This album was originally released without a special title; it was just “Sammy Hagar”. It took me years to find this CD, and when I finally did, I snatched it up and locked it away.

This is one of Sammy’s very best efforts; “Give to Live” even survived to be re-recorded on a live “Van Halen” album. “Boy’s Night Out” is a guys-only anthem that hasn’t been heard since “Cruisin’ and Boozin’” (from the Red album). Want your spirit to soar? Play “Eagles Fly”; this song will make you feel like a hero. And guys, if you’ve got a woman you’d crawl through broken glass for, you have to play “Hands and Knees” for her.

Sammy has done many other albums that are as good as this one, but none of them are quite LIKE this one. You have to have this one or you can’t call yourself a Hagar fan.

I’ve had this CD now for about 10 years and it is Still played regularly on the CD player as it is still an excellent album! Although his other CDs are great too, I think this is the best of the bunch. It has great ballads (Eagles Fly & Give To Live) and even better rockers (Back Into You, When The Hammer Falls Down, Privacy, etc.)! This album has it all. You won’t be sorry.

This was the album Sammy had to do to fill out his contract. He was in the middle of putting out more great rock with Van Halen. He had a little help from his friends on this project. The music is well writen and the music is first rate!! Many fans blow this CD off, but trust me, many true treasures to be found on this CD.

This album was recorded between Van Halen’s 5150 and OU812 and has a solo Hagar feel to it. Two of Sammy’s biggest ballads “Give to Live” and “Eagles Fly” are here, but don’t forget about the rocker “Back into You” (GREAT TUNE!!). Like most of Sammy Hagar’s work, this album is full of happy party style rock mixed with an occasional song with thoughtful and somewhat deep lyrics. Hagar is an outstanding songwriter, which is evident in this recording.

THE BAND: Sammy Hagar (vocals, guitar), Eddie Van Halen (bass), Jesse Harms (keyboards), David Lauser (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1987) 10 tracks clocking in at approximately 45 minutes. Included with the disc is a 6-page black/white booklet containing song credits/titles/times, song lyrics, and thank you’s. Recorded at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Label – Geffen.

COMMENTS: Hagar had all ready joined Van Halen when this album came out. Since Van Halen’s “5150″ (from 1986) grabbed so many headlines, I was actually surprised to see this solo Sammy album reach the light of day. Can you say contractual obligation (with Geffen)? No rest for the weary though… Hagar’s been a songwriter since the early 70’s with Montrose, so kicking out songs comes naturally to the red rocker. I think of solo Hagar material in two eras – the 1st era being the 70’s and early/mid 80’s; and the 2nd era being the late 80’s and after. Hagar has some classics from era-1… “Standing Hampton” (1981), “Three Lock Box” (1983) and “VOA” (1984). This self titled 1987 release (also known to as “I Never Said Goodbye”) is the first classic of the later Sammy era. While a very solid album, I still can’t help but rank it behind the 3 early classics mentioned above from ‘81-84. The melodies are front and center here, and the lyrics a distant 2nd. Hagar is not so much into singing about fast cars, women, and rock & roll anymore as much as he now wants to sing about love, relationships and philosophy (and even his family on later albums)… not that there’s anything wrong with that (I guess). Sammy is aging, and you can tell by his written words. The album has a few solid rockers – the opener “When The Hammer Falls”, and the one rebellious tune “Boys Night Out”. A few mid tempo songs – “What They Gonna Say Now”, “Returning Home”, a Cheap Trick wannabe – “Privacy”, and two power ballads that garnered nationwide attention from the FM radio stations – “Give To Live” and “Eagles Fly”… both great tunes. A solid and polished album with many a good song… but not as hard and rocking as his earlier material. Essential – you bet (4.5 stars).