The song selection includes all aspects of Sammy's impressive career. As a huge fan of both Sammy's solo stuff and especially his achievement as lead singer in
Van Halen I myself would have had a hard time picking the setlist since there is so many great songs to choose from. However, I do endorse the chosen setlist 95 percent. My only criticism is my favorite Hagar Halen album "Balance" is neglected and the lack of
High and Dry Again from the "Red Voodoo" album.
Not surprisingly this album offers loads of album highlights - from the early days of Montrose onto his time in
Van Halen and of course his countless solo albums.
There's only One way to Rock is delivered in a sparkling version very alike, when
Van Halen performed this Hagar solo track. Vic Johnston and Sammy provide some great guitar duels that reach same level as Eddie and Sammy's complementary guitars. The power ballad
Deeper Kinda Love from year 2000's "Ten 13" album is amazing. The song is emotional with a great signature riff. Newer solo tracks like the party tune
Mas Tequlia and
Litttle White Lie fit the hit based setlist perfectly.
This album is compiled from Sammy Hagar's US shows on his Tour with another ex-
Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth. It's a shame that the
Van Halen brothers haven't made any records since
Van Halen III with Gary Cherone, especially since there seems to be no bad blood between the ex-members.
Van Halen bass player and madman Michael Anthony joins Sammy on stage for a great version of the VH chart hit
Right Now. Furthermore Gary Cherone sings the first verse and backing vocals on
When it's Love. When hearing Gary's vocals you can easily hear that he was not the right guy for
Van Halen. His vocals are pretty weak on
When it's Love compared to Sammy Hagar's full vocals.
The
Van Halen classic
Why Can't This Be Love will always be remembered for it's hookline and Sammy's great vocals.
The album rounds off with a new studio track entitled
Hallelujah. The track is groovy, but the altogether direction follows Sammy's last solo albums. There's an organ solo imitating the sound of The Doors. However, the track does not rate among his best work, but still a nice bonus on this album.
Overall this is an excellent performance centered on the strong material from Sammy's long career. The Wabo's consist of competent players, who are doing the impossible - namely to fill the shoes of the
Van Halen rhythm section and the genius Eddie
Van Halen. Sammy vocals are top-notch making this a "must have" for Sammy Hagar fans. Hagar sounds in good form and as always in a good mood, which affects the album. The album is packed with happy Tequila Rock, so crack the bottle open and start the party.
Written by
Michael Wednesday, May 28, 2003
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