Isolation

Isolation is a work on which TOTO, while keeping its outstanding technique, stepped into a harder, more rock-leaning texture than the previous album. The powerful singing of Fergie Frederiksen — who joined in place of Bobby Kimball — Steve Lukather’s guitar, and layered keyboards and rhythm section assemble the songs precisely. Through a change of vocalist, the band seeks a more energetic direction. The tension of “Stranger in Town” and the big melody of “Holyanna” house both the band’s pop sense and playing sharpness. Songs like “Carmen,” “Lion” and “Change of Heart” breathe strong rock drive too. Including the instability of a transitional period with a vocalist change, this record — which strongly presents TOTO’s rock side — is a rewarding one showing the band’s many sides, with detailed playing and powerful singing firmly bound throughout.