David Paich’s overwhelming songwriting contributions through the first four Toto albums are striking.
His acumen was honed by many sessions in L.A., and he and Jeff Porcaro where given and opportunity to display those skills with Toto’s self-titled debut album. Paich’s songwriting and arranging on Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees proved a proper jumping-off point for Paich into a potential solo career, but we are fortunate in that he had a greater vision which Jeff Porcaro helped execute.
As Toto’s dynamics shifted as well as Paich’s own health, his contributions diminished. Toto XIV represents a number of returns for the band which have been explored over the the last several weeks, including Paich’s vocals being more prominent.
“All the Tears That Shine” could have easily been a stand-out track on a Paich solo record. Like “Chinatown,” the proceeding song, “All the Tears That Shine” was co-written by Paich and the late Michael Sherwood. Steve Porcaro again applies his sonic wizardry to the keyboard sounds, and bolsters the arrangements.
The song is melodically lush with touches of prog rock (Paich’s brief synth solo) all incorporated in a pop sheen.
Paich’s keyboard bass is supplemented by Tal Wilkenfeld. Yet, the subtle production allows each element to flow through.
According to Michael Sherwood, he didn’t have any “intention to write a Toto song; Dave and I were just writing a song. I actually sang the original. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out it was gonna be picked up by the guys. And Dave sang the shit out of it!”
Yes, Paich did sing the shit out of it. Hopefully, in the years to come we will hear more new David Paich music, even if he’s no longer part of Toto.
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