Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot III (2011)
The most highly hyped album of 2011, Chickenfoot III is finally here! The hype machine has been in full gear for several weeks for the latest opus from Chickenfoot. Sammy Hagar has called this his best work to date. I usually don’t buy into all of this hysteria. As much as I love Sammy I think he has had a few “Mas Tequila’s” to make a statement like that… but I digress.
So what are my expectations on a new Chickenfoot album? With Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, Chad Smith and Sammy Hagar making music together, I would expect something on the level of Van Halen. Their debut together was good, but not quite what I expected. I have the same feelings about Chickenfoot III, however this album is definitely better than the band’s debut.
This album is a bit of a grower. The music is good, if not exceptional in most cases. Joe Satriani absolutely brings it for Chickenfoot’s sophomore long player. His guitar work on this album, is easily his best yet for Chickenfoot. His guitar solos are pure hard rock perfection. I couldn’t be happier with this guitar playing.
Sammy Hagar’s vocals are always top notch, and the Red Rocker proves he is still on the top of his game on Chickenfoot III. The trademark sound of Van Halen returns on Chickenfoot III as Michael Anthony provides plenty of his higher octave background vocals. I love hearing Mikey sing with Sammy! This always brings me some happy Van Halen memories. He gets plenty of opportunities to do so on Chickenfoot III.
After the first couple of spins, I have to admit that I wasn’t super impressed with Chickenfoot III, but my opinion has changed after multiple listens. This is the type of album that takes a few plays to fully appreciate. This is a deeper record, and a little more complex than the debut. It takes a little more for it to sink in (At least it did for me).
I have played Chickenfoot III several times now and there are a few tracks that I believe could be radio hits.
The standout tracks are “Alright, Alright”, “Different Devil”, and the album’s first single “Big Foot”and “Dubai Blues”. “Up Next” has some pretty cool lyrics that I get a kick out of each time I hear it. “Dubai Blues” is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The hidden bonus track “No Change” is pretty cool too!
So the bottomline is this: Is Chickenfoot III worth picking up? Absolutely!! Is this Sammy Hagar’s best work? I don’t think so, but it is still pretty damn good. The scary thing is, I don’t think we have heard the best from Chickenfoot yet. If you enjoyed the first Chickenfoot album, you are going to like this one too.
On a side note, You ought to purchase the CD, instead of the digital downloads. If you don’t, you are missing out on a cool special edition of this CD that comes complete with a set of 3D glasses, and pictures of (you guessed it) Chickenfoot in 3D. The special edition also includes a cool Making of Bonus DVD, which made me appreciate Chickenfoot III that much more.
Chickenfoot III hit stores on Tuesday September 27th. You can pick up the bonus edition at this link!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Last Temptation 4:02
2. Alright Alright 4:39
3. Different Devil 4:25
4. Up Next 4:33
5. Lighten Up 5:12
6. Come Closer 4:08
7. Three and a Half Letters 4:08
8. Big Foot 3:50
9. Dubai Blues 5:03
10. Something Gone Wrong 5:16
11. No Change ( Hidden Track) 4:24
Chickenfoot is:
Sammy Hagar – Lead and Background Vocals
Joe Satriani – Guitars
Michael Anthony – Bass and Background Vocals
Chad Smith – Drums and Percussion
Leave A Comment ↓
Yep, this record is definitely a grower. I’ve only gotten to play it twice so far, and it hasn’t grown on me yet. I’m sure it will, but right at this moment, the songs are still pretty lackluster to my ears.
I’ve given it one listen so far, and while enjoyable, I wasn’t astonished. I agree, I think it’ll take a few more listens. Not a huge Satriani fan, but with Sammy at the helm, I’ll deal with. It’s amazing that he’s 63 years old!