Released 50 years ago
Nine on a Ten Scale
Sammy Hagar · 1976
37 min · 9 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant fusion of hard rock energy and melodic hooks that defines the mid-70s rock landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Keep on Rockin’ Start here — This opening track captures the album's energetic spirit with its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, setting the tone for Hagar's hard rock style.
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China — With its lyrical exploration of longing and desire, this song showcases Hagar’s ability to blend personal storytelling with a powerful melody.
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Young Girl Blues — This extended track displays Hagar's vocal range and emotional depth, culminating in a passionate performance that resonates with themes of youth and loss.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and performance typical of its era but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies and prominent melodic hooks, characteristic of mid-70s hard rock.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, punchy listening sessions
- energetic driving soundtrack
- vibrant sing-along moments
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped solidify Hagar's reputation and national recognition.
- Themes
- mid-70s rock energy· personal longing
- Career context
- Released on May 1, 1976, Nine on a Ten Scale was Sammy Hagar's second solo album following his debut in 1974. At this point in his career, Hagar was transitioning from local success to national recognition, forging a unique identity that would later lead him to superstardom with Van Halen.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Lee Roth· Joe Satriani· Van Halen
Tracklist
- 1 Keep on Rockin’ Start here 2:54
- 2 Urban Guerilla 2:54
- 3 Flamingos Fly 4:26
- 4 China 3:07
- 5 Silver Lights 5:37
- 6 All American 3:54
- 7 Confession (Please Come Back) 3:19
- 8 Young Girl Blues 7:44
- 9 Rock ’n’ Roll Romeo 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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