Keep Listening, It Gets Better. Really!
The Evil Mr. Jones | Missouri | 08/06/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you gave up on "Red Voodoo" before the title song (track 4) started, give it another chance. While there is nothing here that can match the calibre of classic Sammy (Standing Hampton, Three Lock Box, and VOA era), there are songs here that are worth a listen. Just skip the first three.The album kicks off with its big hit, "Mas Tequilla." This song is an obvious Gary Glitter ripoff and has the distinct feel of a product endorsement. It's OK as a party song, but if you're looking for a good listening experience (and you're not drunk), listen on.The next two tracks get even worse. Sammy "shagging" someone? Puh-leeeze! And "Sympathy For The Human" must be the worst song Sammy Hagar has ever recorded, be it with Montrose, Van Halen, or solo.But with the start of the title track, things start to pick up considerably. The remainder of this disc has a good mix of ballads and rockers. While nothing's the equivalent of "I Can't Drive 55," it makes for a good listen. Better yet, as the album plays on, it gets better, peaking with the excellent "Right on Right" and ending with "Returning Of The Wish," the best ballad here.I would have given this album 4 stars if the first three tracks had been omitted, and 5 if they had been replaced with something that even approached the quality of classics like "55" and "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy." If you don't have any of Sammy's earlier (pre-VH) work, buy it first. Otherwise, "Red Voodoo" is worth a spin."
SAMMY DOES IT AGAIN, THE RED ROCKER AT HIS FINEST!!!!
The Evil Mr. Jones | 04/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Attention:" Ladies and Gentlemen, Hobos and Tramps, Cross-eyed Mosquitos and Bow-legged Ants:" it just doesn't get any better than this. Sammy Hagar is the ULTIMATE Red Rocker!!! Some just get better with age and he is the best. What a fun collection of tunes from those that rock like Mas Tequila and Red Voodoo to the ballad of Returning of the Wish along with every song in between. I've been a Sammy fan since his earliest days and he really knows how to make music that makes you feel better just for listening. He always has a positive message in his songs, something these new bands could learn from!! This is the kind of music we need more of, so those of you in the music industry sit up and take notice: this is what your listeners want. Can hardly wait till he tours!!!! Sammy, You're the BEST. Long live vitamin T and the Red Rocker. ROCK ON!!"
Red voodoo is Good, but not great
CIYC@catalinas.net | California | 04/04/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This new collection of songs is simple good rock and roll but there seems to be something missing. The guitar work on this album just does not stand up to sammy's voice. The one thing that would make these songs great would be the magic and power of Eddie Van Halen's guitar. Eddie Van Halen complemented Sammy's voice so well. It is difficult to listen to this after hearing all the great stuff he did with Van Halen."