Album Review — Jeff Scott Soto

Jeff Scott Soto — Wide Awake (In My Dreamland(

There are a lot of great rock singers, but I’m not sure there is anyone more versatile than Jeff Scott Soto. He came to prominence singing on Yngwie Malmsteen’s first two records and has been in more than a dozen bands/projects since. He’s worked with Neal Schon in Soul SirkUS and stepped in for a short stint in Journey. His three current bands show his range. They include W.E.T., Sons of Apollo and SOTO plus his current solo project.

For his newest record, “Wide Awake (In My Dreamland)”, JSS goes a little more melodic. It sounds a bit like what Journey would have sounded like if he would have recorded with them.

From the opening track, “Someone To Love”, we get those big hooks. Soto has teamed up with Frontiers Records favorite Alessandro Del Vecchio who has worked with so many of the label’s artists including Revolution Saints and Hardline. The common denominator in many instances is the Journey connection, and we hear that right from the start.

But Journey isn’t the only influence on the record. “Without You” shows off Soto’s love of Freddie Mercury. “Mystified” and “Desperate” have a little more edge to them. But overall, “Wide Awake” is very Journey friendly.

“Love’s Blind” is the perfect example of that newer Journey sound. The opening riff sounds like Neal Schon himself is playing. There’s just enough keyboard to round out the sound with Soto’s voice leading the way.

I don’t know who Fabrizio Sgattoni is, but he is credited with the guitar playing on the record and he is quite good.

The version I received has a bonus disc which includes eleven live tracks recorded in Milan at the Frontiers festival where the recent L.A. Guns live record was recorded. The live recording is a quick run through Soto’s solo career with Frontiers and is a very nice bonus.

Being a fan of Soto’s voice and an unapologetic Journey fan, I really enjoy this record. Soto can do it all, but he’s at his best when he can show off his range and this style is his sweet spot. The performances are excellent from both Soto and his band. I’ve only been through the record a couple of times, but the only issue so far might be that nothing really stands out as unique or memorable. I like all of the songs, I’m just not sure I love any of them yet.

But it’s hard to complain about such a strong record. It’s the difference between being a great record and being a truly memorable one. It’s definitely worth your time and money to check it out, especially if you get the bonus live disc.

90 out of 100

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. Someone To Love *
2. Mystified
3. Love’s Blind *
4. Without You
5. Lesson Of Love *
6. Paper Wings *
7. Love Will Find A Way *
8. Between The Lines
9. Living In A Dream
10. Wide Awake (In My Dreamland)
11. Desperate

Disc 2

1. Drowning (live)
2. 21St Century (live)
3. Believe In Me (live)
4. Look Inside Your Heart (live)
5. Eyes Of Love (live)
6. Band Intros (live)
7. Soul Divine (live)
8. Our Song (live)
9. Holding On (live)
10. I’ll Be Waiting (live)
11. Stand Up — feat. Dino Jelusick (live)

*Best Songs