Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien

It is No doubt Joe Satriani is the greatest rock guitarists of all time. He influenced as many guitarists as he was influenced by, and manages to set the standard for creativity and technical prowess in the world of instrumental guitar rock. When this album was released back in '87, it was unique and unlike anything else being played at the time. Sure, guitar-shredding was fairly popular, with technicians like Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, and Vinnie Moore receiving due credit in the world of neoclassical rock, but there was little variation between these artists and their lightning-speed scales, arpeggios and classically inspired licks.

Surfing With the Alien was Joe's first successful record, and after listening to it just once you'll understand why. Joe eschews needless self-indulgence like most 'guitar heroes' and just plays rocking songs with interesting melodies.This album showcases a brilliant musician at the height of his powers and is probably his best album; at the very least, it's my favourite work of his as it manages to show the versatility and technical proficiency of Joe in 10 fabulous tracks.What I like about Joe as well is his great humility and generosity. He doesn't keep what he knows to himself like a trade secret but he openly shares his knowledge and is a great guitar teacher. He's had Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett among his long list of admirers and students and he continues to inspire guitar enthusiasts and dummy guitarists like myself after all these years.