Classic instrumental rock

Joe Satriani, a veteran of instrumental rock, is back with his new album What Happens Next. Most of his prior albums focused on interplanetary themes and images but he decided to return to his roots for this album. The album also consists of some other legendary rockers, including drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Glenn Hughes of both Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The group only had about three weeks to record the album, but together, they made an exciting record, full of incredible talent, and instant classics.

The first song on What Happens Next is “Energy” and it’s definitely an appropriate title for an enthusiastic song. With the first guitar riff, the listener is immediately taken on a fun ride. The guitar practically wails as it races the drums, providing a great and memorable start to the album. The second song “Catbot” is also energetic, while remaining very different from the previous song. It starts off more low-key, the drumbeat driving the song. As it goes on, however, it gains lots of energy, highlighted by the fantastic guitar playing of Satriani.

Two other notable songs on What Happens Next are “Righteous” and “Looper.” “Righteous” has a more soulful sound to it, the guitar sounding like a singing voice. The song itself has an ’80s feeling to it and seems to retain some of the intergalactic style that Satriani is a fan of. It’s fun, and surely a song that many will attempt to imitate on guitar in the future. “Looper” has a more subdued feeling to it, the guitar riffs leading the song forward. The riffs are easily recognizable, making this song a great addition to the album.

Two of the last songs on the album, the wonderfully titled “Super Funky Badass” and “Forever and Ever” are also wonderful additions to an already impressive repertoire. “Super Funky Badass” is just as the title says; it’s funky and its badass. It’s a long saga of a song, with the guitar and drums melding together towards the end, creating a beautiful clash of sounds. “Forever and Ever” on the other hand is a lot simpler, with a retro sound to it, and each instrument being highlighted on their own. Around 1:27 in the song, an incredible beat is made, sending the song forwards towards its climatic end. It’s a great way to end the album, with the title being reminiscent of Satriani’s music and legend continuing on forever and ever.

Joe Satriani will be touring the U.S. this winter and Europe this spring. What Happens Next can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon, and his memoir Strange Beautiful Music can be purchased now as well.