Pamela (song)
1988 single by Toto
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"Pamela" is a song written by David Paich and Joseph Williams and performed by American rock band Toto for their 1988 album The Seventh One. It was the first US single from the album, peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their final Billboard Hot 100 hit to date.[2] It also reached #9 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It is also the penultimate track by Toto to chart on the Adult contemporary chart until "Anna" was released.
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- "The Seventh One" (US)
- "You Got Me" (EU/Japan)
- "Stay Away" (UK)
May 1988 (UK)[1]
4:28 (single)
| "Pamela" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Toto | ||||
| from the album The Seventh One | ||||
| B-side |
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| Released | February 1988 (US) May 1988 (UK)[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 5:11 (album) 4:28 (single) | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| Toto singles chronology | ||||
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In Europe, "Pamela" was the second single, as "Stop Loving You" was selected as the lead single from the album instead.[3]
Background
The song was written by David Paich and Joseph Williams. Paich had first written the chorus, music and words, including the name, "Pamela". Williams happened to be dating a woman at the time named "Pamela", and had already written a song for her by the same name. The chorus of Williams's song was used in the bridge, and Williams wrote new words and melody for the verses as well.[4]
Critical reception
Cash Box called it "a beautifully conceived tune, replete with the wonderful production ideas that the band is famous for."[5] Music & Media called the song a "funky semi-ballad that will undoubtedly do well."[6]
Track listing
- Pamela
- The Seventh One
Personnel
- Toto
- Joseph Williams – lead vocals, backing vocals
- Steve Lukather – guitars, backing vocals
- David Paich – keyboards, piano, backing vocals
- Steve Porcaro – synthesizers
- Mike Porcaro – bass
- Jeff Porcaro – drums, tambourine
- Additional musicians
- Joe Porcaro – vibraphone
- Gary Herbig – alto saxophone
- Tom Scott – tenor saxophone, horn arrangements
- Jim Horn – baritone saxophone
- Jerry Hey – trumpet
- Gary Grant – trumpet
- Chuck Findley – trumpet
- James Pankow – trombone
- Tom Kelly – backing vocals
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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