Please report all these fake spam comments. I don’t know why TH-cam can’t get this together but every comment you see for me is a fake bot looking to scam people. Thanks!
Im so glad that Rick is doing these Toto features. I have been a fan of Toto for nearly 40 years and as a drummer, Jeff is my idol. When he passed, nearly 30 years ago, the drumming community shed many tears and we still do. It is fantastic that a newer generation are being introduced to more than Africa and Rosanna, and learning how wonderful their musicianship individually and collectively is. Their influence on modern music is without peer; my favourite quote is, "More than 90% of the worlds population has heard a song where at least one of the Toto members is involved." No other collection of musicians can make that claim. Toto is the best, and long live the memory of the greatest, Jeff Porcaro.
Jeff Porcaro of course was very famous for his pocket. I think it's his musicality when it comes to his fills what makes him great. This Toto ballad song is a great example it. As close as it gets to perfection, all of it.
there is a young Finnish guitarist on You Tube (Juha Aitakangas) who seems to love them and plays virtuoso renditions with exact tone...they were around twenty years before he was born, wow
Rick, at six minutes and 35 seconds into this video I backed out to discover Toto's entire library because you showed me in less than 7 minutes that I have severely and grievously underrated Toto unjustly and ignorantly. Thank you
Jeff Porcaro had incredible rhythmic timing. That is why everyone wanted him on their albums. He was even brought in on The Wall on Mother, because the band's drummer couldn't get it down. An awesome session player!
Rick, your appraisal leaves me in aw of the craftsmanship that went into this song. for me, 'I won't hold you back' is the Toto/Lukather answer to the Chicago/Cetera 'if you leave me now' - they are truly beautiful, defining.
Rick...you are setting the bar. So many listeners and critics don't give Toto the credit deserved because they aren't "popular" or its in vogue to "hate Toto". Thank you for this enjoyable lesson.
As a guitar teacher I have brought this solo up with so many of my students. It's an masterclass in phrasing and far more difficult to play well than solos with more shredding. Bending the right notes, to exactly the right pitch, at exactly the right time, is not easy. And of course the pinky hammer-on at the top of the bend is a challenge to pitch just right! Anyone who studies this solo, paying close attention to the details, and tries their best to play it right will ALWAYS improve the skills as a musician!
This is exactly the way I like to play solos. My biggest influence growing up was Slash so emotional expression in string bending is 2nd nature to me. Whereas, I’m not much of a shredder at all!
I rarely write anything on TH-cam because I don’t want to contribute to the noise. When I saw the title I immediately predicted it was either “I Won’t hold you Back” or “Africa”. This song was never a top 10 for Toto but anyone who’s ever heard it never forgets it. It’s so emotional it demands your complete attention and drains you. After 40 years I never tire of it and new listeners are in instant awe of its beauty and grace. Created during a time when musicians knew what they were doing and had the talent to be able to do it. Not trying to be snobbish but comparatively speaking, to me most of the current popular music sounds bland, crude, vulgar, and devoid of any feeling or talent. The singers all sound the same, and everything sounds synthetic.
Toto IV is a masterpiece. Reminds me of driving around Marietta, GA, at age 16. I constantly had it in my cassette player. I always thought the guitar solo in I Won’t Hold You Back sounded like weeping. You can feel Luke’s sadness through those notes. Masterpiece.
One of the greatest ballads ever, in my opinion, and for all the reasons you so skillfully enumerated and highlighted. From the first time I heard that guitar solo entrance and the accompanying orchestration, goosebumps ran up all for limbs and it still happened when you played it just now.
I became a musician, and a fan of the band because of I Won't Hold You Back. The arrangements and melodies are perfection in music form. Hugs from Brazil
This song come out in 1983 my senior year in high school. Gave me chills up my spine when I listened to on radio. One of the few songs that ever did that to me. Just a fabulous song.
Toto while they received some fame they are such a treasure and deserved more credit and popularity then they received! Steve’s writing, singing and guitar playing again gets appreciated by many guitar players but still not recognized by the general public as well as he should be… What a band! What a song!
I have always felt this is the saddest, most painful, gut-wrenching, heart-broken solo ever recorded. Every break-up I ever went through, I had to play this to get me through it.
Toto IV is everything about my youth. I was 14 when it came out and I happen to be bright enough to buy it and listen to it closely. It shaped my way to understand music and is an important step of my personal development, musically and otherwise. Back then my world became bigger each day and listening to this record brings back this unique feeling of youth that left me since decades. Toto IV is a bridge back to my roots and in the very same way a signpost into my future. I´m gonna be eternally thankfull for this music.
Here's an actual comment. I was about the same age when I got Toto IV but a year younger. That cassette and Pyromania from Def Leppard got played a ton. I'm not a musician but I had a good ear for a hit in 82 and 83 and both were amazing. I still think the music in 70's and 80's were better but never stopped listening. I just find few things that move me to need to hear something multiple times.
Since Toto IV came out, I have felt that album is the cleanest and best produced album of all time. After all these years I feel that it is still the best. Awesome work!
Actually, the public does not know, they largely know only about Africa and not about anything else Toto has done, or that Luke is even a noted studio player. His singing on IV was panned and received many bad/mediocre reviews, which was simply not warranted!
Steve Lukather is a one man powerhouse- but what makes him so great is he is a team player in Toto, what professional musician should be- a part of the group! Measure his voice from 40 years ago to Pop radio singers today- no comparison for the most part- he had to do all of his singing right with no digital enhancement. A true legend in every way!
Funny that I just saw Toto Live yesterday evening in Austria. And that song was one of the show's highlight. Drove a shiver down my spine. Fantastic band and one of the all time best
This song is so heartfelt, heartbreaking and so beautiful all at the same time. Steve Lukather has such a soulful voice and is a masterful musician. So gifted! Toto forever!!!
I even cry listening to someone break down the song lol. I've always felt like I'm the only one on the planet that realizes the genuis of this perfect song. Sad and heartbreaking, but perfect and flawless
I agree with Steve Lukather's talent in all areas but to be fair, l am blown away with your talent Rick! Your ability to quickly pick up guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums on basically any song is mind boggling. I am 65, not going to put in the time to try to acquire those skills but thankful you offer to others ways to acquire those skill sets.
Toto is my all time favorite band, so this video makes me very happy My favorite song from them personally is Africa because I'm in love with the harmony, but I have at least 30 other favorites
Love, love, love this song by Toto. It’s beautiful and I get goosebumps every time I hear it. The arrangement is beyond words. It emotes both happy and sad with each listen. Muah!
I cruised around in 4th grade with a 4 D battery tape player bungeed to my sweet BMX bike. Air Supply and Toto IV were the soundtrack to that Summer of 1982
Although I can not read or play music, you make these videos so precious and insightful about how to listen to, appreciate and enjoy music. And most important Rick, you have rightfully become a new genre of Rock Star, a musicians musician but also the connecting link or bridge for the common folk. Such a great Spirit in all your work! Thank you so much :)
One other comment... Criticized in recent years for his voice becoming tougher and raspier over the years, Luke mentioned the critics complaining for his voice no longer being smooth, retorted “neither is my ass as smooth as it was when I was younger”. Now THAT is classic Luke! Don’t even get me started on Luke referring to Simon as “Donkey Knob” 😂
Jann “Rolling Stone Magazine” Wenner and his guys used to slam them with their previous albums. When they released IV, Wenner offered them to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone, but the band rejected it. Since then, Jenner used all of his influences to bash them. And this is why they got banned from the RRHOF.
The fact that they are being kept out of the HOF because of some egomaniac is outrageous. I am glad I have never ever looked at a copy of that magazine. Now I know I never will. Ethical powers that be: GET THEM IN!! TOTO collectively is one the greatest bands ever. Their music is timeless. Do the right thing!
One of my favorite Toto songs. Everything is so overwhelming beautiful. The orchester arrangement is stunning. The Frenchhorn line in the Gutar Solo always gives me chills!
TOTO FINALLY GETTING THEIR DUE. Well done, Rick. The thing that makes this song work is that it is orchestral in conception. The chords are open, and the countermelodies are perfectly conceived. It is indeed a masterpiece. It's also probably the reason they got the Dune Gig. You should seriously think about covering 'Take my Hand' and 'Desert War.' Two classic Toto instrumentals.
Real drums...Real vocals...Real writing... Real talent...man, we had the greatest music during the 80's!! TOTO IV was one of my most worn cassettes in high school and college! I Won't Hold You Back... ALWAYS one of my favorites!! 🥰❤️
Love you Rick. You have made my life a little brighter since I discovered your channel. Music is something that makes me happy and you have magnified a better appreciation for the genius that goes into the magic of what makes this song great
I'm so glad you picked that song. For years I had stopped doing whatever I was doing and closed my eyes whenever this came on. The solo conveys emotion perfectly. My only regret is the fade out that was so typical of that era. Otherwise perfect songs deserve a perfect ending.
That is an incredible song and one of my favorite "pop" tunes. That's the one I go to whan I want a good challenge on the drums. Jeff's performance on that in is just sick. When they come out of that fusion-y section, it's just so out of left field to me, and I love it. Jeff's fill at the end of the chorus, after the fusion-y part.... Magical.
Luke’s solo in I Won’t Hold You Back is so soulful. Along w Jeff Beck’s Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers, it is one of the great examples of how a guitar can convey emotional depth.
This solo is the gold standard ballad solo for me. My friend Steve Lane evoked the same emotion for me with his solo on the SwitchLine cut "Save Me". My drumming on it sucked so badly though...
Toto so underrated still, the west coast wrecking crew has so much great stuff that never made the radio. Nice to see you do an in depth video on them, great live too! Personal fav: “I’ll Supply the Love”
Rick I say play to your strengths, so you aren't a solo singer what you truly are makes up for it in spades. I love you and what you teach me. I love your channel so much. ❤️ sing and play away for us. Nobody is complaining. I learn so much from you and I'm not a musician just an old (72) appreciator of good music.
Their performance at their 35th anniversary in Poland is a master piece in all senses. From the musicianship to the sound engineering...just perfect. This is a very underrated band IMO.
For Toto fans listen to the album Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs which was released in 1976. A few members of the future Toto played on that album. Amazing album with a lot of 'Toto' sound influences.
Have always loved Toto since discovering their first album when in college. I got Toto IV my senior year, and my roommate and I left side 1 on the turntable most of the summer. We didn't even know Africa was on side 2. So many great tunes.... I think David Paich's piano is gorgeous as well.
23:13 Notice that Jeff's triplet drum fill came after Paich's triplet piano fill. Assuming that they were in the room together, that decision on Jeff's part may have been inspired by what Paich had just done. This is what you miss when you do all your parts separate in the studio.
I think you are right. It is also why the early Van Halen albums were so brilliant. They recorded live in the room together. We've got to get back to that, and let the music breathe not using all of this technology to compress the sound. It's called chemistry, and you can't manufacture it.
I’m pretty new to Toto, following your interview with Luke, and then I watched a concert on TH-cam and was blown away. I noticed that Luke does that hammer on to a bend a lot and I stole it straight away. I’d never seen anyone else do it. This song was a standout on the live show I watched. Luke has to be up there on the guitar/vocal talent scale.
I had the pleasure of seeing Toto live when they toured with Journey recently, best concert ever! Toto sounded better than they do in the studio. It was amazing!
My favorites are "Goodby Girl Goodby" and "These Chains". But of course I love "I won't hold you back" - a phenomenal song worth to break up. ❤👏 May be it's worth speaking about Jeff's snare-sound in the verse ... so soft and smooth ... in the chorus playing a harder punch ... great! Of course Jeff's wonderful groove. And the orchestral arrangement, which makes a kind of symphony out of this rock-song. The stellar guitar-solo. So many outstanding details. Genius! 👍👏
Everything in this song works. Intricately complex song and yet so easy listening. Highlights are Jeff fills/playing and the orchestra arrangement is insanely good.
What an awesome tribute to my musical hero. I'm beyond honored that Lukather gave me props on my song, "Fire and Ice" and few years back. Made my year!
Came in expecting 'Hold the Line - and VERY pleasantly surprised - I absolutely loved 'I Won't Hold You Back'. By far my favourite Toto song, and among my faves of all time.
I thought of this song when I saw the video, but I can’t believe you picked this, I just thought you’d go with a rock tune. But I totally agree, this and “I’ll be over you” are amazingly written.
Rick you are one of the most amazing musicians I've ever had the pleasure to witness. I feel as if I have a lot in common with you when it comes to tasteful music and lo and behold you just picked another one that is one of my absolute favorites. What makes it even stronger in my heart is I lived this song. Not only is this song phenomenal for its structure musically but the lyrics are so on point. Thank you for sharing with us one of the Greatest songs from Toto. What a great group of musicians especially Steve , what a incredible guy phenomenal player musician songwriter. So happy to see you living your dream and being successful you deserve it.
I'm glad you mentioned "White Sister". In my mind it's the ultimate complete rock song. Contains everything that should be in a great rock song in one tune. Every facet of it is amazing
Great song. Spent a whole year in 2019 rediscovering Toto and that revealed a new understanding of how significant they are in the grander scheme of things. Still love Luke my college rock star crush!
Toto was and still is a super band, their alchemy of great songs and stellar performances is so unique. I´ve seen them live many times and their musicianship is ridiculous, it´s like ¨ok guys, lets be the best of the world tonight¨. It´s great when a band takes things so seriously.
Thank you for the video Rick. I'm from Europe. I love Toto, especially Kingdom of desire album. Last Jeff's performancd of the Kingdom of desire song is incredible. But my favourite song that I adore is Anna. So beatiful. Unfortunately never played live, and almost never mentioned. But so emotional. Thank you, wish you all the best!
Nice to hear someone else noticing how important the space between the notes can be. A long time ago I noticed this when Joshua Bell played with the Leonard Bernstein orchestra playing all the songs from West Side Story. The spaces can be beautiful also.
Spot on! If you listen to all material that Toto done. This is absolutely ridiculous beautiful. In every aspect of composing, arranging and performance. 🇸🇪
Needless to say I love this episode Rick. As a huge Toto fan who has all their albums it's impossible for me to pick just one great song. This is definitely one of the good ones. I appreciate you covering Toto once again, they deserve all the praise. Fabulous band, awesome songs and top musicians....
🙌LAST NIGHT🙌one of TOTO's Best Songs in my opinion. As a drummer, this is really a challenge to play; technically and feeling wise. AMAZING work from Jeff
Always a fan of lukathers work, love your enthusiasm about him and toto in general. A lot of my guitar friends completely dismiss the 80's as a good guitar era.. boy are they missing out. Good to find some 'like-minded beato's' online.. keeps me coming back! Thnx again for your content, you're one of my favorite teachers and musicians Rick. Till next time :)
@@MrDuds1984 yeah I know right? my music friends are in 2 camps; 60's-70's blues/floyd/jimi and the other group 90's-2020 dance/dnb/bass related. My interests and taste spans all that + more. I can see the production value of any piece and love to learn it all. From direstraits, pink floyd to metallica, maiden to Noisia/black sun empire..
Rick, know that you have fans who are not music nerds, fans who have no musical ability, sense of time, or ability to differentiate one note from another. I am one of those fans who despite my lack of any musical ability learn something from every one of your videos. thank you my friend.
The main solo Luke blows out is one of my examples of IMHO perfect note choice and phrasing. It is so elegant sounding; emotive as all hell. I was surprised when this was your choice of greatest song Rick. It's always been one of my favorites of all time.
This video makes me so happy. This song is a desert island song for me. Luke's singing and playing is ridiculous. The arrangement is awesome. Love the French horn sound and the strings. Porcaro delivers his best. Hungates bass is perfect. Lastly the synth's and piano are so perfect...it makes this song such a beautiful piece of music. The soundtrack of our lives
That song brings back that 80s for me! I used to listen ALL of Toto IV when it came out. That is one of my all-time favorite albums ever. I'm sure a lot of weed was thrown in to tap into the Mother Gaia of inspiration that they had along with all the talent from EVERYONE in Toto! I was also able to meet Bobby Kimball when I was deployed to Iraq and they were all awesome and he shared a few stories from his Toto days.
I just sat down the other day to listen to this and to play along... Rick, I couldn't agree more with you - this is a beast of a song. I'm SO anxious to see Toto and Luke live in the next few months! Cheers!
The lead on hydra blew me away when I first heard it; I spent hours and hours in my room as a kid trying to mimic the fluidity of the song’s little piano riff the that Lukather played so effortlessly.
Rick! Every time I watch one of your greatest songs breakdowns, it never fails. It makes me want to get back on the stool behind the kit and grab some sticks. I listen by breaking down my favorite songs. I'll get obsessed and sit through dozens of spins to hear every layer. I loved this one from the moment I first heard it. Gave me goosebumps. Still does. Love these breakdowns, man. I really do!
Please report all these fake spam comments. I don’t know why TH-cam can’t get this together but every comment you see for me is a fake bot looking to scam people. Thanks!
Does that include this one 🤔
What do you mean? What do we look for?
@@johnkim791 I just got one on my comment with someone trying to get me to contact them with whatsapp
What is wrong with people?
Damn, and here I am thinking there’s a present for me from Beato…
At 76 I’m glad I’ve lived long enough to watch how well you dissect a great song. You are a gift to old musicians.
Im so glad that Rick is doing these Toto features. I have been a fan of Toto for nearly 40 years and as a drummer, Jeff is my idol. When he passed, nearly 30 years ago, the drumming community shed many tears and we still do. It is fantastic that a newer generation are being introduced to more than Africa and Rosanna, and learning how wonderful their musicianship individually and collectively is. Their influence on modern music is without peer; my favourite quote is, "More than 90% of the worlds population has heard a song where at least one of the Toto members is involved." No other collection of musicians can make that claim. Toto is the best, and long live the memory of the greatest, Jeff Porcaro.
Jeff Porcaro of course was very famous for his pocket. I think it's his musicality when it comes to his fills what makes him great. This Toto ballad song is a great example it. As close as it gets to perfection, all of it.
Fav band for sure
Out of love guitar solo screams
And Mike Pocaro.
there is a young Finnish guitarist on You Tube (Juha Aitakangas) who seems to love them and plays virtuoso renditions with exact tone...they were around twenty years before he was born, wow
"I wont hold you back" and "I'll be over you" are two of the most beautiful ballads of the 80s. Steve Lukathers vocals are incredible.
Watch out scam alert
Agree 100%
I pm him on instagram with a screencap of this, just in case.
@@shortarms100 thank you
I’ll be over you, the ultimate song you never wanted to here after someone dumped you! Yet I couldn’t get enough of it or Toto.
Rick, at six minutes and 35 seconds into this video I backed out to discover Toto's entire library because you showed me in less than 7 minutes that I have severely and grievously underrated Toto unjustly and ignorantly. Thank you
How are you doing now?😂 Toto super-fan?
Jeff Porcaro had incredible rhythmic timing. That is why everyone wanted him on their albums. He was even brought in on The Wall on Mother, because the band's drummer couldn't get it down. An awesome session player!
Rick, your appraisal leaves me in aw of the craftsmanship that went into this song.
for me, 'I won't hold you back' is the Toto/Lukather answer to the Chicago/Cetera 'if you leave me now' - they are truly beautiful, defining.
For a guy whose favorite Toto song is “Hold the Line,” you’ve sold me. Great stuff!
My old favorite too!
ye xD
Jeff's drumming during Luke's solo is INSANE!!
I love “Hold the Line”. WAY better than “Africa”. 🎸🤘
Rick...you are setting the bar. So many listeners and critics don't give Toto the credit deserved because they aren't "popular" or its in vogue to "hate Toto". Thank you for this enjoyable lesson.
As a guitar teacher I have brought this solo up with so many of my students. It's an masterclass in phrasing and far more difficult to play well than solos with more shredding. Bending the right notes, to exactly the right pitch, at exactly the right time, is not easy. And of course the pinky hammer-on at the top of the bend is a challenge to pitch just right! Anyone who studies this solo, paying close attention to the details, and tries their best to play it right will ALWAYS improve the skills as a musician!
This is exactly the way I like to play solos. My biggest influence growing up was Slash so emotional expression in string bending is 2nd nature to me. Whereas, I’m not much of a shredder at all!
I rarely write anything on TH-cam because I don’t want to contribute to the noise. When I saw the title I immediately predicted it was either “I Won’t hold you Back” or “Africa”. This song was never a top 10 for Toto but anyone who’s ever heard it never forgets it. It’s so emotional it demands your complete attention and drains you. After 40 years I never tire of it and new listeners are in instant awe of its beauty and grace. Created during a time when musicians knew what they were doing and had the talent to be able to do it. Not trying to be snobbish but comparatively speaking, to me most of the current popular music sounds bland, crude, vulgar, and devoid of any feeling or talent. The singers all sound the same, and everything sounds synthetic.
TRUTH.
Actually, it made it into the top 10 in June of 1983.
There is that one, isn’t there?
@@callenclarke371 Yes it did, you’re right! Peaked at #10 exactly!
Total truth. Vulgar and embarrassing.
Toto IV is a masterpiece. Reminds me of driving around Marietta, GA, at age 16. I constantly had it in my cassette player. I always thought the guitar solo in I Won’t Hold You Back sounded like weeping. You can feel Luke’s sadness through those notes. Masterpiece.
Love your enthusiasm, Rick!! Toto IV is one of my desert island records. This band is SO UNDERAPPRECIATED in the U.S..
Keep em coming, brother!!
I love your enthusiasm for drum fills. Jeff's syncopation was incredible!
NOBODY ever talks about how great Hydra is. I’m so glad you gave it some love! That’s my favorite Toto song.
The whole album is good! Hydra is up there as one of my faves.
One of the greatest ballads ever, in my opinion, and for all the reasons you so skillfully enumerated and highlighted. From the first time I heard that guitar solo entrance and the accompanying orchestration, goosebumps ran up all for limbs and it still happened when you played it just now.
I became a musician, and a fan of the band because of I Won't Hold You Back. The arrangements and melodies are perfection in music form. Hugs from Brazil
This song come out in 1983 my senior year in high school. Gave me chills up my spine when I listened to on radio. One of the few songs that ever did that to me. Just a fabulous song.
83 was awesome, my graduation year also!
You're OLD!!
Toto while they received some fame they are such a treasure and deserved more credit and popularity then they received!
Steve’s writing, singing and guitar playing again gets appreciated by many guitar players but still not recognized by the general public as well as he should be…
What a band! What a song!
I have always felt this is the saddest, most painful, gut-wrenching, heart-broken solo ever recorded. Every break-up I ever went through, I had to play this to get me through it.
I think the guys in Toto were quoted as saying they'd have more hits if Luke would break up more often. Ouch!
Same as foreigner 'That was yesterday'. A song that tugs at the heartstrings.
The French horns doing the counter melody during the guitar solo is amazing! My favorite Toto song from my favorite band.
Yup, best bridge ever.
Oh yeah! French Horns! Good point!@@StevieG777
Toto IV is everything about my youth. I was 14 when it came out and I happen to be bright enough to buy it and listen to it closely. It shaped my way to understand music and is an important step of my personal development, musically and otherwise. Back then my world became bigger each day and listening to this record brings back this unique feeling of youth that left me since decades. Toto IV is a bridge back to my roots and in the very same way a signpost into my future. I´m gonna be eternally thankfull for this music.
Here's an actual comment. I was about the same age when I got Toto IV but a year younger. That cassette and Pyromania from Def Leppard got played a ton. I'm not a musician but I had a good ear for a hit in 82 and 83 and both were amazing. I still think the music in 70's and 80's were better but never stopped listening. I just find few things that move me to need to hear something multiple times.
Since Toto IV came out, I have felt that album is the cleanest and best produced album of all time. After all these years I feel that it is still the best. Awesome work!
There is a second toto IV album. It is David Roberts - All Dressed Up. In case you did not know that already :)
Yes…it’s right there with Boston and Steely Dan’s Aja in rarified air.
Of course it was engeneer by the best sound engeneer EVER the magnificent AL SCHMITT
Please also note: the vocal mix. It sits IN the mix, rather than plastered on top. You can hear everything! That's why I like older music.
just another reason to like it
Yes! The organic and “inside” sound of the drums as well (well, when it wasn’t the super-gated, heavily processed loud sound of 80’s synth-pop).
Had the privilege to hear Toto do this LIVE back in April and was absolutely blown away. Luke truly is the best!
Agree on Steve Lukathers vocals. Absolutely beautiful and completely under appreciated!
Hell no! Everyone knows what a bad as musician luke is. Toto should still be praised even more!!
Actually, the public does not know, they largely know only about Africa and not about anything else Toto has done, or that Luke is even a noted studio player. His singing on IV was panned and received many bad/mediocre reviews, which was simply not warranted!
@@templemanning6180 really? His singing is always measured and soothing like on 99, georgy porgy, rosanna to name a few.
Steve Lukather is a one man powerhouse- but what makes him so great is he is a team player in Toto, what professional musician should be- a part of the group! Measure his voice from 40 years ago to Pop radio singers today- no comparison for the most part- he had to do all of his singing right with no digital enhancement. A true legend in every way!
@@keithroberts4952 I agree, he's great on 99 and georgy porgy.
Phenomenal song. Toto IV deep cuts are fantastic. I love Timothy B. Schmidt's background vocals here.
Funny that I just saw Toto Live yesterday evening in Austria. And that song was one of the show's highlight. Drove a shiver down my spine. Fantastic band and one of the all time best
Me to, just got back from Graz and this video pops out :)
Finally someone made proper homage to this wonderful song. Kudos!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
This song is so heartfelt, heartbreaking and so beautiful all at the same time. Steve Lukather has such a soulful voice and is a masterful musician. So gifted! Toto forever!!!
I even cry listening to someone break down the song lol. I've always felt like I'm the only one on the planet that realizes the genuis of this perfect song. Sad and heartbreaking, but perfect and flawless
The most beautifull ballad ever. Loved this song from the first listen. Home of the brave is my Fav Toto song
Always loved this song...honestly wasn't expecting this to be the song of theirs you chose. You never disappoint Rick!
I was on a Toto Concert just last week…my god, these guys are unbelievably good
I'm going to TOTO concert tomorrow 😃 I can't wait ❤️
I’ve just watched them in Verona! Life changing!
Yeah, heard them two weeks ago, really awesome. The new line-up is phantastic. ❤👏
@@EnginearAudio If you mean Verona in Italy, it's my hometown 😀
@@crisbochguitar Yes! The concert was at the Arena di Verona! Amazing!
I agree with Steve Lukather's talent in all areas but to be fair, l am blown away with your talent Rick! Your ability to quickly pick up guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums on basically any song is mind boggling.
I am 65, not going to put in the time to try to acquire those skills but thankful you offer to others ways to acquire those skill sets.
Toto is my all time favorite band, so this video makes me very happy
My favorite song from them personally is Africa because I'm in love with the harmony, but I have at least 30 other favorites
I wholeheartedly agree!!
Sameeee. I wish they will visit here in the Philippines. The moment I saw Toto in the caption, without a doubt, I click it right away.
Love, love, love this song by Toto. It’s beautiful and I get goosebumps every time I hear it. The arrangement is beyond words.
It emotes both happy and sad with each listen. Muah!
I cruised around in 4th grade with a 4 D battery tape player bungeed to my sweet BMX bike. Air Supply and Toto IV were the soundtrack to that Summer of 1982
Omg me too!
You had me with 4D battery
Air supply! Did you worship the devil?
@@supernothing77 Oi! What's wrong with Air Supply?!!
Air Supply has some surprising good guitar solos in their songs.
And you got me at BMX. Loved my chromoly DG back in the day.
Although I can not read or play music, you make these videos so precious and insightful about how to listen to, appreciate and enjoy music. And most important Rick, you have rightfully become a new genre of Rock Star, a musicians musician but also the connecting link or bridge for the common folk. Such a great Spirit in all your work! Thank you so much :)
One other comment...
Criticized in recent years for his voice becoming tougher and raspier over the years, Luke mentioned the critics complaining for his voice no longer being smooth, retorted “neither is my ass as smooth as it was when I was younger”. Now THAT is classic Luke!
Don’t even get me started on Luke referring to Simon as “Donkey Knob” 😂
There are so many Steve Lukather solos that are Masterpieces ! Toto is underrated and should be in the Rock nRoll hall of fame!
Why aren’t they?
Jann “Rolling Stone Magazine” Wenner and his guys used to slam them with their previous albums. When they released IV, Wenner offered them to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone, but the band rejected it. Since then, Jenner used all of his influences to bash them. And this is why they got banned from the RRHOF.
Lukather is actually a superior guitarist than EVH, but Eddie was more popular thus he was featured more prominently in the "Thriller" album.
ABSOLUTELY !!!!!!!!!!
The fact that they are being kept out of the HOF because of some egomaniac is outrageous. I am glad I have never ever looked at a copy of that magazine. Now I know I never will. Ethical powers that be: GET THEM IN!! TOTO collectively is one the greatest bands ever. Their music is timeless. Do the right thing!
One of my favorite Toto songs. Everything is so overwhelming beautiful. The orchester arrangement is stunning. The Frenchhorn
line in the Gutar Solo always gives me chills!
TOTO FINALLY GETTING THEIR DUE.
Well done, Rick. The thing that makes this song work is that it is orchestral in conception. The chords are open, and the countermelodies are perfectly conceived. It is indeed a masterpiece.
It's also probably the reason they got the Dune Gig. You should seriously think about covering 'Take my Hand' and 'Desert War.' Two classic Toto instrumentals.
Real drums...Real vocals...Real writing... Real talent...man, we had the greatest music during the 80's!! TOTO IV was one of my most worn cassettes in high school and college! I Won't Hold You Back... ALWAYS one of my favorites!! 🥰❤️
Love you Rick. You have made my life a little brighter since I discovered your channel. Music is something that makes me happy and you have magnified a better appreciation for the genius that goes into the magic of what makes this song great
I'm so glad you picked that song. For years I had stopped doing whatever I was doing and closed my eyes whenever this came on. The solo conveys emotion perfectly. My only regret is the fade out that was so typical of that era. Otherwise perfect songs deserve a perfect ending.
Would love to hear Rick do a “What Makes This Song Great” on Toto’s “Can’t Stop Loving You”.
I love this idea - this os my favourite TOTO song ❤️❤️
I had Toto The Seventh One was on heavy rotation back when I was in HS in '88. Great album that not many people around me listen to.
That is an incredible song and one of my favorite "pop" tunes. That's the one I go to whan I want a good challenge on the drums. Jeff's performance on that in is just sick.
When they come out of that fusion-y section, it's just so out of left field to me, and I love it.
Jeff's fill at the end of the chorus, after the fusion-y part.... Magical.
So agree. It is my favorite Toto song.
Luke’s solo in I Won’t Hold You Back is so soulful. Along w Jeff Beck’s Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers, it is one of the great examples of how a guitar can convey emotional depth.
This solo is the gold standard ballad solo for me.
My friend Steve Lane evoked the same emotion for me with his solo on the SwitchLine cut "Save Me". My drumming on it sucked so badly though...
Luke's solo here is actually very reminiscent to the Cause We've Ended as Lovers theme.
“I’ll Be Over You” and “Make Believe” are my two favorites. Great Job Rick!!!!!
I'll Be Over You is such a great song.
Here's another vote for "I'll Be Over You." Luke really is an underrated singer, and that song is freaking amazing.
Timothy B. Schmit on the background vocals, amazing
Toto so underrated still, the west coast wrecking crew has so much great stuff that never made the radio. Nice to see you do an in depth video on them, great live too!
Personal fav: “I’ll Supply the Love”
@@jasonekratz youre the only person so far to disagree so maybe youre on a planet where Toto is overrated? 🤷🏿♂️
Underrated? They are idolized by the people that really matter, pretty much every decent musician alive right now.
@@MrGuerj yes i agree but still i think they dont get enough credit, theyre that good
Got to be one of Rick's best videos - never seen him enjoying himself so much and so many smiles - Great
Watch his analysis of Coldplays Song Amsterdam :-D
David Hungate plays some amazing bass lines! For a real treat, listen to his playing on Boz Scaggs' "Harbor Lights". Incredible!
Hungate's outro playing on "99" kills...
Wasn’t Mike Porcaro already the bass player on Toto IV?
@@Waterinmenbenen No, Hungate quit after the IV recordings, then Mike came in and did the IV tour and became a band member
Hungate is so stupidly underrated . I so dig his work on 99
@@lylesmith3506 Yeah, 99 is beautiful song. ❤👍
Rick I say play to your strengths, so you aren't a solo singer what you truly are makes up for it in spades. I love you and what you teach me. I love your channel so much. ❤️ sing and play away for us. Nobody is complaining. I learn so much from you and I'm not a musician just an old (72) appreciator of good music.
99 is still my favorite popular Toto song. It’s a lot of fun to play the piano parts.
Mine too!
Agreed!
Thank you Rick for letting me know why so many of these songs are my favorites.
Their performance at their 35th anniversary in Poland is a master piece in all senses. From the musicianship to the sound engineering...just perfect. This is a very underrated band IMO.
sound wise it lacks in my opinion. The drums, especially the hihat, are way out of balance. Very disturbing.
another world
It’s an amazing live concert
100% - Wings of time from that show has especially brilliant guitar playing
100%
I Won't Hold You Back is definitely my favorite Toto song, although they have plenty of great ones. So much emotion in this song! I love it.
My favorite Toto song is "99". I love the piano 🎹.
this is by far my favorite toto song too... still reminds me of this beautiful girl back in Midland Texas in 1982... Hello Jennifer!!!
The way the horns play off of the guitar solo in the 2nd part really hits the mark.
For Toto fans listen to the album Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs which was released in 1976. A few members of the future Toto played on that album. Amazing album with a lot of 'Toto' sound influences.
Have always loved Toto since discovering their first album when in college. I got Toto IV my senior year, and my roommate and I left side 1 on the turntable most of the summer. We didn't even know Africa was on side 2. So many great tunes.... I think David Paich's piano is gorgeous as well.
23:13 Notice that Jeff's triplet drum fill came after Paich's triplet piano fill. Assuming that they were in the room together, that decision on Jeff's part may have been inspired by what Paich had just done. This is what you miss when you do all your parts separate in the studio.
Yes, all members in the room together.
Probably take 1 or 2.
@@anderszettergren4302 yep.
I think you are right. It is also why the early Van Halen albums were so brilliant. They recorded live in the room together. We've got to get back to that, and let the music breathe not using all of this technology to compress the sound.
It's called chemistry, and you can't manufacture it.
Bonnie - Thank you for the Beato-esque depth! There will now be a place for you at our Thanksgiving dinner. ❤
I’m pretty new to Toto, following your interview with Luke, and then I watched a concert on TH-cam and was blown away. I noticed that Luke does that hammer on to a bend a lot and I stole it straight away. I’d never seen anyone else do it. This song was a standout on the live show I watched. Luke has to be up there on the guitar/vocal talent scale.
I love "I Won't Hold You Back". It's a great song. It's always been one of my favorites.
I had the pleasure of seeing Toto live when they toured with Journey recently, best concert ever! Toto sounded better than they do in the studio. It was amazing!
Thank you for giving these kinds of props to Toto and especially Steve Lukather. The band is so UNDERRATED!
Here's that underrated word again.
My favorites are "Goodby Girl Goodby" and "These Chains".
But of course I love "I won't hold you back" - a phenomenal song worth to break up. ❤👏
May be it's worth speaking about Jeff's snare-sound in the verse ... so soft and smooth ... in the chorus playing a harder punch ... great! Of course Jeff's wonderful groove. And the orchestral arrangement, which makes a kind of symphony out of this rock-song. The stellar guitar-solo. So many outstanding details. Genius! 👍👏
Girl Goodbye is my all-time favorite Toto song. Very challenging to play the drums on that!
I love "These Chains" too! Very underrated, unplayed by radio
These chains! Effing love that song!
@@anekedudy8369 Outstanding shuffle-groove by Jeff! 🥰👏
Perfect timing, Rick, I'm going to see them live tonight in Warsaw. Very excited to see David perform with them again.
I've always loved this song, it's a masterpiece! Toto has so many skilled artists! So glad I got to see them live 3 years ago.
@@BerelSolomon168 Scammer Alert!!
That drum fill gives me goose bumps every time. This is such a geat song, man that guitar solo, that bends, blows my mind!
Everything in this song works. Intricately complex song and yet so easy listening. Highlights are Jeff fills/playing and the orchestra arrangement is insanely good.
What an awesome tribute to my musical hero. I'm beyond honored that Lukather gave me props on my song, "Fire and Ice" and few years back. Made my year!
The change of the solo section and orchestration always give me goosebumps. Absolutely stunning writing. So glad you picked this.
Came in expecting 'Hold the Line - and VERY pleasantly surprised - I absolutely loved 'I Won't Hold You Back'. By far my favourite Toto song, and among my faves of all time.
Yes. Totally.
I thought of this song when I saw the video, but I can’t believe you picked this, I just thought you’d go with a rock tune. But I totally agree, this and “I’ll be over you” are amazingly written.
Rick you are one of the most amazing musicians I've ever had the pleasure to witness. I feel as if I have a lot in common with you when it comes to tasteful music and lo and behold you just picked another one that is one of my absolute favorites. What makes it even stronger in my heart is I lived this song. Not only is this song phenomenal for its structure musically but the lyrics are so on point. Thank you for sharing with us one of the Greatest songs from Toto.
What a great group of musicians especially Steve , what a incredible guy phenomenal player musician songwriter.
So happy to see you living your dream and being successful you deserve it.
I'm glad you mentioned "White Sister". In my mind it's the ultimate complete rock song. Contains everything that should be in a great rock song in one tune. Every facet of it is amazing
Great song. Spent a whole year in 2019 rediscovering Toto and that revealed a new understanding of how significant they are in the grander scheme of things. Still love Luke my college rock star crush!
More Toto content please 🙏🏾 ☺️
23:12 "And then the triplet fill" - But Jeff's carrying on the triplet from the *PIANO triplet* immediately before. SO GOOD!!
@@BerelSolomon168
Scammer Alert! This is NOT Rick.
BINGO! I totally agree. They're masters on combining rhythm patterns of ½ - ¼ and triplets. Celestial!
Toto was and still is a super band, their alchemy of great songs and stellar performances is so unique. I´ve seen them live many times and their musicianship is ridiculous, it´s like ¨ok guys, lets be the best of the world tonight¨. It´s great when a band takes things so seriously.
My favorite Toto song! Yes, Bobby Kimball and Joe Williams are great lead singers, but Steve is actually my favorite singer in Toto!
Agreed. Tambu is my favorite record of theirs.
Yup, he doesn't have the range of the other guys, but his timbre/tone is so sweet!
I'd say Kimball is my first favorite, then Joe and the Luke but the sheer versatility of Luke blows me away
Me too!
Rick, the drum fill carries the weight of the ballad and conveys the drama
Thank you for the video Rick. I'm from Europe. I love Toto, especially Kingdom of desire album. Last Jeff's performancd of the Kingdom of desire song is incredible. But my favourite song that I adore is Anna. So beatiful. Unfortunately never played live, and almost never mentioned. But so emotional. Thank you, wish you all the best!
I agree. It’s such a beautiful song!
Jeff was one of those drummers where the space between the notes was as vital as the notes themselves.
Nice to hear someone else noticing how important the space between the notes can be. A long time ago I noticed this when Joshua Bell played with the Leonard Bernstein orchestra playing all the songs from West Side Story. The spaces can be beautiful also.
Sounds like YES Close to the Edge lyrics, “The Times between the Notes relates the Color to the Scenes”!!! To me that says it all…………
Spot on! If you listen to all material that Toto done. This is absolutely ridiculous beautiful. In every aspect of composing, arranging and performance. 🇸🇪
Needless to say I love this episode Rick. As a huge Toto fan who has all their albums it's impossible for me to pick just one great song. This is definitely one of the good ones. I appreciate you covering Toto once again, they deserve all the praise. Fabulous band, awesome songs and top musicians....
As a classical and jazz musician I’m amazed by the musicality of Toto.
🙌LAST NIGHT🙌one of TOTO's Best Songs in my opinion. As a drummer, this is really a challenge to play; technically and feeling wise. AMAZING work from Jeff
Always a fan of lukathers work, love your enthusiasm about him and toto in general. A lot of my guitar friends completely dismiss the 80's as a good guitar era.. boy are they missing out. Good to find some 'like-minded beato's' online.. keeps me coming back! Thnx again for your content, you're one of my favorite teachers and musicians Rick. Till next time :)
Who in their right mind would say the 80’s was not a good guitar era? It was the Guitar era
@@MrDuds1984 yeah I know right? my music friends are in 2 camps; 60's-70's blues/floyd/jimi and the other group 90's-2020 dance/dnb/bass related.
My interests and taste spans all that + more. I can see the production value of any piece and love to learn it all. From direstraits, pink floyd to metallica, maiden to Noisia/black sun empire..
SRV, Eric Johnson, Derek Trucks. What’s in common? Best work in the 80s+.
Rick, know that you have fans who are not music nerds, fans who have no musical ability, sense of time, or ability to differentiate one note from another. I am one of those fans who despite my lack of any musical ability learn something from every one of your videos. thank you my friend.
The main solo Luke blows out is one of my examples of IMHO perfect note choice and phrasing. It is so elegant sounding; emotive as all hell.
I was surprised when this was your choice of greatest song Rick. It's always been one of my favorites of all time.
This video makes me so happy. This song is a desert island song for me. Luke's singing and playing is ridiculous. The arrangement is awesome. Love the French horn sound and the strings. Porcaro delivers his best. Hungates bass is perfect. Lastly the synth's and piano are so perfect...it makes this song such a beautiful piece of music. The soundtrack of our lives
That song brings back that 80s for me! I used to listen ALL of Toto IV when it came out. That is one of my all-time favorite albums ever. I'm sure a lot of weed was thrown in to tap into the Mother Gaia of inspiration that they had along with all the talent from EVERYONE in Toto! I was also able to meet Bobby Kimball when I was deployed to Iraq and they were all awesome and he shared a few stories from his Toto days.
I just sat down the other day to listen to this and to play along... Rick, I couldn't agree more with you - this is a beast of a song. I'm SO anxious to see Toto and Luke live in the next few months! Cheers!
You always make me love songs that I never appreciated enough before, thank you!
Class of '80 here - Thank you for the commentary. I always loved Toto. Now I understand a whole lot more about why.
The lead on hydra blew me away when I first heard it; I spent hours and hours in my room as a kid trying to mimic the fluidity of the song’s little piano riff the that Lukather played so effortlessly.
Rick! Every time I watch one of your greatest songs breakdowns, it never fails. It makes me want to get back on the stool behind the kit and grab some sticks. I listen by breaking down my favorite songs. I'll get obsessed and sit through dozens of spins to hear every layer. I loved this one from the moment I first heard it. Gave me goosebumps. Still does. Love these breakdowns, man. I really do!