What makes Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! by Brian Setzer notable?

This album is significant for its celebration of instrumental rock and jazz, demonstrating Setzer's versatility as a musician. It received positive reviews from critics, noting its ability to blend multiple styles while contributing to the resurgence of interest in guitar-driven music during the early 2010s. When 'Setzer Goes Instru-Mental!' was released in 2011, Brian Setzer was enjoying a successful solo career after his earlier fame with the Stray Cats. This album followed his 2009 release 'Songs from Lonely Avenue' and marked a return to his roots in instrumental rock, highlighting his distinctive guitar style at a time when he sought to celebrate classic genres.

Who is Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! for?

Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, punchy listening sessions and playful and vibrant atmosphere.

How many songs are on Setzer Goes Instru-Mental!?

Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Setzer Goes Instru-Mental!

Brian Setzer · 2011

34 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant instrumental journey blending rockabilly riffs with jazz improvisation, showcasing Setzer's guitar prowess and playful arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blue Moon of Kentucky — Opening the album with a lively take on this classic, Setzer infuses it with energetic guitar solos that set the tone for the rest of the record.
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Earl’s Breakdown — This track showcases Setzer's skill in crafting intricate yet accessible melodies, delivered through rapid-fire guitar work that encapsulates his playful approach.
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Go‐Go Godzilla — By transforming a pop culture icon into an instrumental piece, Setzer demonstrates his creativity in melding humor with musicianship, creating an infectious groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

Setzer's blend of rockabilly and jazz showcases his guitar skills but lacks strong thematic cohesion across tracks.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Earl’s Breakdown', which shifts from a brisk pace to a slower groove mid-way through.
The arrangement of 'Intermission' serves as a brief pause in the flow, featuring only guitar and minimal accompaniment, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding tracks.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady, consistent energy levels
short, punchy listening sessions
playful and vibrant atmosphere
mid-tempo groove enjoyment

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Setzer Goes Instru-Mental!' was released in 2011, Brian Setzer was enjoying a successful solo career after his earlier fame with the Stray Cats. This album followed his 2009 release 'Songs from Lonely Avenue' and marked a return to his roots in instrumental rock, highlighting his distinctive guitar style at a time when he sought to celebrate classic genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Stray Cats· The Brian Setzer Orchestra· Big Bad Voodoo Daddy