Flying in a Blue Dream
Flying in a Blue Dream gives Joe Satriani's guitar music a wider range of settings, including several songs with his own vocals. The instrumental melodies remain the strongest reason to explore the record. There are forceful rock passages, quieter pieces and useful changes of texture. The extra range also brings unevenness, particularly when the singing competes with a more expressive guitar part.
The title track establishes a convincing balance. A relaxed rhythm supports the clear lead melody, with feedback and other guitar effects adding character around it.
The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing takes a more energetic route. The exchange between guitar and percussion grows into a strong central riff, giving the faster playing a firm rhythmic setting.
The vocal material has mixed results. I Believe works well because its gentler acoustic character gives Satriani a suitable melody and a less demanding delivery. Can't Slow Down and Strange are less convincing, with the singing making a weaker impression than the guitar passages around it. The plain lyrics also limit how much these songs add to the record.
Day at the Beach provides a more rewarding change. Its tapping creates the impression of several musical parts working together. The Forgotten pieces bring another quieter, more reflective passage into the sequence before Into the Light supplies an open, melodic ending.
At eighteen tracks, the album gives its weaker material considerable room. The changes of style are interesting, but the complete sequence would be stronger with fewer ordinary vocal songs. The most memorable playing cannot make every arrangement equally effective.
Even so, Flying in a Blue Dream contains plenty of clear melodies and imaginative guitar work. Satriani is most persuasive when the instrumental line carries the feeling. Those passages give the album a lasting appeal, even when its broader ambitions lead away from its strongest qualities.
