Thursday, September 10, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Passion and Warfare, by Steve Vai


In 1990 former Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake guitarist extraordinaire Steve Vai put out his second solo album Passion and Warfare which to date is his most highly regarded work from his entire career. It features songs like Liberty, For the Love of God, I Would Love To, The Audience is Listening, etc. This was just as Vai's stint with Whitesnake was coming to a close, so he did have some guest appearances from his band mates.

Vai was definitely out to make a name for himself and prove that he was not just another flashy shredder who went from band to band. He wanted to show people just how well he could compose his own songs that were more than just cock rockers and did not require a singer. These songs definitely showcase his experimental nature. There is definitely a lot of shred, but there are also more precise and delicate nuances as well that keep the songs flowing and intriguing.

Liberty is by far one of my absolute favorite Steve Vai songs at all. Despite the fact that it is only a couple of minutes long and barely features any of Vai's signature speed, the melody really does bring a patriotic feeling to the listener. You feel proud to stand up and be part of your nation. It's fanfare-ish, triumphant, and powerful. This is a song that gets its message and intent across quite clearly even with no lyrics.

For the Love of God is Vai's signature song. Anyone who is a fan of Vai even a little bit knows the song. It is a slow song, but it is full of so many layers that it takes multiple deep listenings to truly appreciate everything it has to offer. There is shred, there is melody, there is emotion, there is intrigue. Supposedly Steve Vai recorded it on the fourth day of a ten day fast and did the whole entire thing in one take. That is pretty impressive to say the least.

For anyone who is a fan of the electric guitar/guitar music Passion and Warfare is an essential album. The songs are a wide variety of genres, though you really do get taken for one hell of a wild ride. However, that ride at the same time gives you moments to breathe and take in the beauty of the beautiful soundscapes being laid down. This album will definitely prove to you that you do NOT need a singer for a rock album to be good.

Passion and Warfare, by Steve Vai receives 4 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Liberty
2. Erotic Nightmares
3. The Animal
4. Answers
5. The Riddle
6. Ballerina 12/24
7. For the Love of God
8. The Audience is Listening
9. I Would Love To
10. Blue Powder
11. Greasy Kid's Stuff
12. Alien Water Kiss
13. Sisters
14. Love Secrets

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Warfare-Steve-Vai/dp/B0060ANXP8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441943166&sr=8-1&keywords=Passion+and+Warfare

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