Chickenfoot - Chickenfoot

Released in 2009, Chickenfoot is the "super group" of Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith.  From the opening notes of "Avenida Revolucion" I knew that this album was going to be a monster but it also made me realize two other things.  First, since the group is comprised of half of Van Halen (Hagar) that this disc should have been what the next VH album should have been with Sammy as the singer.  Second, while Eddie Van Halen is and was a groundbreaking guitarist in the late 70's and early 80's, it is clear that he has been surpassed in that department and the music for Van Halen was written to highlight his excellence and not for the betterment of the group.  Throughout the Chickenfoot album, it is clear that Michael Anthony is a better bass player than what was presented from his Van Halen days and that can be traced back to Joe Satriani.  Joe can easily write an instrumental with guitar solos that will go for the jugular like "One Big Rush" but this album shows he can do that and write as an equal for the group as well.  My favorite track on the CD is "Get It Up" which combines all of the elements mentioned along a great guitar hook.  The disc also highlights that Chad Smith is an excellent hard rock drummer.  He brings elements from Red Hot Chili Peppers but then takes it to another level.  The CD was re-released in 2012 with a bonus studio track "Bitten by the Wolf" and four live tracks which originally released on the Europe-only Chickenfoot LV.  The album is a must-have for a music enthusiastic collection.