The last genuinely new Toto album was released on March 20th, 2015. I’ll admit it left me a little underwhelmed upon its initial release. Upon a recent relisten, that opinion hasn’t changed too much. I received an email from a reader of my book, “ Toto: The Band, Not The Dog,” stating that I was rather pessimistic about the album. Overall, I would disagree with that contention. There are several standout tracks on the album. 

“Orphan,” written by original Toto members David Paich and Steve Lukather with long-term vocalist Joseph Williams, delivers lyrically that complements the music’s prog-rock sensibility. The song also includes erstwhile drummer Keith Carlock’s best performance on the album. 

Perhaps my favorite song from the album is the Steve Porcaro/Allee Willis composition “The Little Things.” The keyboard wizard utilizes his unique sonic wizardry, creating a vivid atmosphere that is both forward-leaning yet recalls the pre-7th One Toto era. Porcaro handles the lead vocals, which also reach a level expected of this stellar band. The song would never be a hit, but it is an essential deep cut.

“Chinatown,” a collaboration between the late keyboardist Michael Sherwood and David Paich, reinvents a song partially completed in the early ’70s. The lyrics are as vivid as the haunting synth and piano passages. Equally vivid are the sliding and powerful bass parts by original bassist David Hungate and the Gilmour-like guitar passages by Steve Lukather. The song stands side to side with the best Toto songs from the first three Toto albums with its combination of prog and funk.

“All The Tears That Shine,” composed by Paich and Sherwood and sung by Paich, combines melodic lushness with a contemporary feel. David Paich steps up again with an excellent and tender vocal, while Steve Porcaro makes his presence known with touches of synth work that stand out while being complimentary. 

Lastly, “Great Expectations,” with its co-lead vocals by Paich, Lukather, and Williams, furthers the argument that Toto could have been a great prog/rock band had they decided to go that route. Lukather’s guitar work, the keyboard solos, and Williams’s no-holds-barred vocals raise the song to a high the album deserves and overcome the languid production and disappointing drum sonics that plague the album. 

Listen to Toto XIV, and let me know if you disagree.