When Hagar joined Van Halen in the 80's he often brought a more serious subject matter to the songs expanding the band beyond David Lee Roth's sophomoric lyrical content. On the Chickenfoot CD the two worlds collide a bit. There are plenty of songs that deal with sexy legs, breasts and thighs like the catchy "Sexy Little Thing" which finds Anthony and Smith connecting for a raucous radio friendly ride in the pocket. "My Kinda Girl", "Oh Yeah", "Get It Up" also mine the band's testosterone fueled take on appreciating the opposite sex.

But, the band also has a more mature side - after all - they aren't quite adolescents at this point in their career. Take the opener, "Avenida Revolution" for example. This cut lets the listener know the guys in Chickenfoot care about current events as it deals with the ongoing rampant drugs wars in Tijuana that hits way to close to home for Sammy and the boys in the band.

"Learning to Fall" is the closest thing to a ballad on the disc and is a reflective look at vulnerability in a long-term relationship that soars on Satriani's expressive solo work. While not quite the Eagles - the Chickenfoot CD features quality harmonies from Joe and Michael - which are showcased nicely on this track.

Speaking of the "Satch" his work on the record is laudable for his quality tone that underpins every song on the CD. There are shrieks and shredding galore that finally finds Joe fitting in perfectly in a band situation. The rhythm section features one of the best in rock with the two-man team of bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith working in tight unison throughout.

As for Hagar, he's in strong voice and seems determined to make a statement and he now has the free range to do so. No longer hen-pecked by comparisons to DLR - or burdened by the fickle whims of EVH - Sammy sounds refreshed and energized as never before. On the set closer "Future In The Past" Hagar declares that he's "saved the best for last" - and it's hard to argue with him. At the very least, this effort puts him and the band back near the top of the hard rock pecking order.

On their inaugural album there's no secret ingredient holding the Chickenfoot franchise together - just time tested musical chemistry. The formula is plain to see - take four talented musicians with something still to prove the world - and then shake, bake and serve it up hot. Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith have done just that - no doubt their customers will be back for more.

Satriani, Hagar, Anthony and Smith recorded the album with producer Andy Johns, whose resume includes works by Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Hagar and Anthony had previously worked with Johns on Van Halen's 1991 album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.

Some people like their chicken cold but the "Chickenfoot" CD will be packaged in heat-sensitive artwork, which means when you put your hand on the cover to warm up the contents, photos of the band members will be revealed behind the CHICKENFOOT band logo. Here's the "Chickenfoot" track listing:

01. Avenida Revolution
02. Soap on a Rope
03. Sexy Little Thing
04. Oh Yeah
05. Runnin' Out
06. Get It Up
07. Down the Drain
08. My Kinda Girl
09. Learning to Fall
10. Turnin' Left
11. Future in the Past

Related Links: For more information on CHICKENFOOT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- chickenfoot.us | Buy Chickenfoot

Originally Published: 06/07/2009 on Kweevak.com