Toto
Hydra


4.5
superb

Review

by dynamic range police USER (37 Reviews)
November 20th, 2016 | 53 replies


Release Date: 1979 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Impeccable musicianship, creative writing and (mostly) excellent production. A courageous evolution that obviously couldn't sell like the debut.

"So we tried something a little different with ‘Hydra,’ and it sold well, although it might have been a little bit rushed for us. And here’s some irony for you - Rolling Stone beat up on the first album, and then when they reviewed ‘Hydra,’ the opening line of the review is something like, “It doesn’t have the magic of the first album.”
- Steve Lukather

After a huge breakthrough debut album, like Toto's self-titled 1978 release, it's not an easy task to record a proper follow-up. Which is exactly why Toto did not. Two factors lead to the creation of Hydra; the first being the absence of the desire to copy a formula that already won the first time, the second being David Paich's interest for the progressive rock scene, which also mildly surfaced a few times on the debut album. So, the band decided that it was already time for a change, and thus Hydra came to see the light on October 1979, almost exactly a year after its fortunate predecessor.

One thing the album shares with the debut is the mixture of different music genres. A thing that's subtly told in the first handful of tracks, but really becomes evident on side two. That said, this time the variation is more controlled and comes off as more natural. So Hydra begins with the lengthy title track, an airy progressive rock mini-epic with quirky lyrics that somehow fuse a modern-day love song with the fantastical titular beast and the knight that has to slay it. The following, shorter "St. George and the Dragon" follows along, in what initially feels like a proggy concept album... an illusion shattered when "99" comes in, with lyrics inspired by George Lucas' sci-fi movie "THX 1138". Still, more coherent is the instrumental side of the track: beginning as a funky ballad, "99" then evolves into a gentle jazz fusion piece in its final third, keeping intact the album's interesting mood. These are the coordinates on which Hydra moves, with the addition of a robust hard rock influence on side two, most notable in the hard hitting rocker "White Sister".

A band made of proficient session men and best friends gives many advantages. Mostly excellent production values and terrific taste for playing being at the center. Hydra is not a cold professional exercise; it's a rich, creative body of music written by a bunch of highschool friends who happened to be professional musicians. The silly lyrics for the rocking "All Us Boys" highlight the last sentence in all of its naive glory. It's hard to find the real star in this sextet, though Steve Lukather's guitar playing could be the most apparent answer. The variety on display is impressive, ranging from the beautiful jazz soloing of "99" to the fiery shredding of "White Sister" still remembered as a career highlight for good reason. Yet the reality is that the same talk should be made about everyone. For example, the rhythm section is pleasantly unpretentious in its supportive approach, but bassist David Hungate doesn't refuse to add tasteful licks (or simply drive the song nicely like in the misty verses of "Lorraine") just like drummer Jeff Porcaro lets himself loose in the short drum solo that closes "All Us Boys".

It can't be avoided to talk about the presence of two keyboardists: Steve Porcaro and David Paich, the latter having exclusive writing credits on half of the tracks and at least appearing on all of them (the later "Rosanna" will be his creation). This duality leads to the presence of endearing keyboard textures, that shine both in the dynamic calm/rocking structure of tracks like "Lorraine" and in the jazzy flourishes during the funk of "Mama". Lastly Bobby Kimball in its prime was a singer to behold, his soaring vocals shining brightly on "Mama" where his tenor voice reaches impressive heights. In a Beatles fashion (which Toto never denied), this is a band where everyone can sing. In Hydra most of the lead material is sung by Kimball or Paich, but Lukather gets a lead role too handing his warm voice to "99". This only adds to the variety of the album, even though Steve Porcaro didn't get a singing spot like he did on the debut.

Hydra ended up selling well, but not as well as the self-titled album for reasons that are quite obvious. As it is, this album stands as a down to earth and yet rather bold musical experimentation for a then-"pop-constricted" band that reflects the young age of the musicians in the best way. It does feel slightly incomplete, leaving the listener with unavoidable questions like "what if they had put another prog piece in it?", or more precisely "what if the terrific "Tale of a Man" managed to be part of it?". But it is nevertheless a virtually perfect body of music. It is also the first time Toto tried to free themselves from the commercial chains, which later had the best on them and practically forced the band to release an album like Toto IV. At the time however they refused to bow and decided to work on yet another shade of sound for Hydra's follow-up, Turn Back.

"The dragon will cut him with his tail
Chased him to the stairway, caught him halfway to the top
Sent him whirling down - fireballs, summer solstice
Dragon lord descended down on him
She turned to look but saw only darkness, silence"

Toto - "Hydra"




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user ratings (86)
3.8
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
Sabrutin
November 20th 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This was really tough. There were a lot of things I wanted to say about this. Ain't no cheap proggy aor in here. Future reviews will generally be shorter, but there was no way to write a short one for Hydra. I also tried to integrate some stuff that I wanted to say about the band in general. The way they are underrated really irks me ahah. Their reputation has been ruined by the hits which are far from the most interesting stuff.



I love this album and I bet it shows too much in the review, but this is really one of my favorites. Give it a shot if you enjoy the catchy side of prog rock. Proggers in general should check this out because they may find a nice surprise, especially in the first side. Also just do your soul a favour, play 99 and listen from 3:30 onwards.



Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3dPZH0a4kjtjq6Hm53BS9S

"Hydra": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1KXIeJ8h8

If you thought they couldn't rock, check this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k13Ndoyye2g

MrSirLordGentleman
November 20th 2016


15343 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

first three songs are titties

Davil667
November 20th 2016


4052 Comments


Very good review man. I always enjoyed those guys a lot, very capable musicians for sure. Haven't spun them in a while but your review def rekindled the flame :]

Sabrutin
November 20th 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

@SirLord: Absolutely. The opening one-two punch is what made me fall for the album in the first place



@Davil: Thank you! I'm aiming for a discog review (except for s/t and IV which are thankfully already done). Can't wait to reach the 90s, it's gonna be an adventurous ride from there on especially. Hope I can keep that flame alive

Titan
November 21st 2016


25258 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

good review Sabs, enjoy a pos

im not familiar with this album though, perhaps i shall give it a whirl

icatchthirtythree
November 21st 2016


1160 Comments


Picked this up used for $4 without having heard it. It's honestly awesome and I'm glad I found it!

Sabrutin
November 21st 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

@Titan: Thank you my man. You could give a shot to the tracks I linked and see if you dig



@icatchthirtythree: Sweet hunt indeed. All of their stuff is very cheap around here, save for a few albums that are hard to come by





manosg
Emeritus
November 21st 2016


12709 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I was expecting you to review Hydra at some point given your love for the album. Even though I am not the biggest Toto fan, it's a great album; definitely recommended.



Great review as well, pos.

Sabrutin
November 21st 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Glad you liked the review too. I wasn't completely sure about it but I felt that more changes would have only hurt it. By the way, I bet you'd dig the heavier Lukather driven stuff like Kingdom of Desire. If you have 7 minutes to waste, I suggest to give a shot to the song Gypsy Train

manosg
Emeritus
November 21st 2016


12709 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Sure, why not? Actually, I'm jamming Hydra atm because of your review haha.

Sabrutin
November 21st 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Nice, hope you dig/dug!

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
November 21st 2016


10909 Comments


Spun this album on Spotify because of your review Sabrutin, and I was really amazed with the level of musicianship.

The rhythm section in particular, is exceptionally tight.

Jethro42
November 21st 2016


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

@Voivod, I personally find the rhythm section too tight. It lacks of fluidity imo, and the compositions are not that inspired. Will relisten to valid my rating and my impressions.

Nice review, Sab.

Sabrutin
November 22nd 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

@Jethro I disagree but I can see your point about the rhythm section. There are times when it feels like they could get a bit more loose. But I also like the almost menacing feel of St. George's progression

Emim
November 22nd 2016


35929 Comments


The percussion of Toto has always been great.

Just remember to hold the line.

Sabrutin
November 22nd 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Well they always had legendary drummers. After Jeff Porcaro they brought the mighty Simon Phillips on board. Check "Drag Him to the Roof" if you want an idea.



Btw speaking of percussions on this album there's Lenny Castro lending some beats

DrJohn
November 22nd 2016


1041 Comments


enjoyed the read, Sab, but I'm not a big fan of Toto. great session musicians each and every one of 'em, but as a band I've always found them meh tbh, and their lyrics are kinda all over the place

Sabrutin
November 22nd 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

They did some easy to dislike stuff for sure, but I'd like to make sure that you aren't judging them by the usually known stuff. I'll never stop fighting about it ahah



Check the track I just mentioned, I'm positive most people never heard it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6N_R39I2ls

DrJohn
November 22nd 2016


1041 Comments


sry, does nothing to me... by-the-numbers corporate rock that might just as well be any other band. ye, Lukather got chops (like i said, all of 'em do) but as a unit they've always lacked character & identity imo

Sabrutin
November 22nd 2016


9841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

*slams keyboard* I disagree with you on this, especially on the lack of identity. But as I said I believe they have written stuff that is easy to dislike. So fair enough Doc, keep on Ryching m/



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