I’ve put this under progressive rock. It doesn’t exactly fit there, but I would think that prog fans would be a big audience for the album. This set is almost entirely instrumental and also almost completely made up of acoustic guitar solos. It’s often intricate and leaning toward classical territory, yet these are covers of songs, many of them rock and pop tunes. However you label it, this is a great collection for fans of acoustic guitar.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025 Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
Tears in Heaven
Here we get an acoustic guitar solo treatment of the Eric Clapton song. There is a bit of a Latin guitar vibe built into this.
Europa
Intricate and powerful, this is such a cool tune. It’s not a huge change from the opener, but it does feel more artsy. This is a Santana adaptation.
Cinema Paradiso Main Theme
This number lands more along the lines of classical music territory.
Just the Two of Us
Here we find ourselves in Bill Withers territory. This is another rousing acoustic guitar treatment.
What a Wonderful World
This classic is such a beautiful piece of music. This acoustic guitar take lands nearer to classical music.
Dream On
Here we are treated to an acoustic guitar solo version of the classic Aerosmith song. I’ve always been a huge fan of the tune, so this has a special place for me on the album.
Moon River
Here’s another cool old chestnut delivered on acoustic guitar. It’s also another effective piece that leans toward classical music.
Stairway to Heaven
I have to say, if you are going to do “Stairway to Heaven,” the way to do it is something like this, completely reinventing it. This acoustic guitar rendition works really. It’s another song that has a very special place in my heart, so this one really speaks to me.
I Will Always Love You
This Whitney Houston song gets quite a pretty telling here.
Every Breath You Take
A classic from the Police gets the acoustic guitar treatment here. This one works well.
Amapola
Here we have a Spanish language song originally recorded in 1920, It’s classy stuff in this guitar-only version.
Cogiendo Rosas
Here we get the sole original track on the disc. It’s another effective acoustic guitar solo piece.
Spanish Harlem with Ben E. King
This cut features vocals. You probably got that from the “with” part, right? It’s actually a full arrangement. While it’s a nice change, and Ben E. King is great, I think I prefer the guitar only stuff. I’m not overly crazy about the arrangement on this.
Yesterday
Now we’re in Beatles territory. This treatment is particularly effective on this number.
Spanish Harlem (Instrumental)
The acoustic guitar manages to shine brighter here. I do think that presenting it without the vocals makes it fit the album better. Still, it’s not one of the strongest things here.
