Drawing us in with the raw sound of static and a sublime electric guitar performance with emotive vocal ad-libs, Steven Luke opens Seasons (To Be Human) with notions of timelessness as he sings, “A time for every season and no-one gives a reason, to how to be in the snow unless you’re in the know, of feeling and loving, of hurting, a way to be human…”
The opus expands with raw authenticity, choral harmonies and an intentional message as we are invited to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence. There is something poignantly universal about the central metaphor of the song. We all move through seasons of joy, heartbreak, uncertainty and connection. Sometimes we understand why we are there. Sometimes we simply have to endure the weather.
We appreciate the poetic prowess of the lyrics and the philosophical depth behind them. The notion of “being in the snow” becomes a particularly powerful image. Emotional coldness, loss and isolation are all present, yet there is also an understanding that these difficult seasons are part of what makes us human. Steven Luke does not romanticise suffering. Instead, he recognises that love and hurt are inevitably connected. We experience both because we care deeply.
Musically, Seasons (To Be Human) has a wonderful sense of scale. The electric guitar feels epic, and we particularly appreciate the live cello performance, tapping into a high emotional quotient. The message feels zeitgeist, delivered at a time when we, as a society need this comfort and reassurance the most.
There is no doubt that Seasons (To Be Human) would be perfect for a movie like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Pursuit of Happyness or The Perks of Being a Wallflower. We could even imagine the track landing a sync placement within The Day of the Jackal or This Is Us.
Vocally, Steven Luke delivers the song with a stadium-ready conviction. Sonically, it all feels rooted in musicianship. The warm guitars, live cello and expansive arrangement create a sound that feels familiar without becoming nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. It is classic rock in spirit.
As a Lancashire-based independent singer-songwriter, Steven Luke has built his musical identity around love, loyalty, friendship, and faith. Seasons (To Be Human) feels like a natural expression of his philosophy.
Needless to say, we are captivated by Seasons (To Be Human) and have added the song to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Steven Luke, including Pure Love, and Big Wheel.