Joe Satriani Albums Ranked

Joseph Satriani (born July 15, 1956) is an American rock musician, composer, songwriter, and guitar teacher. Early in his career, Satriani worked as a guitar instructor, with many of his former students achieving fame, such as Steve Vai, Larry LaLonde, Rick Hunolt, Kirk Hammett, Andy Timmons, Charlie Hunter, Kevin Cadogan, and Alex Skolnick; he then went on to have a successful solo music career. He is a 15-time Grammy Award nominee and has sold over 10 million albums, making him the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time. In 1988, Satriani was recruited by Mick Jagger as lead guitarist for his first solo tour. Satriani briefly toured with Deep Purple as the guitarist, joining shortly after the departure of Ritchie Blackmore in November 1993. He has worked with a range of guitarists during the G3 tour, which he founded in 1995. Satriani has been the guitarist for the supergroup Chickenfoot since joining the band in 2008. Here are all of Joe Satriani albums ranked.

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10. Professor Satchafunkilus And The Musterion Of Rock (2008)

“This album isn’t as earth-shattering as Surfing with the Alien or Flying in a Blue Dream, but just put some headphones on and close your eyes. Even more than the notes that he plays, the expression that he plays them with will move you. He doesn’t just play fast for the sake of it. Instead, the well crafted lines seem more like the way someone might speak to you, with power, emotion, clarity, and the appropriate pauses to breathe.”

9. Strange Beautiful Music (2002)

“‘Strange Beautiful Music’ sounds very harsh and distorted and this is not good in my opinion. If you import the tracks into audio software you will see the track is 90% full of sound almost all the time which means it is absolutely sound saturated even during the tracks’ ‘quiet’ sections.”

8. Engines Of Creation (2000)

“his is certainly a well-balanced record. Rockin’ songs and mellow songs coexist here splendidly. And Engines Of Creation is a great way to close the record; laid-back, moody and even a little sinister. Nice work, Satch.  The difference from Satriani’s previous work that in this album they are swathed in atmospheric keyboards and electronica and backed with mostly programmed drumming. “

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7. Is There Love In Space? (2004)

 The title track “Is There Love in Space?” is a highlight as is “Up In Flames,” “Searching,” and “Gnaahh.” Joe throws in some vocal on “Lifestyle” and “I Like The Rain.” Needless to say I am no fan of the vocals on this release, thus the one star hit. The minor key masterpiece “Searching” is a ten minute six string orgy. This is Satch you can sink your teeth into.”

6. Not Of This Earth (1986)

“Not of This Earth was Joe Satriani’s debut album and wow. This is an eclectic collection of songs. Since Satch didn’t have a ton of money to make this recording the songs have simple drums/percussion and he plays bass on the tracks as well as the guitar.I don’t think that those two things make a difference. This is simply one of the greatest debut albums by anybody period. The title track is simplistic but it is a good introduction to a guitarist with his own style.”The Headless Horseman” is a technique driven tune but it is also a lot of fun.”

5. The Extremist (1992)

“Fantastic guitar centric album. The musicianship by all involved here is outstanding. Hard driving guitar is what I crave and this album fits that role nicely. But on track five “Rubina’s Blue Sky Happiness,” Satriani gives us some really nice acoustic to change up the pace. Now that song still has electric interspersed with the acoustic, and Nicky Hopkins (!) playing some piano so all is not lost. “

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4. Shockwave Supernova (2015)

“Joe is clearly one of the greatest to ever play and this cd is excellent. I respect his attempt at keeping it fresh and interesting for himself with the whole storyline, but that part had no effect on my grasp or appreciation of the album. If you like guitar, you have to own everything he does.”

3. Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards (2010)

“his album has more familiar rock grooves which are done very nicely. It might take a couple of listens to start getting into the feel of the album, but when you do its a great album from beginning to end with no weak tracks. I noticed how the bass and drums seem to knit together really well ( most played by Satriani also ) and get you into the mood. The guitar parts are exceptional as usual, great tone, technique and catchy melodies.”

2. Surfing With The Alien (1987)

“When I listened this album there were a lot of “super” guitarists around, trying to imitate the style of playing of Yngwie Malmsteen. I did not expect anything different from that but, surprise! This is different! This is precisely hard rock played by a guitar master, who doesn’t seem to think that technical ability lies only in playing difficult scales and riffs: as a matter of fact, he tries also to entertain the listener, making him enjoy some non trivial music. In this aspect the album reminds me of David Lee Roth’s “Eath Em and Smile”, though all the songs are instrumental.”

1. Flying In A Blue Dream (1989)

“This is Joe’s best work. The Magnum Opus of all things Satriani. There isn’t a single thing that isn’t covered on Flying In A Blue Dream and it is all done with beautiful execution. If you need a single Satch album to listen to and figure out what he is all about, this is the one!”