Paul Gilbert's Albums: A Guitar God's Discography

Hey guitar fanatics! Ever wanted to dive deep into the musical world of Paul Gilbert? You're in luck! This article is your ultimate guide to Paul Gilbert's albums, from his shred-tastic solo work to his contributions to legendary bands like Racer X and Mr. Big. We're going to explore all the albums, talk about his signature guitar style, and maybe even uncover some hidden gems. So, grab your favorite axe, crank up the volume, and let's get started!

Early Days and the Birth of a Shredder: Racer X

Before Paul Gilbert became a household name in the world of guitar, he honed his skills in the high-octane band Racer X. This band was a breeding ground for his incredibly fast and technically proficient guitar playing. Racer X's music was all about speed, precision, and an unbridled passion for guitar. It was like a guitar-shredding Olympics! The band's debut album, Street Lethal (1986), was an immediate display of Gilbert's prodigious talent. The album was a showcase of his mind-blowing speed, intricate picking patterns, and a fearless approach to guitar. Tracks like "Loud and Clear" and "Frenzy" were instant classics for guitar enthusiasts, with Gilbert’s guitar work taking center stage. The band’s raw energy and Gilbert's flashy style perfectly complemented each other, making Street Lethal an unforgettable debut.

Second Heat (1987) built upon the foundation of Street Lethal, showcasing even further the band’s growth and Gilbert's developing skills. The songs were more complex, the solos more elaborate, and the overall musicality of the band elevated. Gilbert's contribution to the album, with tracks like "Scarified" and "Sunspots", solidified his status as a guitar virtuoso. His incredible speed and mastery of the instrument, combined with the band's energetic compositions, created a must-listen album for guitar aficionados. This album further cemented Racer X’s reputation for relentless energy and Gilbert’s blazing guitar skills.

Extreme Volume Live (1988) captured Racer X at their peak. It was a live album that truly demonstrated their skills and provided fans with a chance to witness the band's energy. Live recordings, such as the energetic renditions of “Y.R.O.” and “Hammering”, highlight Gilbert's unmatched ability to deliver his complex guitar work with incredible consistency and flair, even under the pressure of a live performance. This album is a testament to the band’s live prowess, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the intensity of a Racer X show. This album truly embodied the spirit of Racer X and gave fans a live taste of the band's music. The energy was incredible, the playing was flawless, and the performance left an indelible mark on hard rock history.

Technical Difficulties (1999) marked a reunion for Racer X. Gilbert returned to the band after his time with Mr. Big. This album was a return to Racer X’s roots, a blend of complex compositions, intricate arrangements, and, of course, Gilbert's incredible guitar work. The album showcased the band's growth and maturity, while still retaining their trademark energy and technical prowess. Gilbert, with his signature blend of speed and precision, made sure that the album met the high standards set by the band's early work, offering fans a fresh take on Racer X's sound while remaining true to the band's original spirit. Getting There (2002) continued the reunion, and while not as impactful as the previous album, it was a good addition to the band’s catalog. The band retained its high level of musicianship, and Gilbert’s guitar work was as impeccable as ever.

Mr. Big: Glam Metal Superstars and Global Success

After his stint with Racer X, Paul Gilbert joined Mr. Big, a band that catapulted him to mainstream success. This band, formed with Eric Martin on vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Pat Torpey on drums, combined Gilbert's guitar skills with strong songwriting, tight harmonies, and a glam metal aesthetic. The result was a series of albums that topped charts and earned them a global following.

Mr. Big's self-titled debut album, Mr. Big (1989), wasn't an instant smash, but it laid the groundwork for their future success. The album displayed a blend of hard rock and melodic sensibilities, and Gilbert’s guitar work provided a driving force behind the band's energy. Tracks like “Had Enough” and “Big Love” showed the band's ability to combine technical skill with catchy melodies. The album presented a solid introduction to the band's unique blend of musical talent and was a precursor to their future global stardom.

Lean Into It (1991) was the breakthrough album that made Mr. Big a household name. Featuring the iconic power ballad “To Be With You,” the album soared to the top of the charts. This ballad showed a softer side of the band. The album balanced this softness with hard rock anthems such as “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” and “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song),” which showcased Gilbert's trademark speed and technique. His guitar riffs and solos in these songs became instantly recognizable. It was a perfect blend of hard rock, pop sensibilities, and Gilbert’s incredible guitar playing. Lean Into It showed the world Mr. Big's versatility and cemented their place in rock history.

Bump Ahead (1993) continued the band's success. It retained the same blend of hard rock and catchy melodies, while pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories. While not as commercially successful as Lean Into It, it had its moments of brilliance. Gilbert's guitar work remained top-notch, with songs like “Wild World” and “Price of Love” showcasing his versatility. The album demonstrated the band's evolution and their ability to create engaging, memorable music. Hey Man (1996) brought a more mature sound. Get Over It (2000) maintained a high level of musicianship.

Mr. Big's reunion albums, including What If… (2011), …The Stories We Could Tell (2014), and Defying Gravity (2017), demonstrated their lasting power. These albums showcased their continued musical brilliance and Gilbert's ever-evolving guitar playing.

Going Solo: Paul Gilbert's Independent Journey

Paul Gilbert's solo career has been a playground for his musical experimentation. He has explored a wide range of styles, from instrumental shred to blues-infused rock, always pushing the boundaries of his guitar playing. He has a lot of albums. Here is a brief look at some of them:

Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (1991): This album featured Gilbert's personal interpretation of songs by Jimi Hendrix. Gilbert’s interpretation proved that he could not only play fast but could also show off his musical taste and interpretation. Gilbert delivered a tribute to a guitar legend that both honored Hendrix's music and showcased Gilbert’s unique approach. Gilbert's covers of classics like “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze” offered a fresh perspective while maintaining respect for the original compositions.

King of Clubs (1998): This was an instrumental album that served as a showcase for Gilbert’s instrumental prowess. This was a place where Gilbert could fully unleash his musical creativity and experimentation. The tracks were a mix of fast-paced shredding, intricate melodies, and moments of musical exploration. The album was a great display of his exceptional talent, attracting fans of his playing style and skill.

Burning Organ (2002): In this instrumental album, Gilbert embraced a heavier, more intense sound. This album combined his guitar work with the energy of hard rock and metal. He delivered intense performances, pushing his technical boundaries. This showcased his ability to evolve and experiment with different sounds.

Get Out of My Yard (2006): This instrumental album was a musical journey, showcasing Gilbert's versatility. Gilbert’s ability to create memorable songs was evident, even without the presence of vocals. This album further solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists in the industry, showing a different side of his musical creativity and craftsmanship. The music ranged from shred-heavy tracks to more melodic compositions. The response to this album was positive, solidifying Gilbert's standing as a versatile and skilled guitarist.

Silence Followed By a Deafening Roar (2008): In this album, Gilbert incorporated vocals. This album explored different styles of music and offered a wide range of sounds. The album provided a unique combination of catchy melodies, instrumental brilliance, and vocal performances. It was a well-received album that showed his ability to blend different genres and styles.

Fuzz Universe (2010): The album features a combination of instrumental and vocal tracks, showcasing Gilbert's versatility and musical depth. It explored a range of musical styles, including hard rock, blues, and pop. Gilbert demonstrated his ability to create engaging songs across various genres. The album had a positive reception from both fans and critics.

Vibrato (2012) and I Can Destroy (2015) : continued his solo work with a mix of shredding and strong songwriting. Behold Electric Guitar (2019): This album was a return to his hard-rock roots, focusing on raw energy and guitar-driven songs. Gilbert, known for his technical skill, used this album to show off a more blues-influenced playing style, and the album was appreciated by both fans and critics. It's a testament to Gilbert's ability to continuously evolve his musical approach.

Paul Gilbert: A Legacy of Guitar Excellence

Paul Gilbert is a guitar god, a virtuoso whose impact on the world of guitar is undeniable. His albums, from his early days with Racer X to his solo work, display a mastery of the instrument, a passion for music, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether you're a seasoned guitar player or just a music fan, exploring Paul Gilbert's albums is a rewarding experience, a deep dive into the mind of a true guitar legend. So, grab your guitar and enjoy the music!

I hope this comprehensive guide has helped you on your journey through Paul Gilbert's discography. Keep on shredding, friends!