Toto - Anna [HQ] (CC)

“Anna” is another classic Toto composition by Steve Lukather and Randy Goodrum, and follows a similar approach to the format established by “I’ll Be Over You” from 1986’s Fahrenheit: soft electric piano sounds, rich harmonies in the chorus, a searing guitar lead in the middle, and a repeated chorus to take us out with an instrumental fade.

In terms of specifics, the beauty of “Anna” lies in the gentle and poignant approach the band adopts, and the lush sonic aura created. The song fades in with a delicate percussion loop (courtesy of Michael Fisher and Joe Porcaro, father of a trio of Toto members) – such an evocative way to build an intro. After two bars of this, Luke’s echo-laden “Anna” breaks the motif, underpinned by a beautiful, reverb drenched, layered keyboard sound. It’s an arresting introduction for a song and immediately envelops the listener in a rich and atmospheric soundstage.

Steve Lukather’s vocals on “Anna” are assured and confident. There is a genuine warmth to his tone and clarity in the way his vocals soar in the upper register. It really is beautiful to listen to and is the mark of a confident vocalist: By then, Luke had clearly carved his position as Toto’s balladeer. The chorus is announced with Jeff Porcaro’s snare, and it’s here where the lead vocals and luscious backing harmonies come to the fore.

More intricacy is revealed under repeat listening – and Anna is certainly worthy of this. If you focus on the background, there is an impeccable string arrangement by Marty Paich (David’s father), David Paich and James Newton Howard, and conducted by Marty Paich. Although it doesn’t soar like the lines in “I Won’t Hold You Back,” the majesty of the string arrangement is the way it supports the song, with beautiful doubled octaves as part of the guitar solo and flowing counter melodies after the solo. Blended with synthesized strings (courtesy of Steve Porcaro, in a sideman role), the arrangement sits perfectly in the mix, providing powerful support and dynamic interest in all the right spots.

To wrap it up, as the chorus is repeated, the interplay and sound of Toto’s Porcaro brothers (Mike on bass and Jeff on drums) is pure magic. They don’t need to be flashy or showy; they simply were the best studio rhythm section of the ’80s, always playing with an innate sense of understanding and subtlety. The expressive embellishments and depth from Mike’s five-string bass coupled with Jeff’s steady pulse and purposeful fills provide a solid foundation that enables Toto’s vocals and strings to rise freely above, before fading away with that gentle percussion loop from the introduction.

Credits:
Bass - Mike Porcaro
Drums, Percussion - Jeff Porcaro
Guitar, Lead Vocals - Steve Lukather
Keyboards - David Paich
Vocals - Joseph Williams
Synthesizer - Steve Porcaro
Arranged by David Paich, James Newton Howard
Arranged & Conducted by Marty Paich
Additional Percussion by Joe Porcaro, Michael Fisher
Written by Randy Goodrum, Steve Lukather

Gerald's YouTube Playlists:

[Romans]

Being a professional acoustic drummer for many moons Toto will always be my favorite band. There is so much genuine love and affection in their composition's.😊

[tigerhunter]

A master class band and ballad. Only Lukather man….master songwriter/composer, vocalist!, GUITARIST. 😵‍💫. S. Lukather is AMAZING, he is a big inspiration to me.
Such sophisticated music from this band, all from its song writing, technicality, lyrics, AND quality of mastering - mixing and tone of the music. Music recorded on to tape, good engineering, etc, etc

Epitome of what an idealist can imagine music to be. Truley remarkable.

[gracemabalot]

I love this song! It’s among my personal choicest songs of TOTO., one of my favorites! I love the lyrics and Luke’s voice is so perfect.

[NToombes]

Oh my goodness, the quality of the audio is second to none! I love it! I always though The Seventh One nedded a kick up the ar*e when it came to the sound quality.

[jantzenallen]

Love the outro too this song Luke in the background

[edenlust]

Thank you. Your HQs are perfect. This is one of my favorit from Toto.

[nadiadekkari]

💋 toto i love you for ever 💞 🇫🇷

[HAJ_Studios]

The only song in this album, In the Best Ballads album.