Absolutely cover

Absolutely

Rik Emmett · 1990

44 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of hard rock and melodic pop, showcasing Rik Emmett's intricate guitar work and heartfelt songwriting.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Saved by Love — This track exemplifies Emmett's ability to fuse infectious melodies with emotional lyrics, becoming one of his signature songs in his solo career.
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    Drive Time — Kicking off the album, this track sets a lively tone with its catchy hook and showcases Emmett's skilled guitar work, embodying the album's spirit.
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    When a Heart Breaks — This poignant ballad highlights Emmett's lyrical depth and vocal delivery, making it a standout moment that resonates with themes of love and heartbreak.
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    Stand and Deliver — This track combines rock energy with insightful lyrics, reflecting Emmett's growth as an artist while resonating with listeners through its relatable message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and guitar work but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Emmett's guitar work is prominent throughout, with intricate solos appearing in nearly every track, especially in 'Saved by Love' and 'Stand and Deliver'.
  • The album closes with a reflective instrumental piece, 'Passage (for Big Nick)', which contrasts sharply with the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • heartfelt melodies for introspection
  • engaging anthems for road trips
  • uplifting vibes for sunny days
  • dynamic shifts in emotional tone

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification tracks
  • seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1990, Absolutely was Rik Emmett's first solo album after his tenure with Triumph, marking a significant transition in his career. This album followed the band's breakup in 1988 and showcased Emmett's desire to explore a more personal and varied musical style beyond the hard rock sound that defined Triumph.
Stylistic neighbors
Triumph· Rush· Joe Satriani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Drive Time 4:21
  • 2 Big Lie 4:26
  • 3 Saved by Love 4:03
  • 4 When a Heart Breaks 3:42
  • 5 World of Wonder 4:01
  • 6 Stand and Deliver 5:28
  • 7 The Way That You Love Me 4:21
  • 8 Middle Ground 3:58
  • 9 Heaven Only Knows 4:04
  • 10 Smart, Fast, Mean and Luck 3:57
  • 11 Passage (for Big Nick) 2:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata