Toto borrowed the best from their past to inform their (then) present on “Last Love”: a brilliantly subtle groove from Simon Phillips and the late Mike Porcaro that would have made Jeff Porcaro proud, and background vocals that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on 1995’s Tambu.
Much like their 1986 hit “I’ll Be Over You,” Steve Lukather managed to slip some deeper meaning into what seems like just another love song on its surface:
“Some people live their dreams
Some people close their eyes
Some people’s destiny, passes by” – ‘I’ll Be Over You’“We only have this life to forgive and then forget
But the only thing that matters is that we have no regrets” – ‘Last Love’
Added lyrical bits like that help elevate and set apart what some might consider Lukather’s weaker material (not this listener, though) above what might be considered “dime-a-dozen” ballads.
With keyboard flourishes by David Paich echoed by subtle guitar flourishes by Steve Lukather and a beautiful (if all too brief) guitar solo, “Last Love” shows a subtle restraint that speaks to Toto’s knack for knowing when to let loose and when to hold back.
That brilliantly subtle but necessary restraint permeates 1999’s Mindfields, but it’s particularly noticeable on “Last Love.” Perhaps the only thing about the song which lacks that moderation are Steve Lukather’s vocals. The contrast of restraint shown in the music versus the lack thereof at the mic gives his singing an added power that really drives home a soulful yearning.
Steve Lukather is well known and respected as a guitarist, yet vocals like those laid down on “Last Love” show he’s equal to the task when he sings. He may not necessarily have the raw vocal talent of others, but Lukather more than makes up for that with his soulful delivery and a knack of knowing when to be disciplined and when to let loose.
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