Steve Perry – Traces

Release Date: October 5, 2018 via Fantasy Records – A Division of Concord Records/UMG

September 21, 2018

It’s been a long time since we last heard from Steve Perry.  His last solo album was 1994’s, For The Love Of Strange Medicine.  To be honest, I started to wonder if we’d ever hear another recording from Perry.  Well he’s back and that voice is still golden as ever.  He’s also brought along with him a cast of super talented musicians on his new album Traces.

Steve co-produced the album with Thom Flowers.  The essence of the album was captured beautifully by the duo.

The albums begins with the single and video that went viral, No Erasin’.  I must’ve received more text message from friends with that YouTube video on the day it came out, than any other song this year.  It was the perfect comeback song.  It showcases Perry’s still wonderful voice and and some superb backing by his band.

The second single, No More Cryin’, gives us that classic Journey vibe.  It honestly took me back and I was into it immediately.  This song, co-written by Dan Wilson of Semisonic showcases some terrific lead guitar work here.  The tone of the guitar and the warm sound of amplifier tubes shine throughout the song.

An absolute highlight on the album is, Sun Shines Gray.  Co-written by Perry, Thom Flowers and guitarist John 5.  This is the song that provides that rock boost on the album and combines Perry’s smooth as silk chorus harmonies with John 5’s spirited guitars.

Perry’s re-imagined version of George Harrison’s, I Need You, is another highlight on the album.  The electric piano sets the slower paced tone of this cover.  Once again the band comes in and fills out an ear soothing sound.  Not sure if this will be released as a single but it feels destined for the A/C Charts for sure.

By the time you get to October In New York (On the Target Deluxe Edition), it’s evident that Perry has not lost the voice that made him famous.  But October really gives us an up close an intimate taste of Perry’s vocal tone.  With a simple accompaniment for more than half of the song, I was content just hearing his voice.  But then, gentle brush work on the drums along with piano and what sounds like an upright bass are simply mixed together beautifully and makes this journey completely worthwhile.

Traces is the collection of songs that fans of Steve Perry have been waiting for.  I love that he didn’t come back with a single or a short album.  He comes out strong and establishes once again that he still has the goods.  Songwriting and vocal-wise.  Perry earns every bit of his nickname, “The Voice”.

The production is outstanding and they have an album to be proud of.

Good to have you back, Steve.

You can pre-order the album here: http://traces.steveperry.com/