Toto - 99 [HQ] (CC)

The first single from Toto’s second album, Hydra, in 1979, was the band’s second Top 40 hit when it peaked at #26 in early 1980. Written by David Paich, this soft yet funky keyboard-driven jam featured lead vocals by Steve Lukather and a very jazzy solo on the outro by him.

Many have wondered what the title refers to. Some say that someone in the band had been dating Barbara Feldon - Agent 99 on Get Smart - and that it was written about her. That turned out to be not true. Some say that 99 is about a girl who’s almost perfect but is not quite 100. Again, false. And it’s not about Wayne Gretzky either. Or the number of beer bottles on the wall.

David Paich actually wrote the song as a tribute to George Lucas’ first film, THX-1138. This film takes place many centuries in the future where people live in a totalitarian state and are referred to by number. Thus it’s a love song to someone imagined in the world with the number 99. Why 99? It probably just sounds right.

Credits:
Bass - David Hungate
Drums, Percussion - Jeff Porcaro
Guitar, Lead Vocals - Steve Lukather
Keyboards - David Paich, Steve Porcaro
Vocals - Bobby Kimball

[timtraver]

Thank God we have YouTube so we can relive our childhood whenever we want...

[marshalllancaster]

A Toto track that deserved more love then and now.

[Hettepop]

I dedicate this song to #99 of the Baltimore Orioles, Gary Sanchez, for hitting a Grand Slam today, which concluded with a 3 game series sweep of the LA Angels. Thank You, sir

[johnnymercadosoto]

Every second of this song is a masterpiece.

[philipdonovan]

Jeff Porcaro's drum feels are like a fine woven silk.

[paulterranova]

Killer song, hope you are listening to this in 2023.

[JimKingsnorth]

"Steve Lukather confessed that, despite the song's popularity, he hated "99" and that it's one of his least favorite Toto songs" I disagree with Steve, love this song!

[malcolmmarshall]

So pretty, an overlooked, underrated treasure of a song.

[bubbybearist]

I alway's think of Agent 99 when I used to watch Get Smart.

[johns]

The key change leading into the incredible keyboard solo is my favorite single moment in the track. They spent 90 seconds establishing the hybrid A flat key, then use that as a leading tone (subtonic really) into B flat. Outro is pure bliss. Crank your bass knob at the very end, that short solo is worth it.

[psskusj]

When I heard it as an adult, I knew it was a masterpiece.

[loricrockett-owens]

This song is not only beautiful but it is relaxing to listen too.

[iluvpepi]

My thirteen year old heart fell instantly in love with this beauty when it was released. ❤️ It (the song) has aged well since then.

[brianbrown]

Such a great song. I was in 8th grade when this came out. They dont write them like this anymore.

[nedhill]

Luke is one of the all time great guitarists and incredibly underrated as a singer!

[CreativeRider]

Bobby Kimball’s ‘Wooo - so subtle, simple and perfect for the servicing of this song and really what all of the players had as ‘Toto’; they were always giving their all to the playing of the music. Like the music of Steely Dan, the quality & production from Toto in their heyday (during my teens-20’s) was incredible.

[sonnydean]

WKU, Class of 84. Yep, we.re still together. Still jamming to TOTO. Kids and grandkids just need to figure this out! We owe them nothing with respect to our taste in

[calbudd]

The first time I heard this song back in 80 I fell in love with it. 45 years later nothings changed.

[sueanntippett]

Soulful, sad, brings me back to 1980. My life was literally falling apart, at age 21. And, unfortunately, it didn't get any better. I forgot about this song.
I can still barely listen to it. That was a long time ago.

[davidshulimson]

Anyone else come here to wish a Happy 88th Birthday to Agent 99?!