Customer Reviews

Livin' It Up

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

It's hard to believe that an entire decade has gone by since Sammy Hagar was fired from Van Halen because, according to Eddie Van Halen, "his work ethic sucked." Well, it appears that ten years after the fact, it is Sammy Hagar that has the last laugh. While Eddie Van Halen has spent these last ten years drinking and chain smoking (despite having a tumor on his tongue) more than anything else, (oh yeah, they released that classic "Van Halen 3") Sammy Hagar has released a total of six albums, in addition to a multitude of other successful business ventures.

Including Montrose, HSAS, Van Halen and live albums, "Livin' it Up" (2006) is Sammy's twenty-fifth album. It's his fourth album with his band "the Wabos" (David Lauser-drums, Vic Johnson-drums, Mona-bass) and his first album of new music in four years.

While Sammy's last few albums "Ten 13" (2000) and "Not 4 Sale" (2002) were more of a return to an 80s AOR style of Sammy's Geffen golden years, "Livin' it Up" is probably most comparable to Sammy's second post-VH album "Red Voodoo" (the Wabos debut) in that both are party/lifestyle albums. There's no 80s style arena rockers here, as "Livin' it Up" treads more on Jimmy Buffet/Van Morrison territory.

Eleven songs total, "Livin' it Up" has a real live, organic feel. It sounds as though the band just went in and recorded an album without a lot of overdubs or technical studio wizardry. In other words, while Sammy and comp. put a lot of time into writing a strong album, it wasn't over-thought or overdone. Going on 60, Sammy's songwriting and knack for good hooks and grooves is as sharp as ever.

"Livin' it Up" is not very challenging album and it doesn't break any new ground. It's just an irrelevant, fun, laid-back collection of songs that Sammy fans are sure to love. "Livin it Up" is THE album to blast from your beach house in Cabo or Jersery this summer.

I've been a Hagar fan since his Montrose days. He's done better. I really like that every album is distinct and has a profoundly different sound, a lot like U2. Each album has its standout tunes and it seems that this disk's standout is a cover of a Chesney tune. Sure, it's a great tune, but it's not an original Sammy work. As a longtime Redhead, I regret to say that this album isn't one of Sammy's better works. There's no worry of wearing out this CD the way I've worn out Standing Hampton or even Red Voodoo. This album has two, maybe three good tunes, those being I Love This Bar and One Sip. The rest is passable for die hard fans, but this album is unlikely to win any new ones. I'll stick to Sammy's previous work and his work with VH. This one is most likely going to remain on the shelf most of the time. Sorry, Sammy. Love you like a brother, but you've done better.

I've been a VH fan for years and years. I've loved Hagar's work with them as well as his solo work. As a matter of fact, I still listen to his self-titled album (aka I Never Said Goodbye) and think it stands the test of time. Let's face it, Sammy was never known as a lyrical giant - but he has hit an all-time low. This album is just plain pathetic! Every tune on it is a blatant advertisement for his resort and/or his tequila. Give me a break! Can't you find something else to sing about??? This album reminds me of Hollywood's take at a Buffet album - and not an early Buffet album but one of his more recent releases. If you're looking for bad lyrics that advertise Sammy Hagar's club and product lines - then this is the album for you!

Come on, Sammy. Four covers on one album...in a row. A Toby Keith, a Keith Chesney, a Bob Dylan, and ....One of you're own? "Halfway to Memphis" was on the Not 4 Sale album.

Sad thing, those are the best songs on the album. Don't get me wrong, "Sam I Am", "Mexico", and "Sailin'" are okay, but it isn't Red Voodoo.

I'm a big Sammy fan. I have most all the music he's done since VOA, and quite a bit before that, but I beleive this is a miss.

He's had much better hits.

Of course, it is Sammy, so I'll continue to listen. It isn't a bad album, but Sammy is better than this.

Sorry....The Red Rocker's gone all softy on us.
And country too boot!
This albumn is...well...YUCK!
I've been a Sammy fan since the days of Montrose, and he's always brought the goods. But this album is for Buffett lovers, NOT ROCKERS!
If you plan on continuing down this path Sam, at least change your name to the Red Necker or somethin'.
Actually, one star is more than this deserves.

upon first listening to this I was a little shocked at the mellow direction of this CD. I'm not saying it sucked, in anyway, but I guess I expected more rockers that what's on here. Sammy Hagar meets Jimmy Buffett HOWEVER...
I'll tell you what, after going back to work and not hearing it, i found myself humming some of these tracks in my mind. "Sam I Am" and his version of Toby Keith's "I love this Bar" are my 2 favorites, but they're all good. The songs may not rock as one would expect, but I'll be danged if these songs ain't catchy! Sammy always has a way of writing songs that catch my attention. He may suprise, but NEVER dissapoints!!!
I highly recommend it!

This album from top to bottom is the direction I knew Sammy would end up at eventually.
From the bluesy self described "Sam I Am" to an awesome summer-vaca tune in "Livin on the Coastline" with his great vocals and the Wabo's background vocals. "Mexico" and "Livin' it Up" are bit harder edged with some fine guitar by Vic Johnson and rythmic percussion.

My favorite song is "I Love this Bar", a Toby Keith re-make with a Sammy twist to the lyrics.
"One Sip" sums up to be a country-south of the border song. "Rainy Day Women" is twist on a Bob Dylan tune. Certainly Sammy believes in what he sings. Enjoyable and quite suprising is the new re-make of "Halfway to Memphis" off of the Wabo's 2002 album "Not For Sale". It has a slower tempo and more rythmic. The lyrics on "Sailin'" push the theme even further. Just close your eyes and the wave are rollin. Sammy shows he has not lost an ounce vocally. "Let Me Take You There" is yet another successfull "retro" remake of "I'll Take You There".

"Someday" is a beautifull ballad finally made into a studio track. I had heard a "bootleg" off his website several years ago and had always wished it would be made in the studio.

Congrats to the Wabo's for an excellent job!
The cover art says it all. LET" GO TO CABO! 5 Stars*****

Five "HARD ROCKIN'" Stars for one of the great lead voices in Rock. Totally enjoyable performances with a little soul, a little country, and tons of rock! Sammy Hagar and the Wabos are sizzling from the beginning track to the end. One listen to his latest studio effort and it makes me want to hop a plane to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico RIGHT NOW! Bring on the Wabo-ritas! The Red Rockin' front man lays out some tantilizing rock, which is a built-in advertisement for coastal Mexico, the Cabo Wabo Cantina, the tequila, the women, the life-style, but most of all, the music. No music, no Sammy! And on this CD, it's all about 'rockin' hard' with a theme.

One listen to the songs and this CD says "come on down" (from "Livin' On A Coastline") to meet the man and his music; but if not, play the CD and make the mental trip to the sun, the shore, and the music. Sammy's soulful rock hits home with songs like "Sam I Am", "Mexico" (great timbales), "The Way We Live", "I Love This Bar", "One Sip", and a wild jazzy version of Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" with a great back beat.

My 'Pieces De Resistance', the best of the best, are the funky "Sam I Am" with some great blues guitar licks and Sam taking his AWESOME voice to the edge, the rocking "Livin' On A Coastline", "Sailin' " (No, not Chris Cross' song: more soulful and hard hitting), a tremendous version of the Staple Singer's classic "Let Me Take You There" ("I'll Take You There"), and the very hopeful "Someday", reminding me of Otis Redding. This is great rock, which is also shameless advertising of a lifestyle that makes many of us envious of the Red Rocker. Score another great CD for Sammy Hagar. He's a "Bad Motor Scooter". Highly Recommended!! Five 'Hard Rockin' Stars!!
Rock On, Dude!!
(This review is based on an 11 track ITunes Download.)

The best part of writing this review is that I'm listening to the CD while sitting at my computer. It is very good.

I saw Sammy when I was in high school (on the "VOA" tour) and later when he fronted Van Halen. He is much better as a solo act and his material is also better when not diluted by the VH brothers. This album is a testament to that.

"Livin' It Up!" is not what I expected. I had thought/hoped it would be similar to "Ten 13," but of course it is not. Nonetheless, this is a FUN album. "Sam I Am" is a clever bluesy song that integrates a lot of references to his past (VH's "Ice Cream Man" is also mentioned) and - as a fan of Sammy since "Standing Hampton" - I found this fully enjoyable.

The rest of the CD is also well-written (except for the Bob Dylan cover, which sucked then and sucks now). There are several fun songs on this album, my favorite being, "I Love This Bar." "Mexico" and "The Way We Live" are also good, non-serious songs. If you're cruising down Route One (I'm on the East Coast) this is the *perfect* CD to be playing in your car.

There is nothing on this CD that is breaking new ground, but damn this is a good album! I read that Sammy is pushing 60 - hard to believe in itself - but the Red Rocker still Rocks! I'm 38 y.o. and have evolved from "Heavy Metal." I would not have bought this CD 20 years ago, but I appreciate it today. The Wabos rock and Sammy can still croon. "Livin' It Up" is what Jimmy Buffett would sound like if he had a little more talent. Nothing too serious, but very feel-good music.

Sammy and the Wabos' "Livin' It Up!" will transport you to the Cantina in Cabo. "Sam I Am" lets you know who you're going with, "Living on a Coastline" creates the scene for you and "Mexico" tells you where you're going. Then, "The Way We Live" sets the stage with requirements during your stay. Sammy starts the show by introducing you to his friends with Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" and "One Sip", which was written by the Hillbilly Rock Star himself, Kenny Chesney. The party is in full swing by the time Sammy and the Wabos break out Bob Dylan's little ditty for the old heads. Time to mellow out alittle with "Halfway to Memphis" which has a distinct country guitar sound and "Sailin" that wisks you out to sea and back. Now that you are refreshed, its time to groove on the dance floor with an 80's dance track cover, "Let me Take you There." Last but not least, "Someday" reminds you of what really matters and brings you back safely. The trip is definitely worth it and highly recommended. An impressive and interesting view into the heart and soul of the blue, white and Red Rocker.