The Seventh One

The Seventh One is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Toto. It was released in 1988, and became the best-received Toto album since Toto IV. The title track, "The Seventh One", is featured only on the Japanese version of the album and on the B-side of the single "Pamela". It was also released on some compilations on a later date. It would be their second and last studio album with lead vocalist Joseph Williams until Toto XIV (2015). Background and recording Steve Lukather described the writing of The Seventh One as a period of prolific "one-upmanship" with the band trying to impress one another with their compositions. One of the first compositions completed was the ballad "Anna", written by Lukather and Randy Goodrum. Lukather considers the song to be one of his best compositions. "Anna" was followed by "Pamela," written by David Paich, described as the "heir apparent" to "Rosanna." Paich and Lukather then composed "Stop Loving You," which both believed was sure to become a hit. Joseph Williams's influence on the album extended well beyond his vocals, with co-writing credit on six of the eleven tracks. The producer of The Seventh One, George Massenburg felt the album was missing a "rocker," which led to the composition and recording of the seven-minute closing track, "Home of the Brave." To assist in writing the lyrics, Toto called on Jimmy Webb. During the recording of The Seventh One, keyboardist Steve Porcaro announced he was leaving the band. His decision to leave was partly influenced by his belief his contributions were not well represented in the band's music and a general feeling of being unappreciated. Porcaro was also noted to be unhappy with the level of drug and alcohol use in the band at the time. Despite his refusal to participate in the band business or publicity, Porcaro continued to contribute to the recording of The Seventh One and was paid as a studio musician. He also toured with the band in Europe. Reception