Steve Lukather: Bridges – CD Review

It’s just over 2 years since Steve Lukather released his 8th solo album, ‘I Found The Sun Again’ and now he’s back with his 9th, ‘Bridges’ scheduled for release on the Mascot Label on 16th June 2023.

Steve’s CV reads like a who’s who of the global rock world, having contributed to over 1500 albums in his long career including, of course, being a founding member of the renowned Toto.

His guitar-playing style throughout his career has been sublime. Regularly crossing over between jazz/funk, the power of 1980’s classic rock with a nod in between to the sounds of the 70’s.

So what of solo album no 9, ‘Bridges’? Well, it’s 8 tracks that build on the quality of ‘I Found The Sun Again’. Quality is the optimum word, calling on the expertise of David Paich, Joseph Williams, Simon Phillips, Shannon Forest, Lee Sklar, Jorgen Carlsson, Steve Maggiora, and his son Trevor Lukather.

Indeed the opening track ‘Far From Over’ is co-written with his son Trevor. It’s a good rock song, kind of sets the scene for the rest of the album. Trevor features heavily on this one on Guitars/Bass/Synths and Backing Vocals.

Steve describes ‘Bridges’ as exactly as it sounds ‘I see it as a bridge between my solo music and Toto music’, citing that it’s unlikely Toto will ever release a studio album again.

Moving on into ‘Not My Kind Of People’, it launches into a strong guitar opening riff, backed with solid drumming as you’d expect from Simon. The track includes lyrics that show some angst, using his music to express emotion which is fine.

‘Someone’ has Shannon on the sticks, it has a Police’esque type rhythm to it and does take you back to an early 80’s groove.

One of my favorite tracks from ‘Bridges’ is next up , ‘All Forevers Must End’ , co-written between Steve and long term writing partner Randy Goodrum. It’s one of those typical and emotion-filled ballads that Steve pulls together love the vocals on this one, supported by a steady running of the keys and characteristic crisp guitar playing.

Then we go into the upbeat ‘When I See You Again’ which has been released as the lead track from the album with a great lyric video to accompany it. Check it out.

The bluesy/funk vibe from ‘Take My Love’, slows the pace down again. The quality of all the participants, Guitars, Backing Vocals, Drums, Keys, and Bass shine through. This is a great track, captures the mood of a labor of love, and has the best guitar work on the album. This would fit well being performed in an intimate venue, with participants there to engage and connect with the band and to feel the music.

‘Burning Bridges’ draws you in with a solid bassline and ZZ Top-type guitar riff, gets your head bopping, then hits the listener with a classic Lukather solo, delivering a strong album track.

Closing Steve’s 9th solo album is ‘I’ll Never Know’, a big ballad, moody, complex, and it takes you through into a fitting guitar solo finale that signs off ‘Bridges’ in true Lukather style.

The top songs for me are  ‘Burning Bridges’, ‘All Forevers Must End’, ‘I’ll Never Know’ and ’Take My Love’.

This album is produced by Joseph Williams. The writing credits are extensive, in addition to of course Steve Lukather, he’s called upon Stan Lynch/Randy Goodrum/David Paich/Joseph Williams/Steve Maggiora/Trevor Lukather. The result is a solid album, that successfully covers the styles and vibe we expect from Steve.

If you like your rock to cut across these styles, it’s for you. A worthy follow-up to ‘I Found The Sun Again’. Bring on solo album no10.

Score 7.5/10

Tracklisting
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

Label – Players Club
Release – 16th Jume 2023

For all things Steve Lukather, click HERE and to purchase the album, click HERE