“Rosanna” by Toto

Toto’s Grammy-winning 1982 smash, featuring several endlessly influential elements.

Let’s start with some stats to set the table (and potentially raise a few eyebrows). The first single from Toto IV, “Rosanna,” has sold well over a million copies on its own, cracked the Top 10 in multiple countries (including the US, Canada, and several in Europe), peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 for five weeks, and became one of the 500 biggest songs ever on Billboard’s Hot 100. In 1983, it took home the Grammy for Record of the Year and was nominated for Song of the Year, losing to Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind.” It’s undoubtedly one of the most successful pop-rock songs of all time.

What’s remarkable is that, in the four-plus decades since its release, its legend and influence have only grown. A big reason why is the signature “Rosanna shuffle” drum groove performed by the late great Jeff Porcaro. Conceivedas the sonic lovechild of Bernard Purdie and John Bonham, mastering this deceptively complex rhythm is considered a rite of passage for drummers worldwide. Seriously—university students have written dissertations on how impeccable the feel and deep the pocket is on this beat. There’s also the overlapping keyboard solos in the middle of the track, executed by David Paich and Jeff’s brother, Steve Porcaro. Played on several instruments, including a Minimoog and a Hammond organ, they give the instrumental a whimsical, almost surreal sound, as if the protagonist is dizzy from his infatuation.

Then there’s the vocals from Steve Lukather and Bobby Kimball. For all the exceptional aspects of this song, their combined contribution may be the most arresting. Lukather’s lines are more matter-of-fact earnest (“All I wanna do when I wake up in the morning is see your eyes”). At the same time, Kimball’s are more exaggerated (and I mean that in a positive sense), conveying the outsized anguish that comes with realizing you’re out of a woman’s league (“I didn’t know you were looking for more than I could ever be”). Not only is it a much different track with only one of them singing, but, like a great actor fully embodying a role they’re made for, you can’t really picture anyone else filling those shoes. Who would want to?

By the way, here’s a fun fact for all you trivia nerds: The song was not written about Rosanna Arquette, who was dating Steve Porcaro when it was recorded. Both parties were happy to play along with the rumor, so there’s that, at least.