Chickenfoot III

Chickenfoot | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Entertainment One Music
• ASIN: B005ELZKWS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (159 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,101 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Having established themselves in record time as one of the earths premier rock bands with their Gold-certified 2009 self-titled debut, Chickenfoot the illustrious, virtuosic supergroup formed by singing legend Sammy Hagar, guitar god Joe Satriani, and the renowned rhythm section of bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith approached the initial stages of recording their new album, Chickenfoot III, with supreme confidence and a firm sense of intention.



They, of course, had good reasons to feel cocky: There were the high-octane, hook-o-rama singles, Oh Yeah, Sexy Little Thing and My Kinda Girl. Then there were the riveting live shows, starting with a sold-out-within-seconds Road Test run of clubs and ending a year later with a sold-out-within-seconds world tour of large halls. The not-so-little engine that could definitely did...time after time.



Beyond the obvious, however, something more important happened during Chickenfoots rise to the top of the rock: They became a band. A real band. We went from being a weekend fun-time thing to making a record and touring the world, says Sammy Hagar. Our learning curve was fast even for us. But we went out every night to kick ass and prove that we weren t resting on our laurels. We earned everything we got, and along the way, we established a trust in one another that happens very rarely in bands. To me, it s magical.



It was that very trust factor that allowed Joe Satriani to approach Hagar during the demoing stage of the new album and express this wish: I want to hear you sing differently, he told the vocalist. You have light and shades to your voice that have never been on record. I want to hear you do new things. Hagar accepted Satrianis words as a challenge, and then he threw down the gauntlet: Fine. But you ve got to bring it too, Joe. I want to hear you play guitar like you never have. We shook hands on that.



And so it was that Chickenfoot set about making the heart-pounding and high-minded Chickenfoot III. And they did it at the perfect time, too. In an era when the relevance of the album as an art form is under close scrutiny, Chickenfoot III is a superlative, rip-roaring rock n roll disc that simply must be experienced from start to finish. Tough yet full of intricate textures, played by musicians at the top of their game, this is the kind of record that bands both young and old dream of making.



Its the best record Ive ever been a part of, Hagar says unashamedly. Songwriting-wise, playing-wise, we reached a level I ve hoped was possible. There s nothing this band cant do. I m convinced of it.



The origins of Chickenfoot III began to take shape in early 2010 as Satriani and Hagar exchanged song ideas while the group was still on tour. Throughout that year, Satriani sent the band demos in various forms of completion. Then, in February of this year, Chickenfoot convened in Hagars warehouse studio (affectionately dubbed the Foot Locker ) to hash out the material. On board was veteran, award-winning engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica), who was also serving as co-producer with the group. According to Michael Anthony, We thought we might still be demoing at this point, but the sounds Mike Fraser got were extraordinary. Plus, the spontaneity in the room was incredible. The musical chemistry was undeniable. Suddenly, it was like, Might as well roll tape. We re making a record!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a Killer Album September 27, 2011

By Bonzo Millan

Format:Audio CD

The criticisms of Chickenfoot's self-titled debut (including shallow, half-baked lyrics and a lack of depth) cannot be said of Chickenfoot III. Better songwriting, a good deal more depth both musically and sonically, plenty of late-1960s/early-1970s classic rock vibe, and slicker production make for one hell of an album, and this sophomore effort marks a definite and big step forward.

The highlights: Last Temptation, the opener, is hard, bluesy, and chunky, with a good dose of attitude and a guitar solo that comes out of nowhere. Satriani must have been thinking Hendrix when he wrote the music for Up Next, a dark, thumping song with one hell of a guitar solo. Lighten Up is even darker, and might be seen as Chickenfoot plus Deep Purple; it has a killer hook and a killer vibe. This is a big damn song with a lot going on. Big Foot, on the other hand, is a straight-up, no-BS driving tune with some funny lyrics. Dubai Blues: Sweet groove with a sweet, bluesy, dirty hook and excellent back-and-forth between the vocals and Satriani, who provides a couple of solos that are among his best. There are three songs that tilt toward the lighter side; Different Devil, Come Closer (a great, soulful track), and Something Gone Wrong show Chickenfoot's deeper side. The album closes by kicking things back up, with a hidden track called No Change -- push past the political lyrics, and you'll find a killer song with a killer vibe that showcases everyone in the band giving 110%. And that's the essence of Chickenfoot III: Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Mike Anthony, and Chad Smith all have had amazing careers full of amazing moments. Here, the band sounds as tight as any other band in peak form. Chickenfoot III will stand as one of the best things any of them has ever done.

I will say it again: This is one hell of an album.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 70's Rockers Rejoice September 27, 2011

By Rocket Jock

Format:MP3 Music

The subject matter on many of these songs is a bit darker/serious and more complex than their first release but the hook and groove on most of the tracks curls the lip and makes the head nod. The guys really visit their roots and it shows in many of the riffs Joe has provided. Backup vocals with Michael seem to be focal point throughout as well which is fine by me. Production is slick and polished. Tracks that shine are "3 1/2 letters" (spoken word which jumps off the beaten path a bit but really connects Sammy's voice has held up remarkably well for all the years of belting it but it does seem a bit strained a time or two. Joe is Joe, bow down and grovel. "Dubai Blues" is straight up taught by pros, listen and learn. "BigFoot" in non-complicated fun. "Up Next" awesome hook and Joe's solo brings back a lot of good memories and makes me smile. Know that every track isn't a headbanger's wet dream, the "Foot" show a mature tempo on a lot of the tracks. If you are expecting something new and completely different pick it up someday but if you are a fan of Sammy and boys that make up the "Foot" this album will not disappoint.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Album. Powerful. Five Stars. February 9, 2012

By S. M. Fisher

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Let's say up front that I never bought into the whole David vs. Sammy thing. I never called Van Halen "Van Hagar" when Sammy was in the band. While I loved all of the early Van Halen albums (still do), I was just as crazy about the Van Halen albums with Sammy up front.

What's astonishing is just how FRIGGIN' GOOD Sammy still is after all these years. The guy hasn't lost a step. He is incredible on this album.

I think it was a great choice sticking with Michael Anthony, and an even better choice bringing on Joe Satriani. (You may or may not recall how David Lee Roth picked up Steve Vai when he went solo. Probably the only real contender on the planet to set up against Eddie Van Halen. Well, Joe Satriani was Steve Vai's instructor. Satriani might be the third worthy candidate to roll with these rockers.)

The way the band comes together on this album is some kind of magnificent. They play together as if they were made for each other. Everything is TIGHT and STRONG. The riffs are awesome, the guitar tone exquisite, the bass and drums driving (in the way VH fans will definitely appreciate).

Altogether -- great album. Great songs. And an amazingly fluid and flawless super-concoction of killer talent.

Great stuff.

Great, great stuff.