What makes Up Close by Eric Johnson notable?

Up Close was notable for its critical reception, earning praise for its intimate sound and musicianship. The album featured a mix of original tracks and reworked pieces, demonstrating Johnson's ability to captivate audiences with both complex compositions and accessible melodies, which contributed to his continued influence in the world of guitar-driven music. In 2010, Eric Johnson released Up Close as his first studio album in nearly a decade, following the acclaimed Bloom from 2005. This album marked a return to his roots in instrumental rock and blues, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and musical versatility at a time when he was exploring deeper, more personal themes in his music.

Up Close works well if you're into reflective melodies for quiet moments, dynamic journey with emotional peaks and intricate guitar work detail hunting.

How many songs are on Up Close?

Up Close has 15 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Up Close

Eric Johnson · 2010

53 min · 15 tracks · blues

A blend of intricate guitar work and reflective melodies that captures the essence of acoustic storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Texas — This track stands out for its evocative representation of Johnson's home state, blending his signature guitar solos with a rich atmospheric backdrop.
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Soul Surprise — Soul Surprise showcases Johnson's ability to fuse blues elements with intricate instrumentals, creating an engaging listening experience that highlights his technical prowess.
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A Change Has Come to Me — This deeply reflective piece reveals a personal side of Johnson, featuring poignant melodies that resonate with themes of growth and transformation.
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Gem — Gem exemplifies Johnson's talent for crafting melodic lines that are both intricate and emotive, making it a highlight of the album’s lyrical depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective melodies for quiet moments
dynamic journey with emotional peaks
intricate guitar work detail hunting
short tracks for focused listening
soulful storytelling through sound

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2010, Eric Johnson released Up Close as his first studio album in nearly a decade, following the acclaimed Bloom from 2005. This album marked a return to his roots in instrumental rock and blues, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and musical versatility at a time when he was exploring deeper, more personal themes in his music.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Larry Carlton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Awaken 1:05
2 Fatdaddy 2:44
3 Brilliant Room 3:53
4 Texas 6:02
5 Gem 4:10
6 Traverse 1:18
7 Austin 4:01
8 Soul Surprise 6:11
9 On the Way 3:10
10 Arithmetic 4:33
11 The Sea and the Mountain 1:50
12 Vortexan 3:04
13 A Change Has Come to Me 5:20
14 Change (revisited) 1:39
15 Your Book 4:15

What to play next

Listen next

Eclectic

2014

Go back to

Live from Austin, TX 84

2010

Full Eric Johnson discography Artists like Eric Johnson

blues instrumental rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata