Holyanna
1985 single by Toto
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Holyanna" is a song by the American rock band Toto. It was released as the final song and third single from their fifth studio album Isolation. It was written by keyboardist David Paich and drummer Jeff Porcaro. It peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 as the second charting single from Isolation, following "Stranger in Town".[1]
The song features former member Bobby Kimball performing on backing vocals. "Holyanna" also received a music video, which was produced by Simon Fields.[2]
Background
Paich wrote "Holyanna" about a composite of girls that flirted with him during his time attending a Catholic school.[3] In an interview published in December 1983 during the making of the band's Isolation album, Steve Lukather mentioned that "Holyanna" was one of the songs planned for the album.[4] In the United States, "Holyanna" was serviced to contemporary hit radio in January 1985, where it was added to 33 radio station playlists in that format.[5]
Reception
Billboard described "Holyanna" as featuring "jumpy rock n’ roll observations of life in high school’s fast lane."[6] Cashbox called "Holyanna" a "good single" with "punchy" horns and an "airtight sound". They also wrote that the song "utilizes acoustic guitars and pure pop hooks with a countryish lyric and melodic sound", which they believed was indicative of "another CHR hit."[7]
Track listing
- "Holyanna" - 3:53
- "Mr. Friendly" - 4:18
Personnel
Toto
- David Paich – keyboards, backing vocals, lead vocals
- Fergie Frederiksen – backing vocals
- Steve Lukather – guitars, backing vocals
- Steve Porcaro – keyboards, electronic sounds
- Mike Porcaro – bass
- Jeff Porcaro – drums, percussion
Additional musicians
- Mike Cotten – additional synthesizers
- Lenny Castro – congas, percussion
- Joe Porcaro – percussion
- Tom Scott – saxophones
- Chuck Findley – trumpet
- Jerry Hey – trumpet
- Bobby Kimball – backing vocals
Chart performance
| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[8] | 71 |