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TOTO XIV
TOTO
Label: Frontiers Music
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Review Date: March 22, 2015
It’s been nine long years since TOTO has been in the studio to record new material. The wait has ended with TOTO XIV and fans will know from the opening strains of “Running Out Of Time” that it has been well worth the wait.
Well crafted lyrics. Intricate compositions. Amazing musicianship. Strong vocals. All of this and more make TOTO XIV an album that will command the attention of fans and naysayers, alike.
The aforementioned “Running Out Of Time” sets the tone for this magnificent album. It grabs you by the throat (okay, ears) and doesn’t let go until the ending sounds of “Great Expectations.”
Lukather’s guitar work is as amazing and inspiring as ever. Joseph Williams’ voice is as strong and commanding like it’s never been before. David Paich? All you can say is “WOW!” when hearing his work. Original bassist, David Hungate, is back on bass (with some help from Tal Wilkenfeld, Lee Sklar and Tim Lefebvre). Keith Carlock (Steely Dan and Sting) is masterful on the drums as is Lenny Castro on percussion.
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of Toto. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a HALF A BILLION albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.
With over 38 years together and thousands of credits and accolades to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling tour and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility.
Paich recently shared, "The repertoire is coming together so naturally it is as though we never took a break from creating as Toto in the studio. For the fans who have been waiting patiently and continually showing the band support and love over the last decade or so, this one's for you”.
The band is not afraid to take their chances and stretch their songwriting abilities. Certainly this is an amazing album which encompasses flawlessly Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Progressive.
In 2015, Toto will embark on a massive world tour where they will unveil some songs from their new album, share some deep tracks from past Toto albums, and perform all the hits their fans have come to love and expect.
Deluxe edition comes in ecolbook format, including an expanded booklet featuring a 3,000 words essay with exclusive interviews, exclusive pictures and a bonus DVD including a documentary “Making of” the album.
Box set edition includes deluxe edition cd/dvd, exclusive t-shirt (L size only), 2LP, poster and lithograph.
