Toto - Mama (Remaster) [HQ]

After the Hydra rocker “All Us Boys,” Toto moves back into solid R&B/funk territory with “Mama.” The David Paich/Bobby Kimball collaboration continues down the fuzzy road of lyrical imagery with references to a failed relationship, infidelity and drug dependency.

Kimball delivers his best vocal on this 1979 album, working solidly in his upper tenor register while singing with Sam Cooke’s soulfulness and Steve Perry’s power. His voice is filled with aching desperation, which totally fits the mood. Backing vocals from Toto’s Steve Lukather and David Paich are a perfect contrast. “Mama” would fit perfectly on a Boz Scaggs album.

Despite how strong the vocals are, there are many pearls on this song. David Paich and Steve Lukather offer honky tonk and progressive rock solos respectively. Indeed Lukather’s solo initially seems out of place yet provides a perfect contract. Toto’s Steve Porcaro has a supporting synthesizer role, but yet again adds just the right amount of flavor to the stew. His introduction, with the swirling synth touches, is magical.

Perhaps the highlight is the groove David Hungate and Jeff Porcaro lay down. I’ve said a few times during this series that Hungate is a secret weapon for Toto. His impact on “Mama” is no secret. It’s funky, precise and innovative. His bass slides are forceful and surprising. Jeff Porcaro is not to be outdone, however, with a precise and innovative shuffle and orchestrated tom-tom runs that are uniquely his. The result is Toto’s “Mama” is a classic.

Credits:
Bobby Kimball - Lead and Backing Vocals
Steve Lukather - Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Paich - Piano, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Steve Porcaro - Synthesizers, Electronics, Synthesizer Programming
David Hungate - Bass, Guitars
Jeff Porcaro - Drums, Percussion
Lenny Castro - Percussion
Michael Boddicker - Synthesizer Samples
Roger Linn - Assistant Synthesizer Programming
Marty Paich - String Arrangements

[V-Kuznetsov]

Absolutely GOLDEN Edge for TOTO! Still very young and sonorous Bobby, juicy and biting Jeff, and mind-blowing backing vocals!
Thanks a lot, #Gerald!

[VincentRoss-dq]

Rediscovering another Toto banger in Spring 2025. Shout out to fellow music lovers. ❤🎉😊

[chevelle]

Classic Toto. This illustrates just why the band is so well loved. The combination of all their talents, their brotherhood and the seamless way they meld into one has never quite been matched. Nothing on this song is out of place or doesn’t work perfectly.

[rexfordluke]

Love the half-time shuffles on the drums ... Jeff Porcaro! 💯 ... long live his legacy.

[Katsumix]

Ugh brings back so many memories. Gotta love this!

[gilbertocolafabio]

porcaro la batteria shuffle fantastic TOTO fantastic Verona

[heathercollins]

Thanks for this remastered version.... really good...