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At Prism Jeff Scott Soto had different musicians involved, for Lost In The Translation he gathered some musicians who did the whole album with him and so the album has a band feeling. For the re-release JSS added 5 bonus tracks incl. the bonus track of the original Japanese version and an acoustic version of an album track.
They open up with the up-tempo melodic rocker Believe In Me. The opener is catchy and after a few spins it will haunt you for days! No surprise that this was released as an appetizer for the album. Especially the guitar play sticks out here, but with Gary Schutt and Howie Simon it was something you could expect, but this one features Neal Schon!. The following tune is Soul Divine which is a catchy rocker which reminds me a bit of a Tyketto track - at least partly... But there is something else... a bit Mr Big, I think... Anyway, the track is cool! The up-tempo rocker Drowning shows JSS heavier, but still melodic. And it becomes clear that this album is more melodic metal then hard rock, but I think the fans of Jeff Scott Soto will welcome the harder edge - as long as it's melodic! But the most obvious change is the guitar play! With If This Is The End he presents a moody ballad which is really touching! This one gives you shivers! Just excellent! Then it's time for the title track! A guitar lead part kicks off and lead you into Lost In The Translation, a catchy up-tempo rocker. This one will soon hook you up. The heavy Doin' Time begins with drums and sharp riffs. The track has a slight melancholy touch... But then there is a spark of hope. Another up-tempo rocker is High Time, but with a positive, cheerful vibe. A piano leads you into the balladesque Beginning 2 End... In the beginning only piano and Jeff's voice - enchanting. But then it becomes a powerful balladesque tune with a catchy melody. Some might find this one too cheesy, but this song adds some variety and everybody who loves the balladesque side of hard rock / melodic metal will love it. Very heavy and with crunchy riffs they present On My Own, but they combine heaviness with soaring melodies. Cool one! More melodic, but a bit faster then the predecessor is Find Our Way which is another heavy rocker with a neo-classical influenced guitar solo. Time to slow down a bit and to present a ballad with acoustic guitars - Sacred Eyes. Bass-driven is Dulce Lady, but the heavy guitar riffs add some aggression which isn't softened by the vocals. With Turned The Page, the Japanese bonus track, they kick of the bonus track section. A catchy melodic metal song which rocks - and finally everybody can hear it. Another ballad with acoustic guitars is As I Do 2 U, later the band joins in and it becomes a semi-acoustic ballad. And balladesque they continue with This Ain't The Love. A powerful melodic rocker is Lonely Shade Of Blue which surprises you with a saxophone part! The acoustic version of Soul Divine shows the track totally different... And it reminds me even more of Mr. Big here, but hell, this one is cool!
Some might welcome the heavier melodic metal tracks, while others will dig the balladesque stuff... The bonus tracks are more balladesque stuff, so make up your mind, when you prefer the melodic metal side of JSS. Anyway, this is value for money and if you enjoy good hard rock and melodic metal, then this is a real treat!
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