Toto: “Simple Life” from Falling in Between (2006)

One of the things I mentioned to David Paich in a recent interview is how he and his Toto peers were effective in casting the right players and singers for a particular song. “Simple Life” from Falling In Between is a, perfect example of that casting. Steve Lukather is a legendary guitarist who has proven time and again his ability to play just the right thing and never relying on clique. “Simple Life” reaffirms his vocal prowess. Often used to convey Toto’s best ballads, regardless of who wrote them on “Simple Life,” Lukather, the composer, provides stripped-down lyrics which are as direct as they are effective. Handling the acoustic-sounding piano over Simon Phillips’ programmed percussion, with touches of synthesizer and acoustic guitar, Lukather portrays a man at a crossroads who has determined what’s important. There is no extraneous note or lyric to be found in the beauty.