This CD is breathtaking...
Imagine being able to take the BEST of Satriani's soul and lyricism, Vai's inventiveness and modalities, Malmsteen's classicism, Johnson's impeccable technique, and Petrucci's progressiveness, and mix them together in just the right proportions. Add in Paul's own fire, originality and sense of fun -- and you have this CD. I bought it yesterday based purely on the reviews I read here on Amazon (I had not heard a note of it), and I listened to it end-to-end during my morning commute today. It is absolutely, positively stunning. The clasically-inspired end-section of "Eudaimonia Overture" practically moved me to tears, it was so brilliant and perfectly executed. Throughout, you can tell that Paul loves to ROCK, has a great sense of humor, truly loves what he does, and most importantly -- has taste in his compositional approach. As an example, the neoclassical diminished arpeggio runs in the middle sections of "Norwegian Cowbell" are there to support the song, as they should be. When you listen to this, and compare it, say, to a Malmsteen piece in which ALL THERE IS is a mindless series of identical diminished arpeggio runs, you truly appreciate the difference between a great composer and a pure technician. Gilbert proves on this CD that he's a great composer and arranger -- who, by the way, happens to shred, rock, and OWN so many stylistic techniques that there is not enough space to list them here, or anywhere. BUY THIS CD!

The best Paul Gilbert EVER! What a tone! What a set of songs!
Ok, Mr. Fleeting Fingers scores higher than ever in my books with this album, as he cares about expression, tone, composition and musicality way more than usually on this one.

Of course, there is enough pure technical ecstasy here to please any "shredhead", but Paul's sound is so "organic" on this record, the songs so well-arranged and his playing so expressive that you'll fall on your knees -- Hey Paul, you did visualize Robin Trower in the audience this time! :-)

So, those who ever dared to say Paul Gilbert was only about speed when left to his own devices will have to eat their words... This man is demonstrating with this release that he is a virtuoso guitarist who does shred, but also delivers passion on every note he plays -- even outside the context of a band.

This album goes from ballads ("I Can Not Tell a Lie", "I Still Have That Other Girl" -- lyrical!) to prog rock ("Eudaimonia Overture" -- amazingly composed!) to hard rock ("Norwegian Cowbell") to fusion ("Bultaco Saturno"); thus you're getting a very complete package of tasteful shredding. There's no weak song here. This is in fact one of the best guitar albums I've ever heard, period.

By the way, I particularly liked the theme "Paul Vs. Godzilla"... I do hear some Steve Vai in there, but Paul's sweet tone and special sensibility make of this song a really unique work of art. It has become one my preferred electric guitar instrumentals ever -- you rock, Paul!

In one sentence, this CD is a masterpiece. If you love instrumental electric guitar, this release is worth every millisecond of your time and every milli-cent of its price. Five stars! -- you do have your own style, Paul! ;-)

Paul Gilbert can play
You can tell Paul just finished the G3 tour with John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. This is a real solid cd with great production and all you can eat guitar work by one of the best in the business. Your girlfriend will hate it because there's no vocals, but who cares? I only gave it 4 stars cause you have to listen to it a few times to warm up to it.

Top Marks Paul
Superb guitar album. Blows the Satriani effort from this year into the weeds (and I'm a huge Satch fan).

Excellent ROCK GUITAR
This album was my first exposure to Paul Gilbert.Being a guitarist of 40+ years myself and an avid Joe Satriani/Steve Vai listner/fan,I was more than surprised and satisfied with the excellent quality production,great licks/riffs and great melodic playing incorporated by Paul into this album.I just ordered several more albums by Paul.Well worth the listening.