Scott Fagan’s new album 'Soon', 55 years in the making, revives songs from his lost 1971 Broadway rock opera.
Alongside songwriting partner Joe Kookoolis, Fagan conceived and wrote the rock opera, an age-old story of an artist forced to make a devil’s bargain between their principles and success, intending it to be the follow-up to his classic 1968 debut, 'South Atlantic Blues'. But fate intervened. The production (which starred Fagan and a young Richard Gere) closed early, the album was shelved, never to be recorded or heard. Until now.
Recorded over seven days in July 2025 at the hallowed Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with a crack rhythm section, the thirteen songs on Soon illustrate Fagan’s extraordinary facility and range as a singer and songwriter of great sensitivity, passion, and humour.
From its rousing gospel opener ('Let The World Begin Again'), through fiery, protest songs ('Faces Names and Places', 'Straight'), and tender-hearted ballads ('Child of Sympathy', 'To Touch the Sky'), the album is by turns, uplifting, mournful, righteous, giddy, soulful (title track, 'Soon'), and anthemic (closer, 'Please Be Well'). This feels like an album of lost classics waiting to be rediscovered.
Scott Fagan has been waiting a long time for the world to hear these songs. The long, long wait is over, 'Soon'.
Alongside songwriting partner Joe Kookoolis, Fagan conceived and wrote the rock opera, an age-old story of an artist forced to make a devil’s bargain between their principles and success, intending it to be the follow-up to his classic 1968 debut, 'South Atlantic Blues'. But fate intervened. The production (which starred Fagan and a young Richard Gere) closed early, the album was shelved, never to be recorded or heard. Until now.
Recorded over seven days in July 2025 at the hallowed Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with a crack rhythm section, the thirteen songs on Soon illustrate Fagan’s extraordinary facility and range as a singer and songwriter of great sensitivity, passion, and humour.
From its rousing gospel opener ('Let The World Begin Again'), through fiery, protest songs ('Faces Names and Places', 'Straight'), and tender-hearted ballads ('Child of Sympathy', 'To Touch the Sky'), the album is by turns, uplifting, mournful, righteous, giddy, soulful (title track, 'Soon'), and anthemic (closer, 'Please Be Well'). This feels like an album of lost classics waiting to be rediscovered.
Scott Fagan has been waiting a long time for the world to hear these songs. The long, long wait is over, 'Soon'.
TRACK LISTING
1. Let The World Begin Again
2. Soon
3. Music Music
4. Roll Out the Morning
5. Faces Names and Places
6. Child of Sympathy
7. Straight
8. Wait
9. To Touch the Sky
10. What’s Gonna Happen To Me When I’m 50
11. Sing a Happy Song
12. It Won’t Be Long
13. Please Be Well
