200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS : #48. Continues tomorrow.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#48

TOTO: TOTO 

 

 [1978] 

Toto's membership included some of American rock's most skilful session musicians. They contributed to classic recordings such as Boz Scaggs' 'Silk Degrees' and Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' as well as playing with Sonny & Cher, Steely Dan and Seals & Crofts. In 1977, these musicians formed Toto. A self-titled debut album was unleashed in the following year. Amidst the era of disco, punk and new wave, Toto's polished sound was embraced by radio and the record-buying public. This was a stunning debut featuring accomplished musicians. Many tracks became radio staples. The LP offers a range of styles, from ballads and AC to hard rock. "Child's Anthem" serves as a perfect introduction. The album was an event and this opening track is as effective as "Funeral For A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding" was on Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. "I'll Supply The Love" maintains the energy before "Georgy Porgy" shifts the mood with an R&B flavour. This is no doubt complemented by Cheryl Lynn on guest vocals (she scored a disco/ funk hit in her own right with "Got To Be Real"). 'Toto' is far from timeless. Each groove evokes the US rock sound that dominated pop music in the 1970s. Toto's 2nd and 3rd albums failed to continue the momentum generated by this debut set. The group did strike back in 1982 with 'Toto IV', which saw them enjoying greater sales and showered with Grammy Awards.

Highlight tracks: Rockmaker; Hold The Line; Georgy Porgy & Child's Anthem.