Jeff Scott Soto – Damage Control

Label: Frontiers Records

Release Date: March 26, 2012

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

To be honest, this disc would totally have to suck to not get a high rating. Its Jeff Scott Soto… we have come to expect great things. So many people dissed his last effort, Beautiful Mess because it deviated from his normal fare. This disc is a return; not the return of Jeff Scott Soto, but the return of the melodic rock listeners have come to expect.

“Give A Little More” starts of like most of JSS’ songs: great guitar line, solid groove, and some type of vocal attribute from Jeff. This one is a great lead-off track. It has that anthem feel to it, without being overly radio friendly. Title track “Damage Control” is another piece of melodic rock gold. The vocal styling Jeff put into this track should remove any doubt others had after his last disc. This song, coupled with the next, are a great 1-2 punch. “Look Inside Your Heart” is that song that could be either a killer upbeat rocker (how it is presented here) or a beautiful ballad if slowed down and played acoustically. All I can say about the next song, “Die A Little,” is that the hits just keep coming. I can’t believe how seamless JSS’ discs seem to be. This song takes me to different parts of my life and different relationships.

“If I Never Let Her Go” picks up where the previous track left off. You can hear the sentimental traces in Jeff’s voice here. I found myself wondering who the inspiration for this one was. With all of the heart wrenching ballads he has recorded, I am always in awe of his ability to create another. “Tears That I Cry” turns the corner and cranks the speed back up. This song features great guitar work and furious drumming. “BonaFide” is the true ballad here, complete with sexy keyboard work and Jeff’s vibrato coming through clear. This truly is Jeff doing what he does best. The huge vocals, including harmonies and layering, killer guitar solo, solid lyrics that tugs at the heart. “Krazy World” comes at you with choppy and chugging guitar work that doesn’t quite let you know where this is headed. It is headed into classic territory. This song is one that could have been on any of JSS’ back catalog; it fits nicely against any of his older material.

“How To Love Again” brings things to a new level with the melodic vocals and guitar work. This song would be a killer track to see and hear live. The guitar work here is one of the best on the disc and adds to the song. “AfterWorld” is another great track that builds on the previous song. This one also features killer fret work and great vocals. “NeverEnding War” is about the only track I would have left off the disc. It is good; it just doesn’t seem to fit the flow of the disc.

Again, I will say, I am such a fan of JSS that this disc would have to suck horribly to get a bad rating, but at the same time, I think he really added to his legacy here with several of the tracks. He should be able to use these songs in his live show for years to come. Hopefully we can get him out on the road here in the US sometime soon to see exactly how the music from this disc will come across.

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Tags: Damage Control, Frontiers, Jeff Scott Soto, Trans Siberian Orchestra

Category: CD Reviews