Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “It’s a Feeling” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “It’s a Feeling” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “It’s a Feeling” could just as easily be talking about a changing relationship or Steve Porcaro’s place in the band he cofounded.

Toto, “Good For You” from ‘Toto IV’ (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Good For You” from ‘Toto IV’ (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Co-written by Toto’s Steve Lukather and Bobby Kimball, ‘Good For You’ was one of the strongest songs not to be issued as a single from ‘Toto IV.’

Toto, “I Won’t Hold You Back” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “I Won’t Hold You Back” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Up until ‘Toto IV,’ the vast majority of Toto ballads had been written by David Paich. Steve Lukather’s “I Won’t Hold You Back” changed the paradigm.

Toto, “Make Believe” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Make Believe” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

“Make Believe” is one of the reasons I’m still longing for the day that Toto and Chicago tour together.

Toto, “Rosanna” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Rosanna” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s fourth album represented a major investment for Columbia Records after ‘Hydra’ and ‘Turn Back’ failed to reach the heights of the band’s debut.

Toto, “If It’s the Last Night” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “If It’s the Last Night” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “If It’s the last Night” doesn’t hit the heights of “A Million Miles Away,” but it’s an effective ballad. Unfortunately, it’s not an effective album closer.

Toto, “Turn Back” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Turn Back” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

“Turn Back” stands the test of time well on its own, and elevates Toto’s third album – even though it was miscast.

Toto, “I Think I Could Stand You Forever” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “I Think I Could Stand You Forever” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Of David Paich’s four songs on Toto’s ‘Turn Back,’ the Steve Lukather-sung “I Think I Could Stand You Forever” is the most varied. But does it work?

Toto, “Goodbye Elenore” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Goodbye Elenore” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

“Goodbye Elenore,” the Side 2 opener and first single, reaches an intensity not seen again on Toto’s ‘Turn Back.’

Toto, “A Million Miles Away” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “A Million Miles Away” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Steve Lukather was typically Toto’s go-to guy for ballads, but this David Paich gem shows he’s not the only one who can handle more emotional fare.