9.11
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal · 2001
41 min · 12 tracks · heavy metal
A fusion of heavy metal and progressive rock, layered with intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Children of Sierra Leone — This track stands out for its poignant commentary on the plight of children affected by war, blending haunting melodies with compelling storytelling.
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Guitars SUCK — A self-referential critique on the music industry, this track showcases Thal's humor and virtuosity while challenging conventional norms in rock music.
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Fly in the Batter — Opening the album with an energetic mix of intricate guitar riffs and thought-provoking lyrics, this track sets the tone for Thal's artistic vision throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate guitar work with thematic depth, though its cohesion suffers from varied styles.
What we noticed
- Guitar solos are prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies and counter-melodies that showcase technical skill.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or samples, adding a narrative layer to the music, especially in 'Don Pardo Pimpwagon'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- introspective moments for reflection
- short tracks for varied listening
- engaging narrative through song order
Maybe skip if you
- dislike varied track lengths
- prefer steady, predictable rhythms
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, 9.11 was Ron Thal's debut solo album after gaining recognition as a guitarist for the band Guns N' Roses. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from being a session musician to establishing himself as a solo artist, showcasing his unique blend of musical styles and personal songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Dream Theater
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fly in the Batter 4:30
- 2 Lost 3:33
- 3 Raygun 4:11
- 4 Hole in the Sky 0:50
- 5 Children of Sierra Leone 4:15
- 6 Don Pardo Pimpwagon 4:26
- 7 Legend of Van Cleef 3:34
- 8 Guitars SUCK 3:15
- 9 Hall of Souls 1:32
- 10 Top of the World 4:01
- 11 R2 2:48
- 12 Time 4:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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