RHYTHM OF TIME

As most of us know Jordan Rudess is the keyboardplayer of Dream Theater and the LTE project. And he's a very skilled one I can tell you. To me it was not really a suprise he had made some solo albums but I had never thought he made so many. Rhythm of Time is one of his latest and to date I'm not sure how many of his discography I will check out in the future. Could be quite a few because despite the fact that I was already aware of his ultimate class I wasn't sure how good his solo works would be. Good enough to keep me curious, that's for sure.

Time Crunch is a great energetic track setting the tone for the rest of the album. 4*.

Screaming Head is one of the two tracks on which we can admire Joe Satriani. Always nice to hear something by him. This track is a bit slower than previous but still up tempo most of the time. 4,25*.

Insectsamongus is a funny sounding tune in the beginning like something from the roaring twenties at least where Jordan's contribution is concerned. Later on it gets more fusion like with all kinds of twists and turns in sound and style. Versatile track.4*.

Next is one of the two tracks where vocals are used (Kip Winger). Beyond Tomorrow is questioned by some other reviewers but I'm not ashamed to admit this laid back song is one of my favourites of this album. Great melody and composition. 4,25*.

Bar hopping with mr.Picky is another fast and furious fusion track with some nice guitar by Steve Morse this time besides the obvious shining Rudess. 4*.

What Four is the second track with extreme variation this time even some semi classical play by Jordan. Also here Steve Morse on guitar. 4*.

Ra is a bit heavier coming close to Liquid Tension Experiment style. Jordan does some resemble play like on Scenes from a Memory by DT. Good thinking. 3,75*.

Tear before the Rain is the second song with vocal contribution by Kip Winger. This one is even more vocal than Beyond Tomorrow but imo not as good. Still 3,75*.

Looking at the ratings for each song this is a piece of cake for the final rating. A more clear case of 4 stars I hardly ever witnessed. Great album and recommended for every Rudess fan and also for DT and LTE-fans but they will have to realize that this is not prog metal. The right category of music lovers I want to recommend this album to is the fusion fans because that's the style the average sound comes closes to.