking it out of the park on Toto XIV, there’s something about Lukather’s tone and delivery here: strong, yet weary … powerful and sorrowful. It is truly one of his best performances at the mic.
Lukather’s growth as a vocalist over the years is remarkable. He has progressed from being the singer of tender and heartfelt ballads (“I Won’t Hold You Back,” “I’ll Be Over You“), the first call lead for a hard-rock call to arms (“Gypsy Train,” “Kingdom of Desire“), and the happy crooner of Christmas reverie (“Winter Wonderland”). Lukather’s vocals are now as versatile and assured as his guitar playing:
They fought and died at Gettysburg and Shiloh
they’re still fighting in the town where I was born
nothing seems to change in this world that we seeSail on unknown soldiers
The tone is similar to “21st Century Blues,” with a reflection that the country is in turmoil and still struggling to find peace.
An instrumental section then builds with some odd-meter bars interspersed throughout. The drumming from Keith Carlock to support the orchestration and arrangement is top notch on “Unknown Soldier.”
As this section subsides, pay attention to the foreboding cello line from Martin Tillman. This is an excellent addition to the track and reminds me of how Michael Porcaro played cello on 1982’s Toto IV.
Only God knows unknown soldiers
how did they learn to hold a gun
was it just the godly oil that keeps the enemy off our shoresSail on unknown soldiers
The instrumental section returns again, but with more fervor. My favorite part is the way “Unknown Soldier” climbs via a Lydian progression, complemented by a righteous descending bass from none other than Steve Lukather himself. (Remember, Lukather also played bass on “Beat It“!) It is an epic and intense display of orchestral power with rock sensibility. Yet suddenly, it drops away, taking us back to the beginning.
The craftsmanship in this arrangement and dynamic interplay could only come from Toto.
The tears that fall for innocence around us
the cry for peace is truly never heard
Why can’t we see that history tells us that nothings ever learnedShine on unknown soldiers
Sail on unknown soldiers
More cello and, sadly, more painfully apt lyrics. Now, if the solemnity of the song itself weren’t enough, let’s take a moment to recognize the impressive and respected line-up of musicians who contributed to the track, all of whom have a deep connection to Jeff Porcaro and/or Toto.
The chorus includes Joseph Williams, Amy Keys, and Michael McDonald. There’s additional percussion from Lenny Castro, and additional synths from CJ Vanston. The cello was provided by acclaimed Swiss cellist and composer Martin Tillman. (Be sure to check out Superhuman, dedicated to his wife who was diagnosed with MS, and a recording which David Paich also contributed to.)
There is so much love in the details: the composition, the lyrics, the emotional performances, the caliber of musicians chosen to honor Jeff Porcaro. “Unknown Soldier (for Jeffrey)” is a superb and fitting tribute to a founding father of Toto.
- Toto, “Spanish Sea” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - June 15, 2021
- Toto, “Devil’s Tower” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - May 11, 2021
- Toto, “Alone” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - April 27, 2021
