He don't need Malmsteen...
the godfather | Brasil | 01/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well this is a excelent record for who believes that hard/heavy rock never dies! Sotto proves again for some many reasons he's one of the best singers for all kind of songs.
malmsteen... it is not necessary... a bunch of great guitar players you found right on the corner...
but singers like Sotto.... so far away!
seeya!ytse"
A fairly wimpy effort
Paul Lawrence | Australia | 06/23/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Soto is a towering vocal talent. But as has been mentioned in some quarters ther quality control of what he sings has sometimes been fairly poor. This album proves both points to be true. The lead cut, Eyes of Love, is quality hard rock with great vocals + sparkling musicianship, especially from Gary Shutt who himself has released albums.
BUT - as soon as the lead track fades out the decline begins. Too many ballads and slow paced, sub standard tunes. Sotos voice is excellently suited to this - but the guy can sing a number of styles so why the overt reliance on so many ballads?
The inclusion of Glenn Hughes may incite a tiny amount of interest but not much. At least w/the inclusion of a bonus video track the buyer is getting some extra value for money, though the video is a low budget affair. In his defence, Soto has written all but one track and produced the whole thing too.
As a long time Soto fan I wanted more, but this is a bit of a wimpout which would be OK if the ballads worked better. But they are missing the X factor.
Get yourself Lost in the Translation instead, it's far superior"
Awesome but no the best
M. T. Simoes | São Paulo, Brazil | 07/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jeff Scott Soto is one of my favorite vocalists ever, he has a powerful voice and sings like no one does. For those who don't know him, check out his work on Malmsteen (specially the Marching Out album), Axel Rudi Pell, Takara and Talisman (one of the best hard rock bands ever!).
In Prism, his 2nd solo album, there's a combination of 80's hard rock and ballads.
Actually there are too many ballads in this album, and that's the only bad thing.
Eyes of Love (10/10)- awesome song, Talisman style with a catchy chorus and great guitar solos) He plays this one in his DVD
Heaven Knows (6/10) - the worst ballad in this album, he made it for the people who died on the 9/11 attack.
Don't Come Easy (8/10) - nice ballad, nice keyboard/vocal combination
Don't Wanna Say Goodbye (8/10) another great ballad, nice lyrics and backing vocals
I Want to Take you Higher (8/10) Duet with God of singing Glen Hughes. The song is not that great, but it's worth by hearing 2 phenomenal voices.
Holding On (9/10) Great song, starst slowly and has a dazzling chorus. The second best song on the album
2 Late 4 Goodbye (9/10) Long introduction, but when it starts it totally rocks. Hard/Pop song
Till the end of time (8/10) Great ballad, nice lyrics.
How Long (9/10) Great song, he also plays this one in his DVD, nice hard rock.
By your side (8/10) Another ballad, guitar/vocals combination is awesome. Only JSS can sing like this. Try to sing along and reach his notes...very difficult.
Don't Walk Away (9/10) The best ballad on this album. The lyrics are perfect, the melody is awesome. It's kinda R&B, but his voice makes it perfect. It's the kind of song you ought listen to when your laying down with your girfriend, breathing soft on her skin...you get the point...
This album is definetly worth buying, even though his last solo album (Lost in Translation) is better than this. Get his DVD, it's the best DVD i own. JSS is the man."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1