Toto - Through The Looking Glass


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Capitol / EMI
Catalog Number: 5421442
Format: CD
Total Time: 55:40:00

When I learned of the new Toto release, I was a little disappointed because it was a cover songs disc. However, after having listened to it, I can surely declare that it is a successful work for the most part. Perhaps I can say it is good, even though it isn't original stuff, as in the same vein as recent compositions by the members.

Except for a few songs, I have to admit that I've never listened to them before; but in each of these songs, you can note immediately the classic Toto style.

In my opinion, the only one that doesn't have a personal mark is "Living For The City;" too much like Stevie Wonder's original. For the rest, some pieces could seem old classics of the group, like Steely Dan's "Bodhisattva" or Elton John's "Burn The Mission Down."

The first one distinguishes itself by an interesting instrumental part where Lukather shows his guitar skills. "Burn The Mission Down," instead, is classic rock with a beautiful acoustic piano riff. Especially this one could be a David Paich song. In fact, he had already played it when he was a teenager and I guess it had a great influence on his artistic career.

The opening piece is Bob Marley's famous "Could You Be Loved," which is also the first single track, and, at the beginning, is arranged in a strange rap style with the help of some deejays. The second single, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a wonderful ballad, well sung by the guitarist of the group, in memory of George Harrison.

A special mention goes to "Maiden Voyage/Butterfly," the only fusion piece, well-performed by Steve Lukather, while David Paich measures himself in a grand piano solo, losing the contest with Herbie Hancock, the writer of the two original pieces, as it is a medley. The disc continues with "Sunshine Of Your Love," where Steve's voice doesn't regret Eric Clapton's, and the same Steve makes himself conspicuous with an epic guitar solo. The following "House Of The Rising Sun," which many people will know, fits perfectly the vocal abilities of Bobby Kimball and is oriented toward hard-rock and the blues.

I left for last my least favourite songs, like "I Can't Get Next To You," Elvis Costello's catchy "Watching The Detectives" and "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry," badly sung by Paich. However, I don't love Bob Dylan. That's for sure!

To conclude, Through The Looking Glass is a fair album, waiting for something new and more original. I hope the next one will be as good as this Through The Looking Glass.


Tracklisting:
Could You Be Loved (feat. James Ingram) (3:47) / Bodhisattva (4:51) / As My Guitar Gently Weeps (5:15) / I Can't Get Next To You (4:04) / Livin' For The City (5:49) / Maiden Voyage/Butterfly (7:33) / Burn Down The Mission (6:28) / Sunshine Of Your Love (5:13) / House Of The Rising Sun (4:40) / Watching the Detectives (4:04) / It Takes A Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry (3:52)

Musicians:
Bobby Kimball - vocals
Steve Lukather? - guitars and vocals
Mike Porcaro?- bass
Simon Phillips?- drums
David Paich?- keyboards and vocals

Discography:
Toto (1977)
Hydra (1979)
Turn Back (1981)
IV (1982)
Isolation (1984)
Fahrenheit (1986)
The Seventh One (1987) Past To Present (1990)
Kingdome Of Desire (1992)
Absolutely Live (1993) Tambu (1995)
Best Ballads (1995)
Legend: The Best Of Toto (1996)
Greatest Hits (1996)
XX (1998)
Mindfields (1999)
Livefields (1999)
Super Hits (2001)
Hold The Line - The Very Best Of Toto (2001)
Greatest Hits ? And More (2002)
Through The Looking Glass (2002)
Love Songs (2003)
Africa (2003)
The Essential Toto (2003)
Live In Amsterdam (2003)
Rosanna - The Very Best Of Toto (2005)
Falling In Between (2006)
Falling In Between Live (2007)
The Very Best Of Toto & Foreigner (2007)
Hit Collection (2007)
The Collection (2008)
Playlist: The Very Best Of Toto (2009)
Africa - The Best Of Toto (2009)
Gold - Greatest Hits (2009)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: February 1st 2003
Reviewer: Davide Guidone

Artist website: www.totoofficial.com
Hits: 2606
Language: english

  

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