Strange Beautiful Music

Joe Satriani | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 25, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Epic Records
• ASIN: B000068R15
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,721 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

After a brief excursion into techno with 2000's Engines of Creation, Joe Satriani returns to rock with a vengeance. He sets the tone by looking to Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti for inspiration, coming up with the lyrical "Oriental Melody" and the sensuous "Belly Dancer." "Starry Night" is a rhythmic romp across the cosmos that recalls the restrained yet breezy jazz of early Traffic laced with the lyricism of Jimi Hendrix. "Chords of Life" is marked by its clean, uncluttered bass line that surrenders to a tumultuous psychedelic free fall. Satriani pulls the song back just before it disintegrates into chaos, guiding it along with a deftness and economy. Often criticized for overplaying, the former guitar teacher has reined in his technique and let his heart lead. Strange Beautiful Music is one of Satriani’s best efforts. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing., August 27, 2002

By 

Lord Chimp (Monkey World) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strange Beautiful Music (Audio CD)

To 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.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, Solid Guitar Album, June 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Strange Beautiful Music (Audio CD)

Joe Satriani's latest studio release, Strange Beautiful Music, is a solid display of guitar mastery from one of the very best in the world. This album is not as experimental and "computerized" as 2000's Engines of Creation, nor is it the writing masterpiece that was Crystal Planet. However, unlike either of those albums, Satriani has begun to really tap into his potential as a guitarist while in the studio. His playing sounds much better than it has in the past. Joe's studio recordings often sound very tight and precise, which I suppose may be good for the type of music he plays. But listen to the studio vs. Live in San Francisco versions of The Crush of Love, Ice 9, Crystal Planet, and Surfing with the Alien, and you'll notice how much more relaxed and loose he sounds live. Strange Beautiful music captures that better than the albums in the past have. Several of the songs are typical Satch, but he still manages to throw in some amazing and impressive surprises around every corner. The best tracks on this disc are What Breaks a Heart, Belly Dancer, Chords of Life, and The Journey, though all of the others are exceptionally good, as well. This is really a great album that grows on you with every listen. After a day, I would still place it below Crystal Planet (my personal favorite), and although I only gave it 4 stars, it is likely to become one of my favorites as I listen to it more.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Rays From An Ancient Sun, June 27, 2002

By 

Nazz (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strange Beautiful Music (Audio CD)

Forget everything you think you know about how a guitar is supposed to be played,and you might be in some kind of mind set to put this album in your CD player.
Although not exactley mainstream music,Joe Satriani's record sales are in the millions and he plays to sold out audiences worldwide.This album seems,at first,seems a mellow offering to the critically acclaimed "Surfing With The Alien",or the fantastic energy fuelled "Crystal Planet".On deeper listening,this is obviously not the case.Like a culmination of everything he has released to date,this album touches on all his work at times,blending them seamlessly(sometimes quirky)into a much more mature vibe.Nothing is left out style wise,brimming with acoustics,banjo,seven stringed guitars,and his uncanny knack of creating more beautiful catchy melody lines than you can shake a stick at,his amazing backing musicians(i use the term sparingly),dont miss a beat.They're the backbone of all this guitar indulgence.It doesn't sound engineered,on the contrary,it comes across live and fresh,and they obviously had a great time making this album together and it shows.
Fretboard acrobatics aplenty,Joe shows NO sign of slowing down.
Infact its faster,intermitent and used when its needed.He aint shredding here for the sake of it,not that he has to anyway.
Read it and weep non believers.If this learning curve is the future of Joe Satriani releases,then the best is yet to come.