Second albums are notoriously hard to pull off and this could be the reason behind the cheeky titling of Chickenfoot’s second record. Of course it could also have been a little dig at the ill fated 1998 Van Halen release but who knows? What I do know is that I haven’t stopped listening to Chickenfoot III since it arrived in the post.

If there was any pressure in the Chickenfoot camp then there’s no sign of it on this record. Yes the band aren’t breaking any new ground here but they do what they do with consummate ease and the combination of Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani as a songwriting partnership is really paying off. I personally love the way that Joe has eased into being part of a band despite over two decades of virtuoso solo work under his belt. He knows just how much to play and there is no grandstanding on any of the tracks despite Joe insane ability as a guitar player.

Highlights include, ‘Three and a half letters’, a powerful social/economic commentary inspired by all the letters Sammy has received in recent times. ‘Come Closer’ a poignant ballad that sees the band in a completely different dynamic and Different Devil, a track that echoes some of Sammy’s finest work with Van Halen.

Whilst this record won’t be for die hard early Van Halen fans or those looking for a more contemporary rock record, this is an album full of classic rock riffs, hooks and melodies that that rewards repeat listening. With material like this and the chemistry in the band it looks like Chickenfoot’s upcoming live shows will be something very special indeed!

Three and a Half Letters Video

Big Foot Video

Check out the full listings for Chickenfoot III below.

Chickenfoot will perform two UK concerts in January 2012 as part of a 5-date European tour; dates include Manchester Academy (Jan 12) and London’s O2 Academy Brixton on (Jan 14), followed by concerts in Paris, Tilburg and Dusseldorf. These are the band’s first European shows since July 2009, and will see them perform songs from their gold-selling eponymous debut album, alongside tracks from the new album ‘III’. Tickets are available from – http://bit.ly/qs8Srm.