Dreaming (Tell Me)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt ballad "Dreaming (Tell Me)" by Yngwie Malmsteen from his 1988 album Odyssey, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for some cool trivia! This power ballad, featuring the soulful vocals of Joe Lynn Turner, stands out as one of Malmsteen's most emotive tracks, blending his neoclassical guitar virtuosity with a mainstream rock sensibility. According to a review on Amazon.ca, the song's lyrics, like "dreaming visions of you, feeling the love I never knew," paired with Malmsteen's searing guitar work, create a heart-wrenching experience that "stills the heart." The track was a deliberate move toward radio-friendly appeal, with Turner’s vocals complementing Malmsteen’s intricate guitar melodies, making it a highlight of the album’s more polished, commercial sound.

Another tidbit comes from fan discussions on Metal Amino, where "Dreaming (Tell Me)" is praised for its emotional depth, countering critics who claim Malmsteen’s playing lacks feeling. Fans argue that this ballad, alongside others like "Save Our Love," showcases his ability to infuse technical prowess with genuine sentiment. The song’s creation was influenced by Malmsteen’s recovery from a near-fatal car accident in 1987, which left him with a damaged picking hand. Remarkably, as noted in a Cryptic Rock retrospective, his solos on Odyssey, including "Dreaming," remained "scorchingly fast," a testament to his resilience and dedication. The track also benefits from the atmospheric piano work of Jens Johansson, adding a dreamy layer to the song’s neoclassical vibe.

Yngwie Malmsteen, born Lars Johan Yngve Lannerbäck on June 30, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden, grew up in a musical family but showed little interest in music until a pivotal moment at age seven. As detailed in his Wikipedia bio, watching TV news of Jimi Hendrix’s death in 1970, particularly footage of Hendrix smashing and burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival, inspired Malmsteen to pick up the instrument, thinking, “This is really cool.” By his teens, he was heavily influenced by classical music, especially the virtuosic violin compositions of Niccolò Paganini and the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, shaping his signature neoclassical metal style. He played in local bands, including one with future Talisman bassist Marcel Jacob, honing his craft before catching the attention of Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney in 1982.

Malmsteen’s big break came when Varney brought him to the U.S. to join the band Steeler for their 1983 self-titled album, followed by a stint with Alcatrazz on their debut No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1984, he launched his solo career with Rising Force, establishing himself as a pioneer of neoclassical metal. His career, now spanning over 40 years with 22 studio albums, has cemented his reputation as one of the most technically accomplished guitarists, as noted by AllMusic’s Steve Huey. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Yngwie Malmsteen Fan Club on Facebook or explore fan discussions on MalmsteenForum.com, where Zoo Freaks can dive into the shred-tastic world of Yngwie’s music!