Stone Pushing Uphill Man
Paul Gilbert · 2014
42 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant fusion of hard rock exuberance and clever lyrical wit, showcasing both technical prowess and melodic sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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Working for the Weekend — This upbeat cover injects fresh energy into the classic tune while showcasing Gilbert's signature guitar work and playful approach to rock.
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — Gilbert's rendition transforms Elton John's iconic ballad into a hard rock anthem, demonstrating his ability to reinterpret beloved classics with flair.
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Stone Pushing Uphill Man — The titular track encapsulates the album's theme of perseverance through its catchy chorus and intricate guitar solos, embodying Gilbert's musical philosophy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic rock with clever lyrics, showcasing Gilbert's guitar skills but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The lyrical content varies from humorous to reflective, with some tracks employing clever wordplay that enhances their appeal.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing for focused listening
- playful lyrics for lighthearted moments
- engaging guitar work for enthusiasts
- for weekend road trips
Maybe skip if you
- skip if seeking slow introspection
- not for fans of minimalism
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Stone Pushing Uphill Man' was released in 2014, Paul Gilbert was already an established figure in the rock world, known for his work with Mr. Big and as a virtuoso guitarist. This album marked a return to his solo career after a six-year hiatus since 'Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar' in 2008, highlighting his growth as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Yngwie Malmsteen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Working for the Weekend 3:43
- 2 Back in the Saddle 4:42
- 3 I Got the Feelin' 2:09
- 4 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 4:54
- 5 Why Don't We Do It in the Road 1:44
- 6 Shock Absorber 5:12
- 7 Purple Without All the Red 2:02
- 8 Murder by Numbers 4:36
- 9 My Girl 4:39
- 10 Wash Me Clean 3:20
- 11 Stone Pushing Uphill Man 5:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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