Lukather, Steve: Transition

Toto guitarist/vocalist Steve Lukather returns with his seventh studio album Transition, which follows 2010's All's Well That Ends Well and is another in a fine line of star studded albums that the virtuoso has cranked out in his career. Stylistically speaking, Transition, or any of his previous solo releases for that matter, don't differ much from Toto's output of the last two decades, other than the fact that Lukather basically runs the entire show here. Joining him are guests CJ Vanston, Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Tal Wilkenfeld, Gregg Bissonette, Chad Smith, Lenny Castro, and many others, while 'Luke' handles all the lead vocals and guitar work.

All you Toto fans will probably remember that the band took a darker, bluesier, more hard rock turn with their 1992 release Kingdom of Desire, which was due to a greater presence of Lukather in the songwriting, playing, and vocal department. Since then any Toto studio material (they've been dormant as a studio band since 2006) sounds very close to 'Luke's solo work, but it's a 'win-win' for the fans either way. Transition is another solid affair from top to bottom from the acclaimed guitar virtuoso. No surprises mind you, but a solid, melodic rock album. "Judgement Day" and "Creep Motel" start things off in fine hard rock fashion, complete with catchy hooks and plenty of guitar firepower, while "Once Again" and "RIght the Wrong" are poignant, tender ballads, featuring Steve's soaring vocals and some catchy choruses that will please any Toto fan. The guitarist shows his love for Jeff Beck on the searing title track, a great mix of intense jazz fusion, pop, and progressive rock, while "Last Man Standing" is another Toto styled hook laden melodic rock number with some great riffs from Lukather. The breezy pop of "Do I Stand Alone" is again highlighted by some strong guitar work, and he unleashes his blues side on the smoky "Rest of the World". The album closes out with "Smile", another Beck styled number complete with dreamy whammy bar melodies and soothing keyboards. It's a nice little instrumental to end this CD, but it's a shame it wasn't longer.

Transition is another solid solo album from Steve Lukather, but maybe that's part of the problem. As good as some of these songs are, there's a 'safeness' that permeates throughout the whole album, as if Lukather seems unwilling to step outside his comfort sound and try something really daring. For those wanting to hear more of his legendary guitar work, Transition might have a few too many ballads and catchy pop numbers, but those missing the hook laden melodic rock of Toto will feel right at home here. While I also would love to hear a balls to the wall guitar fest from Steve one of these days (he's come close on occasion) Transition will do just fine for now.

Track Listing
1) Judgement Day
2) Creep Motel
3) Once Again
4) Right the Wrong
5) Transition
6) Last Man Standing
7) Do I Stand Alone
8) Rest of the World
9) Smile

Added: January 31st 2013
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
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Language: english

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