Kingdom of Desire

Kingdom of Desire is a work on which TOTO, while keeping its refined pop quality, strongly foregrounded guitar weight and a raw band feel. Steve Lukather takes the main lead vocals, and the heat of his voice and the expression of the guitar form the album’s center. Stepping into a harder, more organic sound, it shows a new side of the band. Songs like “Gypsy Train,” “Don't Chain My Heart” and “Kingdom of Desire” present complex playing naturally while melancholy and strength coexist in the melody. On the instrumental “Jake to the Bone,” the band’s outstanding playing is fully displayed. This record is also known as the last studio album on which the great drummer Jeff Porcaro took part — a record of special meaning, deeply carving the tension of members lifting each other’s playing, with the outstanding groove he left breathing firmly throughout.