Toto, formed in the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles in 1977, quickly cemented their status as luminaries of melodic rock. With powerful anthems like “Hold the Line” early in their career, and the pop chart-toppers “Africa” and “Rosanna” in the 1980s, their musical prowess became undeniable.
While the songwriting core often revolved around keyboardist David Paich and guitarist Steve Lukather, the band’s creative tapestry was woven with contributions from all members. The late drummer Jeff Porcaro (1954-1992), bassist Mike Porcaro (1955-2015), keyboardist Steve Porcaro, original vocalist Bobby Kimball, and later frontman Joseph Williams all played pivotal roles in shaping Toto’s sound from their 1978 self-titled debut through their fourteenth album Old Is New in 2018.
Toto’s dedication to production was evident throughout their discography, culminating in significant recognition at the 1982 Grammy Awards. Their album Toto IV swept the awards, earning them three Grammys, including the coveted Album of the Year and Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.
Celebrating over four decades since their inception, this list explores 10 essential Toto Songs, chronologically journeying through their impressive album releases and showcasing the evolution of their signature sound.
1. “Hold The Line” (1978)
Written by David Paich
“Hold The Line,” from Toto’s eponymous debut album, marked the band’s explosive entry into the mainstream, climbing to No. 5 on the charts and becoming an instant rock radio staple. Penned by David Paich, with Bobby Kimball delivering the iconic lead vocals, the song’s genesis is rooted in Paich’s new Yamaha upright piano. He recalls being captivated by the central riff, playing it incessantly for days before even crafting the lyrics.
“[I] must have played it for three days, non-stop,” Paich revealed in a 2020 interview. “People were banging on the door at night [saying] ‘shut up,’ and I think I got an eviction notice. So I got that song and constructed a little more of it and it was one of the first songs I brought down when we were testing out singers.”
The song’s driving rhythm and bluesy undertones owe a debt to Sly & The Family Stone’s “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” which Paich cites as a key inspiration. “That record never would have happened if Sly Stone never did ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime,’” he explained, emphasizing the groove’s foundational influence.
“Hold The Line” remains a cornerstone of Toto’s live performances and continues to be a crowd-pleaser in Bobby Kimball’s solo shows. Steve Lukather also incorporated the song into his sets while touring with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band in both 2012 and 2022, further solidifying its enduring appeal.
2. “I’ll Supply the Love” (1978)
Written by David Paich
The second single lifted from Toto, “I’ll Supply the Love” bursts forth with an energetic opening, propelled by Jeff Porcaro’s signature drumming and Kimball’s soaring vocals. While it didn’t achieve the same chart heights as “Hold The Line,” “I’ll Supply the Love” is a masterclass in yacht rock grooves, showcasing Toto’s knack for crafting infectious melodies and sophisticated arrangements. The song highlights the band’s instrumental prowess and their ability to blend rock energy with pop sensibilities.
I see a horseman in the sky
It makes me turn and wonder why
I hear the same old fourteen reasons
Must be the changin’ of the seasons
You supply the night, baby
I’ll supply the love
You supply the night, baby
I’ll supply the love
3. “Rosanna” (1982)
Written by David Paich
“Rosanna,” the lead single from the multi-platinum Toto IV, became one of Toto’s most recognizable hits, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive five weeks. In 1983, it was honored with the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, solidifying its place in music history. The accompanying music video, directed by Steve Barron, known for his work with Michael Jackson (‘“Billie Jean”) and Bryan Adams (‘“Summer of ’69”), drew inspiration from West Side Story. Notably, the video features a young, uncredited Patrick Swayze among the dancers, alongside Cynthia Rhodes, who plays Rosanna and later co-starred with Swayze in Dirty Dancing.
In a playful nod to fan requests, Weezer covered “Rosanna” in 2018 after persistent demands for them to record “Africa,” which they also released shortly after, highlighting the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Toto’s music.
4. “Africa” (1982)
Written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro
“Africa,” the third single from Toto IV, achieved unparalleled success, topping the charts and becoming Toto’s first and only No. 1 hit. The song’s distinctive rhythm, driven by Jeff Porcaro’s unique drumming pattern, creates an atmospheric and captivating soundscape.
The initial concept for “Africa” stemmed from David Paich’s fascination with the continent. Despite never having visited Africa, he was deeply moved by imagery and stories of its landscapes and struggles. “I romanticized this story about a social worker that goes over there and falls in love with working with the country and doing good,” Paich explained. “But he also falls in love and has to make a choice between helping people for the rest of his life or having a family and doing that kind of thing.”
Jeff Porcaro offered another perspective, describing the song as “a white boy is trying to write a song on Africa, but since he’s never been there, he can only tell what he’s seen on TV or remembers in the past.” This notion of distant observation and imagined experience adds a layer of complexity to the song’s meaning.
Paich also revealed a personal connection to the song’s themes, stating, “I was at the age where I was so immersed in my work 24-7, that at times I felt like I was becoming just a victim of my work. There was a little bit of autobiographical information in there: being consumed by my work, not having time to go out and pursue getting married and raising a family and doing all the things that other people do that were my age at the time. So, it could be semi-autobiographical at that point.” “Africa” resonates on multiple levels, blending personal reflection with broader themes of longing and connection.
Check out the American Songwriter Story Behind the Song for “Africa,” HERE.
5. “I’ll Be Over You” (1986)
Written by Steve Lukather and Randy Goodrum
“I’ll Be Over You,” from Toto’s sixth album Fahrenheit, marked the debut of Joseph Williams as the band’s new lead vocalist, although Steve Lukather also took on lead vocal duties for this soft rock ballad. The song reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 and showcased a slightly different direction for Toto, embracing a more overtly emotional and introspective style. The music video, featuring the band performing on a rooftop, includes a cameo by Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, who also contributed backing vocals to the track, adding a layer of soulful harmony.
Some people live their dreams
Some people close their eyes
Some people’s destiny
Passes by
There are no guarantees
There are no alibis
That’s how our love must be
Don’t ask why
6. “Pamela” (1988)
Written by David Paich and Joseph Williams
Six years after “Rosanna,” Toto turned their lyrical focus to another woman with “Pamela,” featured on their seventh album, aptly titled The Seventh One. “Pamela” stands out as one of two songs on the album named after women, the other being “Anna,” co-written by Lukather and Randy Goodrum. Partially inspired by a friend of Joseph Williams named Pamela, the song climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, demonstrating Toto’s continued appeal across different formats. “Pamela” encapsulates the polished production and catchy songwriting that defined Toto’s sound in the late 80s.
7. “I Will Remember” (1995)
Written by Steve Lukather and Stan Lynch
“I Will Remember,” a deeply moving ballad from Toto’s ninth album Tambu, serves as a tender tribute to their late drummer Jeff Porcaro, who tragically passed away in 1992. Co-written by Steve Lukather and Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, and sung by Lukather, the song builds gradually, becoming one of Toto’s most emotionally resonant tracks. “I Will Remember” showcases a different facet of Toto’s artistry, highlighting their ability to convey vulnerability and heartfelt emotion through their music.
How we’ve come to surround ourselves
In a sea of thieves
In a land without learning
Only the fools believe
I went driving last night
On a dark canyon road
Had the sky to myself
But I wasn’t alone
Had the pain of my lifetime
For my company
How did it end up like this
For you and me
8. “Bottom of Your Soul” (2006)
Written by David Paich, Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips, Bobby Kimball, Mike Porcaro
While “Bottom of Your Soul,” from Toto’s twelfth album Falling in Between, didn’t achieve chart success, it remains a significant track within their catalog. David Paich described it as Toto’s “prayer for peace,” highlighting its socially conscious lyrics and sweeping musical arrangement. Sung as a duet by Lukather and Williams, with backing vocals from original singer Bobby Kimball, who also co-wrote the song, “Bottom of Your Soul” is a powerful pop ballad with a message of hope and unity. Falling in Between holds the distinction of being the last Toto album to feature Bobby Kimball.
Where are the children we lost not long ago
Feel for the Mothers who weep for them
I pray for the Fathers who are standing by their side
In their world of pain and suffering
Have you ever seen the look in a hungry child’s eyes
They can’t eat money or promises
Give them your smile and try holding out your hands
Let them know you’re there, let them know you’re there
Why is it always the ones that we love
Are the ones that will never come home
Why must all of the bridges we cross take their toll
Always remember the voice in your head
Speaks to you when you’re alone
And it comforts you
From the top of your heart to the bottom of your souls
9. “Orphan” (2015)
Written by David Paich, Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams
Nearly four decades into their career, Toto released their fourteenth album, Toto XIV, featuring a collection of strong tracks, including “Orphan.” “Orphan” and other songs like “Burn” and “Holy War” demonstrated the band’s continued creative vitality. Toto XIV marked the return of Joseph Williams after a period away from the band and was the first album since Toto IV recorded without bassist Mike Porcaro, who sadly passed away in 2015. “Orphan” reflects themes of belonging and resilience, resonating with the band’s own journey and evolution.
You’re never alone in the world
You’re never alone in the world
You believe in each and everyone of us
You’re never alone in the world
I was born in the lost and found
Often raised in the underground
Then one day I opened up my eyes
Looked around and I realized
10. “We’ll Keep on Running,” featuring Skrillex and What So Not (2018)
Written by David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams, Chris Emerson (What So Not), George Maple, James Rushent, and Surahn Sidhu.
“We’ll Keep on Running,” the closing track on Toto’s fifteenth and final studio album, Old Is New, represents a bold and unexpected collaboration. Featuring electronic music heavyweights Skrillex and Australian artist What So Not, the song fuses Toto’s classic musicianship with contemporary electronic elements. Sung by Lukather and Williams, “We’ll Keep on Running” is a unique addition to their discography, blending futuristic synths and dance beats while retaining Toto’s signature sound. Old Is New also includes older, previously unreleased tracks featuring Jeff and Mike Porcaro, bridging the band’s past and present.
Tonight’s the night we leave this all behind
Stuck in the same old place, in the same old state of mind
Before our luck runs out, let’s get out while we can
We’re turning in circles, we’re back where we began
Tonight, tonight, whoo
We keep on running on next to nothing
Tonight, tonight, whoo
We keep on running on next to nothing
