John Petrucci - Glassgow Kiss (2005)

Glassgow Kiss (2005)

Album Review

John Petrucci's first solo album was indeed a fine effort, resulting in a variety of tunes that showcases technicality, melody as well as a range of different styles! And is certainly worthy of ranking up there with Satriani and Vai.
"Jaws Of Life" is the perfect opener to this album, showcasing a meaty guitar riff as well as an almost 5 minute long solo with John's all-out assault on the guitar. A reminiscent of "Acid Rain" from LTE2. One of the best on this cd. 10/10
"Glasgow Kiss" has some sort of scottish feel to it, the name says it all. The whole song revolves around one catchy (scottish) melody, as well as a beautiful slow acoustic-electric movement in the middle of the piece. A main highlight 10/10
"Tunnel Vision" features an electric drumset, and a slightly techno and oriental feel to it, it sounds like a soundtrack you're likely to hear in an action game. This song is full of energy, if you're looking to get pumped up while doing sports or something, this song works perfect. 9/10
"Wishful Thinking" is one of the two ballads on this album, slows things down from the three energetic songs before this one, this song is spiritually uplifting and brimming with a touching melody. However, ballads aren't really my thing, but it's still a well-composed piece. 8/10
"Damage Control" is my favorite song on this album, and probably the most dynamic, as a musician, this song should be in ABA (Ternary) form, most music majors should know what i'm talking about. It starts off at a slow tempo, then it slowly develops. Around 3 min and a half into the song is actualy where all the intensity comes out, a slight reminisce of a Metallica style riff, the tempo is sped up almost twice as fast, including a bass solo as well, courtesy of Dave LaRue. 10/10
"Curve" is my least favorite song on the album, clear influences from Joe Satriani are here though, but it's the same monotonous riff throughou the whole song that it gets annoying after a while, the only interesting bit the is the breakdown at around 3 minutes into the song. 6/10
"Lost Without You" is the second ballad on this album, it's much softer than Wishful Thinking, this one actually has some sort of theme to it, it seems to be talking about someone, and suddenly he get "lost", the tension builds as the "character" John is portraying gets more confused. One of the best on this album. 9/10
"Animate-Inanimate" is a more laid-back one, also the longest track on the album, it has a slightly oriental feel to it. The whole seems too drawn out over a long period of time, and it gets boring after a while, a fair piece. 8/10
This is a solid album if you're looking for excellent instrumental rock, great virtuosity from a great guitarist. I recommend Liquid Tension Experiment 1 and 2 to go with this, it's a perfect match. ~ Lie Heng Chan - amazon.com