Red Voodoo
It might appear unseemly for a fiftysomething singer to be praising the consumption ofmas tequila. But thisisSammy Hagar we're talking about, the overgrown beach boy who owns a club in party-central Cabo San Lucas and boasts his own brand of tequila. Hagar's second solo album since departingVan Halencontinues down the blues-based, fun-infused path the Red Rocker has traveled since his days withMontrose. Here Hagar borrows hints of theStones,ZZ Top, and evenGary Glitter. The likable if juvenile "Shag" (as in "You make me want to shag you, baby") is balanced against "The Love," "Right on Right," and "Returning of the Wish," all strong, more "serious" songs. Hagar's whiskey- (or is that tequila-?) soaked voice is by turns sultry and playful, the guitar work scorching and soulful. OnRed Voodoo, Hagar has once again proved himself deft and irresistible when it comes to penning middlebrow party anthems.--Katherine Turman