Rough Edge: Chickenfoot CD Reviews

CHICKENFOOT

"III" (Entertainment One; 2011)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Chickenfoot's "III" is more of what you’ve come to expect from the band. It’s solid hard rock from beginning to end with the occasional radio-friendly classic rock ballad that Sammy Hagar is so good at. Of course, it isn't just Sammy that makes "III" so interesting -- the band also includes Michael Anthony, Chad Smith and Joe Satriani, superstars all.

Many of the tracks here are a little more serious than you might expect from Sammy Hagar’s most popular love songs and party songs. There are lyrics on "III" about the economy and other things that aren't the usual party and let's-get-laid lyrics. Hagar has shown flashes of that more mature trend in recent years with his other bands and solo projects and "III" continues the trend. Of course, if you enjoy the party lyrics as much as I do, there's plenty of that to be found on "III" as well.

There's really no point in describing the music on "III" because, with that line-up, you know it's going to be great ... and it is. "III" is a great album to listen to over and over again. I hope this band is around for a long time to come.

Sammy Hagar has written more adult, more mature lyrics in recent years and the Chickenfoot 3 CD is no exception. It’s not the usual, let’s get laid, let’s party lyrics. The result is a more mature sound.

For more information, check out http://www.chickenfoot.us.

"Chickenfoot" (Fontana; 2009)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Chickenfoot. Sounds like a name of a bad fast foot chain. However, that could not be farther from the truth. Chickenfoot is Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith. That's what I call a supergroup.

This release is rock'n'roll. Period. It is what it is: no record company bullshit, nothing to get in the way of the music. When a band is in a right place, it shows in their music and Chickenfoot is in the right place at the right time and their musical presentation is close to perfection.

Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony are, of course, ex-Van Halen, Chad Smith is currently still with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Joe Satriani is ... well, Joe Satriani, 'nuff said. Separately, they are musicians who have played worldwide and sold millions of albums; together the chemistry is undeniable and this recording is simply rock'n'roll majesty.

I seem to be spinning my wheels here. In plain English: Chickenfoot rocks!!

For more information, check out http://www.chickenfoot.us.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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