What Happens Next cover

What Happens Next

Joe Satriani · 2018

51 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant collection of guitar-driven instrumentals that blend rock, jazz fusion, and blues with playful experimentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thunder High on the Mountain — This track blends powerful riffs with intricate solos, encapsulating Satriani's ability to merge emotion with technical skill, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    Cherry Blossoms — A reflective and melodic composition that showcases Satriani's softer side, highlighting his versatility as both a guitarist and composer.
  • →
    Super Funky Badass — This lengthy track exemplifies Satriani's playful experimentation with funk grooves and complex rhythms, pushing the boundaries of instrumental rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work with varied compositions but lacks a cohesive flow across all tracks.

Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 mid-tempo exploration
  • vibrant guitar intricacies abound
  • engaging rhythms for focus
  • subtle emotional nuances present

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced intensity
  • seek lyrical storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in Satriani's later career.
Career context
When 'What Happens Next' was released in January 2018, Joe Satriani was already an established guitarist known for his virtuosic playing. This album came after his previous release, 'Shockwave Supernova' (2015), showcasing a continued evolution in his sound and approach to composition, while also celebrating 30 years since his debut album.
Stylistic neighbors
Steve Vai· Eric Johnson· Paul Gilbert
New to Joe Satriani? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Energy 3:29
  • 2 Catbot 3:38
  • 3 Thunder High on the Mountain 4:46
  • 4 Cherry Blossoms 4:29
  • 5 Righteous 3:34
  • 6 Smooth Soul 3:52
  • 7 Headrush 3:35
  • 8 Looper 3:43
  • 9 What Happens Next 4:24
  • 10 Super Funky Badass 7:35
  • 11 Invisible 4:11
  • 12 Forever and Ever 4:07

What to play next

Shapeshifting
Listen next

Shapeshifting

2020

Continues the vibrant guitar experimentation with fresh themes and energy.
Shockwave Supernova
Go back to

Shockwave Supernova

2015

Sets the stage with a similar experimental rock vibe and dynamic instrumentation.
Full Joe Satriani discography Where to start with Joe Satriani Artists like Joe Satriani
blues hard rock jazz fusion

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Modern Primitive

Modern Primitive

Steve Vai

Shares a similar virtuosity and eclectic mix of rock and fusion elements with experimental guitar work.

Ah Via Musicom

Ah Via Musicom

Eric Johnson

Combines intricate guitar melodies with blues and rock, reflecting a vibrant instrumental approach.

Handmade Cities

Handmade Cities

Plini

Features complex guitar-driven compositions that blend progressive rock and jazz fusion sensibilities.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata