by Brian D. Holland.

The self-titled CD from Chickenfoot was released on June 5, 2009. For the unaware, Chickenfoot is: Sammy Hagar on vocals (ex-Van Halen, Montrose), Joe Satriani on guitar (solo progressive guitar god), Michael Anthony on bass and backing vocals (ex-Van Halen), and Chad Smith on drums and backing vocals (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Can everyone say supergroup?

It's always an interesting and exciting event when a new supergroup comes along and releases its first album. Simultaneously, though, the excitement brings massive amounts of speculation and skepticism along with it, mainly because fans either love the idea of such a combination of musicians playing together, or they have a great deal of trouble even imagining it. Some wonder whether or not such an integrated bunch can even pull it off and make it work. That said, when it comes to Chickenfoot, it would be an understatement of sorts to say it's merely something that's working, because it's working excellently, and the debut CD is incredible rock 'n' roll. The fact that a summer tour has already been planned says loads about the optimism and confidence these four guys and everyone involved have in the music.

It's nice to see two great American iconic rockers like Hagar and Anthony get involved in a venture that's seriously solid and worthwhile, particularly outside the domineering constraints of the Van Halen brothers. They're certainly deserving of it, and rock fans love them. Just consider the lead vocal wail of Van Halen part II, along with their backing vocals and driving bass runs. Add into the mix the amazing rock and dexterous ability of Joe Satriani and his signature Ibanez axe. In my opinion, it's only right that Joe would get into a project like this eventually. The way his solo albums rock, what band wouldn't want Satch as their guitarist (a rhetorical question for sure)? Then, add into the mix the amazing percussive ability of Chad Smith, whose rhythmic responsibility on the drum stool with the Red Hot Chili Peppers says enough about his ability. The creation has been titled Chickenfoot, and they're one hell of a rockin' quartet.

Concerned with the street in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, that runs alongside the US/Mexican border, "Avenida Revolucion" begins the album with an otherworldly shred of guitar notes. The thunderously driving rocker is an excellent intro example into what transpires throughout the album. The arrangement is powerful and full, with a lot of depth and dimension in sound. The follower, "Soap On A Rope," is rocked up and funky. This track and some of the others are a lot like vintage Van Halen. The difference is that there's more thunder and drive to the songs. The instruments are doing more, if you can believe it. Satch's tangential fretwork is extravagant and amazing throughout.

"Sexy Little Thing" is a kickass song, a definite crowd pleaser. It's unquestionably my pick as favorite, and could easily be put up on a pedestal as one of the best creations anyone in the band has been involved with. And that surely says a lot. Debuted on the Conan O'Brien show recently, the next one is "Oh, Yeah," and it certainly has no problem following its amazing predecessor on the album, as the rocked-up power does not let up one bit. In fact, that's true for most of the CD, all except for "Learning To Fall," which takes the mellow road. After all, any real fan of the music of Sammy Hagar knows that an album wouldn't be complete without at least one tasteful power ballad. This is it. Satch keeps it multidimensional and potent throughout with engaging solos and booming chops.

Chickenfoot is the best thing to happen to rock music in years. There's not a bad song on the album and it rocks from start to finish. Truly worthy of the title "Supergroup," let's hope they stick around for a while and don't end up a flash in the pan. Rock needs bands like this.

Chickenfoot Track Listing
1. Avenida Revolucion
2. Soap On A Rope
3. Sexy Little Thing
4. Oh Yeah
5. Runnin' Out
6. Get It Up
7. Down The Drain
8. My Kinda Girl
9. Learning To Fall
10. Turnin' Left
11. Future Is The Past

Label: Fontana Distribution
Producer: Andy Johns
Mixer: Mike Fraser

Links:
Chickenfoot
Chickenfoot on Amazon