Keep It to Yourself

Although it prominently features the guitar fireworks of former Frank Zappa axeman Mike Keneally, Mullmuzzler's Keep It to Yourself is unquestionably James LaBrie's showcase. Taking a leave from his day job as the lead singer of Dream Theater, LaBrie co-wrote most of the tracks here and had the most input concerning the album's direction. The lyrics are among his most personal to date, which helps atone for the songs' tendency to forego a sense of restraint, whether the music's tone is bombastic or sentimental. It's closer to classic '70s hard rock than Dream Theater's music, more along the lines of Queen or Rush, so fans will get a nice change of pace.