"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".
The song features former member Bobby Kimball performing on backing vocals. "Holyanna" also received a music video, which was produced by Simon Fields.
Background Paich wrote "Holyanna" about a composite of girls that flirted with him during his time attending a Catholic school. 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. 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.
Reception Billboard described "Holyanna" as featuring "jumpy rock n’ roll observations of life in high school’s fast lane." 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."
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 Lenny Castro – congas, percussion Joe Porcaro – percussion Tom Scott – saxophones Chuck Findley – trumpet Jerry Hey – trumpet Bobby Kimball – backing vocals
Chart performance Chart (1985)Peakposition
References