847. Chickenfoot / Chickenfoot III. 2011. 2/5

Following on from the success of the first album, Chickenfoot came back together to record the follow up, titled for whatever reason you may like to come up with as Chickenfoot III. The initial album and subsequent tour had gone well, and that success and enjoyment of the four members together enticed them to see if the lightning could be captured in the bottle twice.

In the long run, this album is more of the same that was produced on the first album without a lot of change in the vibe or the style or the songs, but occasionally just enough to make you wonder just what was going on. I honestly thought the opening track "Last Temptation" was a Soundgarden song. Not only the music, but Sammy even sing the first few bars in a very Chris Cornell register. Not a bad song but just not what was expected. "Alright Alright" gets a little repetitive, while "Different Devil" settles comfortably in that soft rock genre, where you can almost be lulled into believing you are listening to a Van Halen song from Sammy and Michael's final days in the band.
The songs follow a simplified path, with a tendency to throw in a more bluesy feel in some places than was necessarily the case on the debut album. "Big Foot" and "Dubai Blues" show the biggest influence in that regards. "Something Going Wrong" is the token soft rock ballad of the album, tapping into that almost country rock feeling with harmony vocals over the top of the guitar. Heading very close to Bob Segar country, which is a little disturbing. If this was the closing number on the album it would be somewhat of a travesty. Fortunately, the 'Hidden Bonus Track' entitled "No Change" is the closer in most aspects, and its up tempo high energy collateral helps to wipe the bad taste from the mouth and end the album on a much better and deserved note.

While I enjoyed Chickenfoot for what it was without ever really developing a great love for it, I have found with Chickenfoot III that I am unable to find the same level of harmony. While the band obviously has the talent and the people to make some really top shelf albums, their style just hasn't grabbed me. It's funny that the final track on the album is the one I find the most love for, and it was supposed to be a hidden track. Those that enjoy this style of hard rock will find plenty here to like. Others like me who were looking for more would probably do best to give this a miss.

Rating: They lied, on high about YOU and ME, baby!  2/5