Steve Lukather is best known as a key member of mega-selling AOR gods "Toto" but over the years has previously delivered three solo efforts. 2003's "Santamental" Christmas collection was the most recent but "Ever Changing Times" marks his first conventional solo release since '97s "Luke".

As far as the music goes, the eleven tracks capture a diversity of styles that should ensure most listeners find something to appreciate on here. Title track and opening number "Ever Changing Times" is the obvious pick of the bunch being just the kind of exquisite melodic rock you would expect from Lukather, but elsewhere the funk-rock and gospel chorus of "Jamming With Jesus" is impressive as is "Tell Me What You Want From Me" which gives the man opportunity to show some impressive heavier guitar licks too.

Apparently Lukather has commented on his pleasure with the outcome of "Stab In The Back", a personal tribute he says to Steely Dan whilst "Never Ending Night" also shows as a fine piece of polished AOR. Lukather's guitar expertise is well renowned but his voice has been questioned in the past. Whilst quite gravelly at times the songs are obviously written with his range in mind and the vocals are delivered well and certainly suit and complement rather than detract from the songs.

A fine album overall and a certainly big name signing for Frontiers, indicated somewhat by excessive anti-piracy measures on the promo with computerised voice-overs on all but two tracks. With some certainly I'd suggest that if this is promoted well and in the right places the quality of much of the content should translate into decent sales.

***½

Review by Bill Leslie

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