Space Between

Space Between is the first studio album under the name Sammy Hagar & the Circle, pulling together hard rock’s drive, the softness of blues and a life-surveying song into one. Around Sammy’s lively voice, the playing of Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson creates a generous, powerful groove. From the drive of the opener “Devil Came to Philly” and the spaciousness of “Wide Open Space” to the melody of “Free Man” and “Trust Fund Baby,” the songs deliver fulfilling rock and roll. A song like “Trust Fund Baby” in particular holds a sharp social gaze, yet it never turns preachy, and the strength of the riffs and the pure joy of playing with friends are always to the fore. Its great appeal is that it sounds a veteran’s ease not as decline but as a sense of release. The unified groove created by skilled members and Sammy’s soaring voice mesh beautifully. Uniting bold rock and a generous gaze on life, it is a powerful, fulfilling band record.