Toto – IV 2022 (Ltd Edn Bloodshot Red Vinyl LP)

It was do or die for Toto on the group’s fourth album, and they certainly rose to the challenge. Largely dispensing with anonymous studio rock that had characterized their first three releases, the band worked harder on its melodies, made sure its simple lyrics treated romantic subjects, augmented Bobby Kimball’s vocals by having other group members sing, brought in ringers like Timothy B. Schmit, and slowed down the tempo to what came to be known as ‘power ballad’ pace. Most of all, they wrote some hit songs. The 1982 effort took home six Grammy awards, “Africa” reigned at No. 1 on the charts for a whole ten months and together with the super-hit “Rosanna” the two smash hits were a constant presence, backed up by a collection of impressive rock classics.

1. Rosanna
2. Make Believe
3. I Won’t Hold You Back
4. Good For You
5. It’s A Feeling
6. Afraid Of Love
7. Lovers In The Night
8. We Made It
9. Waiting For Your Love
10. Africa