Shapeshifting
Joe Satriani · 2020
46 min · 13 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of rock, blues, and jazz with intricate guitar work and eclectic rhythms that push musical boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shapeshifting — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of transformation, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and tone that mirror its namesake. Its intricate solos demonstrate Satriani's technical prowess while inviting listeners into a journey of sound exploration.
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All for Love — This track combines heartfelt melodies with a catchy chorus, showcasing Satriani's ability to convey emotion without lyrics. It stands out for its accessibility while still displaying complex guitar techniques.
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Ali Farka, Dick Dale, an Alien and Me — A playful homage to musical influences, this track blends styles from different cultures with a storytelling approach. Its unique title reflects the eclectic nature of the composition, making it one of the album's highlights.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate guitar work with diverse styles but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The last three tracks create a gradual descent in energy, with 'Waiting' and 'Here the Blue River' emphasizing melodic guitar lines.
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- exploratory instrumental landscapes
- immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Continues to evolve Satriani's sound, pushing musical boundaries beyond established norms.
- Career context
- Shapeshifting is Joe Satriani's 17th studio album, released in 2020 as he continued to evolve beyond his established instrumental rock identity. Following the commercial success of What Happens Next (2018), this album showcases his ability to blend various influences while maintaining his signature guitar style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Steve Vai· Eric Johnson· Paul Gilbert
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shapeshifting 3:55
- 2 Big Distortion 4:13
- 3 All for Love 2:32
- 4 Ali Farka, Dick Dale, an Alien and Me 3:42
- 5 Teardrops 4:08
- 6 Perfect Dust 3:30
- 7 Nineteen Eighty 3:35
- 8 All My Friends Are Here 3:24
- 9 Spirits, Ghosts and Outlaws 3:22
- 10 Falling Stars 3:41
- 11 Waiting 2:36
- 12 Here the Blue River 5:02
- 13 Yesterday's Yesterday 2:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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