SAMMY HAGAR released a solo album "Sammy Hagar & Friends" on lately through Frontiers Records. Sammy Hagar from California was a well-known member of Hard Rock band VAN HALEN and CHICKENFOOT while also attributing to himself numerous solos albums. Participating on the album are well known musicians: Kid Rock, Nancy Wilson (HEART), Toby Keith, Taj Mahal, Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), Michael Anthony (ex-VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT), Neal Schon (JOURNEY), Chad Smith & Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT), Bill Church & Denny Carmassi (MONTROSE) and The Wabos.

"Not Going Down" was one of my first likeable tunes with interesting heavy riffs and ultimately recognisable voice of Hagar. There is a feel of CHIKENFOOT, quite evident, producing Funk elements and rockin' Bluely sound. The bass work by Bill Church added a special twist to the song. One of the best collaborations I have listened to in a while. "Knockdown Dragout" is an energetic piece with Joe Satriani on guitar and Kid Rock on vocals, practically brilliant, one of the best on the release, so catchy song that glued itself to my cortex. "Father Sun" is a worthy tune, rather diverse, from gentle acoustic guitar and harmonica to stronger riffs with a resemblance to DEEP PURPLE. "Bad On Fords and Chevrolets" is another nail biter of Rock 'N' Roll with fast paced rockin riffs & melodic singing by Hagar. "Winding Down", the opener, reveals Bluesy guitars and a Country / Southern aura. "All We Need Is An Island" portrays relaxing sounds and singing with female vocalist Nancy Wilson (HEART). "Going Down" hanging on with a great performance, powerful riffs driven by vintage Hard Rock. Also there is Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", a cover with a rocking climate, memorable chorus and choir singing that appeared to me like gospel. The cover for DEPECHE MODE's old hit, "Personal Jesus", is an amazing work, peppy riffery, fantastic guitar solo and Hagar completing the all-around performance with elegance.

SAMMY HAGAR's new recordings really had me going. It features everything from Classic Rock to the modern tangs of Hard Rock, yet I guess that most of its content is actually Blues 70's oriented Hard Rock with a few ticks and bits picturing memorable songs. I recommend this album to every fan of classic Hard Rock and Blues.