Customer Reviews

Turn Back

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's really hard for me to review this album without making it clear that because this band is based on the talents of folks such as Steve Lukather,Jeff Porcaro and singer Bobby Kimball. And that they have all made equally as many contributions to funk and jazz musicians music as they have pop-rock. True they are session aces and that's par for the course. But it effected their music as well. I'm sure the fact that Toto's first two albums were as devoted to soulful and poppy jazz type songs as the arena rock anthems Toto are most often associated with. Considering the environment surrounding the post disco freeze out during 1981,Toto decided they would just go for the flat out arena rock approach for their third album. Considering the times in which this came out,it's kind of surprising this album didn't do very well for Toto.

When I first heard this album on vinyl as a teenager (at a radio station giveaway) I had a similar reaction to most of the reviews here. But hearing it more fully on CD helps me realize it plays out better on CD and as an album than as a collection of separate songs. Now true to be told-this is very much Steve Lukathers album for all intents and purposes so therefore is very lead rock guitar oriented. But as another reviewer pointed out,they're of the more flamboyant than driving variety such as the opener "Gift With A Golden Gun","English Eyes" and even the more textured and mildly keyboard oriented title song. My only possible issue with this album is a lot of the rockers sound a bit alike. A little trifle. But the ballads are excellent. From the swelling acoustic/progressive sounding "A Million Miles Away" and "If It's The Last Night" to the more anthemic "I Think I Could Stand Forever".

I would never be so bold as to refer to this as Toto's strongest recorded moment. It's certainly one of their livelier releases as it's composed mostly of rousing,upbeat tunes. One thing that's still present though is Toto's sleek,studiocentric musicianship. Luckily,as with Steely Dan they are able to project themselves as a powerful live band as well. This contains the type of rock songs that would sound excellent played live in concert to an audience of people all holding up Bic lighters. Still Bobby Kimball has an incredible vocal skill even for arena rock. He's not in the character of a Freddie Mercury but who is? They're different people,different group. And of course the musicians? Well everyone knows. So in short only the uniform nature of some of the rock tunes keep this from being a five star album in my book. All the songs are constructed well and are very musically strong. And despite it's commercial disappointment it's not a creative wasteland for Toto by any means.

Toto's Third album Turn Back was released in 1981. It's definitely the forgotten Toto Album. Also It's more upbeat. It received negative reviews. I for one don't get that view. It's one of my top Toto Albums It was much needed after the slightly disappointingHydra

The album opens with Gift with a Golden Gun. A fast paced fun track very Elton John-like in my view. I must say I love Luke's guitar work and his tone on this song. Add a great Bobby Kimball vocal and harmonies, and you've got a classic toto tune. English Eyes continues the tradition of anthem-like Toto songs with an irresistible Chorus. It has a cool instrumental bridge too.

Live For Today is a cool Luke penned tune. With a live for now message. A Million Miles Away is a soulful David Paich song. It's sung to perfection by The golden R n B voiced Bobby Kimball. His voice can stir anybody..I'm Convinced. A highlight for sure. After that song we are shattered from peace by Goodbye Elenore. A fast bitter shuffle about kicking a woman to the curb. It flies by so fast you're not sure what happened. I think I could Stand you Forever is a Queen influenced track. David Hungate who's plays Bass doubles on acoustic guitar for this.

My fav track on here though is If it's the Last night. A wonderful closing song with a wonderful melody and Catchy Chorus. Another great track.

So.......Turn is a great great album......that is sadly mostly forgotten. For me it is a huge step up from Hydra. Highly recommended

Mick

Toto's 3rd album "Turn Back"(1981) #41, was Toto's most rockin' disc they ever put out. They released "Gift With A Golden Gun" as their first single, it went nowhere and stalled the album from going any further up the charts. "Gun" should of hit it big on the rock charts. The beautiful "If It's The Last Night" was released next, but it didn't chart either.(Really the only ballad on the album). Other great tunes on this set were:
"English Eyes"- Steve Lukather shines heere on guitar. The vocals and piano are sharp on this track.
"Live For Today"- #40 mainstream rock. Love this song, vocals by Steve, good rocker.
"A Million Miles Away"- A David Paich classic! Great piano by David and Steve's guitar is tremendous!
"Goodbye Elenore"- More great rockin'.
"Turn Back"- Classy title track, great opening.
"I Think I Could Stand You Forever"- Mid-tempo rocker, with a great guitar by Steve Lukather. Love the fake British sounding vocals.

This would be Toto's last great record, as a whole. They put out Toto IV the next year and it went hog wild, but it still doesn't hold up like "Turn Back". Rock radio missed a great opportunity here to showcase this album back in the day.

Released: Jan 1981 Produced by: Toto and Geoff Workman
Early attempt at straight-ahead rock mostly disappointing, in many ways marred by dated production of one-time Journey producer Workman (evidenced by successful live renditions of same material during later tours). David Paich conspicuously absent vocally, and songs with exception of sprightly "Goodbye Elenore," "Gift With A Golden Gun," and the brutal "English Eyes," mostly undistinguished. Bobby Kimball's vigorous vocals and Steve Lukather's guitar clinic about only standout. No top 40 charting single. Original LP package did include a cool poster, though. Aficionados only.

Upon first seeing my review, you noticed only two stars. Before I explain my feelings on the album, I want to state that Toto is one of my favorite bands. I own all of their studio albums and there are only two that I'd give two stars, "Turn Back" being one of them.

I'm not sure if David Paich, the main songwriter on the album, was running out of ideas, but this album is extremely lackluster. Melodies are sterile, repetitive, and underdeveloped. Musically, the album tends to sound the same - all are straight-forward rockers with the exception of two ballads. Had I not been spoiled with the diversity on albums like "Toto IV," "Hydra," and "The Seventh One," I probably wouldn't think twice. Those albums are far superior in the songwriting and arrangements than what's on "Turn Back." It's kinda strange, but the best albums seem to have a sword on the front.

Then there's the lame lyrics ("I Think I Could Stand You Forever"), not to mention repetitiveness in songs like "A Million Miles Away" - the phrase "I don't want to know" is repeated nine times! That's acceptable for a chorus, but becomes real old when it's a verse.

My final criticism is that there's only eight songs on the album - not much to choose from. However, on the flip side, that seemed to be par for course during the eighties.

Okay, so I ripped the album apart. What's good - the instrumental sections. As always, Toto shines here and is why I've been committed to this group over the last twenty years. They are phenomenal musicians, not to mention technical virtuosos. (I wish I could play jazz piano live David Paich. He's good!) Though I'm not impressed with "English Eyes," the instrumental in the middle and end are worth noting. The bestsong, both for melodic and chord development is "Turn Back." Great driving rock and cool synth support.

If you're new to Toto, I would suggest some of the others I listed above. On the other hand, if you're a fan like me, you gotta have it to complete the collection. Please remember, this is just my opinion and we all have different tastes. Listen to the pieces with a critical ear and come up with your own conclusions.

It doesn't have any big hits, it doesn't feature blue-eyed soul that they're well-known for and the song quality is at their worst. The sound quality of the recording is amongst the worst in their catalog. Still, it isn't a complete throwaway and Toto fans will find things to like about the album. Not recommended for casual fans. There is a lot of energy in the performances and even though the songwriting is at their worst, their worst is still decent enough to give it a few spins. For a better album to start a Toto collection try their debut Toto, Toto IV, or Isolation. Much better place to start... This album was amongst their least successful but also rocks the hardest of all their records. There is an overpriced remastered version of this album that is available. I would not recommend buying that unless you love the album because the remaster is around 30 clams and you will feel those clams snapping at your fingers if you're not happy with the album.