Cover of Joe Satriani Strange Beautiful Music
Elfo1

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For fans of joe satriani, lovers of instrumental rock, guitar enthusiasts, music critics, and those interested in guitar-driven melodic albums.
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LA RECENSIONE

Once again I find myself faced with an album by the great Joe, but unlike “Surfing with the Alien” (already reviewed by yours truly), I find more melodic sounds that are certainly no less technical. Fast and intricate tracks like “Mind Storm” and “Belly Dancer” are nevertheless complemented by enjoyable ballads with a slower rhythm but not a less complete composition like “Starry Night” and “Sleep Walk”.

This difference in style is undoubtedly dictated by the 15-year gap during which Satriani's style evolved, separating the two masterpieces (I remind you that “Surfing with the Alien” is Joe’s second album, released in 1987, while “Strange Beautiful Music” was released in 2002).
Each track within the album is also impressively complete, and by this I mean that the rhythm parts, which include riffs of a decent compositional level, are by no means neglected in favor of self-aggrandizing solos. Satriani, in fact, continues to construct solos aimed at the harmony of the whole piece and not to compose slow, monotonous rhythms that have the sole purpose of enhancing, by contrast, solos executed at breathtaking speeds.

Unfortunately, I have heard negative comments about this album that have truly disappointed me, claiming it was constructed with overly electronic sounds; these statements are also dogmatically shared by most purist fans. I consider comments like these to be unfounded, attributed to an album that, in my view, is simply fantastic.

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Summary by Bot

This review praises Joe Satriani's 2002 album Strange Beautiful Music for its melodic richness and technical mastery. The reviewer highlights the contrast with his 1987 album Surfing with the Alien, noting the evolution in style. Tracks vary from fast and intricate to slower, thoughtful ballads, all well composed. The reviewer also dismisses criticism about excessive electronic sounds, affirming the album's overall excellence.

Tracklist Lyrics

01   Oriental Melody (03:55)

02   Belly Dancer (05:02)

[Instrumental]

03   Starry Night (03:55)

04   Chords of Life (04:13)

05   Mind Storm (04:12)

[Instrumental]

06   Sleep Walk (02:46)

07   New Last Jam (04:19)

08   Mountain Song (03:31)

09   What Breaks a Heart (05:20)

10   Seven String (04:02)

11   Hill Groove (04:10)

12   The Journey (04:09)

[Instrumental]

13   The Traveler (05:39)

14   You Saved My Life (05:05)

15   Eight Steps (05:46)

Joe Satriani

Joe Satriani is an American guitarist best known for instrumental rock albums and for being cited in these reviews as a key “guitar hero” figure. Reviewers emphasize his melodic approach, signature touch, and technique (notably legato and tapping), and describe him as an influential teacher to players including Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Larry LaLonde.
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