We live in a generation where not enough of my fellow young
people can name a band pre-dating the last millennium. Yes, everyone can
namedrop the Beatles but that answer is so obvious that it doesn’t even count
as an answer. Honestly, even most “Beliebers” know at least one Beatles song.
If you have no interest in reading about a specific song,
from a specific band, that you probably haven’t heard of, there is little to no
point for you to continue reading this.
When the word, “Toto,” is uttered, without even realizing
it, most people in the world see images of wicked witches, tornados, and oddly
colorful munchkins. This is completely understandable. Considering the fame and
grandeur of the Wizard of Oz, it is no surprise that name Toto has become
synonymous with a film. I am well aware that it is next to impossible to change
the first thing people think of when hearing the word Toto. I do however, wish
to ensure that immediately after the world’s minds are finished humming “Over
the Rainbow,” that the next song on the mental playlist is “Africa.”
If you have yet to manage to piece together where I am going
with this, this post is not about a little dog, it’s about an often overlooked,
yet iconic in a cult sense, band.
As an avid watcher of television, I am the first to admit
that much of my iTunes playlist comes from the background music of my favorite
shows. I have always been proud of said playlist and, over recent years, I have
realized that my absolute favorite shows are the ones with the best
soundtracks. It is no surprise then that, what I feel is THE best show to have
ever been on television, has also had some of the best music I’ve heard to
date. The show is Chuck and the music is everything from Edward Sharpe &
the Magnetic Zeroes to Pop Levi.
It was Chuck and the fictional band Jeffster that introduced
me to the magic that is Toto’s Africa.
The song is completely unique from anything that is heard in
this day in age. It’s inspirational, catchy, and lacks the dubstep beats that
have recently plagued 80% of modern music. It’s the type of song where, even if
you don’t quite know the lyrics, you’re holding up a lighter and spouting
gibberish because you genuinely want to.
It’s the song that should be played in any movie where the
hero saves the world, the guy gets the girl, or a group of friends drive off
into the sunset. It’s that kind of song. There’s no fist-pumping required and
no need to start the worm (do people still do that or has the sprinkler made a
comeback?). Africa is a song that requires no fanfare, and yet, is one of the
most inspirational and motivational songs I’ve heard.
I challenge you to listen to Africa and not feel as though
you could conquer the world after the final beat fades out. It’s impossible.
Seriously. I salute you if you’re part of the .000001% who manages to not feel
encouraged after listening. I also worry about you because if that doesn’t
inspire you I don’t know what will.
I don’t quite know what else to say on this topic because
truly all you need to do is listen to the music.
If you suddenly have the urge to run a marathon, ask out
that cute barista at the local coffee shop, or call your friends and suggest a
spontaneous road trip… Don’t be alarmed. You’ve caught Toto syndrome.
Enjoyed that clip of Jeffster? Watch the whole episode
(2.14) and then watch the whole dang series!
Did everything I predict come true when you listened to
Africa? Hate Love to say I told you so. Check out the Toto albums. I
personally think that Africa is the best thing they’ve produced but there are
quite a few hidden gems that should be listened to.
Check out the Toto website for the lyric library, sweet(ish) merchandise, and news about the band.
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