Released in August 1986, ‘Fahrenheit’ fell into an emerging trend, but the big-hearted singles didn’t reflect all of Toto’s varied musical goals.

I’d argue ‘Hydra’ did more to establish Toto’s style and sound than their debut. The complex and entertaining “Lorraine” is exemplary of that.

A Steve Lukather-sung ballad, “99” did respectively enough, reaching the Top 40. But why wasn’t it Toto’s biggest hit to that point?

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.

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes J.D. Souther, Jose James, Luke Reynolds, Kevin Gilbert, Leslie Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Marc Cary and others.

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes Death Cab for Cutie, James McMurtry, Steve Hackett, Randy Bachman, Richard Thompson and Ringo Starr.

“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.

Nestled between “Takin’ It Back” and the smash hit “Hold the Line” on Toto’s 1978 debut, the steady and fun “Rockmaker” is too often overlooked.