"This is the album I always wanted to make," he said. "The last one, 'Lost in the Translation,' was more rock and in-your-face. 'Beautiful Mess' is all about songs and the singer, not guitar solos and big riffs. The songs on 'Beautiful Mess' are also more soul and R&B laced, as well. I wanted the diversity it has but I didn't want it to sound confusing to old fans while I am trying to gain new ones."

Soto began gathering material for "Beautiful Mess" in 2005 as the tour for "Lost in the Translation" was winding down. He took a break to record a new Talisman record, then got further sidetracked when Journey came knocking. After touring with the rock legends, Soto managed to get into the studio to record "Beautiful Mess," then hit the road with Trans-Siberian Orchestra for its 2008 holiday season tour.

Soto's chaotic life and work schedule were the inspiration for the new album's title. "My life, my career, this album�is a beautiful mess," he said. "I have recently gone through a divorce, which is always messy, but in the end beautiful things came out of our lives. My career has always been a bit messy - am I a rock singer, pop singer, soul singer? But it is beautiful that I can mix all of them to one. This album has a messy mix of different sounds, but in the end, it fits together beautifully!"