Review: Steve Lukather – Bridges

Mascot Label Group/Players Club (June 16^th 2023)

Reviewer: Chris O’Connor

In the realm of musical greatness, few names shine as brightly as Steve Lukather, a maestro who has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As an ardent admirer of Lukather, it was with eager anticipation that I embarked on the exhilarating journey of reviewing his latest masterpiece, the solo album aptly titled ‘Bridges‘. This opus, in all but name, stands as a testament to Lukather’s unwavering dedication to his craft, seamlessly bridging the realms of his solo work and the iconic sound of Toto.

From the very first notes, it becomes abundantly clear that ‘Bridges’ is not merely a Lukather solo effort; it exudes the essence of the finest entries in Toto‘s illustrious discography. Luke himself declares it to be “a bridge between my solo music and Toto music” a statement that resonates powerfully throughout the album. Featuring a formidable line-up of musical virtuosos including Joseph Williams, Simon Phillips, Shannon Forest, Lee Sklar, Jorgen Carlsson, Steve Maggiora, Stan Lynch, Randy Goodrum, David Paich, and the remarkable talent of Lukather’s own son, Trev Lukather, this record is poised to astound and captivate.

Masterfully produced by Joseph Williams, ‘Bridges‘ reveals itself as a meticulously crafted work of art. Every track exudes a level of musicianship that is nothing short of extraordinary. Lukather pours his heart and soul into each song, his velvety voice carrying a richness and nuance that tugs at the deepest emotions. The album resonates with flawless harmonies and melodies, drawing the listener into a world where perfection is the norm.

Of course, it is impossible to discuss ‘Bridges‘ without acknowledging Lukather’s unparalleled prowess on the guitar. Unbiased though I may try to be, I dare say he has never sounded better. Whether conjuring up a mesmerizing solo or laying down a punchy riff, Lukather’s playing is impeccable, hitting the mark with unwavering precision. His guitar work alone is worth the price of admission, a testament to his enduring brilliance.

The album commences with the thunderous proclamation of ‘Far From Over‘, a track co-written by Lukather and his son Trev. With both guitarists delivering a tour de force performance, supported by Trev’s contributions on synths, bass guitars, and backing vocals, this resounding rock anthem sets the stage for the magnificence that follows. ‘Not My Kind Of People‘ permeates the air with a funky vibe, boasting remarkable contributions from the rhythm section. Lukather’s impassioned vocals soar through the monumental chorus, punctuated by a glorious solo that leaves an indelible mark. Simply put, it is perfection personified.

‘Someone‘ emerges as a transcendent masterpiece, a dreamy composition that would seamlessly grace any vintage Toto album. It possesses a timeless quality, showcasing Lukather’s exceptional song-writing prowess. ‘All Forevers Must End‘ co-penned by Lukather and Randy Goodrum, further exemplifies the album’s allure. This moody and lush piece evokes the elegant moodiness that Toto has always executed with grace, solidifying the notion that ‘Bridges‘ is a true Toto album in all but name. One cannot help but revel in the sheer beauty of it all.

‘When I See You Again‘ erupts as an up-tempo rocker adorned with glorious arrangements, bolstered by a short but unforgettable solo from Lukather. The song could effortlessly find its home alongside the gems of Toto’s storied catalogue, invoking the spirit of masterpieces like ‘IV‘, ‘Isolation‘, ‘Fahrenheit‘, ‘The Seventh One‘ or ‘Kingdom Of Desire‘. Its chorus is nothing short of aural bliss, swiftly becoming one of my personal favourites of 2023. The bluesy, smoky atmosphere of ‘Take My Love‘ transports listeners to a dimly lit club, its languid groove infused with a touch of funk. Lukather’s vocals are flawless, his fretwork deft and breath-taking. This track is the embodiment of the ‘wow factor,’ and I find myself longing to hear it over and over again.

‘Burning Bridges‘ ignites with irresistible funk, driven by a tasteful Fender Rhodes keyboard riff. The song effortlessly grooves along, enriched by magnificent harmony vocal arrangements. Lukather’s playing is sleek, and his solo is nothing short of brilliant. There is an abundance of love to be found in every note. Finally, the album reaches its powerful conclusion with ‘I’ll Never Know‘ a resplendent ballad that would stand tall among Toto‘s peerless back catalogue. The delicate and restrained verses showcase Lukather’s exquisite playing, while the vocals, arrangements, and shimmering quality of the song come together in perfect harmony. It is a truly remarkable and effortless way to draw this tremendous album to a close.

To say that ‘Bridges‘ is a timeless masterpiece would be an understatement. This album stands as a testament to the very essence of musical brilliance. For aficionados of Melodic Rock, it is an absolute necessity, a shimmering gem that demands a place in any discerning collection. Once again, Steve Lukather delivers the goods in a style that is nothing short of tremendous. ‘Bridges‘ represents the epitome of what makes music truly wonderful—an assembly of musicians whose talent is unmatched and infused with a soul and passion sorely lacking in today’s manufactured music landscape. I implore you, dear reader, to make ‘Bridges‘ an essential addition to your music library. It will undoubtedly stand among the most cherished albums of the year for yours truly – and is an unequivocal testament to the genius of Steve Lukather.

Tracklist:

1. Far From Over
2. Not My Kind Of People
3. Someone
4. All Forevers Must End
5. When I See You Again
6. Take My Love
7. Burning Bridges
8. I’ll Never Know