SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE PORCARO – THE VERY DAY

STEVE PORCARO
THE VERY DAY
GREEN HILL MUSIC

Steve Porcaro is a legend. Besides being a founding member of the group Toto, Porcaro has worked with almost every musician under the sun, such as Yes, Chicago, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, and Steely Dan, to name just a few. He also co-wrote (with John Bettis) Michael Jackson’s huge hit “Human Nature.” He scored films and TV shows, and he even found time to record a solo album (2016’s Someday/Somehow). The Very Day is his first solo album since 2016’s Someday Somehow. With The Very Day, he has come up with a classic sounding pop album with elements of rhythm and blues and jazz. This is a brilliant album from the opening note to the closing song.

Although there are a number of guests on the album (Michael McDonald, Jude Cole, Gardner Cole, and Jason Scheff), Porcaro shares the limelight with others. He also takes his turn on lead vocals, even though he is best known as a synth player. People may forget that Porcaro sang lead on some of Toto’s best loved songs, including “Georgy Porgy”. Even though Porcaro is an excellent musician, he does not receive enough credit as a vocalist.

The album kicks off with the brilliant “Marilyn,” a song that instantly sounds familiar and yet new at the same time. The melody is striking and, as with the entire album, the production is flawless. Along with pop music, Porcaro is not afraid to move into some jazz-rock grooves like the stunning “Does It Really Matter,” which features brilliant keyboard solos. Porcaro does things with the synthesizer that adds so much to the song. Michael McDonald takes centre stage on the very slick “Change,” and it is nice to hear Jude Cole on “2x Lover.” But even with such big names and big voices, Porcaro is the star of the show.

The album ends with the wonderful “Saints And Angels,” which seems to channel a little Steely Dan. But the harmonies set it apart and are fantastic. The vocals mix together beautifully and it really elevates the song. Once again, although the playing is outstanding, one cannot overlook the vocals and stunning melody. And there is a lovely instrumental, “Prelude,” which is a taste of some of the incredible film work Porcaro has done over the years, and it is a beautiful piece of music. It is far too short, but very remarkably beautiful.

The Very Day is a very rich album. It is well produced with a great many layers. Like classic pop records of the past, this album is full of moving melodies, perfect vocals, and some of the best musical arrangements you will hear this year. This is the type of album that is best enjoyed with low lighting, a quiet environment, and using headphones. Porcaro has delivered another classic album that matches Toto’s best. The album takes you back to the classic pop sounds of the best, while at the same time having one foot clearly in 2025. The Very Day is simply a wonderful album.

SPILL FEATURE: COMPLETING SONGS IS AN ART FORM IN ITSELF – A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE PORCARO

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