SAMMY HAGAR – VOA [Japan remaster SHM-CD] (2013 / 2018)

It was about time for the best ’80s SAMMY HAGAR albums to receive a SHM-CD release. Four of them were released in Japan on the excellent cardboard sleeve Mini LP format, freshly remastered and with the usual, complete original artwork reproduction.
“VOA” was the last solo album released by Hagar before he joined Van Halen. The title of the record is a reference to the Voice Of America broadcast network.

Although “VOA” is not Sammy’s best solo album, we have chosen this CD to present here because it’s the more AOR, ’80s Radio oriented in his discography and brings a lot memories of the golden days of the genre.

When I say not his best, I mean it’s a bit short – only 8 tracks – but the songs are catchy, plenty of keyboards, sharp riffs and tons of backing vocals.

You have the two successful singles “I Can’t Drive 55” (one of his best rockers ever) and the lovable “Two Sides Of Love”, then I love the guitar work on “Dick In The Dirt”, the intensity of “Rock Is In My Blood” and the pure early eighties of “Swept Away”, which alternates dreamy acoustic guitar-laden verses with driving hard-rocking choruses.

There are some albums that make a difference in your life. You remember where you were and what you were up to when it came out. “VOA” is one of those albums for me, and musically truly represents the mid-’80s on all aspects (the good and the bad).

While this SHM-CD is currently sold out, “VOA” was recently re-issued as part of the 2018 Japanese ‘HR/HM 1000’ series using the same, stupendous 2013 remaster. It’s not a SHM-CD, but the price it’s only U$S 9.
It worth every cent.
Highly Recommended

Japan LTD Mini LP SHM-CD ~ UICY-75597

01 – I Can’t Drive 55
02 – Swept Away
03 – Rock Is In My Blood
04 – Two Sides Of Love
05 – Dick In The Dirt
06 – VOA
07 – Don’t Make Me Wait
08 – Burnin’ Down The City

Sammy Hagar: lead vocals, guitar
Gary Pihl: guitar, backing vocals
Jesse Harms: keyboards, backing vocals
Bill Church: bass, backing vocals
David Lauser: drums, backing vocals
Ted “Champagne” Templeman: percussion, producer

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-75597
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-78629
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