Chickenfoot III is what you get when 4 guys, at the top of their game, get together to have fun. Though, cryptically it’s only their second album, it is leaps and bounds ahead of their debut.

It finally sounds like this ’super’ group have gelled and are producing the kind of arena battering rock that they should have, on paper, been doing already on their previous outing.

Last Temptation kicks the album off with some sweet bluesy Satriani licks and Hagar claiming he’s been a sinner all of his days, which is more than believable, more so than the claim that he’s changed his ways…

Now, we all know Sammy Hagar doesn’t write the deepest lyrics, but the thought of him turning up at the pearly gates to greet St Peter in a pair of speedos really puts the kaibosh on enjoying the rest of Up Next, which is a shame as there’s plenty of astounding guitar from Satriani to enjoy away from the dubious lyrics of the song.

The one thing that is unquestionable is the pure talent on show. Joe Satriani stands out with some exquisite guitar work as Lighten Up builds its layers into a sonic crescendo.

Then it gets a bit serious with Come Closer and Three and a Half Letters, the latter seeing Hagar giving a voice to some of Americas’ down-trodden souls, by reading out their letters.(The video of which you can see below)

Chad Smith gives the skins a workmanlike pounding throughout the album, giving it a rock-solid base but it truly is Satriani’s playing that leads the majority of songs, and with Michael Anthony’s groove laden bass line riding a wave underneath it’s a sound that is custom made to fill big rooms.

Closer Something Going Wrong is clearly a close relative of Wanted Dead or Alive and leaves the listener wanting more. It’s a fantastic way to finish the album.

I can’t wait to hear some of these songs live next year; I could however live happily ever after without ever imagining Sammy Hagar in his speedos again.

Doh!

Balls.

Ahhhhh!

Here’s the video: