Toto - Hydra (Remaster) [HD]

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Hydra, Toto’s second album, confounded critics and fans alike upon its release in October 1979, but it has aged well. The album kicks off with the title track, which has the distinction of being the only song composed by the entire original band.

Like “Child’s Anthem,” the opener on Toto’s debut, “Hydra” boasts obvious progressive rock leanings but “Hydra” takes things up several notches. Instead of relying on their tenor lead voice, Bobby Kimball, or the smooth vocals of Steve Lukather, David Paich provides the dark and murky lyrics. Paich’s vocal delivery is perfect, casting a spell over the listener.

Bobby Kimball and Steve Lukather’s soaring background vocals force home the point, and the playing is stellar, as well.

David Paich’s piano parts propel the song forward, while Steve Porcaro holds to his mad scientist’s reputation by creating images of a king’s horn ensemble. Toto’s intricate piano, synthesizer, and guitar harmonies are otherworldly, yet eclipsed by the slinky and insane Lukather guitar solo.

“Hydra” is also expertly recorded. Toto engineer/mixers Tom Knox and Dana Latham bring out every nuance from Jeff Porcaro’s crash cymbals to David Hungate’s trademark bass slides.

Along the way, they all set a high water mark for Hydra, drawing a line in the sand both musically and lyrically. The song has become a concert favorite, and deservedly so.

Credits:
Bobby Kimball - Backing Vocals
Steve Lukather - Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Paich - Piano, Keyboards, Lead and 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