 Jeff
Scott Soto
Lost
in the Translation
Frontiers Records 2004
www.jeffscottsoto.com
Read the Jeff Scott Soto interview
What's the 4-1-1?
Forth full-lengthed studio album by the European rock sensation.
Genre
Melodic Rock / arena rock
The Good
Ah, the sounds of arena rock are alive and well in Europe. The
instantly memorable opening track “Believe in Me” sounds
like a long lost Journey track. I wonder if that has anything
to do with Neal Schon’s contributions to this album? You’re
sure to love the insane solo in the middle. “Soul Divine” has
a little more crunch to it guitar wise. It’s evident that
Soto is one of the best rock voices out there, especially during
the a capella breakdown. The defining guitar riff of “Drowning” will
make you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a race car,
barreling down the track. This eighties soundtrack-style song
has great dual vocal harmonies and a catchy chorus.
Soft, tender, yet powerful vocals command “If This Is the
End”. Clean guitar picking and a strong chorus section put
this one over the top. You need to listen to the title track “Lost
in the Translation” carefully. You’ll be surprised
that it’s about a guy that likes to be dominated and disrespected.
Ah, to be in love! “High Time” is another over-the-top
arena rocker. Plenty of chugga-chugga riffing and single note picking
helps set the tone for this tale of overcoming the impossible.
Soto is at his melodic best on the power ballad “Beginning”.
As with all power ballads, there’s a climatic ending. “On
My Own” has some heavy dropped-D riffing with a great up-scale
/ down-scale lick. It’s a ‘breaking-the-chains’ arena
rock anthem.
The Bad
Jeff, the derby has to go.
The Verdict
Jeff Scott Soto is one of the best rock vocalists out there. It’s
too bad that the U.S. has failed to notice. On his latest album,
Soto displays his great talent for catchy, high-energy melodic
rock anthems. Each track is just as memorable than the one that
proceeded it. If you long for the days were musicians actually
sang, played their own instruments, wrote catchy songs, and played
in standard tuning; look no further then Jeff Scott Soto.
Did you know?
Jeff Scott Soto was the vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising
Force album.
Rating:  out
of 5
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--George Dionne
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