There isn’t a bad song on 2015’s Toto XIV, or songs that fall prey to the “skip” button. “Fortune” is no exception.
Even the “weakest” songs on XIV would be the strongest songs on some of the best albums by other bands. “Fortune” falls into that category. While not as strong as what might be considered the best tracks on Toto XIV, to call this song “weak” would be a crime. There is nothing “weak” about it.
Keith Carlock lays down a subtly brilliant groove that does the late Jeff Porcaro proud. There’s a seeming effortlessness to “Fortune” that betrays its subtle complexities. Steve Lukather lays down some delightfully tasty guitar licks that dance around Carlock’s groove, and Joseph Williams shows he still has some killer vocal chops even as his voice has deepened with age.
He sings with a confidence that some might argue was lacking during his original tenure in the band. There’s also a knowing wisdom commiserate with the age and life experience gained between his two stints in Toto.
Toto XIV will likely be the only album featuring this particular incarnation of the band, which also included David Paich and Steve Porcaro, because they lost a bidding war to Donald Fagen for Carlock’s continued services in Steely Dan. Still, the first and last studio project to feature the brilliant drummer is a masterpiece of an album on par with their multiple grammy breakthrough smash 1982’s Toto IV.
“Fortune” certainly was favoring Toto during the recording of XIV. But any music recorded out of love for music and respect for their legacy and those who have been part of this band both past and present is bound to bless Toto with good fortune.
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