Released 30 years ago
Five
Greg Howe · 1996
45 min · 10 tracks · instrumental rock
Intricate guitar work intertwines with eclectic rhythms, merging rock and jazz influences into an instrumental tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Just Kiddin' — This opening track showcases Howe's signature guitar techniques with playful melodies and complex rhythms that set the tone for the album.
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Three Toed Sloth — Its unusual time signatures and intricate arrangements highlight Howe's unique approach to composition, demonstrating his ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Bach Mock — This brief interlude cleverly incorporates classical motifs which showcase Howe's versatility and reverence for musical heritage within modern contexts.
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Skyline — Closing the album, this track features emotive solos and rich harmonies that encapsulate the essence of Howe's artistic vision throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate guitar work and diverse rhythms, establishing Howe's distinct style in instrumental rock.
What we noticed
- Several pieces include interludes of ambient sound or quieter passages that contrast with the more intense guitar work.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- intricate guitar explorations throughout
- engaging rhythms for focused listening
- dynamic shifts in tempo
- subtle complexity for attentive ears
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
- prefer vocal-driven music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Five is Greg Howe's fourth studio album, following his critically acclaimed album, Tilt. At this point in his career, Howe was establishing himself as a premier guitarist in the instrumental rock genre, showcasing his virtuosic style and compositional skill.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Paul Gilbert
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Just Kiddin' 5:10
- 2 Sit 5:34
- 3 Three Toed Sloth 4:12
- 4 The Terrace 3:52
- 5 Acute 4:24
- 6 Quiet Hunt 6:01
- 7 Bach Mock 1:14
- 8 Plush Interior 4:40
- 9 Dusty Maid 4:56
- 10 Skyline 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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