What Is…
Richie Kotzen · 1998
46 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A fusion of hard rock and jazz-inflected melodies that showcase a raw emotional depth and technical prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Is — The opening track serves as a powerful manifesto of Kotzen's artistic direction, merging introspective lyrics with intricate guitar work that sets the tone for the entire album.
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You Don't Owe Me — This track highlights Kotzen's ability to blend vulnerability with assertiveness, featuring dynamic shifts in vocal delivery that underscore its themes of self-empowerment.
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Angie — A poignant ballad that showcases Kotzen's emotive vocal range and lyrical depth, it stands out as a personal reflection on love and loss within the album.
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I'm Losin' You — The closing track features an extended guitar solo that encapsulates the emotional weight of the album, reinforcing Kotzen's reputation as a master guitarist while conveying profound feelings of regret.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and technical prowess but lacks mainstream recognition.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and energetic vocals, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo with a focus on lyrical introspection.
- Several songs incorporate jazz-influenced chord progressions, particularly in the guitar solos, which highlight Kotzen's technical skill.
- The album closes with a ballad that contrasts sharply with the preceding tracks, creating a sense of emotional resolution.
- 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
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
- soulful guitar-driven introspection
- mid-tempo reflective listening
- late-night emotional contemplation
- varied track lengths for exploration
- cathartic moments of release
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, What Is… was Richie Kotzen's sixth studio album and marked his transition into a more personal songwriting style following his departure from the band Mr. Big. This record came after a period of fluctuating commercial success, as Kotzen sought to carve out a distinct identity as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Greg Howe
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What Is 4:16
- 2 Too Deep 4:24
- 3 You Got a Fire 4:05
- 4 Locked Out 3:52
- 5 You Don't Owe Me 3:12
- 6 Angie 5:24
- 7 Open Your Eyes 3:23
- 8 Strength 4:56
- 9 Lose Again 2:46
- 10 Cross the Line 3:10
- 11 I'm Losin' You 6:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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