MUSIC REVIEW: STEVE LUKATHER – I Found The Sun Again

Label: Mascot Label Group / The Players Club

Release Date: February 26, 2021

Rating: 95%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Steve Lukather is a chameleon that hides his musical colors while splaying them in the wide open.  He has played on so many different tracks, albums, and has one of the most diverse discographies out there, but when he drops a solo release, his true colors shine through.  With the last incarnation of Toto riding off into the sunset at the end of 2019, it allowed Luke to get comfortable in his own skin again and create music for the sake of creating something for himself.  The result is the 8-track release that is being released in tandem with the solo effort of Toto bandmate Joseph Williams.  Luke release kicks off with the guitar frenzied “Along for The Ride.”  The solos are blazing, the vocals are as solid as they get from Steve, and the overall paying is top notch.  This is the type of song that tips its hat not only to his influences but to the various types of music he genuinely digs.  “Serpent Soul” slows the cadence a bit and takes on a bit of a progressive fusion sound that I associate to some of the deeper Toto tracks he has written and performed, demonstrating that a) a great song is a great song, and b) the guy is hands down one of the guiding forces behind some of the best music released under the Toto moniker.  Another fusion piece, “Journey Through,” allows the music to do the talking – literally.  This instrumental has a musical accompaniment that supports the track but allows the fret work and overall guitar sound to stand up and be noticed without any conflict of sound or ambiance.  Thanks for reminding us that sometimes simpler is better.  Title track “I Found The Sun Again” is a very personal track for Lukather, as he relates it to finding his new life partner and the awakening his life has undergone since she came into his life.  Don’t dismiss the ballad nature of the track for the lack of power.  The lyrics and their delivery combine to create one of the more powerful pieces on the collection and helps round out some of the other tracks.

Luke stretches out and takes on Traffic’s “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys” and pulls it off beautifully.  The swirl of piano and keyboard that surround the guitar work on the extended transition capitalize on Steve’s ability to tackle most anything and put his own stamp on it without derailing the track or project… but he has been doing that for over 40 years.  Another cover, and one of my favorite tracks on the disc sonically, is Luke’s take on Joe Walsh’s “Welcome To The Club.”  There is something about the energy in the track that comes to life on this redux that brings Luke’s vocals along of the ride and reminds us of his prowess not only on the six-string but behind a microphone.  The big arrangement adds punch to the track and collection overall.  The shuffle from the rhythm section along with the organ swirl is the perfect tapestry for Steve’s guitar.  The tongue in cheek track “Run To Me” was written as an ode to Luke’s dear friend Ringo Starr (who also happens to play drums on the track).  The song’s contagious chorus and infectious melody bring a smile to the face and keeps this one on repeat with each listen through.  Lukather closes out the collection with a cover of Robin Trower’s “Bridge Of Sighs.”  The different textures of the guitars and other players on this track give the disc a great bookend.  The organ on the track is killer and the vocals are spot on.  With each listen, I find more nuances in the track that draw my attention.  With this renewed energy and the creative juices flowing, I cannot wait to see what is next for Luke as he readies for touring as soon as the world opens.

Tracklisting: Along for The Ride – Serpent Soul – The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys – Journey Through – Welcome To The Club – I Found The Sun Again – Run To Me – Bridge Of Sighs

STEVE LUKATHER LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

I FOUND THE SUN AGAIN – ITUNES

TOTO LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: CD Reviews