Let’s go back to 1978, when hard rock was burgeoning into a leviathan of music, and with the 80’s on the horizon. Around this time, the guitar was becoming a shredders paradise: Jimi helped popularize the trend of the shredding guitarist with his on stage mastery of the instrument. However, Eddie Van Halen would truly revolutionize the guitar for the mainstream audience within the debut album for his band.
Van Halen consisted of brothers Eddie and Alex on guitar and drums respectively, Michael Anthony on bass, and David Lee Roth on vocals. This talented group would be discovered in the Hollywood clubs by Ted Templeman and would secure a record contract in just under a week afterwards. This album was the result, and while initial reception was negative, overtime it has been recognized as a pillar of rock.
What’s important about Van Halen is that many of the band’s signature songs came off this album: “Runnin’ With the Devil,” “Eruption,” “Feel You’re Love Tonight,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” are the big examples. These songs have been staples of rock radio for decades, and that shows how much of an impact the band had.
Opening the album is “Runnin’ With the Devil,” and from the introductory sirens to the thumping bass riff of Michael Anthony’s, you can tell this is going to be an epic song. The song itself is nothing to technical, but the riffage is what makes Van Halen epic. These are the AC/DC sort of riffs that anyone can recognize. Then, David Lee Roth’s vocals hit, and while he waas never the greatest singer, the vocals for the time are interesting, providing a high pitched scream with more melodic singing. It’s a strange dichotomy with the music that works wonders.
Then, “Eruption” hits. Originally, this “song” wasn’t supposed to be on the album, but Templeman heard Eddie play this in studio to warm up, and he wanted it on the record. This song is the true showcase of the shred guitarist. Showcasing Eddie’s fast riffing, tremolo picking, and finally the “two handed” finger tapping, this song, and others on the album complimenting his skills, popularized how guitar would be played in the 80’s ad beyond. Segueing into a cover of The Kink’s “You Really Got Me,” the band shows their hard rocking prowess with their fast re-imagination of the song.
Then you have the radio-popular songs of “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and “Feel You’re Love Tonight,” interlaced with two of my all time favorites: “I’m The One” and “Atomic Punk.” The three radio songs showcase the riffs that made Van Halen huge: jumping guitar riffs that you can air guitar along to, great drums and bass as the perfect backbones to the songs, and Roth’s soaring vocals meshing everything together. Also of note, the guitar solo in “Feel You’re Love Tonight” is truly amazing.
However, I must talk about “I’m The One” and “Atomic Punk.” “I’m The One” is my favorite Van Halen song of all time. The main riff is spectacular, a funky and fast riff that I dance to every time. The guitar work is amazing, and the solos are out of this world. Eddie combines everything: fast picking, tapping, all of that, especially in the outro. The bass and drums keep that funky beat alive and kicking, and the vocals bring it all together. The harmony vocal bridge will have you sing along no matter what. “Atomic Punk” is another funky song, with cool guitar sounds with the intro riff and solos, and the verse riffs are cool as well. Dave’s vocals reach an awesome high at the end as well.
The final three songs end the album strong. Unfortunately, “Little Dreamer” is usually forgotten among this album, but it’s a great song. It’s soft and very wavy, like floating along the sea or in the clouds. Dave’s vocals are sultry and calm, almost sad in a way. “Ice Cream Man” starts off acoustic and ends with raging guitars and bass, and again, the vocal harmonies are awesome. Finally, “On Fire” shows that the band ends on fire. The vocal harmonies between Roth and Michael Anthony, especially in the chorus, are epic, and their high notes will blow you away. The instrumentation is grand as well, providing an excellent finale to a remarkable album.
There is not one bad song on the album, although I’ll admit “Little Dreamer” could be forgotten due to it’s slower pace compared to the other songs. However, every song is great, with not a flaw among them. The guitar of course is out of this world, the bass is tight, the drums kick it up a notch, and whether you are a fan of Roth’s vocal style or not, you have to admit that they compliment the music perfectly. Van Halen was revolutionary at its time, and after one listen, anyone can see why.
This album is rated a perfect 5/5. You need to listen to this record.
Monahan's Mind 