Now that Steve Lukather has announced that Toto as a recording group will cease to exist, he's still free to do solo albums whenever he pleases, and why not gather a whole bunch of your Toto buddies to help out with your latest record, which is titled Bridges. Joining Lukather for this latest set are Simon Phillips (drums), Joseph Williams (backing vocals, synths), David Paich (keyboards), Lee Sklar (bass), Shannon Forest (drums), Jorgen Carlsson (bass), Steve Maggiora (keyboards, backing vocals), and Trev Lukather (guitar, bass, synths, backing vocals), most of whom have been a part of the Toto family at one point or another over the years. As you would expect from any Lukather solo or Toto album, expect a fair mix of rockers and ballads on Bridges, allowing Steve's amazing guitar talents and very underrated vocals to shine through.
Smart sequencing here to kick off with the two hardest rocking songs at the start of the album, those being "Far From Over" and "Not My Kind of People", the former signaling the guitarist telling the work he has plenty of music left in the tank, and the latter an angry statement directed at who knows, but it ain't pretty. Lots of lethal guitar riffs and solos on both, and a great start to the album. "Someone" is a catchy enough melodic rock song, nothing overly memorable, but not bad, and then comes the soaring ballad in "All Forevers Must End", Luke displaying what a great vocal range he has on this heartfelt track. Then comes the big, hook laden party anthem on the album, "When I See You Again", which could have easily fit on a Toto album, complete with a killer sing-along chorus, bright keys, and tasty hard rock guitars. Steve's always been a blues guy at heart, and he delivers a smoldering slice of blues-rock on "Take My Love", complete with a scalding guitar solo, and there's also a barroom smokey blues feel to "Burning Bridges". Closer "I'll Never Know" follows standard melodic rock territory but with a slight bluesy edge, Luke's soaring vocal harmonies are hard to resist, and the chorus is really well done.
Overall, Bridges is another in a long line of solid solo albums from Steve Lukather. While I would have liked a little more guitar firepower throughout the album, what's here is of course excellent in a more song oriented collection. Well done, as always, from one of our great musical treasures.
Track Listing
1.
Far From Over 03:58
2.
Not My Kind Of People 03:56
3.
Someone 04:08
4.
All Forevers Must End 04:20
5.
When I See You Again 04:55
6.
Take My Love 05:22
7.
Burning Bridges 04:00
8.
I'll Never Know 05:04
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