Toto Album: “Isolation”

Over Toto's first four albums the band seemed to be struggling to fuse Luke's guitar chops and rock roots with that Paich/Porcaro weird keyboard magic. They got it just right with "Rosanna" on Toto IV, and they got it just right on "Carmen", "Lion" and "Isolation" on this disc. Fergie really shines in all three songs and I can't imagine Kimball singing any of them as well. Kimball has a voice made for the R&B songs that were wholly absent from this album. If this album is missing anything, it is the R&B elements found in songs like "Waiting For Your Love", "Mama" and "You Are the Flower" from earlier albums. On this album Toto almost (but not quite) sounds like just one band.

I agree with the other reviewers about the energy present throughout this release. There is only one ballad ("How Does It Feel"). The rest of the disc kicks, even the odd tunes like "Mr. Friendly", thanks to Jeff Porcaro's strong drumming.

I like this album from Toto. It sounds quite different from Toto IV. Toto's first four albums all share a similar sound. The guys changed their sound to a degree with this release. Isolation contains a lively, tight, and listenable collection of songs. The album is in a pop rock direction. Fergie Frederiksen's vocals are quite forceful and effective--he really does capture my attention. His vocals are my favorite aspect of this album. The album's musicianship, songwriting, and production are solid and spirited. I like the keyboard playing, and Steve Lukather's guitar playing is cool, too. Isolation contains a total of ten tracks. The album kicks off with "Carmen." "Carmen" is an energetic tune that's a good album opener. Fergie Frederiksen and David Paich (keyboards/vocals) both handle the leading vocals on "Carmen." My favorite tune is "Isolation." Fergie Frederiksen does a cool job with the vocals. He also does a good job with "Endless." Steve Lukather's vocals are nice on the ballad "How Does It Feel." Isolation is a cohesive album that gives off exciting energy. It sounds pretty fresh. Worth a listen.

This album was released two years after Toto IV, and in my opinion continues the great style and songwriting of their peak album.

Allthough Bobby Kimball (Toto 1-4 and Mindfields-present) is one of my all time favourite singers, Fergie Fredricksen does a good job as well. His style is a little more Heavy Metal-inspired, whereas Kimball originally is a soul singer. In a way this is the real peak of Toto, and I think it's often overlooked by fans.

A lot of fans thought Toto was losing it when this came out, especially the cut Stranger in Town. Isolation is still up to their musical standards; it's only failing if any is it's different. Bands evolve. Deal with it.

Isolation was one of the final pieces I added to my Toto collection. At first listen I wasn't sold. But recently I re-listened and discovered that it is one of my favourites.

This is a fast paced collection of songs, with only "How Does It Feel" as a worthy ballad to slow things down.

There seems to be a real mesh between the keyboards and guitars on this album that I love. Paich absolutely roars through some keyboard solos that made my jaw drop.

"Angle Don't Cry" is the best cut on this album, but from top to bottom it is extremely strong. A real "must have" for the Toto fan.

While "Tambu" remains my favorite Toto album, Isolation continues to impress me.

This one is money well spent.