Throughout his long career Jeff Scott Soto has never been one to stand still, from fronting Yngwie Malmsteen's band, to singing with Talisman & Humanimal and now we have his third solo album. In all honesty his last studio effort 'Prism' didn't quite catch my imagination being more mellow and laid back than I had expected. However early reports suggested that 'Lost In Translation' was to be a more upbeat release and so I was really looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.

Opening track 'Believe In Me' certainly gets things started with the proverbial bang. Co-written with Neal Schon and featuring the Journey man on guitar this is nigh on a perfect melodic rock track. Up-tempo and with an unashamedly happy feel this is everything you could wish for in a rock song. The melody, harmonies and guitar solo all work exceptionally well and if this a sign of what is come from the Soto/Schon Soul Sirkus project then bring it on...

'Believe In Me', as good as it is, is perhaps an oddity on this album in that it was originally written for the Soul Sirkus project before finding its way onto Lost In The Translation. From here on in the mood and feel of the record changes considerably. In his writing for this record Soto appears to have gone for a darker, more groove orientated approach than on his previous solo albums The up-tempo songs are all built around extremely solid bass and guitar riffs with multi layered harmonies all over the place.

Listen to 'Soul Divine' and 'Drowning' and you hear a performer confident in his own abilities. The melodies shine through the songs and the vocal delivery is emotion filled and vibrant. However the stand out points for these, and many of the other tracks, are the vocal harmonies  that are employed. It may be the Queen shows that Soto has been playing, but I for one can certainly hear that regal influence in the way the harmonies have been built up and executed.

Another plus point in favour of 'Lost In The Translation' is the pacing of the tracks. Indeed after three up-tempo numbers 'If This Is The End' is perfectly placed in the running order. Based around a simple acoustic guitar track the song gives the listener time to draw breath and relax into the melody. The second ballad featured is 'Beginning To End'. This is a simply a beautiful piece of music, the guitar playing gels perfectly with the mood of the song, enhancing the melody and drawing the listener into the track.

Stand out track on the record is the acoustic driven pop rock track 'Sacred Eyes'. With echoes perhaps of Extreme, the sparseness of the musical backing serves to emphasize Soto's emotional vocal track. With the right marketing this surely would prove to be a hit single.

All in all with 'Lost In The Translation' Jeff Scott Soto has produced what is one of the finest albums of his career. Intelligently written and exquisitely executed their is not a weak track to be found on the album. Special mention must be made of Soto's musical partners on this record. Howie Simon excels on guitar, his playing compliments each and every song perfectly without distracting from the whole and Glen Sobel on drums locks in tight with the bass to provide the solid backing any album needs. Without a doubt this is one of the albums of the year. Buy, listen and enjoy!!

Let us know your views on 'Lost In The Translation'

Track List

Believe In Me
Soul Divine
Drowning
If This Is The End
Lost In The Translation
Doin' Time
High Time
Beginning To End
On My Own
Find Our Way
Sacred Eyes
Dulce Lady

Line  Up

Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals/Guitar/Bass/Keyboards
Howie Simon - Guitars
Gary Schutt - Guitars
Glen Soebel -Drums
Neal Schon - Guitars