CD REVIEW: SAMMY HAGAR – Sammy & Friends

Label: Frontiers Records

Release Date: September 24, 2013

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

To be completely honest, I love just about anything Sammy touches.  The sampler I was provided for the new disc is no exception to the rule.  This four track disc has the key components that help make any Hagar disc special.  “Bad On Fords And Chevrolets” (with Ronnie Dunn, David Lauser, Mona Gnader, & Vic Johnson) is a cool country rocker.  Sammy’s first swing at country is a killer track that encompasses the cool of country along with the grit of rock.  The groove sets the pace for the rest of the this listening session.  “Father Sun” (with Denny Carmassi & Aaron Hagar) is a different track for Sammy in sound and feel.  The lyrics are a play on themselves, as this song features his own son Aaron.  The different instruments utilized on this track make you wonder what Sammy has been doing all these years sticking to guitar driven rock.  “Knockdown Dragout” (with Kid Rock, JOe Satriani, and Denny Carmassi) is a short track that features Kid Rock.  As a Detroiter, Sammy fan, and Kid Rock fan, this songs steals the show.  The rhythm of the track, combined with the lyrics as sung by Sammy and Rock really make this an infectious track that should go over well live for years to come.  “Personal Jesus” (with Neal Schon, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith) is probably the least typical track on the disc, as Sammy and his friends take this Depeche Mode track for a spin.  The end result is a  cool version that you won’t hear anywhere else and that you would never have expected from Hagar.  This blues filled version smolders along and keeps the foot tapping while you sing along to those familiar words.  The rest of the disc should be killer… we shall see on September 24.  With special guest including Taj MAhal, Bill Church, Toby Keith, Nancy Wilson, and Mickey Hart, this is bound to be stellar.

http://www.sammyandfriends.com

https://www.facebook.com/SammyHagar

Category: CD Reviews