Toto - Endless (Remaster) [HD]

After the brief respite of “How Does It Feel,” Toto picks up the pace again on 1984’s Isolation with “Endless.” “Angel Don’t Cry” was released as a single showcasing Fergie Frederiksen’s voice, but I’d argue that “Endless” would have been a better choice.

“Endless” is at least as good a showcase a Fergie’s tweeter-frying high range. I’d argue it’s also considerably more accessible than “Angel Don’t Cry.” Jeff and Mike Porcaro lay down a solid groove, the lyrics are eminently catchy and the casual listener should feel at least moderately comfortable having a crack at singing along within his/her own range - whereas “Angel Don’t Cry” takes a vocalist into high reaches of tenorland where no Toto vocalist had gone before.

Back in the days of the LP and/or cassette tape, “Endless” was/is the perfect Side 2 opener. That hook gets under the skin and does not let go. It’s also an excellent bookend with the David Paich-sung “Holyanna” - a song which is equally catchy and just as accessible - being its counterpart on the tail end of Isolation.

While I loved Fergie Frederiksen’s voice and felt his tenure in Toto was far too short, I do understand why this album did not receive the same response as Toto IV. The contrast between Frederiksen and Bobby Kimball is rather stark, and perhaps that contrast is most noticeable on songs like “Endless.”

It certainly shares the pop sensibility that made Toto IV so popular but, for listeners who had come to know and appreciate Bobby’s voice, the shift to Fergie can be a bit jarring. For me, however that voice was a breath of fresh air. And whenever I think of Fergie’s tenure in the band, this is my go-to track.

Credits:
Fergie Frederiksen - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Steve Lukather - Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Paich - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Steve Porcaro - Keyboards, Electronic Sounds
Mike Porcaro - Bass
Jeff Porcaro - Drums, Percussion
Lenny Castro - Congas, Percussion
Joe Porcaro - Percussion
Chuck Findley - Trumpet
Jerry Hey - Trumpet
Tom Scott - Saxophone

[V-Kuznetsov]

Katheryn Winnick & Toto, this is the limit of enjoyment!
Thank you so much, #Gerald, as always!!!

[gerrysinging]

Love love love it. This should be in their live repertoire

[tonictonetomrockstar]

this was the hit they needed off that album.

[voiceofstem]

Agreed, this song is a masterpiece and also very sensitive for becoming a hit. The chorus is both catchy and epic. The whole step modulation at the end brings the song to a shivering climax. Finally, I love Frederiksen's vocals. Different from, but no worse than Kimball's.

[duppern]

This is my favorite Toto song. So happy thet yave played isolation songs lately

[pauljacques]

Should of been the lead single from Isolation.

[ed_nieto]

If one day I were a singer I would imitate the voice of Fergie Frederiksen

[remoteportal]

I totally agree with your argument; Angel Don't Cry is fatiguing on the ears... kinda irritating.

[stevemillerick]

The lyric is reach out girl and take it.