“Stranger in Town” was written by Paich and Jeff Porcaro, the same writing team which composed “Africa,” but the feel could not be more different musically or lyrically. The duo seems intent on not recreating the past. Lyrically, the tale of murder and mystery is direct and in the context of the music video, clever. The result is that “Stranger In Town” was a hit, and the only Top 40 hit from Isolation, reaching number 30. However, the song was a bigger hit on rock radio reaching at No. 7.

“Stranger In Town” also reflects the identity crisis going on in Toto, as of the four singles from Isolation the designated vocalist only got to sing one and it was not a hit. We will get to that song, the hard rocking “Angel Don’t Cry".

Credits:
Bass - Mike Porcaro
Drums, Percussion - Jeff Porcaro
Guitar - Steve Lukather
Keyboards - Steve Porcaro
Keyboards, Lead Vocals - David Paich
Vocals - Fergie Frederiksen
Congas, Percussion - Lenny Castro
Percussion - Joe Porcaro
Saxophone - Tom Scott
Trumpet - Chuck Findley, Jerry Hey
Bass Vocals - Gene Morford
Synthesizer - Michael Cotten
Songwriters - David Paich, Jeff Porcaro