MUSIC REVIEW: STEVE LUKATHER – Bridges

Label: Mascot Label Group/The Players Club

Release Date: June 16, 2023

Rating: 100%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Steve Lukather is one of the most successful guitarists, singers, songwriters, and overall studio guys that you may never have heard of. As a founding member of Toto as well as one of a handful of go to studio guys in the 1970’s until today, Luke – as he is known to friends and colleagues – has had his hand in or on some of the biggest songs and albums over the last 5 decades. His latest is another release in a long chain of killer tracks. Disc opener “Far From Over” is a cool rocker that knocks down the door with a great riff and tons of guitar work that we have all come to know, love, and expect from Steve on release after release. While this disc may be considered an extension of Toto (as there are no plans to release any new music there), make no mistake, this disc is all Lukather from start to finish. The transitions between verses and choruses are amazing but the coolest nuances are the lyrics that give voice to the vocals when Steve proclaims ‘so many friends have come and gone’ you know he has no plans of leaving any time soon. “Not My Kind Of People” has that Toto vibe that permeates many of Lukather’s releases and individual tracks. The vocal on this one stands out as it has an almost ethereal vibe wound around it that gives the track additional depth. Luke’s ‘other band’ friends Joseph Williams and David Paich enhance the overall vibe of the disc. I love the sentiment of the chorus and the bridge regarding asking someone to leave your circle as they are not your kind of people. “All Forevers Must End” is the most Toto-like track on the disc in my opinion. The beautiful piano interludes that are woven into the songs musical fabric are the perfect counterpart to the guitars and vocals, with all three swirling together in an emotionally charged and delivered song. I find myself going back to the track repeatedly and noticing new sounds with each pass. “Take My Love” slows things a bit and delivers a cool deviation to this musical journey with a blues filled vibe that allows Steve’s vocals to take a step into the spotlight on the verse and chorus, while his guitar work and the other instrumentation perfectly support the song. While I love everything Luke puts his musical stamp on, this track gives me a new appreciation for his talent and abilities behind a fretboard and microphone.

“Someone” is a cool track that unfolds slowly and has nuances of Luke’s previous solo efforts as well as Toto (hard not to when he is an integral part of that band’s sound). The vocals are textured to pair perfectly with the guitar work and overall instrumentation of the track. The song has moments that ebb and flow drawing you in and keeping you engaged from moment to moment. This is just another sonic cog in a perfectly constructed music machine. “When I See You Again” brings together everything Lukather does right and adds punch, especially on the vocals. The rock groove that breathes within the structure of the song is amazing without being overpowering. The wall of sound vocals that carry the chorus are amazing and fun to listen to… and even better to sing along with. The chugging riff through the verse keeps the track flowing as the chorus invites you along for the frolicking ride… better hang on. Be sure to listen closely to the killer guitar solo on the bridge. “Burning Bridges” is one of those songs that sounds familiar and new all at the same time. Much like the rest of the songs on this collection, this song perfectly bridges not only the different sounds and textures of Lukather’s career to date, but demonstrates he isn’t yet done constructing his musical legacy. This has nuances of his body of work tossed in for good measure making this like a new greatest hit. Disc closer “I’ll Never Know” takes us out with a slightly different sound and feel than some of the other tracks on the collection, but also shows hints music not necessarily aligned with Steve… I pick up hints of Pink Floyd-ish glimmers within the chorus that add something new to the disc and body of work. While not a rock album or paint by number representation of Lukather’s career, this assemblage of eight tracks is exactly what fans want and need… new music that lets us all bask in the talent that is Steve. Be sure to listen through the final moments of the track, as we get what feels like a killer solo beginning which leads me to believe there is still more to come at some point. We can all hope, right?

Tracklisting: Far From Over – Not My Kind Of People – Someone – All Forevers Must End – When I See You Again – Take My Love – Burning Bridges – I’ll Never Know

STEVE LUKATHER LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

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INSTAGRAM

BRIDGES – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews