Strange Beautiful Music Review

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Strange Beautiful Music ReviewTo me, _Strange Beautiful Music_ is a different album from Satriani. The difference is nothing overt and obvious (like the change from _Crystal Planet_ to _Engines of Creation_, for instance). This is still a beautifully melodic instrumental guitar album -- what Satch does best. So how is it different? The first several times I listened to this CD, there were very few parts that made me raise my eyebrows and think, "Wow, he's such a good guitar player!" Don't get me wrong, Joe Satriani's technique on this album is amazing -- more perfect than ever. However, on _Strange Beautiful Music_ the astounding technical chops are so impeccably integrated that I'm hearing the awesome melodies, emotional acuity, non-stop grooves, and the amazing guitar tones before I even realize the skill with which it is created.
It's no secret that Satriani is the master of infusing pop hooks with his amazing guitar playing. The guitar is his voice, and his mastery of melodic hook is truly remarkable. Even here, the hooks are less immediate than, say, those thrown at you by _Crystal Planet_ or _Surfing with the Alien_. But...the songwriting! It will stun you with its cleverness. "Belly Dancer" boogies like mad, with a guitar solo that builds bar by bar to an exciting end. "Chords of Life" surrounds a deep rhythmic drive with some gorgeous and groovy music, as well as all the sparkling exuberance of a novice's first guitar lesson. "Mind Storm" is a heavy blitz that aggressively rises into an unforgettable, chilling guitar chorus. The dense percussion, tempo dynamics, and flying melodies of "The Traveler" evoke the feeling of resolute determination in the face of persistent challenges. The song feels like a spiritual journey. "The Journey" too summons up a feeling of travel, but in a more material sense. I can see myself cruising down the road, following the sun.
The ballads are lovely -- so subtle in their beauty, so commanding with the elegant musicianship, so emotionally penetrating even though no words are even spoken. "Starry Night" and "What Breaks a Heart" are just perfect (although the latter has some furious guitar solos). "You Saved My Life" is my favorite, ending the album with Satch's radiant bends quietly pricking at the special emotions deep down. The acoustic guitar and soft percussion set a beautiful backdrop, and even though the melody is a bit hard to grasp its beauty is unmistakable.
The songs are almost uniformly groovy, combining elements of Satch's blues background (explored wonderfully on his self-titled CD) with his more audacious technical capacity. "Hill Groove" puts liquid guitar lines atop a tasty rhythmic groove that leaves me smiling like a dolt. I mentioned "Belly Dancer", where the groove is so inescapable you may find yourself moving out of control. "Sleep Walk", featuring the mighty Robert Fripp, is a dreamy little spin on the old classic. "New Last Jam" will make your body want to move! You may not be able to control it.
_Strange Beautiful Music_ is a downright stunning guitar album, and very likely my favorite Satriani album.Strange Beautiful Music OverviewJapanese edition of 2002 album with one bonus track 'EightSteps'.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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