The story Behind ‘Love Is the Answer’: Steve Lukather’s Unexpected Contribution
Love Is the Answer,a timeless soft rock gem by the duo England Dan & John Ford Coley,embodies the meticulous craftsmanship reminiscent of Steely Dan’s studio artistry.
This track, originally a cover of a song by Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, underwent a transformation through the hands of several renowned guitarists, including top session musicians Lee Ritenour and Wah Wah Watson.However, it was producer Kyle Lehning’s quest for the ideal sound that led him to a surprising solution.
“After the session concluded and the musicians departed, I realized that the guitar parts from Ritenour and Watson didn’t quite capture the essence we were aiming for,” Lehning shared with Guitar World. “I took the tape back to Nashville and decided to bring in our longtime collaborator, Steve Gibson, to enhance the track.”
Despite these adjustments, Lehning still felt something was missing until a casual remark from Steve Lukather changed everything.
“At just 20 years old, Steve Lukather was already making waves in the industry. He was in the studio working on overdubs for some of our other tracks when we wrapped up early,” Lehning recalled. “He asked if I had any additional material, and I mentioned a song I loved but didn’t envision him playing on it. He insisted on hearing it, and once I played it, he exclaimed, ‘I need to be a part of this. let me lay down a track!’”
The outcome was remarkable: ”Steve introduced a bright, chiming guitar fill that punctuated every chorus. we decided to double it at half-speed for added depth,” Lehning explained.
As Lehning reminisced, the master recording was initially captured at 30 inches per second. Though, Lukather’s spontaneous riff inspired the producer to consider a unique twist: doubling the part an octave higher.
“Rather of having him play it in the upper octave,we recorded his second part in the same range while playing the tape back at half speed,15 inches per second. the result was a shimmering, electric 12-string effect that became essential to the track. I can’t imagine the song without that contribution,” he added.
Lukather’s guitar work played a pivotal role in propelling the song to the Number 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a fitting conclusion to the decade-long collaboration between England Dan and John Ford Coley.
For more insights from lehning and Lukather, along with fresh interviews featuring Marcus King and Robert fripp, be sure to check out issue 600 of Guitar World available at magazines Direct.
Unveiling the Magic: How Steve Lukather Brought Life to the Soft Rock Classic ‘Love is the Answer’
The Origins of ‘Love Is The Answer’
Love Is The Answer is a beloved soft rock anthem performed by the duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. Originally penned by Todd Rundgren for his band Utopia, the song showcases the quintessential elements of soft rock, blending melodic hooks with heartfelt lyrics. The track’s journey to success is a fascinating tale of collaboration and creativity,particularly highlighting the contributions of renowned guitarist Steve Lukather.
The Search for the Perfect Sound
When producer Kyle Lehning began working on the track, he enlisted several top-tier session guitarists, including Lee Ritenour and Wah Wah Watson. Despite their extraordinary skills, Lehning felt that the guitar parts did not align with his vision for the song.
Key Players in the studio
- Lee Ritenour: A celebrated session guitarist known for his versatility.
- wah Wah Watson: Renowned for his unique sound and contributions to various genres.
- Steve Gibson: A long-time collaborator who added depth to the track.
After experimenting with different guitarists, Lehning decided to bring in Steve Gibson to enhance the sound. However,even with Gibson’s contributions,something still felt amiss.
The Moment of Inspiration
It was during a session when Steve Lukather, then just 20 years old, was working on overdubs for other tracks that the magic happened. Lehning recalls, “steve asked if I had anything else he could work on, and I mentioned Love Is The Answer. He insisted on hearing it, and once he did, he was eager to contribute.”
Steve Lukather’s Unique contribution
lukather’s enthusiasm and talent brought a fresh perspective to the song.He introduced a chiming guitar fill that became a signature element of the track. This creative decision not only enhanced the song’s appeal but also showcased Lukather’s innovative approach to guitar playing.
The recording Process
The recording of Lukather’s guitar parts was a pivotal moment in the creation of Love Is The Answer. Lehning decided to record Lukather’s second guitar part at half speed, which resulted in a shimmering effect reminiscent of an electric 12-string guitar.
Technical Insights
| Recording Technique |
Description |
| Half-Speed Recording |
Recording at 15 inches per second to create a unique sound. |
| Doubling Parts |
Layering guitar parts for a richer texture. |
The Impact of Lukather’s Work
Lukather’s contributions were instrumental in propelling Love Is The Answer to the top of the charts. The song reached Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a classic in the soft rock genre.
Chart Performance
| Chart |
Position |
Year |
| Billboard Hot 100 |
10 |
1979 |
| Adult Contemporary |
5 |
1979 |
Benefits of Collaborating with Talented Musicians
The collaboration between England Dan, john Ford Coley, and Steve Lukather exemplifies the benefits of working with skilled musicians. Hear are some key advantages:
- Enhanced Creativity: Diverse musical backgrounds lead to innovative ideas.
- Improved Sound quality: Professional musicians bring expertise that elevates the final product.
- Networking opportunities: Collaborations can open doors to new projects and partnerships.
First-Hand Experiences from the Studio
Many musicians who have worked with Lukather describe him as a force of nature in the studio. His ability to adapt and innovate has made him a sought-after collaborator. Lehning’s experience with Lukather during the recording of Love Is The Answer is a testament to his talent and creativity.
Quotes from Industry Professionals
“steve has an uncanny ability to find the perfect sound for any song. His contributions to Love Is The answer were nothing short of magical.” – Kyle Lehning
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
If your an aspiring musician looking to make your mark, consider these practical tips inspired by the collaboration behind Love Is The Answer:
- Network: Build relationships with other musicians and producers.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to explore new ideas and sounds.
- Practice: Continuously hone your craft to improve your skills.
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