Album Description:
"Standing Hampton" is the 1981 studio album by American rock musician Sammy Hagar. The album marks a significant point in Hagar's career as it was his first album to achieve commercial success, reaching #28 on the US Billboard 200 and being certified platinum by the RIAA.
"Standing Hampton" showcases Hagar's versatility as a musician, incorporating a variety of musical styles ranging from hard rock, heavy metal, and pop rock. The opening track, "I'll Fall in Love Again," is a high-energy rock song with a catchy chorus that exemplifies Hagar's ability to write a hit song. "There's Only One Way to Rock" is another standout track, featuring a driving guitar riff and an anthemic chorus that has become a staple of Hagar's live performances. "Baby's on Fire" and "Heavy Metal" are both hard-hitting songs that showcase Hagar's ability to write and perform heavy metal music.
The lyrics on Standing Hampton are a mix of love songs, party anthems, and songs that deal with social and political issues. "I'll Fall in Love Again" is a love song that has become a classic in Hagar's repertoire. The lyrics deal with the idea of giving love another chance and hoping for a better outcome.
Standing Hampton received positive reviews from music critics upon its release. Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine described it as "one of Hagar's finest records, boasting a winning set of party anthems, arena rockers, and power ballads." The album's success helped establish Hagar as a solo artist, paving the way for his future success with Van Halen and as a solo artist.
The model sitting on a chair on the front cover of the 1981 Sammy Hagar album "Standing Hampton" is Patty McGuire. Patty McGuire was Playboy's Playmate of the Month in November 1976 and went on to become Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1977. Her image was used for the album cover, adding to its provocative and eye-catching nature.
