What makes Burning Organ by Paul Gilbert notable?

The album received positive reviews for its energetic sound and musicianship, contributing to Gilbert's reputation as a guitarist. Tracks like 'I Like Rock' and 'My Religion' showcased his ability to fuse technical skill with accessible songwriting, solidifying his influence in the hard rock genre during the early 2000s. When Paul Gilbert released 'Burning Organ' in 2002, he was already an established guitarist known for his work with Mr. Big and his solo career. This album followed his 1998 release 'Flying Dog' and marked a continued exploration of his hard rock roots combined with a sense of humor and self-awareness in the songwriting.

Who is Burning Organ for?

Burning Organ works well if you're into playful lyrical wit throughout, dynamic journey with peaks and short bursts of energy.

How many songs are on Burning Organ?

Burning Organ has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Burning Organ

Paul Gilbert · 2002

48 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

A high-octane blend of hard rock riffs and playful lyrics, showcasing Gilbert's virtuosic guitar work and catchy hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Like Rock — This opening track sets the tone for the album with infectious energy and a catchy chorus that celebrates rock music itself, embodying Gilbert's playful spirit.
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My Religion — The song blends personal reflection with anthemic guitar riffs, demonstrating Gilbert's knack for marrying thoughtful lyrics with powerful melodies.
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Amy Is Amazing — With its upbeat tempo and joyous lyrics about admiration, this track showcases Gilbert's lighter side and highlights his skillful guitar solos intertwined with storytelling.
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Burning Organ — As the title track, it encapsulates the album’s theme of passion for music while featuring intricate guitar work that emphasizes Gilbert's technical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features energetic compositions with strong guitar work but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, while the sixth track introduces a slower, darker tone that contrasts sharply with its predecessors.
Several tracks feature extended guitar solos that showcase Gilbert's technical prowess, often breaking into playful melodies that complement the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

playful lyrical wit throughout
dynamic journey with peaks
short bursts of energy
head-nodding groove moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer steady, constant pacing
seek deep introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context: When Paul Gilbert released 'Burning Organ' in 2002, he was already an established guitarist known for his work with Mr. Big and his solo career. This album followed his 1998 release 'Flying Dog' and marked a continued exploration of his hard rock roots combined with a sense of humor and self-awareness in the songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Yngwie Malmsteen