Chickenfoot – 鈥楥hickenfoot III’
Sammy Hagar seems right at home within the talented confines of the hard-rocking coop of Chickenfoot. The Red Rocker is joined by guitar great Joe Satriani, ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith to deliver a rousing collection of classic rock that complements each of the four band members.
Hagar has said that “Chickenfoot III” is the best record he’s ever made. That’s quite a statement considering Hagar has released 11 solo albums and two albums with the group Montrose. “Bad Motor Scooter” is still one of my favorites from 1973. “Chickenfoot III” is actually the band’s second release. Why name it III? Well, that’s just Hagar being Hagar. The freewheeling frontman loves to go against the grain just for the heck of it. It’s hard to hit a sour note when you pack this kind of musical punch in one place.
The latest effort by the veteran rockers sounds very similar to the band’s eponymous 2009 debut featuring “life’s one big party and we’re first in line” theme. If you were a fan of Van Halen when Hagar shockingly replaced David Lee Roth, then you will love what Chickenfoot is offering. The group displays an aggressive edge on songs like “Last Temptation,” “Lighten Up” and “Big Foot.” “Alright Alright” is a straight up rocker that feels lifted from a Van Hagar recording session.
As hard as the band rocks, it’s the ballads that really leave a mark. “Different Devil” and “Come Closer” feature Hagar delivering an engaging vocal performance, proving that Hagar still has a lot left in his tank. “When I arrive at the Pearly Gates/Gonna have my swim suit on/Flip flops and a pair of shades/And ask the choir if I can sing along,” sings Hagar on “Up Next.” Once again, Hagar being Hagar.
After a long and fruitful career, it’s still good to be Hagar and he knows it.
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