What makes Dreaming No. 11 by Joe Satriani notable?

Dreaming No. 11 is significant for its role in further establishing Satriani as a prominent figure in the instrumental rock scene during the late '80s. It received positive reviews from music critics and contributed to his growing influence on future generations of guitarists, particularly within the rock and metal genres. Released in early 1988, Dreaming No. 11 was Joe Satriani's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Surfing with the Alien. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading guitarist in the instrumental rock genre, gaining traction with both fans and critics alike.

How many songs are on Dreaming No. 11?

Dreaming No. 11 has 4 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

Dreaming No. 11

Joe Satriani · 1988

23 min · 4 tracks · blues

Instrumental rock melodies intertwine with bluesy riffs and progressive structures, showcasing Satriani's virtuosic guitar mastery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Crush of Love — This track features intricate melodies and emotional depth, highlighting Satriani's ability to blend technical prowess with expressive playing.
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Ice Nine — With its complex time signatures and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies Satriani's innovative approach to composition and guitar technique.
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Memories — This lengthy piece showcases Satriani's storytelling through guitar, combining atmospheric tones with powerful solos that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong guitar work and varied tempos, establishing Satriani's distinct style in instrumental rock.

What we noticed

The first two tracks maintain a high energy level with fast tempos, while the last two slow down, creating a dynamic contrast.
The EP is structured around thematic variations on guitar motifs, allowing for both improvisation and compositional development.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Further established Satriani's reputation in instrumental rock after Surfing with the Alien.
Career context: Released in early 1988, Dreaming No. 11 was Joe Satriani's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Surfing with the Alien. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading guitarist in the instrumental rock genre, gaining traction with both fans and critics alike.
Stylistic neighbors: Steve Vai· Eric Johnson· Paul Gilbert