Eyes – ‘November Mass / Full Moon’ (1994) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

Eyes only recorded two albums with Jeff Scott Soto…well..one studio album and the other was a collection of demos but we will count it. Jeff had departed the band due to creative differences, however, his… More

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Eyes – ‘November Mass / Full Moon’ (1994) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

Eyes only recorded two albums with Jeff Scott Soto…well..one studio album and the other was a collection of demos but we will count it. Jeff had departed the band due to creative differences, however, his popularity in Europe was growing. As like the ‘Windows of the Soul’ album, this too was probably released to capitalize on that popularity. This is an interesting release as it is a two disc set with the first being called ‘November Mass’ (basically a greatest hits compilation for the debut and ‘Windows of the Soul’) and the second disc is called ‘Full Moon’ that is a complete album for Eyes with a different singer, Mark Weitz that was recorded in 1992/1993. The 2CD set was released in 1994 on Bulletproof Records and it was only released in Germany & Switzerland yet thanks to the internet, I obtained a copy.

The first disc is ‘November Mass’ and is supposed to be a greatest hits compilation of the first two albums. Well, it isn’t…sorry. It is really only the debut Eyes album on a shuffle with a different track listing. There is not one song off ‘Windows of the Soul’. Yes, three songs appear on that album that are on the debut, but as demo versions of those songs. And those songs are not used here. These are the same tracks as the debut album. A nice thought to think it a compilation, however, that would be false. Does it make this album no good…not in the least. The songs are still great no matter the order.

The second disc is called ‘Full Moon’ and I think there is a misconception with this album. Jeff Scott Soto does not sing on this album except he does appear merely as a background singer. Jeff did record a handful of these demos as the were preparing for a new album. Jeff left the band before the album was finished so Aldy Damian removed Jeff’s lead vocals, while leaving the backing vocals, and brought in a new singer to record the album…in full. The new singer was Mark Weitz and he does an amazing job turning the final Eyes album into a very underrated classic. The band for this album was Aldy Damian on drums, Mark Weitz on vocals, Steve Dougherty on guitar, Jamie Sheriff on keyboards and Bobby Fraga on bass.

‘NOVEMBER MASS’ Songs:

The song opens with Jeff calling out Stevie who lays down so riffs and has Soto screaming when the band kicks in . “Walkin’ Fire” sees Soto change up his deliver a little on the lyrics as he gets a little more gritty. However, the song is a little generic and I would say probably filler. When you compare it to some of the early stuff, not as solid and developed. But still not too bad.

Next is the balls-to-the wall rock anthem, “Callin’ All Girls”. It is a great party song full of bluesy guitar licks, great harmonies, head banging drums and full on sleazy lyrics that wouldn’t do well in the #MeToo movement of today. Jeff’s vocals soar and is right in his wheelhouse of vocal capabilities. When he sings this type of music, he could sing the phone book and I would be on board. The production layers tons of backing vocals (all sound like Jeff) and the sound is immense. You get your typical guitar solo break and the catchy choruses, everything you want in a melodic rock song.

We then get to the first ballad, “Don’t Turn Around”, which is a cover of the Tina Turner song written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond and also covered by Aswad and Ace of Base. It is an interesting take as it has Soto opening with an a cappella vocal before we get some keyboards. Soto is so soulful and really captures the essence of the song. It really showcases his true vocal ability which is second-to-none. When the full band finally comes in they add the power in to power ballad. This is definitely an album highlight. In my humble opinion, might be the best cover of the song…EVER!

Next up is “Every Single Minute” and it gives us more of the rock and roll party train. Soto belts out another smooth vocal and again the production makes him sound huge with all the added layers of his vocals. It doesn’t have the full punch of the first song, but it still rocks hard.

“Young And Innocent” doesn’t let off the gas. A heavy bass song, pounding drums and Soto’s vocals dominate highlighted by the crunchy guitars. The chorus is catchy as hell and so melodic. The backing vocals add so many layers and give it such a full sound. Another rousing song that makes me wonder how did we all miss this back in the day. This stuff is way better than a lot that was on the radio and plastered all over MTV.

Then we get more sleaze with the Danger Danger type song of “Miss Demeanor” which would’ve felt right at home on their debut album.. It is playful, a little dirty and a whole lot of fun. I do love the word play with the title and who doesn’t love a good sex song full of all those female orgasmic sounds…yowzers!!! Throw in a killer guitar solo and crank it up baby!!!

“Wired 4 Love” is a little heavier and the drums are louder and more destructive. The bass is thumping and the vocals are even more melodic and Soto has such a great tone. Not the most original song, but the band sounds great, the solo is great and I sort of dig this one. Another fun rocker!

Then we get to the albums 2nd ballad, the stellar “Nobody Said It Was Easy”. It opens with Soto and a piano accompaniment. When we get to the chorus, it goes big with the full band joining in, but Jeff still delivers the emotive vocals. The song is a little cheesy in its overdramatic delivery, but Jeff still draws you in with his vocals and he hits some crazy high notes. With the full backing vocals you could see everyone hold up their lighters, wave them back and forth and sing along. Plus, throw in the obligatory guitar solo and all is right in the world.

The rock comes back with “Can’t Get Enough” not to be confused with Winger’s “Can’t Get Enuff” from the same year. Although at times, it does seem similar. More filler than killer and doesn’t really bring anything new to the table.

The bells toll and then a scream of “Midnight” and the song goes crazy full of the drums and guitar riffs for days. “Start Livin’” has this anthemic chorus that feels huge, some great guitar riffs between verses and although not the strongest song, it still packs a punch and a nice way to close out the album. An album that should not have been overlooked.

Not credited on the track listing, we get a Jeff Scott Soto a cappella of “Somebody to Love” with finger snapping and Jeff’s beautiful vocals. It is a soulful take and tribute to the late, great Sam Cooke who was a big inspiration for Mr. Soto. A beautiful take and a nice surprise on the album. This to me confirms that this is simply a rehash of the original debut album.

‘FULL MOON’ Songs:

The album kicks off with “For The Young” and you know this is going to be drenched in the 80’s hard rock sound even though the music scene had moved on by 1994. Mark Weitz vocals are astounding. What a great, smooth voice and such a powerful singer. The chorus is huge with lots of harmony and catchy as hell to boot. The song is so dramatic and has this epic feel to it. A really great song.

Next we get a horse trot in this whole Bon Jovi cowboy rock song with “Son of Loaded Gun”. This was written by Mike Slamer who released his own version of the song on his album ‘Steelhouse Lane’. The version here is a little disjointed for me. The build up to the chorus is really cool and the chorus is great. The transitions back to the verses feels a little awkward and needed a better producer. The solo is a little boring and weak, however, I still find the song kinda cool.

“Rockin’ The Cradle” is the most fun you’ll have on the album. A cheesy song, no doubt, but hooky and rocking. It kicks off with the chorus and the full on gang vocals. Mark hits some really high notes in that chorus especially on the line “She’s lighting the world on fire”. The bass is on fire in this one and in fact the whole band is. You can’t helped but get sucked right in to this one.

Then we get to the first ballad with “Save My Life” and this is one I think I can actually hear Jeff’s backing vocals. I can see Jeff singing this one. Mark does a fantastic job with it and at times even sounds a little like Soto. It is a brooding song with its ups and downs which make it a great little power ballad. Not the best ballad they’ve done, but it is still a stand out.

“Hands Across The Ocean” is another rocker that sees the drums pounding hard throughout. Another big chorus with gang vocals and it promises to deliver a big song, however, not sure it reaches the heights we hope. At times it is a little dull especially during the verses and that chorus isn’t quite enough to save it, although the guitar solo comes close.

With a great opening guitar riff we are introduced to “Turn Away From Heaven”. Mark attacks the lyrics with an abundance of confidence as he struts his vocal prowess. They have learned how to do the big choruses as I’ve mentioned it a lot. A more energetic and step up from the last song as this one will have you moving and no dull parts and an even better guitar solo that is right out of the 80’s with a lot of whammy bar.

Things stay hot and ready with “Satisfied” which will do exactly as the title says. This is more of the cookie cutter formula they have and yet it works on every level. Another fun, upbeat rocker.

“Imaginary Breakdown” gets a little heavier, a little more serious and the boys get down to business with this one. The chorus sounds like a lot of other songs on here, but this one feels a little different in that it feels more mature and has these tempo changes that give it a little extra something. Plus, as an added bonus another killer guitar solo. I like this one a lot.

Lastly we get “Eyes of Love” which is another ballad. Like the last song, this one has a different level of maturity to it. There is a more serious tone to it, some great guitar tricks thrown in and Mark really is patient with his delivery. It isn’t your typical ballad and that is a good thing.

Then to our surprise there is an uncredited track. Well, not really! Track 10 is simply a preacher saying “Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart today”. And that is it. The end. Very weird way to go out.

‘November Mass’ is basically the debut ‘Eyes’ album on shuffle which means it is simply fantastic. Jeff Scott Soto’s vocals are on full display and you can really hear how great he is, his range and his ability to hit some killer high notes. His vocals were smooth, melodic and downright awesome. This is another shining example of how great he can be. I gave the debut a 4.0 Star rating out of 5 and that is no different here.

‘Full Moon’ is just as good as the debut album even if it has a new singer. Mark Weitz holds his own and his vocal styling fits perfect for this genre. He can scream, he can belt out a falsetto and hit some really high notes. His vocals can be smooth or rock & roll tough. The album also has some great songs like the debut. This one gets a 4 Star rating as well which means this whole package gets an Overall Score of 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars!! If you have both of these albums already then this isn’t necessary, but if you don’t then you get two great albums for the price of one.