Standing Hampton

Standing Hampton is a record that concentrates the pleasure of American hard rock centered on Sammy Hagar’s breaking-through high register and thick guitar. The songs are clear, and the strength of the hooks and a positive drive run powerfully through the whole. It is an early landmark that established his popularity as a solo artist. From the great lift of “Heavy Metal,” also known from a soundtrack, and the drive of “There’s Only One Way to Rock” to the freshness of “Fall in Love Again,” every song has a momentum as if heading toward a live venue, while a cover of “Piece of My Heart,” known too from Janis Joplin, and the heat of “Baby’s on Fire” give the album breadth. It is a record in Sammy’s manner where an unforced openness and sure vocal ability join at a high level. A clean-handed choice to win on clear hooks and the power of the singing rather than flashy tricks feels good. Fully displaying his appeal as the “Red Rocker,” it is a fulfilling record holding both momentum and polish.