Steve Vai, Passion and Warfare

I grew up listening to this God. I know the whole CD note for note in my head - I wish I could play it this way, but that is impossible. Every song is a glorious step on a beautiful journey. Welcome to the mind of a genius, or at least the audio taping of it. Everybody has to hear this one.

Passion and Warfare is considered by many to be the ultimate guitar album. It features not only breath-taking guitar playing but also sublime sonic soundscapes over which Vai creates memorable melodic hooks. The album is also very diverse with the funk/rock 'Answers', metal 'The Audience is Listening' and the light pop rock of 'I Would Love To'. Not to mention the soaring instrumental ballads of 'For The Love of God', 'The Riddle' and the heavenly 'Blue Powder'. 'Blue Powder' was originally done as a demo for Carvin amplifiers but Steve decided to put it onto the album. Thank god he did! If you only listen to one track make it 'Blue Powder', the phrasing and attention to detail are mind blowing. The divine 'Sisters' provides that Dylan-esque feel for the new decade.

There are no negative aspects to this album. The amazing thing is, Steve produced, engineered and mixed this album himself. As if to prove he is not only a talented composer/guitarist, but an all round monumental talent! If you only buy one Vai album, make it 'Passion & Warfare'.