The best Instrumental Rock albums
of the 1990s.
Where to start with 1990–1999 instrumental rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1990s — instrumental rock
Top picks from 1990–1999, ranked by where we would start.
Joe Satriani
Crystal Planet
A dazzling blend of virtuosic guitar work and intricate melodies that transport listeners to an otherworldly soundscape.
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Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani
A vibrant blend of bluesy rock and intricate guitar work that showcases Satriani's signature instrumental prowess.
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Los Straitjackets
¡Viva! Los Straitjackets
A vibrant blend of surf rock energy and garage band grit, imbued with a playful instrumental spirit.
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Los Straitjackets
The Utterly Fantastic and Totally Unbelievable Sound of Los Straitjackets
A vibrant blend of surf rock and instrumental pop, exuding energetic grooves and nostalgic melodies throughout its playful tracks.
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Dirty Three
Dirty Three
A haunting blend of violin, guitar, and drums creates a sprawling landscape of emotion and atmosphere.
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Eric Johnson
Venus Isle
A fluid blend of intricate guitar work and melodic songwriting that dances between blues, rock, and instrumental elegance.
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Dirty Three
Ocean Songs
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, evoking the vastness and mystery of the ocean's depths.
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Andy Timmons
Orange Swirl
A vibrant blend of melodic rock and instrumental prowess, showcasing emotive guitar work alongside lyrical storytelling.
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Mahavishnu Orchestra
The Lost Trident Sessions
A vibrant tapestry of jazz fusion and progressive rock, blending complex rhythms with emotive instrumental storytelling.
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Frank Gambale
The Great Explorers
A vibrant fusion of jazz and rock, driven by intricate guitar work and dynamic improvisation.
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Frank Gambale
Note Worker
Intricate guitar melodies weave through vibrant jazz fusion rhythms, creating a dynamic listening experience that transcends genre boundaries.
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Eric Johnson
Ah Via Musicom
A fusion of technical guitar wizardry and melodic sensibility that creates an immersive instrumental landscape.
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Greg Howe
Uncertain Terms
Intricate guitar work intertwines with complex rhythms, creating an instrumental tapestry that challenges the boundaries of rock and jazz fusion.
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Greg Howe
Five
Intricate guitar work intertwines with eclectic rhythms, merging rock and jazz influences into an instrumental tapestry.
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Neil Zaza
Ten Zen Men Project
A dynamic fusion of heavy metal guitar mastery and eclectic instrumental grooves that invites listeners on a vibrant sonic journey.
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Neil Zaza
Two Hands One Heart
A virtuosic blend of heavy metal and instrumental rock that showcases intricate guitar work against dynamic rhythms.
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Virgil Donati
Just Add Water
Intricate instrumental rock weaves complex rhythms and melodies, showcasing virtuosic musicianship in every track.
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Jennifer Batten
Above Below and Beyond
A fusion of high-energy guitar solos and intricate jazz rhythms creates an exhilarating instrumental landscape.
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Dick Dale
Tribal Thunder
A fiery blend of surf rock and world music, igniting with frenetic energy and instrumental prowess.
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Dick Dale
Unknown Territory
A vibrant tapestry of surf rock licks and eclectic instrumental explorations intertwines with Dale's signature frenetic energy.
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Shawn Lane
Powers of Ten
A vibrant fusion of intricate guitar work and dynamic instrumental landscapes that push the boundaries of rock music.
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Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet
Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham
A playful collage of surf rock riffs and quirky instrumentals that captures the spirit of underground Canadian music in the early '90s.
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