Surfing With the Alien

Not content to sit on his laurels, Satriani released this groundbreaking instrumental album in 1987, leaving guitarists and musicians everywhere stunned and amazed by the playing and musicianship displayed therein. Satriani defined his sound more sharply to further develop his distinct musical tone, and his playing continued to evolve to higher levels with each new panorama of notes he blazed out. Whether it was the twisted, horizon-pushing "Ice 9," the fiery, churning "Surfing With the Alien," the bluesy rock shuffle of "Crushing Day," the straight-ahead, slamming "Satch Boogie," or the more subdued, soulful "Always With Me, Always With You," Satriani's style and songwriting were uniquely his own. Taking guitar playing and song composition to new levels, this is a remarkable recording. — Phil Carter