Chickenfoot | III (Three)
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer —
What started off as a fun-jam between four of the biggest names in contemporary rock developed into one of the biggest album sellers of 2009. With their debut album having exceeded half a million copies sold, one could bet a fortune that the all-star band would record and market a follow up album. Humorously titled Three, is Chickenfoot’s second studio album featuring the established and stellar line up of lead singer, guitarist Sammy Haggar, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, flamboyant bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith.
Musically Three is not that far away from the debut album as the quartet once again brings to front their brand of bluesy hard-rock-heavy rock n’ roll. Much like its predecessor Three is a festival of grooves, attitude-filled lyrics and party rock anthems. Arguably, what makes Chickenfoot so appealing is the fact that none of these rock stars perform to the peak of their ability, evidently prioritizing songwriting and rock-vibe over the technical aspects.
“Last Temptation” is the power rock opener that you would more than expect from the band. “Alright Alright” is the sing-along, perhaps too obvious rocker which never the less hits the spot and gets the party started. “Different Devil” is the album’s first ballad, and a real artistic challenge of the group as they combine west coast AOR style atmosphere with their characteristic bluesy groove while the end result is an absolute success, easily one of the most impressive compositions found on Three. “Up Next” recaptures the ‘Foot’-beat this time in a heavier manner with hacked-up riffs by Joe and staccato drumming from Chad’s part, a macho rocker with an undercurrent of sarcasm in the lyrics courtesy of the “Red Rocker” Hagar.
“Lighten Pp” once again lifts the mood of the album in preparation for “Come Closer” another landmark ballad with an irresistible beat and smooth chords concluding in such a harmonious chorus that almost hurts- a night time radio hit guaranteed. Following is “Three and a Half Letters,” a sociopolitical as-it-gets tune, addresses the current state of the world, overall an unexpected inclusion for a Chickenfoot album, directly contrasting the overall vibe of Three. Finally the shreddy “Big Foot” recaptures Chickenfoot’s original style which dominates the final three songs of the album.
The limited edition of the album comes in a digi-pack featuring a bonus DVD with the making of the album plus extras. Instead of a booklet one gets four snapshots (a portrait of each member in the studio) captured in 3D complemented by paper 3D glasses. The making of, is a funny video actually, including commentary from Sammy, Joe and Michael accompanied by the promo video of Big Foot (where Kenny Arnoff stands in for Chad), the promo video of the debut album “Sexy Little Thing” and a live performance of “Turning Left” taken from their live DVD.
Genre: Bluesy Hard Rock
Line up:
Sammy Hagar – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Joe Satriani – lead guitar, keyboards
Michael Anthony – bass guitar, backing vocals
Chad Smith – drums, percussion
Track list:
1. “Last Temptation” 4:02
2. “Alright Alright” 4:39
3. “Different Devil” 4:24
4. “Up Next” 4:33
5. “Lighten Up” 5:12
6. “Come Closer” 4:08
7. “Three and a Half Letters” 4:07
8. “Big Foot” 3:49
9. “Dubai Blues” 5:02
10. “Something Going Wrong” 5:16
11. “No Change (Hidden track)”
Label: http://www.ear-music.net/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10