Tag: Anthem

Yngwie Malmsteen – ‘Inspiration’ (1996) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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Yngwie Malmsteen brought back his first three singers for his next album which was a tribute album of all the songs that inspired Yngwie to do what he does. The aptly titled, ‘Inspiration’, is his ninth studio album and was released on October 14, 1996. The album charted in Finland and in Sweden but nowhere else that I can find. It did go Gold in Japan selling over 100,000 copies. It has been reissued a couple times over the years, but my copy is the original Japanese released on Pony Canyon from 1996 with OBI strip and booklet written all in Japanese.

The singers on the album are Joe Lynn Turner, Mark Boals and the reason we are here, Jeff Scott Soto. If you remember after ‘Marching Out’ when Jeff left the band yet again, I told you he would pop back in the Yngwie Universe. Joe and Jeff get 3 songs each while Mark gets 4 on the album. Yngwie even handles the vocals on one song which give us the 11 songs in total. The Japanese Edition that I has a bonus track that gives us 11 tracks in total. The normal release of the album only had 10 tracks.

Surprisingly, there are no instrumentals for Yngwie to show off which I think is pretty mature of him. There isn’t a lot of variety as we get 5 Richie Blackmore songs with 4 from Deep Purple and one from Rainbow. We also are treated to 2 Jimi Hendrix tracks. The remaining 4 tracks are from Kansas, U.K., Scorpions and Rush. But based off these tracks, he was influenced by a lot of guitarists and bands so many others were as well. Who doesn’t love Richie Blackmore or Jimi Hendrix.

The album opens with a cover of Kansas and their hit “Carry On Wayward Son” and wouldn’t you know that Jeff Scott Soto is also first up with the vocals. The song sounds like it should, but the riffs you know from the original are not on here as Yngwie changes them to suit Yngwie. Even the solo is all his own. Jeff handles the vocals with no problem. There are great harmonies and Jeff stuck with how the song should be done. He saves the song from veering too far off the rails.

Joe Lynn Turner handles the reins on “Pictures of Home” which is a Deep Purple cover off ‘Machine Head’. Turner is an impressive vocalist so no issue with the vocals on this one. And this isn’t even his best performance on the album. The guitar riffs are fast, frenzied and frantic as only Yngwie can. If you only heard the guitar, you would never guess this was a Deep Purple track. Now, the Yngwie bass playing on this one is badass and one of my favorite parts. The ending of the song is a crazy keyboard instrumental with some guitar thrown in. Very cool and helped make the song better.

“Gates of Bablyon” has a killer opening with its Indian style sitar work and then when Jeff jumps in, the song is taken up a notch. This might be the best vocal performance on the whole album. He has that raspiness at times that really adds some texture to the song. At the same time, his vocals simply soar. He does Ronnie James Dio proud with this Rainbow cover. Yngwie’s guitar playing is over-the-top for the song, but still really smokes. I actually don’t mind it all. And his picking at the end, sensational. The sum of this songs parts are what makes it one of the best songs on the album.

Yngwie now takes turns on the vocals with The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s own “Manic Depression”. The groove on this one is simply sweet. Wrapped around that groove are little guitar fills that add some layers. Now, Yngwie isn’t the best singer, but neither was Jimi. I think he holds his own here and his guitar parts aren’t too flashy and actually fit the song pretty well. They keep great song is still being great.

I don’t remember the band U.K., but hearing the song, I remember it. “In the Dead of Night” sees Mark Boals get his first vocals on a song. The song opens with some keyboards, guitar fills and then a solid beat that propels the song forward. Mark’s voice sounds great. The higher pitched of the three singers. Very melodic and when he hits the chorus, they hit that sweet spot and sound so good. About half way through the song, we get the guitar solo and it is very tasteful and plays for the song. It is nice to see Yngwie play reservedly sometimes and show us that he isn’t one-dimensional.

“Mistreated” is the final of the three Soto songs and this bluesy treat sees Jeff pull out his best David Coverdale from the Deep Purple years. What I love is that they left the blues aspect of this song as it gets a little down, dirty and nasty with that riff. But Yngwie, being Yngwie, throws in some wild, extra-curricular riffs. And it works. The solo is not as restrained as the last song, but it isn’t over-the-top either. A nice mixture of both that still sounds like the original, simply some extra flair thrown in for good measure. Soto has no missteps on his three songs, even if I’m extremely biased towards him…it is still true.

“The Sails of Charon” is the only Scorpions cover and I the do keep to the feel and vibe of the original with the main groove, but the riffs are all Yngwie. Wild, crazy and blistering fast. Does that hurt the song? Yeah, it does a little as it is a favorite of mine as far as early Scorpions goes. Uli is missed on this one. Mark Boals is back and he is trying his best Klaus Meine and he does a great job. At times, he sounds a little like him. I might have preferred more of sounding like himself, but I’ll take it. The solo here starts off while Mark is letting a long, drawn out scream. Yngwie attacks the frets at break-neck speed. Flashy and wild. Not a bad song, but not the best on the album.

Yet another Deep Purple cover is upon us with “Demon’s Eye”. Joe Lynn Turner is back this time around. Man, what a voice he has. He seems to be the main focus on this one and I love it. The groove on this one is solid, as good as the original. The solo is again, tasteful. I do like it when he shows he can rein it in for the song.

“Anthem” is up next and we are finally to the Rush song. I’ve been waiting for this one. Anders Johansson is the drummer on this one (and all the songs) and let me tell you he does a great job. Not an easy one to play. The guitar playing by Yngwie is as flamboyant as he is at times. Some really cool effects and some pure mastery at times. Mark Boals is back and he is a chameleon with his vocals. He sounds so different then the last track he was on. Might be his best performance on the album here. The guitar solo is wildly entertaining and so Yngwie. The energy around this song is electric and another favorite on the album.

The final track on the original album is a Deep Purple song…go figure. This time it is “Child In Time” and has Mark on the vocals. A great opening on the keyboards by David Rosenthal to open the track. It was nice to see him not try to duplicate Jon Lord (can’t be done). Mark starts off with a reserved vocal before he goes all crazy and delivers the screams that this song requires. It is good, not Ian Gillan good, but Mark does a respectable job. I guess we should mention Yngwie as it is his album. His solo is what you’d expect some resemblance to the original, but lots of dashes of his style thrown in for flavor. The solo is long and explosive and so Yngwie. And sometimes, that is a good thing.

“Spanish Castle Magic” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is the Japanese Bonus Track. Like “Manic Depression” it captures that Hendrix Experience sound. Joe Lynn is on vocals and does a respectable job. Yngwie keeps to the spirit of the song and throws in his style to make it his own as best he could. To be honest, I’m not a fan of any covers of this song. Ace Frehley tried to do it and I didn’t like that one either. It isn’t a bad cover, the song doesn’t do anything for me. But you’d probably like it as this is not my personal taste.

Track Listing:

  1. Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas Cover) – Keeper
  2. Pictures of Home (Deep Purple Cover) – Keeper
  3. Gates of Babylon (Rainbow Cover) – Keeper
  4. Manic Depression (The Jimi Hendrix Experience Cover) – Keeper
  5. In the Dead of Night (U.K. Cover) – Keeper
  6. Mistreated (Deep Purple Cover) – Keeper
  7. The Sails of Charon (Scorpions Cover – Keeper (1/2 Point)
  8. Demon’s Eyes (Deep Purple Cover)  – Keeper
  9. Anthem (Rush Cover) – Keeper
  10. Child In Time (Deep Purple Cover) – Keeper
  11. Spanish Castle Magic (The Jimi Hendrix Experience Cover) (Japanese Bonus Track) – Delete

The Track Score is 9.5 out of 11 Tracks or 86%.  I have to say, I liked this way more than I thought I would. I can see how Yngwie’s style can get tiresome, but he did hold back on some songs and let loose on others which kept it interesting. The songs themselves are all awesome so great song choices too.  The vocalist?  I mean you have Mark Boals, Joe Lynn Turner and Jeff Scott Soto, what is there not to like. They all did a great job. I think Mark has come in to his own, Joe is a legend and the most seasoned of the bunch and Jeff is nothing but sensational as usual. Rarely does he not sound good to my ears.  Songs like “Anthem” and “Gates of Babylon” are worth the price of this album alone and the rest of the songs just make it that much better.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.  Again, this one surprised me how much I liked it.  And to get three songs from Jeff I didn’t have before, that is just icing on the cake. 

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. Eyes – ‘November Mass / Full Moon’ (1994)
  24. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Made in Germany (Live)’ (1995)
  25. Takara – ‘Taste of Heaven’ (1995)
  26. Talisman – ‘Life’ (1995)
  27. Jeff Scott Soto, Gary Schutt, Michael Voss, Neal Grusky – ’24th of June: Alive ‘N Kissing’ (1995)
  28. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Black Moon Pyramid’ (1996)
  29. Human Clay – ‘Human Clay’ (1996)
  30. Talisman – ‘Besterious’ (1996)
  31. Talisman – ‘Best of’ (1996)
  32. Yngwie Malmsteen – ‘Inspiration’ (1996)
  33. Axel Rudi Pell – ‘Magic’ (1997)
  34. Human Clay – ‘U4IA’ (1997)
  35. Boogie Knights – ‘Welcome to the Jungle Boogie’ (1997)
  36. Takara – ‘Blind in Paradise’ (1998)
  37. Talisman – ‘Truth’ (1998)
  38. Takara – ‘Eternity: The Best of 93-98’ (1998)
  39. ‘Rock Star: Music from the Motion Picture (Soundtrack)’ – Various Artists (2001)
  40. Humanimal – ‘Humanimal’ (2002)
  41. Humanimal – Find My Way Home: Limited Edition E.P. (2002)
  42. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Holding On E.P.’ (2002)
  43. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Prism’ (2002)
  44. Talisman – ‘Live at Sweden Rock Festival’ (2002)
  45. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘JSS Live at the Gods 2002’ (2003)
  46. Talisman – ‘Cats & Dogs’ (2003)
  47. Jeff Scott Soto – The Queen Sessions (2003)
  48. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Believe in Me E.P.’ (2004)
  49. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Lost in the Translation’ (2004)
  50. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live at the Queen Convention 2003’ (2004)
  51. Soul SirkUS – ‘World Play’ (2004/2005)
  52. Talisman – ‘Five Men Live’ (2005)
  53. Talisman – ‘World’s Best Kept Secret DVD (2005)
  54. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Essential Ballads’ (2006)
  55. Journey – ‘Live from Atlanta (Bootleg)’ (2006)
  56. Talisman – ‘7’ (2006)
  57. Talisman – The Albums Ranked Worst to First
  58. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘B-Sides’ (2006)
  59. Redlist – ‘Ignorance’ (2007)
  60. Jeff Scott Soto – LA Rocks Demo / Vinnie Vincent Demo 1988 (2008)
  61. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Beautiful Mess’ (2009)
  62. Jeff Scott Soto – “21st Century” / “Gin & Tonic Sky” CD Single (2009) – Bonus Edition
  63. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘One Night in Madrid’ (2009)
  64. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – ‘Night Castle’ (2009)
  65. W.E.T. – ‘W.E.T.’ (2009)
  66. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live at Firefest 2008’ (2010)
  67. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Damage Control’ (2012)
  68. W.E.T. – ‘Rise Up’ (2013)
  69. W.E.T. – ‘One Live in Stockholm’ (2014)
  70. Jeff Scott Soto – The Authorized Biography (2014)
  71. SOTO – ‘Inside the Vertigo’ (2015)
  72. Joel Hoekstra’s 13 – Dying to Live (2015)
  73. Talisman – ‘Live in Stockholm’ (2015)
  74. SOTO – ‘Divak’ (2016)
  75. Sons of Apollo – ‘Psychotic Symphony’ (2017)
  76. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Retribution’ (2017)
  77. W.E.T. – ‘Earthrage’ (2018)
  78. SOTO – ‘Origami’ (2019)
  79. Sons of Apollo – ‘Live With the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony’ (2019)
  80. Sons of Apollo – ‘MMXX’ (2020)
  81. Talisman – “Never Die (A Song For Marcel)” – 7″ Single (2020)
  82. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Live and Loud in Milan 2019’ (2020)
  83. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Wide Awake (In My Dreamland)’ (2020)
  84. SOTO – ‘Revision’ (2020)
  85. Octavision – ‘Coexist’ (2020)
  86. W.E.T. – ‘Retransmission’ (2021)
  87. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘The Duets Collection, Vol. 1’ (2021)
  88. Jeff Scott Soto – ‘Complicated’ (2022)
  89. Jeff Scott Soto – The Solo Albums Ranked Worst to First
  90. Ellefson-Soto – ‘Vacation in the Underworld’ (2022)
  91. Slam – Slam (2023)
  92. Art of Anarchy – ‘Let There Be Anarchy’ (2024)
  93. D’Luna – ‘Monster’ (2024)
  94. W.E.T. – ‘Apex’ (2025)
  95. Ellefson-Soto – ‘Unbreakable’ (2025)
  96. Jeff Scott Soto – ALL THE ALBUMS Ranked Worst to First
  97. Jeff Scott Soto / Jason Bieler – Live In Concert (2022) – Bonus Edition
  98. Jeff Scotto Soto / Jason Bieler – Live in Concert (2023) – Bonus Edition