Written by Maria Arroyo
Steve Lukather and the Players Club releases his latest record, I Found The Sun Again, via Mascot Label Group. In addition, Toto‘s vocalist, Joseph Williams, is releasing his solo album, Denizen Tenant. Both musicians are from the internationally-known group, Toto, who helped bring the others’ solo album vision to life!
Steve Lukather‘s solo album was co-produced by engineer and mixer, Ken Freeman. “Never had so much fun recording in my life,” Lukather says. “Painless, fun, and easy – and it just flowed. All these tracks were cut LIVE – no clicks – no fix – No rehearsal – one run-through,” Lukather shares, “and record and the whole record was on take two. One song a day. I wanted to make as honest a record as I could in 2020 with 1970’s inspiration, and recording values, and techniques with a modern sound. Ken did that!”
For over 50 years, Steve Lukather has done everything from a feature on Michael Jackson’s Thriller to releasing a memoir titled The Gospel According To Luke and continuing to be a long-standing member of the incredible band, Toto.
Lukather‘s opening track, “Along For The Ride,” is chock-full of rock ‘n roll vibes. Highlighted are his great harmonies and lyrical ideas, along with a fun and infectious energy right off the bat. Bringing a laid-back classic rock and jazz feel to the album is the song, “Serpent Soul.” Lukather comes right out and says the listeners can “fucking figure out who the song is about!” There’s also an accompanying video to go with the lead single that shows a ton of photographs and videos that were captured in the recording studio by Mini Carlsson when the album was being recorded.
His next track is actually Traffic‘sThe Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.” This is the first of three total covers (the last one is “Bridge of Sighs” by Robin Tower which I don’t mention) that he personally chose for his album. This over 10-minute track is a rollercoaster of ideas and inspirations, particularly in the heavy instrumental jam break but stays relatively nice and easygoing.
My favorite track of the album is “Journey Through’ with its epic 80s-inspired guitar solo that steals the show. There’s even a hint of modern dream pop influences sprinkled throughout, which I think is so tastefully done. While I’m typically not the biggest fan of instrumental tracks, this one takes the cake for the best one yet!
Lukather‘s next cover track is Joe Walsh’s “Welcome To The Club.” The track is so well done and really does the track justice. There is a ton of heart and soul captured in the song. Everything from the amazing vocal performance to the insane guitar outro just makes for a great recording!
Next up is the title track, “I Found The Sun Again.” This song is a beautiful and poetically written love song. It’s heartfelt and moving, and really shows a more vulnerable side to Lukather that we haven’t seen.
The “Run To Me” featuring Ringo Starr and Joseph Williams is the next track. This is the first song where we see Joseph Williams as a featured artist. Williams also released his solo album, Denizen Tenant on the same day as “I Found The Sun Again,” so be sure to check that new album out! As always, Steve Lukather amazes his fans and everyone else with his incredible musicianship and continues to keep his music alive.
Please note: A portion of the proceeds from I Found The Sun Again will be donated to the Ed Asner Family Center for Autism.
Connect with Steve Lukather
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music
Joseph Williams
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify
Toto
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music
