Even though artists are proud of their catalogs, for the most part, one album or song is often appreciated a bit more than the rest. So, while chatting with Paltrocast, Sammy Hagar discussed touring with the Circle, making a new record at his age, and the album he feels most proud of.
You would think he’d have named one of his hits with Van Halen or his solo works, but Hagar had something else in mind. The singer’s pick for the record he was most proud of didn’t only depend on the quality of music in the said album but also how much energy and thought the 75-year-old rocker had put into it.
“Right now, I’m actually most proud of the new album ‘Crazy Times,’” revealed Sammy and shared why he prided himself in the Circle’s latest album. “Because, at my age, I didn’t plan on making records anymore. At this point, I thought to myself, ‘I’ve sold millions of records through the years, and I’ve had some of the biggest hits in the world, so how can you top that?’”
He mentioned how his perspective as an artist changed over the years and why working with producer Dave Cobb was the best. Hagar said, “When you’re younger, you are just so hungry and energetic, but as you get older, you wonder how you can top those accomplishments. And I still can’t believe that I made this record now, but Dave Cobb brought something out of me. That’s why I think he’s the best producer in the world.”
He continued, “So I’m just really proud that I have that much enthusiasm, energy, and creativity to do something like this. Honestly, I’m prouder of doing this record than I am of all the number-one songs, music videos, and awards that I’ve won throughout my career. I mean, those were great, and they are validation of success, but they are just sitting on my mantle, and when I look at them, I don’t really feel anything.”
So, even though he’d fronted one of the most cult rock bands of all time and created some major commercial successes, ‘Crazy Times’ clearly holds a special place in his heart. Hagar said, “But when I listen to this new album in my car, or at home, or anywhere else, I just get goosebumps, and I could cry because they are just so special to me.”
So, Sammy’s pick of ‘Crazy Times’ as the record he was most proud of wasn’t only because it was the best album he’d ever produced. Hagar pointed out that he’d made some great hits over the years, but ‘Crazy Times’ wasn’t about producing hits; it was about getting into the studio at his age, recording a creative album, doing his best, and enjoying it.
