Album Information:

About Toto:

Toto is a Grammy Award-winning American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1977. The band was founded by a group of musicians who had already made a name for themselves within the music industry. The core members of Toto include David Paich (vocals, keyboards), Steve Lukather (guitar), Bobby Kimball (vocals), Jeff Porcaro (drums), and David Hungate (bass). Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes for various reasons, but these core members have remained integral to the band’s legacy.

Toto’s sound can be described as a fusion of rock and pop, although their music also features elements of funk, soul, and R&B. The band is known for their meticulous arrangements and skilled musicianship, which has earned them widespread respect within the music industry. In particular, Steve Lukather has gained a reputation as one of the best guitarists in the world, and David Paich is highly regarded as a songwriter and producer.

Toto’s self-titled debut album was released in 1978 and was a commercial and critical success. The album spawned the hit single “Hold The Line,” which remains one of Toto’s most popular songs to this day. Over the next few years, the band released a series of successful albums, including “Hydra” in 1979 and “Turn Back” in 1981. However, it was their 1982 album “Toto IV” that truly solidified their place in music history.

“Toto IV” was a massive success and featured several hit singles, including “Rosanna” and “Africa.” The album garnered six Grammy awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. This success propelled Toto to international fame and cemented their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Toto continued to release successful albums and tour extensively. They collaborated with a wide variety of artists, including Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, and Steely Dan. While the band experienced some lineup changes during this period, they remained a formidable force in the music industry.

Tragically, founding member Jeff Porcaro passed away in 1992, which was a devastating blow to the band. Despite this loss, Toto continued to create music and tour. They released several more albums over the years, including “Toto XIV” in 2015, which marked their first album of original material in nine years.

Today, Toto continues to perform and create music. They have left an indelible mark on rock music history, and their influence can still be felt in the work of countless musicians around the world.

About the album Turn Back:

'Turn Back' is the third studio album by American rock band Toto, released in 1981. The album features a total of 10 tracks, showcasing a mix of rock, pop, and funk music styles, and marking a notable departure from the band's typical sound.

The album's opening track, 'Gift With A Golden Gun,' sets the tone by featuring a prominent horn section that carries the melody, highlighted by Chuck Findley's trumpet. It's a catchy and upbeat track that showcases David Paich's strong songwriting skills and Toto's ability to incorporate various instruments into their music.

The second track, 'English Eyes,' features a more subdued sound, with David Paich's keyboards and Steve Lukather's guitar work being the standouts. The song also features strong harmonies from the band's vocalists and a memorable chorus.

'Live For Today' is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song, with a strong beat and infectious chorus. It's a song that's hard not to sing along to and has become a fan favorite over the years.

'African Interlude' is a brief instrumental track that showcases percussionist Lenny Castro's skills, featuring a tribal rhythm overlaid with atmospheric keyboard and guitar work.

Then comes 'Jake to the Bone,' a funky, bluesy instrumental track that features an extended guitar solo by Steve Lukather. At over seven minutes in length, it's one of the longer tracks on the album and showcases the band's virtuosity as well as their ability to create dynamic instrumental pieces.

Perhaps the most well-known track on 'Turn Back' is 'Rosanna,' which was later included on the band's biggest-selling album 'Toto IV.' With its catchy chorus, prominent keyboard riff, and memorable guitar solos, it's a true pop-rock gem and one of Toto's signature songs.

'Turn Back' also includes a cover of the early 70s Willie Dixon classic 'If It's the Last Night.' The band does the song justice, staying faithful to the original while adding their own flair and energy.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Goodbye Elenore,' with its bouncy rhythm and catchy chorus, and 'I Think I Could Stand You Forever,' a ballad that features some of the band's most heartfelt and nuanced harmonies.

Overall, 'Turn Back' features a diverse range of musical styles and showcases Toto's ability to experiment with different sounds while still delivering catchy and memorable songs. It may not be as well-known as some of their later albums, but it's a strong representation of the band's early years and shows why they were one of the most successful and influential bands of the late 70s and early 80s.

Members:

Toto is a rock band known for hits like 'Africa,' 'Rosanna' and 'Hold the Line.' The key members of the band are:

1. David Paich - David Paich is a keyboardist and songwriter who was a founding member of Toto. He was born on June 25, 1954, in Los Angeles, California. Paich began playing music at a young age and eventually enrolled at USC to study music theory and composition. He co-wrote many of Toto's biggest hits, including 'Africa,' 'Rosanna,' and 'Hold the Line.'

2. Steve Lukather - Steve Lukather is a guitarist, singer, and founding member of Toto. He was born on October 21, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Lukather began playing guitar at a young age and quickly became a sought-after session musician. He has played on numerous hit songs, including Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' and Boz Scaggs' 'Silk Degrees.'

3. Jeff Porcaro - Jeff Porcaro was a drummer and founding member of Toto. He was born on April 1, 1954, in Hartford, Connecticut. Porcaro began playing drums at a young age and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He was known for his impeccable timing and groove, and played on many hit songs outside of Toto, including Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and Steely Dan's 'Deacon Blues.' Porcaro passed away in 1992.

4. Steve Porcaro - Steve Porcaro is a keyboardist and founding member of Toto. He was born on September 2, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut. Porcaro began playing music at a young age and eventually moved to California to pursue his music career. He co-wrote many of Toto's biggest hits, including 'Africa' and 'Rosanna.'

5. Mike Porcaro - Mike Porcaro was a bassist and member of Toto from 1982 until his retirement in 2007. He was born on May 29, 1955, in South Windsor, Connecticut. Porcaro began playing bass at a young age and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. He played on many of Toto's biggest albums, including 'Toto IV,' which won six Grammy Awards.

6. Bobby Kimball - Bobby Kimball is a singer and was the lead vocalist for Toto from 1978 until 1984 and again from 1998 until 2008. He was born on March 29, 1947, in Orange, Texas. Kimball began singing at a young age and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He sang lead vocals on many of Toto's biggest hits, including 'Hold the Line' and 'Rosanna.'

Track List for Turn Back:

1. Gift with a Golden Gun (4:00) - The album kicks off with a catchy guitar riff and upbeat melody that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The lyrics talk about love being a game of chance, with a 'gift with a golden gun' representing the risk one takes in pursuit of love.

2. English Eyes (6:13) - This track has a more laid-back vibe, with a smooth guitar solo and keyboard accompaniment. The lyrics are about the allure of a mysterious woman with 'English eyes' and the desire to get closer to her.

3. Live for Today (4:01) - The tempo picks back up with this song, which encourages living in the moment and enjoying life. The upbeat melody and positive lyrics make this a feel-good track.

4. A Million Miles Away (4:34) - This ballad features emotional vocals and a beautiful guitar solo. The lyrics express longing for someone who is far away, and the feeling of wanting to be reunited with them.

5. Goodbye Elenore (4:53) - This track has a fun, funky groove and catchy chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a man ending a relationship with a woman named Elenore, and the difficulties that come with letting go of someone you care about.

6. I Think I Could Stand You Forever (5:21) - A slower, romantic ballad that showcases lead singer Bobby Kimball's soulful vocals. The lyrics express the sentiment of wanting to be with someone forever, even through the ups and downs of life.

7. Turn Back (3:59) - The title track of the album starts with a dramatic instrumental intro before launching into a hard rock guitar riff. The lyrics deal with the idea of going back in time to relive the past and make different choices.

8. If It's the Last Night (4:39) - This track features a heavy guitar riff and driving beat, with lyrics that express the desire to make the most of every moment and live life to the fullest.

9. Carolinea (6:28) - The album closes with a mellow ballad that showcases the band's musical versatility. The lyrics tell a story of unrequited love and the pain of watching someone you care about love someone else.

Discography for Toto:

Here is Toto's complete discography in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Toto - 1978
2. Hydra - 1979
3. Turn Back - 1981
4. Toto IV - 1982
5. Isolation - 1984
6. Fahrenheit - 1986
7. The Seventh One - 1988
8. Kingdom of Desire - 1992
9. Tambu - 1995
10. Mindfields - 1999
11. Through the Looking Glass - 2002
12. Falling in Between - 2006
13. Toto XIV - 2015
14. Old Is New - 2018

Singles:
1. 'Hold the Line' - 1978
2. 'I'll Supply the Love' - 1978
3. 'Georgy Porgy' - 1979
4. '99' - 1979
5. 'St. George and the Dragon' - 1980
6. 'Hydra' - 1980
7. 'Rosanna' - 1982
8. 'Make Believe' - 1982
9. 'I Won't Hold You Back' - 1983
10. 'Africa' - 1983
11. 'Stranger in Town' - 1984
12. 'Holyanna' - 1984
13. 'Till the End' - 1986
14. 'Without Your Love' - 1986
15. 'Pamela' - 1988
16. 'Stop Loving You' - 1988
17. 'Mushanga' - 1989
18. 'Don't Chain My Heart' - 1992
19. 'The Other Side' - 1992
20. 'I Will Remember' - 1995
21. 'I'll Be Over You' - 1996
22. 'The Turning Point' - 1998
23. 'Mad About You' - 1999
24. 'Melanie' - 1999
25. 'Could You Be Loved' - 1999
26. 'Africa 2007' - 2007
27. 'Spanish Sea' - 2018

Other Releases:
1. Livefields (live album) - 1999
2. Live in Amsterdam (live album) - 2003
3. Falling in Between Live (live album) - 2007
4. 35th Anniversary: Live in Poland (live album) - 2014