Toto
They're back! Of course, following the death of drummer Jeff Porcaro in 1992 from heart disease hastened by cocaine use, the lineup has again changed. Bassist Mike Porcaro remains, and guitarist Steve Lukather has taken over lead vocals, although he's a far cry from original frontman Bobby Kimball, who sang such early-'80s hits as "Africa." Does anyone really care?
Perhaps Toto should have folded its tent. Critics always scorched the band for ladling out sterile, glossy pop-rock (although kinder souls would admit the group could whip up a hook when pressed). And this disc, except for a few snatches of taut arena rock on "Gift of Faith," is gooey with backing vocals and rote FM-radio fodder that sounds circa '83. Tambu may not even be for fans only. (Legacy/Sony)
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