Sadly, I don't get too excited about Sammy Hagar releases, these days. The Red Rocker died many years ago for me, once he formed the Waboritas. Since then, he has been closer to a wanna be Jimmy Buffet, than the Red Rocker. I had hope with Chickenfoot, but they come off a little stale and tired. Alot of star power, but not a lot of substance.
In hearing of the upcoming Hagar release, my ears perked up, because it was going to be an album, that was a retrospective of his career. He was going to do some stuff with Montrose and the original Hagar band as well as try to mend the fence with Van Halen. Unfortunately, the VH brothers squashed that one, before it got legs. Since the VH brothers weren't cooperating, Sammy went back to the drawing board and decided to do a record with his friends. Little did I know, he had so many country friends ARGHHH!!!!
Just as I feared, this album is an abomination. Okay, to be fair there are a few redeeming qualities, Neal Schon was involved. When I heard that, I instantly thought HSAS, but got something else. Neal was featured on two covers. Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode) and Going Down (Don Nix). Out of the two, Going Down is probably, the more listenable. It would have been cool if they would have written something new together, because I think that would have come off better than the covers.
I think the saddest thing for me on this record, is Sammy's increasing love for country music and Jimmy Buffet style island music. Unfortunately, when the songs, Bad on Ford's and Chevorlets, Margaritaville and All We Need is an Island, come on the stereo, I can't hit the skip button quick enough. To be fair there are a few listen able tunes, but that is about it. I know Sam doesn't need the money anymore, so he can put out what he wants, but before he hangs it up, I wish he would put out one more solid hard rock album, just for his core fans.
Standout Tracks: Going Down, Knockdown Dragout and Winding Down.
Bottom Line: Sammy, once again, disappointing and sinking further down to where many of us just won't care anymore. Another subpar record from one the greats. Hopefully he'll want to rock again and we'll get one more good one, before he hangs up his red sneaks.
-Ragman was bummed to be this harsh, but wanted to be honest. He just wants his red rocker back.