CHICKENFOOT "III" Album Review

Chickenfoot (Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith & Michael Anthony) released their first album in 2009 and although it was a worthy effort I felt that they were holding something back.

I have got to admit, although a good album, I expected more from a supergroup.

Their second album,Chickenfoot "III", is released in amazing 3-D packaging with all formats (Deluxe CD/DVD Ltd. Edition, 12" Vinyl Edition & Standard Edition CD) coming complete with Chickenfoot 3-D glasses.

I can now understand why the second album is called, "III", as the band have gone up not one gear; but at least two on this effort.

This is definitely more like it.

This 10-track album runs for around 42 minutes, which means there are no fillers, quality not quantity.

Right from the hard rocking first track, "Last Temptation", the band show that they mean business.

This is followed by, "Alright, Alright", which is a catchy bluesy rock song and I found myself tapping away to Chad Smith's drum beat.

The most commercial sounding track is, "Different Devil"; and would not be out of place on a Sammy Hagar solo album.
I am a big fan of Sammy's solo stuff so that's fine with me.

There is a superb catchy riff on track four's, "Up Next", a song about immortality. Great guitar solo from Satriani also.

The first half of the CD comes to an end with the excellent stadium rocker, "Lighten Up", with Satriani once again excelling.

Track six is the soul type ballad, "Come Closer", doesn't really fit in with the rest of the album; but is certainly enjoyable and eases us in to the second half.

"Three And A Half Letters" is about the economic situation, "I need a job" sings Hagar.
Great vocals and guitar.

The album ends with two very strong tracks, namely the party rocker single, "Big Foot" and the excellent funky, bluesy, "Dubai Blues".

The final track, "Something Going Wrong", is a bit experimental; but after a few plays, it works for me.

To sum up, this is a much better effort than the band's debut and I am sure it will go platinum, make no mistake.

Hagar's vocals are still top notch, Satriani's guitar is excellent, Michael Anthony plays great bass (sings good backing vocals) and Smith is workmanlike on the drums.

The songs are strong, sometimes rather experimental; but not a duff track on the album.

If you are a rock fan then this is an definitely an essential purchase.

Roll on Chickenfoot "IV" or is that "V"?

CHICKENFOOT "III" Track Listing...

Last Temptation
Alright, Alright
Different Devil
Up Next
Lighten Up
Come Closer
Three And A Half Letters
Bigfoot
Dubai Blues
Something Going Wrong

CD/DVD Limited Edition also includes...
Chickenfoot III EPK
"Big Foot" promo video
"Turning Left" live in Phoenix
"Sexy Little Thing" promo video

CHICKENFOOT "III" is released on Monday, October 24th in the UK on earMUSIC

2011/2012 Dates...
Nov 1 - Warfield Theatre (SF, CA)
Nov 2 - Avalon Hollywood (LA, CA)
Nov 4 - The Pageant (St. Louis, MO)
Nov 5 - Metro (Chicago, IL)
Nov 8 - Webster Hall (New York, NY)
Jan 12 - Academy (Manchester, UK)
Jan 14 - Academy (Brixton, UK)
Jan 16 - Olympia (Paris, FR)
Jan 17 - O13 (Tilburg, NL)
Jan 19 - Electric Hall (Dusseldorf, DE)

www.chickenfoot.us