When Satriani released this album, it turned guitar upside down, instrumental albums being marketable and profitable were just unheard of at the time. There are many guitarists, then and now, that have an incredible ability to play fast licks with all the associated tricks and squeals and awe-inspiring waves of dorian wonder, but what sets Satriani apart and always has, is his knowledge of music. He is well versed in musical theory and knows his instrument. His talent lies in his phrasing, he has an uncanny ability to write melodies that seem so completely natural, you wonder why you've never heard it before. It's one of those, slap-the-forehead moments! If you enjoy guitar, but have never really gotten into instrumental rock give this album, Flying in a Blue Dream and the Extremist a try. I think you will find that they have true song structure and you won't feel as if you are missing anything without the presence of a vocalist.