The most touching songs are often those which simply state the truth, and Lancashire-based independent singer-songwriter Steven Luke demonstrates this in “Seasons (to be human)”, a warm and genuine classic rock ballad that deals with the highs and lows as well as the odd transitional phases of being alive. His music reflects the spirit of traditional rock songwriting, in which love, loyalty, friendship, faith, and staying close are important. Because of this song, he comes across not as a remote performer but rather as a friend who has faced his fair share of difficulties and knows how to turn those experiences into music.
The gentle spirit of the song “Seasons” is achieved through the use of changing weather as a metaphor for emotional experiences. Although the line “A time for every season. But no one gives a reason” is simple, it opens up a wider perspective, and “how to be in the snow, unless you are in the know” provides a touch of mystery and charm. The repeated refrain “A feeling, a loving, a hurting, a way to be human” acts as the song’s central pulse and serves to remind us that joy and pain are not opposites since they form part of the same journey.
Steven Luke’s vocals match the message perfectly. His voice is warm, strong, and has a natural, experienced quality which prevents the song from coming across as too refined or dramatic. He sings each line with attention to detail, letting the emotion unfold rather than forcing it. In the parts where he speaks of feeling lost, desiring to “be found”, and the price that love can have, the performance comes across as genuine and intimate. This honesty is indeed one of the song’s main strengths, endowing his delivery with the kind of quiet strength that classic rock ballads handle so well.
The production should also be highlighted. “Seasons” makes full use of genuine, organic musicianship, which gives the song a human touch that is ideal for its theme. The extensive live cello performance provides a cinematic effect, softly taking the song from a typical rock ballad into something more atmospheric and impressive. Instead of filling up the arrangement, the instrumentation leaves room around Steven’s voice so that the emotional aspects can be properly felt. It has the warmth of a long-familiar favourite, yet at the same time remains fresh enough to be relevant in today’s context.
What’s appealing about Steven Luke is the genuine feeling that underlies his music. As a songwriter, he is attracted to the ordinary things that gently influence us, transforming ordinary difficulties into songs that have a lasting emotional impact. “Seasons (to be human)” is a good example of this ability: it is thoughtful without being overwhelming, emotional without sacrificing its melody, and sweet in such a way that it remains with you long after the last note has been played. It has the effect of giving a little musical embrace to anyone who has loved, lost, been hurt, hoped, and kept going, and that is indeed a beautiful thing.
Listen to “Seasons (to be human)” on Spotify
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