Released on September 27, 2022, Crazy Times is the second album from Sammy Hagar & the Circle. The songs and recording are organic, straight ahead, and not overly produced. The songs have good melodies and good riffs, but what is missing is some of the slick pop elements you would find on a Sammy Hagar single. Which is not a bad thing.
The album rocks pretty much from start to finish. The sound and vibe is more of a mid-tempo, gritty, bluesy, hard rock. It more or less sounding like a record that would go well in the 70s, reminiscent of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, with a delightful combination of acoustic and electric guitars.
The record starts with "Intro: The Beginning of the End." Good acoustic guitar, with jovial singalong vocal melodies and good intro to the album clocking just under two minutes. "Slow Drain" has a nice grungy guitar riff that fits well with the rest of the songs on the album. Michael Anthony's background vocals are ethereal."Feed Your Head" has a mix of cliché rock and blues riffs, but is overall satisfying and the mastership of the musicians keeps it interesting.
"Pump it Up" is an Elvis Costello and the Attractions cover that is not bad, but I prefer the original version though.
"Be Still" is a stellar mixture of acoustic and electric guitars. Nice and jangly. The song reminds me of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone" and "Crazy" by Aerosmith. "You Get what you Pay for" is a fun rocker and could have been a staple on 70s FM rock radio while "Crazy Times" has a captivating opening, while the song rocks with an urgent groove.
"Funky Feng Shui" is a deliciously funky song. The band is tight and funking all the way. The only thing I dislike about this song is Sammy's lyrics. It is just juvenile and at almost 75 years of age ranks high on the 'eeeeewwww' scale, but the little blue pill does wonders.
"Father Time" is an enjoyable acoustic guitar song that you can sing at a campfire. It is a reflective and autobiographical song. The theme of the song reminds me of Rod Stewart's "Every Picture tells a Story."
"Childhoods End" is the darkest song on the album. A sinister rocker similar to Pink Floyd, but it shines rays of hope with a reprise of the intro with electric guitars defying the darkness. "2120" is the best song on the album, I believe. A fantastic rocker that you can crank up in your car with the windows down on an eternal summer day.
"Father Time - Acoustic" is just what it is. A wistful reprise of the track with 12 string guitar.
Overall, the album sounds like a bunch of old friends getting together to just make music they enjoy without all the trappings of having a hit record. It sounds like they are playing just for fun and the enjoyment of their friendship and musicianship.
Speaking of musicianships, the band is in excellent form. Sammy's vocals are still spot on. Michael Anthony bass playing is solid and his voice is angelic as ever. Vic Johnson's guitar playing is loose and tight while Jason Bonham throws in solid grooves and fills.
If you are looking for a refreshing, honest, edgy, and fun hard rock album, "Crazy Times" is a sure winner.
Rating: 4 out of 5 guitar picks.
Band
- Michael Anthony–bass guitar, vocals
- Jason Bonham–drums, percussion
- Sammy Hagar–lead vocals, guitars
- Vic Johnson–lead guitar, vocals
Produced by Dave Cobb
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