Retribution
Jeff Scott Soto
Some musicians, as time passes by, become legendary names in the Metal/Rock scene, and when you see/hear their names, you come to think that a new work from them is something that you must hear at any cost. To all those who know the name of Jeff Scott Soto have in mind that he is one of the finest singers in the scene since he appeared in the 80s. Like Midas, his touch makes every album sound precious as gold. His new solo album, "Retribution", is a proof of my words.
Musically, "Retribution" musical style is that we are used to hear from Jeff: that eclectic form of Hard Rock with tons of musical weight and with that aesthetics from the 80s. Obviously, you can feel a modern feeling permeating all the songs, but it's just a mark of all Jeff's musical works: he never dwells in the past, and always search for the best. On "Retribution", you'll find a great work, because he is a great creative moment.
Produced by Jeff Scott Soto and Howie Simon, "Retribution" has a very good sound quality. It's clear as it must be, but always with that heavy and modern aesthetics that hooks us all to the album. All the tunes from the musical instruments are excellent, and although Jeff's voice is the core of the work, all is sounding great and fine.
"Retribution" is really an excellent album, showing wonderful songs. The modern and heavy vibe from "Retribution" (excellent work from bass guitar and drums), the accessible Hard Rock feeling from "Inside/Outside" (excellent chorus and guitars), the abrasive and strong weight of "Rage of the Year", the funky/bluesy essence of the tender melodies of "Reign Again", the introspective melodic lines of the ballad "Feels Like Forever" (where the versatility of Jeff's voice can be heard fully), the eclecticism heard on the harmonies of "Bullet for My Baby", the charming tempos and riffs of "Breakout" and "Dedicate to You" can be pointed as the album's finest moments. On the Japanese version, a special bonus: the acoustic version for "Feels Like Forever", as beautiful and strong as the electric version.
Jeff's music is like wine: it tastes better the older it gets, so listen to "Retribution" time and time again, because it is an addiction!
10 / 10
Masterpiece
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Retribution" Track-listing:
1. Retribution
2. Inside/Outside
3. Rage of the Year
4. Reign Again
5. Feels Like Forever
6. Last Time
7. Bullet for My Baby
8. Song for Joey
9. Breakout
10. Feels Like Forever (acoustic version)
11. Dedicate to You
12. Autumn
Jeff Scott Soto Lineup:
Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals, Keyboards
Howie Simon - Guitars, Bass (except on "Reign Again" and "Song for Joey")
Edu Cominato - Drums
August Zadra - Guitars on "Reign Again"
Stephen Sturm - Guitars on "Reign Again"
Carlos Costa - Bass on "Reign Again"
Paul Mendonça - Guitars, Keyboards, Bass on "Song for Joey"
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