1985 - April: Toto “Toto IV”

What the Riff?!?

Yes, you are right - Toto IV was released in March of 1982, not April of 1985. However, the rock group Toto was a celebrity phenomenon in 1985, particularly in Japan. In April of 1985 MTV broadcast a special episode showcasing a Toto concert from Japan.

Toto IV was both a commercial and critical success. Three of the singles would be top 10 hits, and the album would achieve triple Platinum status as it became known as one of the best albums of the year. Critically, the group would earn six Grammy awards including Album of the Year, and Record of the Year for the single “Rosanna.”

The group would spend much of 1982 and 1983 on tour, though there would be some changes in personnel. Bassist David Hungate left the group shortly after the release of Toto IV, sensing that the success of the album and the fame of the group would negatively impact time with his family. Lead singer Bobby Kimball was in and out of court fighting prosecution on drug-related charges. Those charges would eventually be dismissed in late May 1983, but he would be released from the band after missing many recording sessions.

The album is a soft-rock masterpiece, with balanced synth and keyboard sounds and soaring harmonies. Songs have a jazzy feel, interspersed with piano-based ballads.

Lynch has been lobbying for a long time to do this album, and we hope you enjoy it for this week's podcast.

Rosanna
The biggest hit from the album was often thought to be inspired by actress Rosanna Arquette who was dating keyboardist Steve Porcaro. However, writer David Paich says the lyrics were based on various girls he had known in the past rather than a single individual. The shuffle drum pattern is reminiscent of both Bo Diddley rhythms and John Bonham's groove on "Fool in the Rain."

Make Believe
This sunny-feeling single hit number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. It describes a time of looking back with an old lover, remembering the moments they shared. It was the second US single from the album. David Paich wrote the song, and Bobby Kimball is on lead vocals.

I Won't Hold You Back
The piano-oriented ballad peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and held the number 1 spot on the US Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks. It looks back on a failed romance as the singer lets go of what he had. Guitarist Steve Lukather takes lead vocals duties for this track, and Eagles alumnus Timothy B. Schmidt provides backing vocals in the chorus.

Africa
While this song did well as a single, it has grown into a cultural icon. It did top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983, but would see a resurgence in popularity over time, particularly after Weezer's cover in 2018. The lyrics depict a man struggling between his love for the continent and returning to his relationship elsewhere.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the motion picture “Ladyhawke”
This fantasy movie starring Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Matthew Broderick hit the big screen in April of 1985.

STAFF PICKS:

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Wayne starts us off with a popular and optimistic song that got the band Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist. It is off their debut and eponymously named album. It was first released in Canada, though the band was out of England. It went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
Bruce brings us this well-known song from Adams' album "Reckless," which was released in April of 1985. The original name was going to be "Best Days of My Life," and in the first draft the lyric "summer of '69" only appeared once. With the name change, "Summer of '69" replaced several appearances of the phrase "best days of my life," in the track.

High On You by Survivor
Rob's staff pick is an ode to the intoxication and infatuation of new love. It is the first top 10 single from their album "Vital Signs," and arose from a jam during touring sound checks. Mickey Thomas from Jefferson Starship and Peter Wolf from the J. Geils Band are supporting musicians on this track.

Silent Running by Mike + the Mechanics
Lynch finishes the staff picks with a synth-heavy song with science fiction lyrics. The singer is a father who has journeyed into the future and is now communicating back to his son with instructions for mitigating the coming war and catastrophe. This is the first single released by Mike + the Mechanics, and it went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Moments In Love by Art of Noise
This largely instrumental piece is a signature song from the art rock group.

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