Toto added a trio of never-before-heard songs, including “Alone,” to a 2018 greatest-hits package called 40 Trips Around the Sun to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Around this time, Toto also embarked on the 40 Tours Around the Sun dates, then added a limited-edition box set titled All In.
Included in that set was their remastered studio catalog, a booklet with new essays, previously unseen photos and a full album of unreleased material. Old Is New, which featured the three new songs from 40 Trips Around the Sun and seven other previously unreleased songs, was later issued as a stand-alone album.
“Alone,” a rocking and upbeat track which opened 2018’s Old Is New, was described as “a great representation of where we are at today” by Steve Lukather. Composed by the remaining core members of Toto (David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro and Joseph Williams), “Alone” presents a dynamic and energetic take on what it means to grow old.
The song emerged from a close-knit place, with “just the four of us sitting in a room,” Lukather added. “We wrote everything, recorded everything, played everything together.” This shows in their lyrics, as well: Toto’s experience and age brings forth a perspective that is telling.
I woke up Sunday morning
Another 20 years gone by
Pulled myself out of my bed
It’s getting harder every time[pre-chorus]
Grab my phone, but there’s no messages at all
Then I realize there’s no one left to call[chorus]
Whoa, seems like things ain’t what they used to be
Whoa, can’t cry anymore
I’m alone
Whoa, where did everyone go?
It’s sad to contemplate that as we age, our friends may pass. There has obviously been heartbreak and loss over the years for Toto. This is the human experience and none of us immune. As upbeat and rocking as the groove may be, “Alone” is still a sobering one.
Musically, this track has all the elements one would hope for from Toto: excellent vocals from Joseph Williams, the one-two keyboard punch of Paich and Porcaro, and tasteful and virtuosic guitar from Lukather. Worth noting: Lukather also plays bass on this track.
The driving urgency is provided by famed session ace and Modern Drummer hall of fame inductee Vinnie Colaiuta. Colaiuta has toured and recorded with the likes of Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Steely Dan and Sting. His place in this recording seems only fitting as Jeff Porcaro was also a huge fan.
“Alone” is a killer track, and was rightly chosen as the opener for the 40 Tours Around the Sun shows, as well. It remained a terrific showcase of musicians who are top of their craft.
On stage, we see Toto firing on all cylinders. Paich and Porcaro nail their parts effortlessly, Williams is soaring and confident, and Lukather delivers exactly what was needed with nary a hurried note or rushed action: His command of the instrument is an absolute delight to revel in, his joy of being on stage clearly evident.
Drums on tour were provided by Shannon Forrest, who is also brilliant. I often return to this video, just to watch him on the kit and check out his fills. To my ears, he sounds very Porcaro-like. Reflecting now, Toto have always been blessed by exceptionally gifted musicians in the drummer’s chair.
Whoa, seems like things ain’t what they used to be
Whoa, I can’t cry anymore
I’m alone
Whoa, where did everyone go?
Whoa
Whoa, where did everyone go?
As the track closes, Toto can be heard once again wondering “where did everyone go?” I know, if the band tours again, they’ll find they are not alone.
- 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
