Released 23 years ago this October
Change
Richie Kotzen · 2003
44 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A dynamic fusion of hard rock intensity and jazz-infused melodies creates an intricate soundscape throughout the record.
Top tracks — play these first
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Change — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of personal transformation through a blend of melodic hooks and intricate guitar work.
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Get a Life — This upbeat track combines energetic riffs with insightful lyrics, reflecting Kotzen's knack for crafting songs that balance technicality with relatable themes.
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Fast Money Fast Cars — Spanning over seven minutes, this track showcases Kotzen’s virtuosity while delving into themes of excess and the fleeting nature of fame, making it a standout piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends hard rock with jazz influences, showcasing Kotzen's versatility but lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with prominent guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective pieces.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as complex chord progressions and syncopated rhythms, particularly in 'Unity (Jazz Bee Bop instrumental)'.
- 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
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
- catchy anthems for road trips
- emotional depth in acoustic moments
- playful energy for gatherings
- dynamic contrasts throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, soundscapes
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Change marked Richie Kotzen's sixth studio album and followed his previous work, The Inner Galactic Fusion Experience. At this point, he was establishing himself as a solo artist after years of collaboration with various bands like Poison and Mr. Big, showcasing a more personal musical direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Greg Howe
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Forever One 3:49
- 2 Get a Life 3:21
- 3 Change 3:25
- 4 Don't Ask 3:33
- 5 Deeper (Into You) 4:17
- 6 High 5:07
- 7 Am I Dreamin' 3:47
- 8 Shine (acoustic version) 3:54
- 9 Good for Me 3:55
- 10 Fast Money Fast Cars 7:00
- 11 Unity (Jazz Bee Bop instrumental) 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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