Jeff Scott Soto
Beautiful Mess

Let's set things straight right away: this is not a hard rock album. Yes, I know, the name you've read evokes this genre or at most others like AOR, but that's not the case with "Beautiful Mess".

A decade from 50, after a lifetime as a "hardrocker", Jeff Scott Soto takes a break and conceives a work that will destabilize many of his admirers, the so-called "purists", who will reject such an evident metamorphosis of style. Forget the screams he got us used to, the expression of that powerful voice that since 1982 has been the protagonist of numerous collaborations (the most enduring with Yngwie Malmsteen and Axel Rudi Pell), of three solo albums and others as frontman of Talisman. Jeff wanted to mix things up and, as a skillful player, he knew how to make the right move, that of renewal that every artist should enact. Sure, if one ends up like Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Temple Of The Dog, Audioslave) and discredits all his good work with an album ("Scream" from 2009) that was nothing short of ridiculous, it's better to continue on one's own path and do what you were born to do, without venturing into alien environments light years away from your own world.

This work, with extremely high commercial potential, is dated 2008, but as Soto himself stated, it underwent a mental gestation over many years, something that becomes evident only when you listen to it carefully. The arrangements are meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. The vocal performance is as impeccable as ever and demonstrates the completeness of this formidable singer.

The album starts with "21st Century", which immediately highlights Soto's change of direction: the initial riff might deceive and refer to the past, but what follows is practically pop tinged with rock, but the kind of well-made pop that should make the charts; "Cry Me A River", if possible, is even more surprising, reminiscent of the best Lenny Kravitz, with a chorus that sticks in your head from the very first listen.

Acoustic guitar and synth beats lay the foundation for "Gin & Tonic Sky", a track with a classic feel that offers the most romantic Jeff Soto, a true gem. (Speaking of romance, I recommend the 2006 collection "Essential Ballad," which includes the best of his career). The following "Hey" is another potential chart-topping single, a successful pop with a summer vibe, followed by the acoustic grace of "Broken Man".

"Mountain" is the most debatable track, it wouldn't be out of place in the repertoire of an R&B artist, well-conceived between electronics and rock deviations, it's something I would never have expected to hear in a Jeff Scott Soto album, but personally, I don't dislike it. So far, only positive notes, but in the second half there's some unconvincing passages. Above all, "Bring It Home", really too hip-hop for my tastes, but also the semi-AOR of "Testify" and the rhythm and blues of "Eye" don't drive me crazy. However, to neutralize everything: "Our Song" with its irresistible refrain; the radiant pop rock of "Wherever You Wanna Go" and the concluding funk "Kick It" with vocalizations that will remind you of the good Seal.

Pop, rock, R&B, soul, funk, AOR, electronic: a lot of irons in the fire and all at once. This means courage and courage should be rewarded, especially when it leads to satisfying and enjoyable results like this.

And anyway, regardless of genres, when an album is beautiful, it's beautiful.

Never was a tautology more appropriate.