Review STEVE LUKATHER ‘Bridges’

Steve Lukather is since 1977 one of the crucial pillars of rock outfit Toto. He started the band together with Bobby Kimball, David Paich. David Hungate and Jeff Porcaro. The band embarked on an exciting musical journey that is ongoing to date.

In parallel Lukather also unleashed solo albums of which the ninth one reaches the stores in June 2023. Simply called ‘Bridges’ the guitarist and singer looks at the album as a kind of bridge that connects his solo efforts with the sound of Toto. What makes it easier to reach the ambition is the fact of Lukather working together with past and current Toto members such as David Paich, Joseph Williams, Simon Phillips, Shannon Forrest, Lee Sklar and Steve Maggiora. In addition, Lukather’s oldest son Trev is part of the game as well as Gov’t Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson.

‘Bridges’ contains eight songs, and the running time of 36 minutes is a bit of a downer. At the same time, it can be said, that each song that made it on the album is of great quality.

‘Far From Over’ is the start into the album and it is a rocking one. Lukather wrote the song together with his son and this father/son collaboration is special. The song itself is very well-crafted and you find your foot tapping along to the beat.

‘Not My Kind of People’ is next and comes with a good chorus. The song in its entirety isn’t a real firework of musical creativity and rolls on and on without a final thrill. With ‘Someone’ things get better again. The third track on the album connects feel with melody, a blend that work very well.

‘All Forever Must End’ shows the soulful side of the album, a song that will bring the lighters to shine during live shows. More powerful is ‘When I See You Again’, equipped with a rhythm that reminds of a pumping heart that reflects the higher pulse rate of such a moment. The bluesy ‘Take My Love’ is certainly a highlight-song on the album and the same goes for ‘Burning Bridges’, a song that spreads a great ease.

With ‘I’ll Never Know’ the melancholic final chapter of the album is a touching finale that shows the again why Lukather and fellow bandmates belong to the greats of rock.

‘Bridges’ is a solo album by Steve Lukather and shouldn’t be compared with any Toto releases. Nevertheless, it has a few references to the rock giants, which is not surprising considering the musicians involved. ‘Bridges’ convinces with with songs that are built on great musical craftsmanship and tons of experience that allows the guys to realize their music ideas and turn creativity into reality.