What makes 2018’s Old Is New compilation so impressive is the overall quality of Toto material from start to finish. Every song could be released as a single: All of them have catchy hooks and the tight musicianship that Toto is so well known for.
“Fearful Heart” is no exception to that. Joseph Williams vocals are spot on. There has been an impressive confidence in his approach ever since his return to the fold in 2010 that was either missing from or was hidden under the toils of burning the candle at both ends during Williams’ original stint in the band. His vocal assurance gives this Toto material an extra swagger.
“Fearful Heart” also boasts the pure singing power that he previously unleashed on 2015’s Toto XIV. He’s lost an octave off the top of his range, but Toto has adapted with rearrangements to lower keys that have allowed Williams to maintain confidence without having to strain his voice to hit notes that are no longer within his wheelhouse.
To help beef up and round out the vocals, Williams’ older brother Mark lends his voice to the background, adding a nice familial complement to Joe’s leads. (Mark Williams also co-penned the fan favorite “A Thousand Years” on 1988’s The Seventh One.)
The other welcome element of “Fearful Heart” is David Hungate, as Toto’s original bassist displays his legendary chops while filling out Vinnie Colauita’s tight rhythms. The absence of brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro is still felt, and Toto will never be what they once were. Rather than dwell on that, however, the musicians assembled here and elsewhere on Old Is New simultaneously pay homage to the group’s classic sound and put a bit of themselves into all of their contributions.
In some ways, “Fearful Heart” feels transitional. But that makes it an embodiment of the collection’s name – and purpose. While Old Is New remains an homage to the past, this album also finds Toto pivoting toward its future.
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