Jeff Scott Soto
Lost In The Translation

"Lost in the Translation" is probably the most beautiful solo album by Jeff Scott Soto, former partner of Malmsteen, singer of Talisman, and many more.

Those looking for something that decisively escapes the canons of the genre will probably be disappointed, but those who simply want to listen to a good hard rock album, perhaps somewhat overlooked at the time, will be satisfied.

After a very catchy "Believe In Me" chosen as the single from the work, we immediately get into the action with "Soul Divine" and "Drowning": the voice is clean and convincing, energy bursts from every verse, and the band's rhythm section pushes hard on the accelerator.

Howie Simon's guitar riffs are well-suited and never overshadow Soto's voice, but as soon as the solos manage to unfold into more elaborate arrangements, the best pieces of the album emerge: "Lost in Translation", the already mentioned "Soul Divine" and "Find Our Way", which is also the one with the most easily marketable chorus, insinuate themselves, hit, and remain in your head until you press play again.

The ballads, "If This Is The End" and "Beginning 2 End" are an essential presence, sliding elegantly and engagingly, at least on first listen; the somewhat trite lyrics and the impression of having heard something similar elsewhere (Bon Jovi is the first that comes to mind, but not the only one) ensure that these pieces do not gild the otherwise solid foundation of the album.

The album closes with "Sacred Eyes": the muted sounds of the two classical guitars and the driving tempo that propels the carefree lyrics ("Can we meet under a velvet sky? Where red is green and love has no alibi") make it a pleasing break at the end of the album.

"Lost in the Translation" is not a work that astonishes, yet it invites applause, and for fans of the genre of Mr Big and the like, it won't be a waste of time.