Steve Lukather likely needs no introduction. He's played on literally hundreds of albums, ranging from session work for wildly popular releases such as Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to being the guitarist for Toto. When one thinks of Lukather, the Toto sound is naturally what comes to mind. Following those expectations along that thought train will serve as disappointment for his fifth solo disc, "Ever Changing Times". Especially since it sounds nothing like Toto but is interesting in its own right without pulling the Toto legacy behind it like some bedraggled mascot.
Solo albums are often just vessels to capture an artist's true artistic expression. It's the trippy side stuff that would not work in their normal band setting, giving opportunity to show diversity and hints of other influences. And when they are focused in terms of "artsy" the albums often come out sounding like a strange mishmash of sounds. That's the case with "Ever Changing Times". While there is a straight undercurrent of melodic rock to guide it's wavering course, it's all built upon and sometimes buried by jazzy passages, meandering progressive rock and plain and simple pop. It's up to the musicians and masters behind the creative drive of the disc that guides it to its final destination. Thankfully the hands bringing this album to life are those of people that know how to craft an interesting track and bring their ideas to an entertaining final product.
Electrified and voiced by Steve himself, and backed up by Lenny Castro on percussion, Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums, John Pierce and Lee Skylar sharing bass duties and synth and keys provided by Jeff Babko and Randy Goodrem - the album has solid musicians doing their duties quite nicely.
"Ever Changing Times" (the title track) has a soft progressive touch and an overall moody atmosphere. A wonderful chorus pierced by dark guitar work is a nice touch. "How Many Zeroes" has this swinging 70s rock vibe that seeps out with a bluesy feel. Really fantastic stuff here, as it seems crossed between Joe Lynn Turner's solo albums and British blues rockers Thunder. "Stab in the Back" is funky and fresh, spinning a jazzy opening and a light Westcoast pop freedom feel. Toto's Joseph Williams jumps in here as a guest to fill in some of those notes in the verses. Classy ballads are represented with the slippery slow burner "Letting Go". Spanish feeling acoustic brightens the mood and adds an interesting bit of filagree to the comfortably relaxed piano.
"New World" feels just as the song describes, swooping progressive rock that reminds me of the pop/progression of Sting's solo 80s Blue Turtle stuff. The chorus revs everything up and is punctuated by some thick guitars. "Tell Me What You Want From Me" is another carefully paced unraveler at first glance. Creeping along agonizingly slow, it's Westcoast feel is like a sorrow streaked stroll on a rainy day down a deserted beach in the middle of winter's hold. Beautiful, lulling and gorgeous. The build into the chorus is absolutely lifting and then the chorus hammers its desolation and desperation like a venomous arrow to the heart, pulled out just as quick as music comes rushing in to wrap that soft rain back around the blinking brilliance again. Lovely, and well crafted, oddly reminding one of Saigon Kick's "Water" disc.
Coming from the school of Toto is the big ballad "Never Ending Night" and the breathtaking "Ice Bound". The only song here that really never connected is the gospel piece of "Jammin With Jesus", but it adds another surprising twist to the disc. With the full church choir and organ blasting its message of faith and Steve's guitar running up and down the aisles, it's definitely an oddity but not one that is worth revisiting too often.
"Ever Changing Times" offers a blend of various tracks, all which are cleverly crafted and have the ability to grow... there are very few that are poised for instant gratification. These are artsy songs that often take their time to grow on you, but have the seeds to blossom and bloom given the right amount of time and effort on the listener's part. The album is worth getting to know, and is a classy accomplishment for Steve Lukather. If sticky sweet melodic rock (of the traditional kind) has left you feeling uninspired and astray, a nice hefty dose of "Times" should bring you back into the fold. A quality album all around.Written by
Alanna Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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