CHICKENFOOT

"I am very proud of the new album", says lead singer Sammy Hagar [in a recent press release]. "We're calling the album 'Chickenfoot III' because it's so good, the songs are so tight, it's like we jumped right past having to make a second record". You've got to love the guy's good natured, PMA (positive mental attitude) approach to life, something Hagar has carried with him since the MONTROSE days and it always comes out in anything in which he's involved. That's one reason that CHICKENFOOT's cheekily-titled sophomore album — and its predecessor — has such an uplifting and energetic vibe. Add to that the big rock hooks and the talents of guitarist Joe Satriani, drummer Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS),and bassist Michael Anthony (ex-VAN HALEN) and you end up with a winning effort.

"III" is a 100 percent authentic American rock 'n roll album that certainly benefits from its cast of all-star players, yet is defined more by the kind of chemistry that only the elite acts of our time have possessed. That chemistry combined with a much more consistent songwriting effort is what sets it apart most from its self-titled predecessor. Even with all the struttin' and swaggerin' rock 'n' roll of songs like "Last Temptation", and "Big Foot", and "Up Next", the quartet lets its individual personalities come through within the context of the song, not the least of which includes some serious funkiness and soul to go with Satriani's blazing – though never excessive — fretwork. Then there's a hot 'n funky foot-stomper like "Dubai Blues" that in many ways takes some of the best elements of all four members' careers. It is "Three and a Half Letters", however, that will sneak up and worm its way into your brain after a few spins, Hagar's spoken verse about a laid off, homeless veteran plunging further and further into the economic shit builds with an impeccable sense of tension to a chorus that is hard as nails. Once again playing the secret weapon role, bassist Michael Anthony is what makes the radio-friendly glow of "Different Devil" turn brightly lit with the silky smooth harmony vocals for which he has always been known. That CHICKENFOOT also manage to squeeze in an easy, breezy, and catchy number called "Come Closer" between granite slabs and make it fit like a glove is further evidence of the guys gelling as a band.

Oh yes, there's more. Given Hagar's affinity for classic acts like THE WHO, it's not surprising to hear some "Who's Next" era elements in the mix of "Lighten Up", just as it's no surprise that pop music roots that run as far back to THE BEATLES can be heard in the good-time beats and upbeat grooves of "Alright, Alright". This stuff just feels so damn right; as right as the days when driving blind drunk with the windows down and stereo cranked didn't seem so irresponsible.

That's 10 songs and 10 gems, folks. In other words, on "III", CHICKENFOOT puts the "album" in "rock album", ensuring that if you listen to one song, then you'll listen to 'em all. The guys in CHICKENFOOT claim to be all about the music. Damned if "III" doesn't sound like it!