My introduction to Jeff Scott Soto was thanks to MelodicRock.com and was around 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve followed his whole career from Panther and Yngwie Malmsteen all the way to Talisman, Eyes, Takara & Axel Rudi Pell and even to W.E.T., SOTO and Sons of Apollo. But today, we are focusing on this solo career from his debut solo album ‘Love Parade’ in 1994 and his career with Frontiers Records starting with 2002’s ‘Prism’ up to 2022’s ‘Complicated. An impressive collection of 8 studio albums and one compilation from 2021 called ‘The Duets Collection’ that I am including as he did re-record those songs…my site, my rules.

The one thing I’ve always enjoyed about Jeff is that voice. So powerful and at times so gentle. Whether he is belting out a rocker, doing a little funk, or even a beautiful ballad, you can always count on vocal perfection. And let me tell you, live is just as impressive. So, I present to you my interpretation of what are the best and worst albums. Do note, that even the worst album here is 3 Stars out of 5 Stars…which means there is no real bad album…only albums I like more than others.

Enjoy as we Rank The Solo Albums by Jeff Scott Soto…

THE WORST – ‘BEAUTIFUL MESS’ (2009)

The nicknamed title, ‘BM’, didn’t really fit the album as it wasn’t as bad as a BM. The real title doesn’t fit either because for me the album wasn’t very beautiful, but it was a little of a mess. I think Jeff taking a step back on production and songwriting really hurt the album. He put too much reliance on Paulo to the detriment of the music.  Now, it isn’t all bad as there are a bunch of songs to enjoy, but overall, the experience left me a little bored at times and uninterested in what they were trying to do.  The big detractor was Jeff’s vocals weren’t used to their fullest capabilities and that is the main reason I come along on the Soto train, it is his voice!  Now, it isn’t the worst thing he has ever done by far and I do enjoy a number of songs so I won’t be too harsh.  My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

#8 – ‘RETRIBUTION’ (2017)

As I said, the reviews I read on this were glowing, but that is not what I take away from the album. I’m left in a dull glimmer of light about to burn out.  The album opens really strong and I had high hopes, but it all faded as the back half of the album felt like all filler, very little killer.  Jeff’s vocals are as great as usual, but the songs here and even the production a little bit were lacking overall.  Howie’s guitar though kicked some ass through out and he was digging the wah-wah which I loved.  With all that being said, My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars as it is still better than a lot of people’s song, but not up to the standards have for a Soto album.

#7 – ‘COMPLICATED’ (2022)

There are so many reviews praising this record and I would agree, if this is your introduction to Jeff, it is a very good record. Great production, the music is accessible and Jeff’s vocals are sensational as usual. When you’ve listened to everything he’s done back-to-back for over a year like I have, you start to see the issues. The songs all sound the same, no variety like his earlier solo albums and the songs are a little forgettable.  Yeah, they sound great while you are listening to them, but 15 minutes later you don’t remember them.  However, there are a bunch of great tracks that are great to have in the Soto catalog and might one day be classics like “Home Again” and “Love is the Revolution”.  My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars which a 3.0 is still great, but If I’m being honest, I don’t like Jeff’s work wit Alessandro.  I think this is a good album if you are just getting in to Jeff, but once you dive deeper in to Jeff’s work, it doesn’t hold up as well.

#6 – ‘WIDE AWAKE (IN MY DREAMLAND)’ (2020)

I think this one is a step-up from the last solo album, but not by a huge margin. I like the fact the songs sound a little like a lot of his work like Talisman and Sons of Apollo and it sounds like Jeff. A great attempt at pleasing all his fans with one album. And that is hard to do.  The production is pretty good, the songs aren’t bad, but not all the songs were good either. The one constant is that Jeff’s vocals are always top notch and the reason I continue to come around as you know there will be some great stuff.  I liked the bass playing because at times, it reminded me of Marcel Jacobs playing which I hope was intentional and I think the guitar playing on here was some of the best we’ve seen on a solo album in awhile.  For all these things, My Overall Score is a 3.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  It is another respectable Soto Solo album and for me a few classics to add to the mix.

#5 – ‘LOVE PARADE’ (1994)

Let’s get the negative out of the way…the programmed drums is always a sore spot with me.  Now, what I love about this album is that is not what you’d expect from Jeff if all your knowledge was based on what he had done up to this point. But Jeff loves R&B and funk and Prince was a massive influence on him so if you know that, then this isn’t a total surprise.  The album is fun for me and I really enjoyed the departure from the metal and hard rock.  If you like something different, then this is for you.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars and a must in a Soto collection.  Grab it if you can.

#4 – ‘DAMAGE CONTROL’ (2012)

After the disappointment of “Beautiful Mess” for a lot of people (including me, if I’m being honest), this was return to form for Jeff. I don’t have issues with him trying new things, not at all, but the last album was missing the songs in my book. This one has it in spades. With only a few misfires, Jeff seems to have found his groove and with the help of a lot of friends, has delivered a stellar release and another example of why I really dig this guy and have followed him for so long.  ‘Damage Control” sees the melodic, but it is the heaviest stuff that really left an impression for me. The guitar work on here is some of the best of any Soto album and I might love his voice, but it is nice to have the rest of the stuff sound great too and this certainly does.  My Overall Score is 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars as you can’t go wrong with this one folks. It has a little of everything.

#3 – ‘PRISM’ (2002)

My only complaint is that it is a way too ballad heavy.  And that is it.  The ballads are all good, some are great and some a little less so, but I wouldn’t delete any of them so that says a lot.  You get 2 fantastic rockers with “Eyes of Love” and “How Long” and the Sly cover with Glenn Hughes duet is a certainly a highlight for me.  And a few of Jeff’s best ever ballads are on here with “Heaven Knows”, “Holding On” and “Don’t Come Easy”. Okay, I would have to throw “By Your Side” in to that mix as well.  Jeff’s vocals are fantastic and no denying his greatness with this one. This AOR/melodic side is where I think his vocals really shine.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars even if there are too many ballads.

#2 – ‘THE DUETS COLLECTION, VOL. 1’ (2021)

I will tell you, I didn’t want to like this album and I don’t. I actually love this album. It really gives these songs a new life, a new voice and since they were already great songs, they somehow made them even better. Jeff was able to get some of the best voices on the scene right now. Some new and young and some legends in their own right like Jeff. Jeff’s choices of songs was pretty key here and he hit it out of the park. A great selection from throughout his career and some unexpected choices made this a fun and exciting listen. The band backing him were on freaking fire as they kept the heart of the songs while making them feel current and fresh. A truly brilliant project and My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars. If you want an example of what Jeff can do and songs that are all what I would call classic Soto songs, this is a good place to start. If you want to get a taste of great singers that are around today and worth checking out…then this is a good place to start as well. You can’t go wrong here. I know this is technically a compilation, but adding these great vocalists really amped this up and this is my site, my rules.

#1 – ‘LOST IN THE TRANSLATION’ (2004)

I am biased on this album since it was my first Soto solo album therefore it is a favorite of mine.  I would say there are some classic songs on here with “Believe In Me”, “Soul Divine” and “Drowning” and then some great ballads with “Sacred Eyes” and “If This is the End.  It is probably the one solo album I listen to the most and why it gets a great score.  My Overall Score is 5.0 Out of 5.0 Stars.  He really outdoes himself with this one and has really come in to his own.  I think this is the start of Jeff really pushing himself and finding his voice and we are all better for it.

And there you have it, the Jeff Scott Soto studio Solo albums in order of how I rank them from the worst to the best.  Let me know what you think.  Where did we differ and where did we agree.  What is fun about these list is how differently each album impacts people. What I like, you might not, but we like the same artist and that is all that matters really. And if as a result, you find something new, then my job is done!!!

Now back to the reviews…

UP NEXT: ELLEFSON/SOTO – ‘VACATION IN THE UNDERWORLD’ (2022)

THE JEFF SCOTT SOTO SERIES:

1. Panther – ‘Panther’ (1986) – recorded in 1984
2. Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – ‘Rising Force’ (1984)
3. Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – ‘Marching Out’ (1985)
4. Kuni – ‘Lookin’ For Action’ (1988)
5. Kryst the Conqueror – ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ (1989) / ‘Soldiers of Light: The Complete Recordings (2019)
6. Eyes – ‘Eyes’ (1990)
7. Eyes – “Nobody Said It Was Easy” (1990) – 7″ Single – Bonus Edition
8. Talisman – ‘Talisman’ (1990)
9. Talisman – “I’ll Be Waiting” (1990) – 7″ Single – Bonus Edition
10. Skrapp Mettle – ‘Sensitive’ (1991)
11. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Eternal Prisoner’ (1992)
12. Bakteria – ‘Deficate! Suffocate! Mutilate! Masturbate!’ (1992 / 2009)
13. Eyes – ‘Windows of the Soul’ (1993)
14. Talisman – ‘Genesis’ (1993)
15. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘The Ballads’ (1993)
16. Biker Mice From Mars – ‘Biker Mice From Mars (Soundtrack)’ (1993)
17. Takara – ‘Eternal Faith’ (1993)
18. Talisman – ‘5 Out Of 5 (Live in Japan)’ (1994)
19. Talisman – ‘Humanimal’ (1994)
20. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Between the Walls’ (1994)
21. Gary Schutt – ‘Sentimetal’ (1994)
22. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Love Parade’ (1994)
23. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Made in Germany (Live)’ (1995)
24. Takara – ‘Taste of Heaven’ (1995)
25. Talisman – ‘Life’ (1995)
26. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Black Moon Pyramid’ (1996)
27. Human Clay – ‘Human Clay’ (1996)
28. Talisman – ‘Best of’ (1996)
29. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Magic’ (1997)
30. Human Clay – ‘U4IA’ (1997)
31. Boogie Knights – ‘Welcome to the Jungle Boogie’ (1997)
32. Takara – ‘Blind in Paradise’ (1998)
33. Talisman – ‘Truth’ (1998)
34. ‘Rock Star: Music from the Motion Picture (Soundtrack)’ – Various Artists (2001)
35. Humanimal – ‘Humanimal’ (2002)
36. Humanimal – Find My Way Home: Limited Edition E.P. (2002)
37. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Holding On E.P.’ (2002)
38. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Prism’ (2002)
39. Talisman – ‘Live at Sweden Rock Festival’ (2002)
40. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘JSS Live at the Gods 2002’ (2003)
41. Talisman – ‘Cats & Dogs’ (2003)
42. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Believe in Me E.P.’ (2004
43. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Lost in the Translation’ (2004)
44. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live at the Queen Convention 2003’ (2004)
45. Soul SirkUS – ‘World Play’ (2004/2005)
46. Talisman – ‘Five Men Live’ (2005)
47. Talisman – ‘World’s Best Kept Secret DVD (2005)
48. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Essential Ballads’ (2006)
49. Journey – ‘Live from Atlanta (Bootleg)’ (2006)
50. Talisman – ‘7’ (2006)
51. Talisman – The Albums Ranked Worst to First
52. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘B-Sides’ (2006)
53. Redlist – ‘Ignorance’ (2007)
54. Jeff Scott Soto – LA Rocks Demo / Vinnie Vincent Demo 1988 (2008)
55. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Beautiful Mess’ (2009)
56. Jeff Scott Soto – “21st Century” / “Gin & Tonic Sky” CD Single (2009) – Bonus Edition
57. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘One Night in Madrid’ (2009)
58. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – ‘Night Castle’ (2009)
59. W.E.T. – ‘W.E.T.’ (2009)
60. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live at Firefest 2008’ (2010)
61. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Damage Control’ (2012)
62. W.E.T. – ‘Rise Up’ (2013)
63. W.E.T. – ‘One Live in Stockholm’ (2014)
64. Jeff Scott Soto – The Authorized Biography (2014)
65. SOTO – ‘Inside the Vertigo’ (2015)
66. Joel Hoekstra’s 13 – Dying to Live (2015)
67. SOTO – ‘Divak’ (2016)
68. Sons of Apollo – ‘Psychotic Symphony’ (2017)
69. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Retribution’ (2017)
70. W.E.T. – ‘Earthrage’ (2018)
71. SOTO – ‘Origami’ (2019)
72. Sons of Apollo – ‘Live With the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony’ (2019)
73. Sons of Apollo – ‘MMXX’ (2020)
74. Talisman – “Never Die (A Song For Marcel)” – 7″ Single (2020)
75. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live and Loud in Milan 2019’ (2020)
76. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Wide Awake (In My Dreamland)’ (2020)
77. SOTO – ‘Revision’ (2020)
78. W.E.T. – ‘Retransmission’ (2021)
79. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘The Duets Collection, Vol. 1’ (2021)
80. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Complicated’ (2022)
81. Jeff Scott Soto – The Solo Albums Ranked Worst to First
82. Ellefson/Soto – ‘Vacation in the Underworld’ (2022)
83. Slam – Slam (2023)
84. Jeff Scott Soto – ALL THE ALBUMS Ranked Worst to First
85. Jeff Scott Soto / Jason Bieler – Live In Concert (2022) – Bonus Edition
86. Jeff Scotto Soto / Jason Bieler – Live in Concert (2023) – Bonus Edition