‘Toto IV’ follows the Steve Lukather rocker “Afraid Of Love” with an even more potent song from David Paich.

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’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.

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?

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

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.

Toto’s proggy “St. George and the Dragon” failed to chart as the lead single from 1979’s ‘Hydra,’ but it’s only grown in estimation since.

‘Hydra,’ Toto’s second album, confounded critics and fans alike upon its release in October 1979, but it has aged well.

“Angela,” a song of shifting moods and layered musical complexity, puts the exclamation point on Toto’s bold debut album.

David Paich has said Toto’s “Hold the Line” came together quickly, yet one wouldn’t know it because the song has so many layers.