Joe Satriani. How much can possibly be said about this man? One of the most influential and innovative guitarists in history, as well as an excellent teacher, Satriani has been an inspiration to musicians (including myself) the world over.
His solo instrumental work overflows with style and soulful taste, encompassing genres ranging from rock to jazz to the blues and beyond. On each of his albums, Satch has created something truly wonderful and moving. Fans eagerly await to hear from each and every one of his releases and almost all of them find themselves pleased with his music, whether it’s instrumental or vocal. Joe Satriani is the kind of man that has transcended beyond something that can easily classified. And yet, in many ways, Satch remains and enigma. No matter what, however, many will admit to Satch as being something of an experience and on his latest release,
Super Colossal, it’s easy to see why.
Super Colossal is one of those albums where you might hear or read an artist mention as being “my favorite album, despite being a later work” or something of that nature. While it’s true that this is Satch’s twelfth studio album, it is by no means a retread or sub-par to its forbearers. No,
Super Colossal continues to move Satch’s career to dizzying new heights.
The title track starts off spacey and hard. It’s a fairly “out-there” track that epitomizes but a single drop of Satriani’s pool of virtuosity. On songs such as “Just Like Lightnin’” and “Movin’ On” Satch has embraced a higher, more-intonated sound than most of his previous work. This is a change that I personally welcome with open arms. It adds a sense of even greater diversity to the album.
“Theme For A Strange World” and “One Robot’s Dream” are other spacey tracks that combine Satch’s unique style of playing with hard-pounding drums as well as other interesting sounds and effects. Everything meshes together in near-perfect synergy. “Redshift Riders,” “A Love Eternal,” “Ten Words,” and “Made of Tears” showcase a mellower sound of Satch’s. Epic and deep, these songs might almost bring a tear to your eyes. “The Meaning of Love” falls into a crack in-between being hard, soft, and psychedelic at the same time. The ending song, “Crowd Chant” combines Satch’s masterful guitar work with the sound of an elated crowd in the background. This is probably the most unique piece of work on
Super Colossal, as well as being a great way to end an album. One of the deepest songs on the album is “Ten Words.” This instrumental track is as epic as it is moving. Emotion literally pours itself from this song. It is truly a worthy experience. “Ten Words” is essential Joe Satriani.
Joe Satriani continues to astound, impress, mystify, and perhaps even confuse with
Super Colossal. Satch still has the magic and talent to create something that is truly epic. If you love Joe Satriani, or simply music in general, do yourself a favor and purchase this album.
Pros:
Impressive, unique array of tracks
"Ten Words"
Cons:
May not appeal to everyone
