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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

Toto - "Falling In Between"

Label - Frontiers
Reviewed by: Jez Parry
Genre: AOR/Melodic Rock
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 50.43
Release Date: February 28, 2006
Label:
Frontiers
Band Members: Steve Lukather: Guitar, Vocals David Paich: Keyboards, Vocals
  Bobby Kimball: Vocals Greg Phillinganes: Keyboards, Vocals
  Simon Phillips: Drums, Percussion Mike Porcaro: Bass
  Additional Musicians:
  Joseph Williams: vocals Steve Porcaro: Keyboards
  Lenny Castro: Percussion Ian Anderson: Flute
  L Shenkar: Vocals Jason Scheff: Vocals
 

Roy Hargrove: Horns Tom Scott: Horns

James Pankow: Trombone

Ray Herman: Tenor

Lee Thornburg: Trumpet

Track Listing: 1.)- Falling In Between (4:05) 8.)-Let It Go (5:00)
  2.)- Dying On My Feet (6:10) 9.)-Spiritual Man (5:11)
  3.)- Bottom Of Your Soul (6:57) 10.)-.No End In Sight (6:12)
  4.)- King Of The World (4:04) 11.)-The Reeferman (Japanese Bonus Track) (1:45)
  5.)- Hooked (4:36)  
  6.)-Simple Life (2:21)  
  7.)Taint Your World (4:01)  
 
The Review

Since the Magnificent 'Seventh One', it has been a bit of an up and downhill ride with Toto - I loved the new tracks from 1991's 'Past To Present' Best of ..compilation (yes I know Byron (the all singing, all dancing, Prince wannabe) was singing on them but good tracks non the less!!), but thought 'Kingdom Of Desire' & 'Tambu' were somewhat patchy in places. 'Mindfields got things back on track big time, then we had the Covers album, which I still think wasn't as bad as a lot made it out to be, but yes,we wanted new material right?? And finally after a 6 + year wait it is here. 'Falling In Between' just about covers all bases that the band have touched on previous albums, but with a few new tricks added as well.***

"Falling In Between"

The title track kicks things off and shows the band at their most Progressive. Admittedly, it isn't the easiest way to start the album off, and if you are expecting the more commercial sounding Toto of say 'Africa' or 'Rosanna', then you are going to be in for a bit of a shock! It's a great track though, make no mistakes about that, with one of Luke's heaviest riffs I have yet heard on a Toto record.***

"Dying On My Feet"

Is also quite a challenge throughout it's various sections, but is a brilliantly arranged piece, especially during it's final 2 minutes, which features a massive horn section, underpinned by a huge Lukather riff. An amazing track for sure, and one that encompasses everything I love about this band.***

"Bottom Of Your Soul"

Is completely different yet again. This features the welcome return of Joseph Williams on vocals and is the first single choice from the album. Soundwise, this is a real return to the 80's sound of the band, especially 'The Seventh One' album. A mellow, Lukather sung verse, leads to one of the best choruses on the album, with Williams adding that extra something to the hook. ***

"King Of The World"

Is another more commercial track and, as with 'Bottom Of Your Soul', harks back to the bands 80's sound. This features Paich, Lukather & Kimball all sharing vocals and again features a very strong hooky chorus as well as an inspired instrumental mid section. Without a doubt, one of the strongest tracks on the album.***

"Hooked"

Is yet another change in direction. Soundwise a more stripped back sound than what has gone previously, although quite heavy in the guitar department. Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson lends a hand on flute towards the end of the song, which adds a more Progressive edge to the overall feel.***

All previous Toto albums have featured a killer ballad or two and 'Falling In Between' is no different.

"Simple Life"

Is the song in question here and is an exquisite, Steve Lukather sung track. My only complaint with this one is that it is way too short at under 2 minutes 30. Programme the repeat x 4 on your player for this one!!***

"Taint Your World"

Is all balls out with an excellent Bobby Kimball vocal, huge Van Halen style riff from Lukather as well as another curious but effective instrumental section mid way through. One that will definitely fire the crowd up on the upcoming tour of the album.***

"Let It Go"

Reminds me of 'Jake To The Bone' from the 'Kingdom Of Desire' album, especially the rhythm section arrangement, although as the track progresses it slips easily into the more laid back, soulful sound the band showed on the 'Tambu' album. The song is also notable for new boy Greg Phillinganes to shine on lead vocals, which also lends the track a Funky/R&B'ish flavour.***

"'Spiritual Man"

I will go on paper as saying that this is one of my favourite Toto tracks that they have ever recorded. Everytime I spin this album, this gets at least 3 or 4 repeats – yes, that good. A soulful, gospel tinged ballad featuring lead vocals from Paich, Phillinganes & Kimball plus a massive choir to add to the mix as well. I swear, by the time Bobby Kimball's lead comes in on the second verse, the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. It all builds up to the final climax with the choir, sax and multi-instrumentation all battling it out together in superb style. A track definitely not to be missed and the albums complete highlight.***

"No End In Sight"

Mixes the tempos between verse/chorus and again reminds me of 'The Seventh One' era especially percussion wise. Not the most accessible track on the album but one that pays off with repeated listens. **

"The Reeferman" (Japanese bonus track)

Is basically a 2 minute studio jam/jazz session that doesn't really add anything to the album overall, and could, if I'm honest have been left off. Not really worth spending the extra money on the Japanese version over the European one just for this track, although if you're a Toto completist then I know you will have to have it!!!! ***

This is without a doubt the best (and most varied) Toto album since 'The Seventh One' and with time will probably be looked upon as one of the strongest albums they have ever recorded. The biggest thing about it is the way that it completely mixes the styles throughout and always keeps the listener completely engrossed as to what is coming next. Bobby Kimball hasn't sounded this good in years, whilst the rest of the band sound fresh and invigorated, which comes across in a big way in the whole sound. With so much going on and with so much instrumentation, the band has done an excellent job on the production and especially the mix, which rounds off the whole package in great great style. If you're not already a fan of Toto's music, then this album will probably not change your mind about them. If you are expecting a complete album of 'Africa' or 'Rosanna' you have also come to the wrong place. If you are looking for an album that is superbly played by real musicians, sounds a million dollars, challenges in it's diversity on every listen and leaves you with a big grin on your face ... then people - 'Falling In Between' is the space to be in.***

GRADE: A+

 

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