Asklemmy

I'm a Satriani fan and, while I totally disagree with you calling him a mediocre song writer, I can't help but understand your point about Searching and Made of Tears. If that's your sample of his music I totally understand your view.

Searching is just a catchy Whammy trick followed by an unending jam/solo. It's very uncharacteristic of him. Made of Tears is not a bad song (one of the best on Super Colossal and it's not a good thing) but is definitely off what I was used to hear from him when that album came out.

The thing is, if you want to know what Satch is about you have to hear what he did before Super Colossal. I like Super Colossal. But for me it's when his fire died. Sure, you can still hear his genius there but only on the occasional song. For me Ten Words is the last song where you find that. One of his most simple songs. It's an appropriate farewell. What came after is still good...but it's not mind-blowing.

Super Colossal came out in 2006, you should hear what he did before if you want to know why he's considered one of the most melodic guitar players ever. Is There Love in Space already has some signs of his "downfall" but you have to be Searching them (wink, wink).

Before that everything is genius and everything is different. I'd say, in my opinion, he hit his peak on the 2 albums before that (Crystal Planet and Strange Beautiful Music). But even before those two you have lots of material showing what he used to be about.

Steve Vai is maybe more original. It's a matter of preference. But I've only felt about him the same way as old Satch on 2 albums. The rest is nice but meh. I am looking forward to their collaboration though, it gave me good vibes.