The average solo cd of the average guitar player is usually a reviewer’s worst nightmare (besides the annual Christmas cd`s of course). All these local heroes showing off just how good (read fast) they can play their instrument. Anand’s Joy 4 Ever is however not one of these albums. This Dutch guitar player reaches further than most of his colleagues, by turning the songs into the most important thing on the album. A lot of attention has been put into the compositions and structures of the different tracks.

Especially the drumming on “Joy 4 Ever” really adds to the music. Of course Anand had to do some sinning on this fine release. “Get Laid” is a track that combines drumming like an intercity train with fighter jet speed guitar stuff. This track is saved by a nice melody in the chorus, but is still without a doubt the weakest song on the album. The only other (minor) point of criticism is the horrible “4” in the title of the cd. Why not just call this album “Joy Forever”?