Toto transcended its iconic reputation as merely the band behind the hit “Africa” from Toto IV. This Top 10 Toto songs list reveals that their musical legacy encompasses much more than what is typically recognized, showcasing a diverse array of talent and creativity that may even eclipse their most famous track.

Undoubtedly, Toto will forever be linked with their fourth studio album, which culminates in the legendary “Africa.” The immense success of this single album, which produced three Top 10 hits, achieved quadruple platinum status, and garnered six Grammy Awards—including Album of the Year—is truly remarkable. Additionally, the story of this album is one of redemption; prior to the release of their blockbuster in 1982, Toto had seen their popularity wane, falling out of the Top 40.

As Steve Lukather of Toto reflected in a 2012 interview, “IV left the biggest mark, for obvious reasons. We were on the verge of being dropped from our record label before we completed that album. We struggled to understand what was missing until we realized we simply had to be authentic to ourselves. Once we embraced that authenticity, everything fell into place and resonated well with our audience.”

READ MORE: The Enduring Influence of Toto’s “Africa”

Unsurprisingly, this curated countdown prominently features tracks from this pivotal era. However, it is important to note that Toto boasts an impressive discography even beyond “Africa” and its remarkable diamond-certified sales. Interestingly, the song—crafted by David Paich with a crucial rhythm contribution from the late Jeff Porcaro—stands as their sole chart-topping hit.

Toto’s journey included notable successes prior to and following Toto IV, such as the three-million-selling Top 5 hit “Hold the Line” from 1978 and the gold-certified No. 11 hit “I’ll Be Over You” from 1986. Their self-titled debut also reached platinum status, while four other albums achieved gold status on either side of their most acclaimed project, including 1979’s Hydra, 1981’s Turn Back, 1984’s Isolation, and 1986’s Fahrenheit.

Reflecting this diversity, the subsequent list of Top 10 Toto songs encompasses a wide range of fan favorites from Toto IV while also delving into significant moments from the band’s less recognized periods. Some selections even venture beyond the ballads that often characterize Toto’s chart-topping success, highlighting their versatility that surpasses the confines of soft rock.

“The pop hits from our albums often featured softer songs or ballads as singles,” Lukather explains. “However, each of our albums contained robust rock tracks as well. We constantly experimented with different styles, which may have confused some critics but ultimately attracted a diverse fanbase that appreciated our eclectic sound.”

No. 10. “Georgy Porgy”
From: Toto (1978)

Performed by Lukather and penned by Paich, the smooth and groovy “Georgy Porgy” struggled on the pop charts, peaking at a modest No. 48. However, it found unexpected success, soaring into the Billboard R&B Top 20. This outcome was perhaps anticipated, given the rich influences that informed its creation. Paich noted in a 2014 interview, “‘Georgy Porgy’ was initially inspired by my upbringing around a father who played jazz. Additionally, the influence of Leon Ware’s song for Marvin Gaye, titled ‘I Want You,’ significantly shaped my musical journey. During that time, Quincy Jones had released The Dude along with various instrumental albums, and I drew from the rhythmic elements of Barry White’s style to craft the song.”

No. 9. “St. George and the Dragon”
From: Hydra (1979)

This Top 40 album was primarily driven by the hit ballad “99.” Yet, Hydra opens with a surprisingly progressive theme that follows the story of St. George from the perspective of the beast he confronts. Lukather humorously reflected on this time, stating, “Listening to that album makes me think, ‘What were we on?’ You can hear our youthful energy, but we were also exploring uncharted territory and didn’t care about outside opinions. Critics might have disliked us, but that adventurous spirit helped us connect with a dedicated fanbase.” It’s a nostalgic journey that evokes a sense of fun and reflection on their creative growth.

No. 8. “Make Believe”
From: Toto IV (1982)

This track, written by Paich and sung by Bobby Kimball, may not have achieved significant commercial success, but it showcased the band’s rock prowess, often overshadowed by their ballads. The energetic riffs from Lukather reveal that Toto was more than just a soft rock band; their range extended to include funky shuffles, world music, and even progressive rock. Although their slower jams resonated more deeply with the public, their ability to deliver hard-hitting rock tracks is undeniable. Hits written for other artists, such as Boz Scaggs’ “Miss Sun” and Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature“, demonstrate this versatility. Even the song “99“, which only reached No. 26 in 1980, remains more frequently played than the similarly charting but more upbeat “Make Believe“. Nevertheless, that does not diminish its impact.

No. 7. “I’ll Be Over You”
From: Fahrenheit (1986)

Featuring the soaring background vocals of Michael McDonald, this track highlights the collaborative efforts of co-writer Randy Goodrum, known for crafting numerous hits for various artists including Chicago and Journey. Lukather praised Goodrum’s exceptional musical talent, stating, “His brilliance shines through in the songs he creates. While that may sound like a cliché, it’s true. His understanding of music transcends typical songwriting, and that chemistry is essential in collaboration.” This chemistry was evident in “I’ll Be Over You,” showcasing their combined creativity and artistry.

No. 6. “Good For You”
From: Toto IV (1982)

“Good for You” stands out as a lesser-known gem from this album, co-written by Lukather and Kimball. The track features a sharp blend of genres, including a catchy synth riff reminiscent of Keith Emerson’s style, an unforgettable chorus, and a dreamy middle-eight section, culminating in a fiery solo from Lukather as it fades out. Throughout the song, a relentless R&B-infused groove maintains a lively energy. Kimball’s performance, filled with raw desire, captures the essence of the lyrics, although this fierce approach may have contributed to the changing texture of his voice in later years.

No. 5. “I Won’t Hold You Back”
From: Toto IV (1982)

Written and sung by Lukather, “I Won’t Hold You Back” climbed the charts in 1983, assisted by the harmonious vocals of Timothy B. Schmit, known for his work with Poco and The Eagles. While it appeared to fit the ballad role on Toto IV, the song actually originated during the sessions for their previous album, Turn Back. Lukather later shared, “I penned that song during the Turn Back recordings but felt it didn’t align with the harder sound we were aiming for. Once we began working on Toto IV, it became evident that the band had evolved, and many members brought new ideas to the project, resulting in a more collaborative effort.”

No. 4. "99"
From: Hydra (1979)

The lyrics of “99“, crafted by David Paich, pay homage to George Lucas‘ directorial debut, THX 1138, which portrays a dystopian future where individuals are merely identified by numbers. The innovative music video for “99” was inspired by scenes from the film. However, Lukather, while delivering the sweet melody, faced challenges with the song’s quirky past. He once expressed his dislike for it, even temporarily removing it from their setlist. Reflecting later, he admitted, “That was a case of speaking impulsively; people continue to ask about it. The Internet has a way of amplifying those sentiments. Initially, I viewed the lyrics as cheesy, but we included it in our last tour setlist to show that I was joking.”

No. 3. “Africa”
From: Toto IV (1982)

“Africa” not only achieved commercial success but also served as a pioneering example for the emerging genre of world music. Paich noted in a 2013 interview, “It’s amusing how Sting often describes the track as a blueprint for what would later unfold, and I wholeheartedly agree with him.” The timeless rhythm created by Jeff Porcaro is complemented by Paich’s captivating keyboard arrangement. He experimented with an early Yamaha synth to create a sound reminiscent of the kalimba. “In our quest for innovation, we utilized unique instruments, including a flapamba, which has also been featured in Steely Dan‘s ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.’ This exotic wooden percussion instrument, related to the xylophone or marimba family, added a layer of fun to our musical experimentation,” Paich concluded.

No. 2. “Rosanna”
From: Toto IV (1982)

With a clever reinterpretation of Bernard Purdie’s famous half-time shuffle, Jeff Porcaro and the band crafted “Rosanna,” which became widely associated with actress Rosanna Arquette, who was romantically involved with Steve Porcaro at the time. The song features a dynamic key change that necessitated a vocal transition from Lukather to Kimball, whose remarkable tenor voice added depth. The enduring brilliance of Steve Porcaro’s solo remains a highlight of the track, crafted through extensive experimentation with various keyboards, including the Yamaha CS-80s and Minimoog. Despite its immense popularity, “Rosanna” peaked at No. 2, falling just short of the top spot behind “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

No. 1. “Hold the Line”
From: Toto (1978)

Driven by a powerful riff from the youthful, long-haired Lukather, “Hold the Line” solidifies Toto’s identity as a formidable rock band. The accompanying music video, featuring vintage picture-in-picture editing, reinforces this gritty image. Lukather shared a memorable experience from 2012 when he stumbled upon the song during a visit to a friend’s house. “Nobody recognized me, but the song still resonated with the younger audience. One girl laughed and said, ‘I know that song, but I wasn’t born yet.’ It’s fascinating that despite the passage of time, the music remains timeless. I feel honored to be part of it all,” he reflected.

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