1984

Dope

Guter alter Gitarrenrock

Good, but not in a life-changing way. I liked how the drums sound.

Great riffs and incredible use of synth and guitar. Obvious classics

It’s the epitome of the 80’s hair bands. What’s not to like? David Lee Roth at the helm and Eddie Van Halen with some sick guitar solos. You can feel the drugs through the music. I mean the energy. You can feel the energy!

Eddie's playing was just on a very different level from all his peers. Dave was just a completely different showman than everyone else. Alex's drums were great - they all came together to form something special - and unique .

”Hot For Teacher” would have been fun and cocky if it were written by teenagers. But it’s not, is it? No, it was written by a bunch of 30 year-olds. Dumb, cynical, or both? Other than that, it’s a fine album. Songwriting is not the most exciting, but the playing is great. I never put it on, but always enjoy it when I hear it. 4/5

Jump followed by Panama to open the album? Hot for teacher also on the same album? Magical. One of the hair metal bands that perfected the 1989s excess.the guitar solos can be a bit much sometimes. This close to being 5 starts - if I was in a better mood it would get 5.

I didn't exactly grow up in the 70s/80s, but I was obsessed with Van Halen and other acts that fell into the "classic rock" mold by the time I was a youth/teenager. It was honestly all I listened to for a moment there. I've since...expanded my music interests as I've gotten older, but classic rock, and especially Van Halen, hasn't changed in my eyes and remains as "comfort" music to my ears. Van Halen embraces the almighty synthesizer here, namely in "I'll Wait" and the anthemic "Jump". This was new for the group at the time, but they also stick to their hard rock roots throughout the rest of the album too. That and the horniness, which was always prevalent not just here, but in ALL of 80's hair metal. The instrumentation is among the group's best here, with iconic guitar riffs and drum solos. That and the songwriting/composition are a large reason why the three big singles (Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher) have stood the test of time. I did find this album as being another case of the first half grossly outshining the second half, but it's still an enjoyable listen worthy of recognition when mentioning this era of rock.

Some classic glam rock. Eddie Van Halen is brilliant and this is a good album!

Such a classic. Not a huge fan of this style of rock but this album is a bop. “Jump” is an ear worm that I’d rather skip but it’s an undoubted hit (as Van Halen’s only No 1 hit according to Apple Music). The rest of the album was fun and FINALLY some good vocals and coherent instrumentals that I can follow with ease.

A good album, I liked Top Jimmy, Hot For Teacher and I'll Wait the most.

Grandes vocais e um hard rock dos bons

Enjoyable. Not perfect and I didn't like the style at the time, but I appreciate it more now.

It's showing its age just a little, and some of their other work is a bit better, but this is still an album full of fun 80's vibes and well known hits.

Great stuff...takes me back.

I bought this album in my 20s. A friend put me onto this band. I'm not a huge fan, but there's plenty to appreciate in the guitar work. I find David Lee Roth a little bit creepy. However, I've always been a big fan of Hot for Teacher and the attitude he sings it with. There's some great guitar parts. Drop Dead Legs is my favourite. Jump is, of course, prolifically positive (despite being about suicide...). It's an important album, but not really my cup of peppermint tea. 4 stars.

6 star guitar work. -1 guitar tone -1 vocals and lyrics

Clássico, mas algumas músicas esquecíveis

Classic

Classic but not my style

Rock and/or roll

In the top 3 air guitar albums of all time. Try to listen to it without pretending you can play like Eddie… it’s impossible.

Nothing like DLR era Van Halen, big fan. That said this is my least favorite DLR VH album, so it gets a 3.8, which rounds up to a 4. Not a strong 4 but I can't in conscience give this record anything less.

I don’t listen to 80’s hair metal much but if I did Van Halen would be the band…gotta give this a 4 for Jump and Hot for Teacher.

I don't usually listen to metal but I enjoyed listening through start to finish.

Yeah

EVH

Not even 30 days in and already my second Van Halen album. It did not enjoy the self-titled album that much, so i was quite surprised by this one. The instrumentals were again very strong, this time i did also like the vocals.

Van Halen is a guitar god! Was going to give this a 3 but the last couple songs hit so hard it became a 4

Guitar, synths, cheesy lyrics. Defined a party sound, simply a fun time. Short and sweet at just over a half an hour.

This is the VH album that gets all the hype. Probably because of "Jump" and, to a lesser degree, "Hot for Teacher" and "Panama". But to me, it is way too short at 33 minutes. It's even shorter if you throw out the instrumental "1984". I'm taking off a point for only 8 songs clocking in at 32 minutes.

Jump i have always liked. rly liked hot for teacher never really listened to whole thing. honestly loved whole album more than i expected. rly fun rly engaging drums. I liked hot for teacher probs most

A few songs on this album I really enjoyed especially Panama

One of the great Van Halen records, Dave at his vocal best, Eddie stretching out on keyboards as well as his typically mind boggling guitar playing. Even though this record seemed to signal the end, there is quite a bit of fun that comes through.

Je connaissais de loin mais j'avais jamais écouté d'album en entier, franchement du bon hard rock avec plus de personnalité selon moi que du Aerosmith et consort. J'avais entendu parlé des légendaires riff de guitare qui effectivement n'ont pas déçu, par contre il faut aussi parler du batteur parce que franchement les percussions sont au top sur cet album !

Je me surprends moi même de la note que je mets parce que ce n'est pas trop mon style, mais j'ai beaucoup aimé ! Je connaissais que Jump, c'était sympa de découvrir l'album entier. Il est donc possible pour moi d'aimer le hard rock il suffit juste que ce soit un bon match en sonorités. 4/5

Enjoyed this album

While being somewhat dated and of it's time it is still a classic. There are a few hits backed by some deep cuts.

Better than I expected. Loved the cool rock vibes!

Jump was my favorite song as a kid bc my dad was an accountant and I thought the line was “you gotta roll with the budget”. 4 stars.

fav track: panama i guess

Lyrically, it's about a cool car, a hot teacher, a sexy magazine, and Just Do It. So it's dumb fun for teenage boys. Musically, it's loud, fast, and showy. Also dumb fun for teenage boys. As a dumb fun album or teenage boys, this rocks hard. It does what you want. Eddie rips throughout, the lyrics are silly yet sincere, and it plays with new tools of the era. It's dumb with heart, and loud with vision. As a former dumb teenage boy, I can't hate. It still rocks hard. For music criticism broadly, it's weird that this has always been pretty well respected, while dumb fun for teenage girls is almost always criticized. Taylor Swift appealing to teen girls has been a constant criticism for almost two decades. Similar critiques exist for the modern boy bands, Kesha, Spears, Gomez, and K-Pop. Everybody should be allowed their dumb fun. And, yeah, I'm calling this T-Swift for Gen X men.

The introduction leading into Jump was fire. You get hit with banger after banger and they keep that high energy right til the end. However I start detract from the 80's hair metal repetition after Drop Dead Legs. Not that the rest after were bad but that it felt too much. The production was great and this was still a great listen. Top 4: Jump, Panama, Top Jimmy, and Drop Dead Legs no bad songs 4.00-4.25/5

more dad rock that my (white dad, 52) loves deeply. i think this album was on like every CD he burned for his 1994 ford fiesta? at least panama was, he loves that shit. i liked it a hell of a lot ngl, but i do really love van halen before hagar better than van halen after. hot for teacher is an insane song in retrospect for me to be bopping along to at, like, age 9. but it's a banger, so i'll allow it. i fear that i am too biased toward this album, highlights are the hits: hot for teacher, panama, and jump (even though the glee cast lowkey did it better), plus i really love drop dead legs and the intro instrumental is great. a short album, but one i listened to twice in a row because it was so fun.

Better than I expected. I’m still not a fan of the attitude/lifestyle, but there were some interesting riffs and tracks I hadn’t heard before.

A nearly perfect album.

I was never actually a very big fan of Van Halen, but for some reason, some of their songs were "Deja vu-ing" in my head. This was a very good opportunity to listen to this album carefully. This is awesome! Even in Jump, I didn’t quite like the synthesizers, but listening to it now, it sounds very well balanced. Hot for Teacher is a wonderful guitar play!

One of the most recognized albums of Van Halen, songs are cool, sound and guitars are incredible, enjoyable all the way through. A standout that no one can miss.

3,5 🌟

Fairly dense. Both carried and undercut by Eddie’s great/overdone guitar playing

I don’t think any songs really stuck out other than the three I’ve heard hundreds of times but those three songs are enough to give the album a 4

Good just not for me

4.5. Prefer the debut but this has some absolute classics on although some of the lyrics haven’t aged so well! 😂

Can't lie, Van Halen threw me for a loop here. Given the synth-y, semi-futuristic intro and iconic banger 'Jump', I was expecting this to be more of a new-wavey album, one that embraces all the genre's clichés. However, aside from 'I'll Wait' later on in the album, this thing moreso just plays into the standard hard rock and glam metal sounds of the '80s. But I think I still really liked it? I mean, 'Panama' is a straight-up banger, and I can't hate 'Hot for Teacher' given just how ridiculous the premise is paired with some genuinely incredible guitar work. Speaking of great guitar work, 'Girl Gone Bad' has this very reverby tone on the lead guitar which, when the song dips into its little atmospheric interlude, sounds almost gothic. Eddie kills it on this album. I get the praise he gets now. 'House of Pain' has maybe the most outwardly punk-metal sound on here, and is another incredible cut. And I'll mention 'Jump' again, a black sheep in the tracklisting, but such a fun and uplifting song. So yeah, oddly enough, really liked this, just really enjoyable start to finish, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.

I liked the songs I didn't know particularly, great album

Very excited for this one, and it did not disappoint. I knew 4 songs right away. I have never heard the other ones. They are not bad, but the ones I did know are fantastic.

It's a great album - I just don't think it's their best. They have some albums that are flawless from front to back, and this has 2-3 that are skippable for me. They clearly grew even more into an arena band with hits like Jump and I'll Wait. Still, give me Van Halen 1 or even 5150 with Sammy.

I found this one to be a lot stronger than their self-titled album from '78. If I were more interested in the glam metal genre this might be a 5. I especially like the synth-driven opening tracks on side A (and even the electronic instrumental at the beginning is a nice touch).

Gratamente sorprendido. Me gusta mucho esa estética de rock espacial con fuerza. Seguramente chequee para sacar likes de ahí. Nota: 3.8

hadn't listened to any van halen before this - i was impressed with the energy and intensity of the tracks and was blown away by EVH's guitar parts. i was already familiar with 'jump' - it gave me goosebumps from start to finish and was the first one i replayed. other standouts for me were 'panama' and 'hot for teacher', they're both everything you want in a rock song. also loved how much the synths and the guitars complimented each other. the fact that it was short boded well - might have ended up having enough if it was any longer than 40 minutes but it remained tight and compact.

++: Jump, Panama, Top Jimmy, Drop Dead Legs, Hot for Teacher +: 1984, House of Pain +-: I'll Wait, Girl Gone Bad 7,7/10

I wouldn't describe myself as a huge Van Halen fan but I think given the right time and place their music is pretty fun. It's light hearted and a little silly but they are talented musicians. I always found it somewhat ironic that they are associated so strong with touch guy / metal / biker culture, to me they are peak suburban 80's pop. In did enjoy this but probably won't seal out much more Van Halen any time soon.

Jump is overrated and Panama is probably more associated with strip club floor routines than anything else. These dudes are horny. Drop Dead Legs is a good album track. Hot for Teacher is the best song on the album, there's a ZZ Top vibe to it. I'll Wait is good even though I don't usually like the futuristic laser keyboards.

4.5 stars. Hard to pin down a genre (glam metal, hard rock, heavy metal, pop metal, cock-rock) but the sound works well. Catchy hooks but still has impressive riffs. Standouts are "Jump" and "Panama".

Another one that's just very good at being what it is. Silly energetic fun.

More than a solid rock album. First two songs are legendary and really set the tone. Looking forward to getting more into them as more albums come up.

Peak, was surprised that every song was a banger.

This is peak Van Halen.

I would write a long piece about how EVH is a very talented guitarist or how his brother kills it at drums or how I'm not a fan of a lot of 80s over the top rock bands with the exception of these guys because they do their jobs very well. However, I feel like my statement can be reduced to this clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrFxKY6aFrQ Van Fucking Halen everybody (7/10, 4/5 on this scale)

Great album that capitalizes on great guitar playing, fun songs, and an easier time of life. Almost captures a live Van Halen performance.

Great album

such a fun album!!! kinda makes you want to just dance around and smash out some guitar solos, love this album and enjoyed listening to it! my honourable mentions are: top jimmy, drop dead legs and girl gone bad

Reminds me of my dad

This album reminds me of the Blink 182 music video of First Date. The video is supposedly set in 1974, but 1984 very much felt like that vibe too. Rock songs about getting girls and partying. I was a little young for that in 1984 but this album was floating around back then. 4 out of 5 for the, not always great, memories.

7/10 It's all about the guitar, which is always excellent. The songs are good, but the lyrics peurile. That doesn't bother me much though

это мой пожалуй самый нелюбимый жанр, но на удивление альбом зашел очень даже бодро и вполне годно. переслушивать конечно не буду, но потраченного времени в целом не жаль.

Great album. Probably my favorite. They were just on the periphery to me until this album came out.

Do I vote based on the fact that this has some the best 80’s rock songs or do I vote based on the fact that it isn’t really my style of music and will probably never actively put this album on? I’ll go for a 4-star because I can’t give an album less that has so many classic songs. Plus Jump and Panama are two of my favorite 80’s songs.

Yes!

Such good craic

PANAMA! PANAMA-AH-AH-AH-AH-AH! PANAMA!

I actually liked this one more than I thought!

Obnoxiously fun music Best Song: Jump Rating: 8/10 (Great!) Stars: 4/5

Le son des années 80.

Catchy tunes. They had missed opportunities with lyrics though… about animals..

Album started off super strong and was more fun than the past few I'd heard, so I was waiting for something more lively. Eddie Van Halen definitely has some talent and shreds. The back half of the album was a little forgettable, but I would definitely give it another run through, and I really like Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher.

OK, I get it. Dad rock bad, 80s pop shallow. This is clearly not an album for Serious Music Appreciators. Which is great, because then I can crank Panama the fuck up and chase all the dreary, try-hard, tedious wankers away and enjoy myself. Because that's the thing some people seem to forget: joy and exuberance are human experiences that are worthy of celebrating. And duh, this particular brand of dude rock need not appeal to everyone. But you know, sometimes you end up in a class with a very attractive instructor and words fail you. Well, Van Halen's got you. Just raise your hand and yell "I brought my pencil!" And that'll probably work out great. Also, Eddie is a wizard and Dave is a genial doofus. So relax, enjoy life a little. Just reach down, between your legs... and ease the seat back.

Every time I hear it I’m 14 year old Mikey. And I love it.

Solid album, but I am surprised just how short it was at 33 minutes. It has at least 3 big Van Halen hits, so it had a lot of good songs, but it struck me just how lusty all their songs are. That may have been just the times, just them, just the scene, but it was really noticeable how sexual nearly every song intends to be. Random side thought, they named the album 1984, but it doesn't feel like it ties to the other well known 1984 property despite having an intro with the same name. Seems strange, but I just doubt they were looking that deep.

Jump and 1984 are classics. Very solid album all around though, liked pretty much all of them to a degree

Van Halen updated for the 80s, adding some shiny synths which brings an additional dynamic to their sound. I think it's a pretty common opinion to be sick of tracks like Jump and Panama but I'm not at all. Every band member is in top form here, I think these may be the best collective performances of their career I love the production, the first thing I think of with this album is the sound of the kick drums on Hot for Teacher. Just perfect. I appreciate the brevity as well, this just gets in, hits you with some rocking tunes and gets out I get that not everyone will be into this sort of stuff, but it's cheesy and goofy cock rock. It shouldn't be taken so seriously. I have no idea how one of the top reviewers can't distinguish this from Bon Jovi and Poison, it's just Van Halen with some synths added. I would actually like those two if they had riffs like this Highlights: Hot for Teacher, Panama, I'll Wait, Jump

Over half of these songs were released and got massive air play because this album kicked arse. Dave’s swan song when his showmanship and Eddies ego collided. This album has some great guitar licks, stellar keyboard playing, and fantastic vocals.

Almost a guilty pleasure, you're either along for the ride or not, right? I... mostly was.

Surprised at my enjoyment. jump is a standout

oh it's THIS album?

Good Album, have never listened to it all the way through, obviously knew about the big hits on this one but the rest of the album is also pretty decent.

I mean it's the best Van Halen album in my opinion.

Not too bad. Pretty solid stadium rock. Can't deny the hits. Though I don't really care for this style of music, like I said can't deny the hits or the overall musicianship.

This was the age of MTV, Baby! Some real bangers on this record. And what's the deal with all these 1-star reviews? Are you kidding me?! Those Van Halen guitar solos, the tailpipe-imitating drumming opener on Hot for Teacher, David Lee Roth's undeniable charisma, the glorious synth solo on Jump? It's all so glorious and worth so much more than a measly one-star. Who's letting the plebs vote around here?!

Some treasure hidden between the commercial successes.

The most pop forward Van Halen album. It’s not my favorite from their discography, but I still come back to it.

Nice bilmusik, lite Metallica möter Kiss. Väldigt nice om man uppskattar hårdrock

Gooed voor studeren

One of those times that you listen to something fully expecting to have a new experience only to find out that you already knew and liked half the album but had zero idea who sang them.

Heard more than half of these songs through movies and such! Never knew who sang them, it's really bringing back some memories

Really enjoyed this, I didn't realise Jump and Panama were by Van Halen and I think I'll be checking more of their stuff out now

85

It's the drums and guitar shredding that did it for me. Although it is not as good as their first album, it was still pretty enjoyable!

Excellent 1980s classic heavy metal album.

Best album I’ve never listened to thus far

Some things I don’t like about this album, but the guitar is amazing.

Saw them in concert many years later and although no jumps from Dave their entertainment value was still there.

Actually loved this? This was pure cheesy 80s rock at its best - some absolutely bangers in there (did not realise Jump was Van Halen), great vocals, fun melodies. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this because it didn’t seem up my alley at all. Would absolutely listen to this again.

Nice

PANAMA!!!! That song makes me want to do a sick jump off a ramp in my car.

Apparently I like Van Halen.

I think I might add this to a regular rotation. I knew the popular ones of course but the rest of the album was just as fun.

A fun, adrenaline filled, over-the-top album of swinging drums, massive guitar solos, and DLRs vocals. An album that demonstrates EVH’s incredible guitar skills while also showing his interest in synths and new wave. Greatest album of all time? No. Tons of fun if you wanna rock? Hell yes. 4/5

A juggernaut of an album. That unrelenting groove you hear? That's the sweet sound of the wheels falling off the best era of the band. They would reach pop success after, but this is their pinnacle for me.

Blodharry, men har så klart ein viss appell.

Nothing compares to Van Halen's original run with David Lee Roth. DLR was so unhinged and Eddie's virtuosity was so focused. There are so many bangers on this record: "Jump", "Hot For Teacher", and "Panama" have rightly become rock radio staples. Rest in peace, Eddie. We miss you.

80s metal is usually not my favorite. Jump reminds me so much of my parents and it makes me kind of happy. I feel like this one is self aware satire. Panama is fun but the little monologue in it was so funny. That paired with the angel baby smoking cigs on the album cover tells me it has to be a bit of satire. Overall, I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit. I probably won't listen to it on my own time but it was really fun.

This is silly music. It’s also pop music. I don’t know why this is considered metal? It’s definitely fun and I get why people loved it when it came out. It’s kind of what you want from the other side of pop. It’s rough and rebellious. It’s sexy(ish?) and it’s just light and easy. You don’t have to think about it. The music is really simple, but there is no denying how good Eddie Van Halen is on the the guitar. That’s what sets this whole thing apart from being forgotten.

Not as good as I was expecting, but still a classic.

Great album for the genre and times.

hjalp med at danne bro mellem hard rock og pop og var meget på mtv. Fik synthesizers med i jump. god guitarspil.

Thoughts before listening: I believe this is the album what Van Halen went full on synthy pop rock. "Jump" and "Panama" are the hits on this one, and both fall in the fun but WAY overplayed category. On earlier Van Halen albums the album cuts were my favorite so I'm interested to see if that will hold true here as well. Review: "Jump" and "Panama" are just so iconic and ubiquitous within our culture it's hard to evaluate them in the context of their album. Of the 2, I prefer "Panama" as "Jump's" synths push it into cheesy territory. This album also includes a 3rd hit in "Hot for Teacher", and that's my pick for favorite song. VH is at their best playing high speed romps full of Eddie's guitar heroics, and this song has that in spades. For the deep cuts, "Top Jimmy" and "Drop Dead Legs" are the best of the bunch and are going on the playlist. Overall this is a fun listen that isn't hurt by the synths...which only really rear their ugly head on a couple songs. 4-stars

Random thoughts: * This is definitely transitional VH. Moving from traditional classic rock to more 80s rock. * Jump and Panama are all-timers. * Panama might be one of the most underrated songs as it is so good on so many levels. * Jump has one of the best sounding drums and and drum intros! *Hot For Teacher and that double bas sounds like a revving engine! Master class on the drums. * I will always remember the Hot For Teacher video. Huge impact on an impressionable young man in the 80s. "I don't feel tardy". * Solid album with some all-time tracks!

Great synth and guitar riffs marred by shallow lyrics. This is as 80s rock as it gets.

Hair metal perfection.

4.5

My fav Halen album

I hate jump. Everything else is very good.

Short, sweet, to the point, solid rock n roll, Jump is good, enjoyed it but unlikely to revist. The lowest 4 star album possible.

dobry wybór

I get that this album typifies a certain type of contentious pop-rock, and that living through the height of its popularity might have been really annoying, but I've always like Van Halen. Vocals aren't to my taste, but the solos are short and sweet and the rhythm guitar is always on point. Hot For Teacher is a shitty fucking song though.

Quite a banger of an album. Cool intro on Hot For Teacher. I love the synths as well as the guitars.

All these classic DLR era Van Halen albums are like 30 minutes long. More 30 minute albums please.

I really loved this album for the most part but I had the same problem that I had with their debut album in that there is just that one track that I do not like one bit. Take I’ll Wait off this album and it’s a definite five stars. Top Track - House Of Pain

One of the defining albums of my childhood. Jump has not aged well for me, I’d like to blame the synth but I’ll Wait still rocks, so who knows. Not my favorite VH album, but Hot For Teacher alone means this one’s a banger.

It's fine. I'd probably enjoy more if not due to the association with all their fans.

The original hair metal band and possibly the only good one. Definitely corny at times, but damn is it catchy. Best song: Panama

Solid Van Halen record. It houses some of the most iconic songs of their career, with a couple of hidden gems. Not the best Van Halen record, but still a great time listening to it.

Zemlech fescht rechtig Hard Rock aber no geil omgsetzt. Vorallem Jump esch natürlech huere guet. Zom teil aber de fascht e chli zu hert.

Plays like a greatest hits album. Full throttle top to bottom. Excellent.

Had lots of good songs, chill but not the greatest for study time. Still w tho.

Great tones, great riffs, great mix

4/5 Tää toimittelee.

Oikein hyvää kasarirokkia raskailla syntikkasoundeilla. Kappaleiden osalta albumista löytyy klassikot, pari hyvää ja myös täytettä.

Uppoaa!

Very solid 4 for me. I don't think it's as good as their first album, however.

I had a good time listening to this despite the fact that it was way more pop than I expected. Jump is an interesting song, almost made to be a meme/sound affect. I liked a lot of the guitar work and the thing is hugely radio friendly. This has got that Tom Petty pretty boy aesthetic thing going on which can be a little off putting but the album has a style and it commits to it.

I love Van Halen but other than the hits on this one, the only good parts of the other songs are Eddie's solos. I appreciate David Lee Roth's cheese filled with cocaine style and the screamingly 80's obsession with what I can only describe as "loud sex". I can't get past his clown persona on this one, so much so that it makes me laugh. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm too young for this to really mark my party years but the aesthetic of drug fueled manic celebrations where everyone is smiling so hard they can't stop oozes out of this. You don't have to care about the lyrics (they're mostly terrible), it's just all about the feeling. Like I said, musically this isn't nearly as good as their earlier stuff, but the Jump, Panama, and Hot For Teacher are so good that it bumps it up.

Despite this not being a retelling of a George Orwell novel I enjoyed my time with Van Halen. A few big hits on here with some self indulgent guitar solos that feel right at home. Super 80's but not in a bad way.

When i was writing my review for Sgt.Pepper's i started with the words as followed: "when i was in middle school i loved my biology teacher to bits and its my platonic attraction to her that make me feel like i might be a lesbian although i am either bisexual or pansexual." And that's why this album is appealling for me apart from Eddie's instrumentals. Since it bears the song called "Hot For Teacher". 4/5

fun record

This is the first album that has come up that I own. In the MTV era, the videos for Panama and Hot for Teacher were fun. Jump holds a special place as a Cubs fan, as they used Jump in the late 80s for when the team took the field. A good album, although I think I still prefer earlier VH overall.

I know it's been rather cool to look down on this for the introduction of synthesizers but I still quite like it.

As far as Van Halen albums go, 1984 is not my favorite nor do I think it is their best, but it's certainly not their worst. Eddie plays his usual amazing guitar pyrotechnics and Dave is, well, Dave. There is some really good stuff here but unfortunately it suffers from extreme overexposure and I rarely ever listen to anything from it. It's actually been years since I put this on, but I don't feel tardy...

Fun album to listen to. Panama is great

Amazing album, honestly wanted more of them though. Incredible band with some of their best all-time tracks here.

Oh thats a good album, Classics and bangers

It's butt rock, but less butt and better rock. I need to remember this album when I'm trying to get pumped up for something. I'm not a marathon runner, but if I were, this would be a good one to run to. "Jump" is a damn good track.

Such a great blend of rock and synth. Loved this album!

For me Van Halen is another one of those groups where I recognize a lot of their hits but wouldn't be able to tell you who the band was. I wouldn't change the radio station if they came on, but it's not something I listen to intentionally.

One of the great opening sets of songs in rock history, but man, the B-side stuff just isn't great. "Drop Dead Legs" is hard even to type.

A little synth heavy at times, but just enough Eddie guitar work to get 4-stars.

I remember my sister had this cassette when I was a kid. That stupid angel with the cigarettes. Ugh. I was prepared to hate this because I think Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing gets annoying fast and I'm never in the mood for 80s misogyny. I'm surprised to find that this was...fun? Vapid, but fun. Easy to listen to. I've always had a bizarre soft spot for David Lee Roth, so that helps. Diamond Dave is so cheesy, but in all the best ways. My mental image of him is leaping high in the air, legs spread, shirtless, looking like a crazy man. Thanks, Jump video! The album is pretty tight and contained, especially at just 33 minutes. 1984 into Jump was excellent. This is not a 5 star record for me, but I did like it more than I anticipated. I still think Eddie Van Halen's guitar style is grating.

Some of VH greatest hits, good. I've heard it so much that can't give a great review. It was one of my first music buys.

It's a very specific vibe, but it executes on the vibe in question very well

Not fully my cup of tea, but it's a lot of fun and the synths sound great.

Great rock album. Strong guitars. Lightning fast drums. Love it

Jump - LETSGOOO hella good vibes Nice synth work Hella good music, no wonder they're legendary 4

This album has some great hits with Jump, Panama and Hot for Teacher. It's a fun little sugar rush but not quite good enough for a 5.

Best Van Halen album out there! Got a copy in my vinyl collection

point8.

The first Van Halen song I can remember listening to as a kid was Dreams off their 5150 album at the end of the first Power Rangers movie. Been a fan ever since. Hard to say if I like Van Halen or Van Hagar more. But those early albums still get after it. Nothing like a some Loss Of Control to get your day going.

I thought this was really good. I’ve just listened before but I enjoyed it again. Great fun

ah, the 80’s… the era of big hair, spandex, and gratuitous use of synthesizers. the synths were pushed to the forefront on two of the biggest songs on this album, “jump” and “i’ll wait”. to be honest i have gotten tired of “jump” and “panama”, as classic rock has played those ad nauseam. having said that this is a great album of classic VH with the trademark smirk and swagger of DLR and those sweet, sweet harmonies of bassist michael anthony. alex van halen doing an honorable job rounding out the rhythm section, and of course the greatness of brother eddie on the guitar and the synths (don’t forget the synths). highlights: “top jimmy” “drop dead legs” “hot for teacher” “i’ll wait”

I hate Panama and Jump. Just awful garbage. Rest of the album is pretty great, though. Hot For Teacher is an all timer and I’ll Wait’s always. Been a fave.

Great album, a lot of good songs

It’s good tunes man. Not my fav stylistically since it’s kind of Aerosmith-y, but can still appreciate it. Top Jimmy is a funny one, Hot For Teacher bangs for stupid reasons.

I now understand why they were one of the biggest bands in the world.

Cool, Fun and pure 80's Amazing guitar riffs, (Panama, Drop dead legs), air drums (Hot for Teacher), classic rock anthem (Jump) Eddie is on it and he changed guitar forever.

Hot for teacher is unfortunately a banger

Definition of cocky. It works for them.

To this day this remains one of the best records to air guitar along with. The videos on MTV were essential viewing to understand the full extent of antics to emulate as my friend and I would jump around his living room while they played on the big screen TV. To be clear it's not my favorite Van Halen album and some of David Lee Roth's lyrics are embarrassing now, but 1984 will always have a special place in my understanding of what rock 'n' roll was, is, and can be.

This was so good

'Jump' and 'Panama' will always be forever goated songs and the rest of the songs are not bad, but they definitely don't scratch that Van Halen itch like their self-titled debut album songs did. Still a great album nonetheless.

Опенер зачётный но его сложно оценить, игра Эдди завораживает. (9/10) как для опенера Вторая песня (Jump) в альбоме тоже стоит прослушивания, знаковый риф в этой песне шикарный, хотя бывало местами скучно (9/10). Третья песня (Panama) тоже очень крутая, хотя мне показалось что она немного похожа на предыдущую, но в целом нормас, припер мощный, хотя риф в прошлой песне мне понравился больше (тоже 8/10) Четвертая песня (Jimmy) имеет очень запоминающейся риф играющийся на флажолетах, соляк мощный, но сама песня коротковата, в целом мне понравилось, достаточно недооцененная пеня, отправляется в плейлист (8/10). Пятая песня (Drop Dead Legs) имеет интересный риф и мощный куплет, соло пойдёт (7/10) Шестая песня (Hot for Teacher) мне изначально не понравилась, но потом вслушался и понял что это действительно что-то хорошее, хотя по моему эта песня немного переоценена, (7/10) Седьмая песня (I'll Wait) мне с самого начала понравилась, интересный риф и неплохой вокал, хотя песня не очень запоминающаяся (8/10) Восьмая песня (Girl Gone Bad) опять же не запоминающаяся, риф достаточно похож на остальные, ничего примечательного (5/10) Последняя песня (House of Pain) тоже достаточно средняя, но понравилась больше чем предыдущая, с натяжкой отправляю в свой плейлист (6/10) В целом альбом крутой и мне не понравилась всего одна песня, есть и лучше, но есть и намного хуже весь, на протяжении всего альбома ты в тонусе от этих Ван Халеновсих риффов и соляков, но местами бывало скучно. Не смотря на минусы альбом я оценю на 8/10

Not aged perfectly but there are still some parts that really rock

This rocks and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. A concise album, all killer no filler.

cancion fav: Hot for teacher

This rates about 8/10 on the absent-mindedly headbopping scale. Jump is such a boppy, feel-good song and an excellent opening track. The guitar riffs are great, and very creative, considering some of the tunings that Van Halen uses here. The album can feel a bit too guitar-heavy (I know, it's Van Halen) in terms of arrangement and the mix, overshadowing everything by a lot. Having said that, when there's no guitar, its no good. The stuff after Hot For Teacher is weak and forgettable but that takes quite a while to happen.

I think I know this front to back by now but I've not listened to the whole album in ages. This is one of those CD albums you learn over driving hundreds of hours. Little things I loved on this listen though: The into to Top Jimmy, though it's one of the weakest songs here. Listening the drum solo intro to Hot for Teacher for the 1000th time. It's one of the best bits of drumming put to song ever. I just wish that double bass only lasted for a couple bars more. Forgot how good Girl Gone Bad is. Things I disliked: I forgot how bad House of Pain is. One thing that I always disliked is the damn fade outs. Finish the damn song! I'll Wait and Top Jimmy would be skips I reckon if I hadn't come to like them. I remember liking House of Pain but now I do think it's the weakest song here which is a terrible way to finish an album but even that song has a pretty sick breakdown at least. So it's a bit rougher than I'd like but I still think it's the best Van Halen album. Highlight: Hot for Teacher (no duh, but I did like coming back to Drop Dead Legs).

Classic

Overall lots of bangers, Jump is pretty overrated tho. Top Jimmy is a sleeper pick, and I thought the last song was a weak ending song

Excellent classic rock album with several hits that are instantly recognizable. Fun overall, but short. 4/5

Really poppy and accessible for as technically proficient the music is. Loaded with si gles and a shirt run time. Not my absolute favorite VH album but still an iconic album

This really isn't great art, but it's so catchy and high energy that it's difficult not to enjoy the ride.

There are some classics on here for sure but idk if this album still holds up for me personally.

JUMP! You might as well JUMP! Now this is one hell of an album. Iconic intros to awesome solos, it's everything a rock fan can ask for. Every member plays their part perfect especially the drummer Alex Van Halen. Love this album.

4/5 - Classic

Rockin' 🤘 exceptional guitar playing and all around exciting. Some absolutely fantastic songs that defined that era of rock and others that were ok. All kind of the same, but not a bad thing.

Muy bueno

Padre. Buen rock, se la pasa uno bien y dura 33 minutos. Nada más que pedir.

This is definitely an album that would be very fun to listen to while driving. Favorite song was either "I'll Wait" or "Hot for Teacher". I'm excited to give this album another listen!

I feel there are two kinds of great songs. 1) songs anyone can play/sing (this land is your land, blowin in the wind, I'm too sexy) 2) songs no one but the artist can perform (Stockhausen's "Helicopter Quartet", Lark Tongues in Aspic (pt lll) by King Crimson, the Henry Cow catalog) While not quite as cumbersome as some of the former - this is of a similar ilk. Some can certainly play the chords and (most of the) notes - but Eddie Van Halen manages something else here. He simply slays here. And make it feel effortless. Changing from rhythm to lead and back again. A style often imitated but never replicated. The 4 singles here all offer otherworldly musicianship as well as catchy tunes. The rest of the album is fine - better than filler but far from necessary. Jump, Panama, Hot for teacher and I'll Wait are just check full of good times and killer tones that the in between don't really matter. Jump - cheesy as that day it came out but still sound vital. Panama is just a best and perhaps the best of the DLR breakdowns over the years. HFT is an absolute guitar clinic and still pretty fun. My favorite as a kid was ill wait. And it still sounds good as ever. Almost like an actual song (actual songwriting is almost beside the point for VH). In fact some to the songs on the album may have benefitted from being instrumental. But the tracks that cook...

Magma in my ears. Classic hard rock with a fun and tasteful touch of 80s synth. Very of its time, yet not outdated one bit. 9/10.

Unexpected pleasure.

Scheuren

Fun and electric

Pretty good

I love a good glam metal guitar tone

A classic, love it. it feels a bit short though

Really cool

Absolut banger album.

I had a lot of fun with this. It’s bright and loud, but certainly an 80s man’s writing. My dad loves Van Halen (and this album) so I had a ball listening to this.

This has probably dated a bit for the worse but there is no denying that this album has some absolute classic 80’s metal/ rock tracks on it and you have to judge it on that right….?

Solid record from Van Halen. Not the debut, not diver down, but a fine piece of work. "Hot for Teacher" always gets stuck in my head. NOT great at the work party

Yeah it’s dated. Yeah it’s dumb. So what. This was a lot of fun to revisit. Good times.

Possibly the most 80’s sounding album there is?

I think my uncle still resents Van Halen for going synthy with this one When I got my first iPod, among the first songs I *acquired through legal means* were “Jump” and “I’ll Wait”. The whole album is pretty good, dumb fun but those two songs are particularly nostalgic for someone who grew up on cheesy 80s rock. With “Panama” and “Hot for Teacher” I seem to alternate between 2 phases: 1) they’re incredible, and 2) they’re actually really annoying and overplayed. The needle today is mostly centred on #1, but could be #2 by tomorrow. Everything else is new to me, and I suppose my favourites out of those are “Top Jimmy” and “Girl Gone Bad”. February 19, 2025

pica demais vtnc

Short and sweet. Solid 4.

Better than what I remembered from the time!

This album would rip on Guitar Hero. As a listen in 2025, not so much. Obv Jump, Panama and Hot for Teacher are all-timers. I forgot about I'll Wait, which I know and like from the radio growing up, but never knew the name of. Girl Gone Bad was also fun too. I could go the rest of my life never hearing Top Jimmy, Drop Dead Legs or House of Pain. I don't think I'd ever put this album on but it's actually stronger than I'd imagine.

Solid. This was huge at the time of its release. While “Jump” is dated and arguably played to death, “Panama”, “Hot for Teacher” and “I’ll Wait” have always been among my favs of this era of VH and hold up.

I was always more of a fan of the earlier VH I and VH II albums, but the global appeal of 1984 can’t be denied. Upon relistening I was surprised at how much synth there actually was on this album. And the fact that Jump, Panama and Hot For Teacher ruled the airwaves and were played incessantly on MTV is further testament. There are some nice prog nuggets here and there too, and the level of musicianship of both Eddie and Alex is just plain sick. Still, while this album shows a focus more on songwriting rather than just the hard rock power they were known for, a few of the songs don’t quite rise to meet the four hits.

A most excellent rock album. Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher!!!! Timeless songs that rock as hard today as when they first came out. 4.25

Solid stuff. Crazy how synth driven this is. Awesome opening tracks but then fades a bit before Hot For Teacher. But still enough goodness here to justify a 4. 4/5

Great guitars

4.5 - fantastic album. Although some of the less known songs weren’t great

Jump, Panama and Hot For Teacher? Hell yea.

I've talked about 1-2 punches before and Jump - Panama is maybe as good as it gets after the keyboard heavy intro. Both nail the synth-heavy, party-ready brand of hair metal they wanted to do here and Eddie's guitar sounds as good as it ever did. There's a natural drop off after that: Top Jimmy has some interesting riffs and Drop Dead Legs is a decent midpacer before the speedy Hot for Teacher. Pretty good pacing but it's missing another really killer cut at the end for me to give this full marks, although I'm tempted to.

Good, shit! Never heard anything else than "jump" before. Damn those drums on "Hot for teacher" 😳

is it glam metal? ye BUUUT its also Van Halen so its okay 🙂‍↕️

В целом, альбом Van Halen 1984 — это отличный выбор для тех, кто любит рок-музыку. Он сочетает в себе все лучшее, что есть в этом жанре, и создает неповторимую атмосферу, которая не оставит вас равнодушным. Если вы еще не слушали этот альбом, то я настоятельно рекомендую это сделать.

I'm rating it 4 stars because it was consistently decent and that is rounded up from my total score (based on average of all tracks). However, controversially, there probably wasn't a song I have to listen again. Strongest is Jump. Individual song ratings 1: 3/5 2: 4.5/5 3: 4/5 4: 3.5/5 5: 3.5/5 6: 4/5 7: 4/5 8: 3.5/5 9: 4/5 Total 3.78/5

Aggressively 80s. Exceeded my expectations however. It was fun.

The synth additions to the VH sound really worked for me. Still think the 1st two albums were their best though.

Surprisingly good, had always bagged these alongside 'poodle perm rock' bands but this is pretty decent to be fair, beyond generic

It’s got Jump, man.

This was just a lot of fun.

During the early 80’s, these guys faded from my view, as I turned my attention squarely towards punk and power pop. Plus I hated Jump. Fast forward 30 years, and thanks to my youngsters, I learned to appreciate some of the other songs on this album, and a compilation of my own making has a few of these in play on regular. Do miss Eddie. Can do without David.

78/100. A good record from Van Halen, featuring one of their biggest hits, "Jump."

surprised i already knew so many of these

Lots of fun with a couple of classics

крутяк)

It's a good album, I think it made me more interested in Van Halen's music. Certainly, I had become very comfortable in the repetition of their hits that are often repeated over and over again on the radio, but on this album I found other gems like I'll Wait and Top Jimmy. PS: I recommend listening to it while watching the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Girls beauties. Perfect

A solid 80s rock album. The songs flow really well and for its fairly short runtime it has a lot of variety to it. Van Halen brothers at their absolute best, and David Lee Roth is a powerhouse on vocals.

this album flat out rocks. I think when you describe what the 80's hair band sound is, this album should be one of your first introductions. sweet guitar riffs, pounding drums, and guitar solos that absolutely scream. I was really close to giving this a five, but I think a high four is more realistic. all in all, this album slaps.

Probably like most people, my first introduction to Van Halen was jump which, as I later learned was not really emblematic of their catalog. I really don’t like that song tbh. It’s not the artists fault, it’s just that it’s in so many things like cheesy movies, shows etc that I got so tired of it. I do like that there is that little intro song before it on the album and it makes it a little more palatable going into that futuristic (at the time) synth sound. Despite my feelings about jump the rest of the album bangs. Panama is so great and actually has some very cool chord progression stuff near the end in I guess what would be the bridge in the last 30 seconds with those major ascending whole steps that elevate it to more than just a basic rock song. At 33 minutes I maybe could have done with one or two more songs but it really didn’t feel that short.

Another good 4. Really enjoyed it. Wouldn’t have associated the songs that I knew with Van Halen.

A classic album with three massive hits and really good b-sides. I enjoyed this most recent listen and will enjoy coming back to it again. Not a five star, but pretty close.

I love these Van Halen albums! They each have 2 songs that you know by heart, 1 or 2 songs that you kinda know, and 5 to 8 decent songs that match the tone of the big ones. Half an hour to get in, throw down, and get out. I've never been able to commit to buying a Van Halen album, because I don't know which is my favorite. I still can't choose. I guess they're another greatest hits band for me.

great

Peak Hair Metal. Sex appeal, thrashing guitar that is both subtle and not so much, the Roth-squeal, and just some dirty breakdowns that could fit into any heavy metal band of the time. These guys spread themselves wide but never too thin. The music is fun and interesting and the chances taken on synth and pop stylings pays off with some truly timeless hits.

Great, classic album

There might as well only be two tracks on this album for me, but jump and panama absolutely slap

Cringed a little when I saw Van Halen but this was short sweet to the point and hit harder than I thought so bravo

I didn’t realize all those great songs were one album. Excellent.

Eddie is wilding out on the Oberheim synths. They could’ve 5150’d him for that one. Hot For Teacher is dumb, but otherwise the fellas deliver on what should have been their swan song.

Needed a blast of this today!

Panama

Lots of great songs, wouldn't listen to it that much though

Estuvo bueno, me gustaron 3 canciones. 7.5/10

Really fun! Surprised by how much I enjoyed it, but I should have known based in the hits. 4.4.

This album would have been much better if the keyboard were replaced with a guitar or sax. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Good album. Eddies Guitar comes through a bit to much in places. It can be too dominant in the mix. I'll Wait could be a phil collins song. But hit for teacher, Panama and Jump are all classics.

Fun album. Classic David Lee and Eddie. Lots of memories from this one.

Classic rock

There are some classics on here, which is *just* enough to get this to a 4 for me. This is about as good as it gets for glam metal, but it's not a genre I love. 3.5

Not my favorite metal album but quite good.

Not as strong as the self-titled debut, but still exhilarating, darn it. Jump has that instantly recognisable synth riff that gives it a legendary stadium-rocker status (akin to Paul Simon's You Can Call Me Al). The short opening track also sets the atmosphere for Jump nicely. Hot For Teacher / I'll Wait is a brilliant one-two punch later in the album, giving the listener an adrenaline booster after the relatively standard rock fillers Top Jimmy and Drop Dead Legs. The bass playing deserves a big shoutout here: it's hard to miss, but incredibly addicting once you catch onto it. One thing that knocks this album down is that its lyrics (and melodies) aren't particularly singable (with a possible exception being Hot For Teacher). They're danceable and hair-thrashing – easy to drive along to with slicked-back hair and a convertible – but not exactly singable. David Lee Roth still pulled them off fairly convincingly, but at the end of the day these compositions just aren't as compelling as on the band's debut. Good guitar playing though. 4/5 Key tracks: Jump, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait

A solid rock album. Very brat.

Fun hair metal album and couple of great songs. Easily digestible, great playing, kinda cheesy and quintessentially 80s. 3.5 Repeats: Panama, hot for teacher, I'll wait

I'm actually giving this 4 and 1/2 stars. It would get five if it was not for the Mr Jimmy song. Van Halen in top form. I think Hot For Teacher is my favorite.

One of my favorite Van Halen albums

Hot For Teacher and I'll Wait were my favorites. Easy rock listening.

1984 was the sixth album from Van Halen, and the work that made the band into superstars. The were already well known, with a number of hit singles. The band was built around Eddie Van Halen's prodigious guitar skills. 1984 saw the band add synthesizers to their sound, which may have helped the work's popular appeal. The album includes the singles "Jump," "Panama," and "Hot for Teacher," all of which feature Eddie's wailing guitars, and David Lee Roth's brash, provocative vocals.

\"1984\" is an impressive collection of songs, which really stretched the sound of Van Halen. The introduction of synthesizers was met with great reluctance by lead singer David Lee Roth, but most would agree now that it led to really classic songs that sat perfectly alongside the guitar driven tracks. What's great about this album is how no two tracks sound alike, but they all manage to work together as a whole. There's synth pop, metal, classic rock, and art rock, all merging together and with some chart topping hits coming out in full force. I absolutely hate the fact that a song called \"Hot for Teacher\" is great, but despite some cringing at the lyrics, the music is fantastic. \"I'll Wait\" is a surprising art rock piece along the lines of Talking Heads and the unexpected highlight for me. There is a bit of filler on there if I'm honest. A few tracks are a bit forgetable, but the rest is classic.

I mean, it's Van Halen - you know what you're getting yourself in for! It's unabashedly horny jock-rock with noodly guitar solos, but it knows what it is and does it well. I am seriously not a fan of the lyrical content of Hot for Teacher, but it is still a masterclass in instrumentation.

Top Jimmy y Girl Gone Bad se quedan como mis preferidas El itro de Hot For Teacher es 10/10, sendo doble pedal En general, mejor experiencia que lo que esperaba

An absolute classic from Eddie and the boys.

classic. 2 hit

A Van Halen classic, iconic guitar work.

The opening with the cheesy synth sounds that so date this album set the mood right off. I'm definitely more a fan of the pure guitar rock of Panama and Hot For Teacher. Let the good times roll.

Great Guitars!

Good, fun metal.

Van Halen - 1984 At first, I wasn't really expecting much from this album, and then I heard "Jump"... From then on, I was hyped to see what this album had to offer, and so far, it did not disappoint. Almost all the songs here are catchy and sound really great, it's a really fun album to listen. From a rock band like this, I'm surprised that I never heard of them before, but now I know, this is great! 1.- 1984 = 6/10 2.- Jump = 10/10 3.- Panama = 9/10 4.- Top Jimmy = 8/10 5.- Drop Dead Legs = 8/10 6.- Hot for Teacher = 8/10 7.- I'll Wait = 9/10 8.- Girl Gone Bad = 9/10 9.- House of Pain = 8/10 FINAL SCORE = 8.3/10

A career highlight, 1984 shows Van Halen at the top of their game. Tracks like Jump and I'll Wait have the band incorporating the keyboard seamlessly into their sound, while Hot For Teacher's blistering drums and energetic guitar riffs are as impressive as they are catchy. The record tends more towards a mainstream pop sound than their previous efforts, but still retains what made the band great to begin with. While their excellent debut album put them on the map, 1984 cemented Van Halen as one of the finest rock bands of the era. Highlights: -Jump -Panama -Hot for Teacher -I'll Wait Lowlights: -Top Jimmy -House of Pain

Stuðplata fyrir allan peninginn. Þetta er rokk að mínu skapi og ég býst fastlega við því að ég muni setja þessa í spilun þegar ég ætla að komast í gírinn þótt ég sé kominn með smá leið á Jump

Amazed I have never listened all the way through before. Jump and Panama are the stand outs, but possibly as they are the best know songs, but the rest of the album moves along nicely and holds up well even if the sound is very much of uts time

Of Van Halens albums with David Lee Roth, this is always the one I’m least inclined to revisit. I get their most popular and they were operating at the top of their video game. I find most of this pretty tame for a band that constantly sounded so dangerous. I did do the supplementary material and watched the music video for Hot for Teacher which I haven’t seen for like 15 years. Besides the teachers ripping their clothes off, was this the greatest music video in history?

Fun listen, starts strong and tails off a bit but some classics on here. Scrapes a 4. 3.75/5

Guitar solos and synth, very enjoyable

This is the first time I’ve ever sat down and intentionally listened to Van Halen. I have a completely open mind and I’m a little drunk on a Friday night, which I feel is probably ideal for this album. Let’s see how this goes. 1984: ok this is some quintessential 80’s synth album intro wankery. This album was made in 1984, I’d expect nothing less. No complaints. Jump: Oh shit, this song? This is a fucking bop. Legitimately had no clue this was VH. Damn that synth absolutely rips. Panama: I think I know this one too. Oh shit, yeah I’ve heard this one. Wait, they’re saying “Panama”?!? Cross my heart, I always thought they were saying “Cannonball” 😂 Top Jimmy: The intro and interludes are the shit. Love the harmonics. Rest of the song is kinda shite. Solo shreds, though. Drop Dead Legs: God damn, I feel like I would’ve done just fine if I was in my 20’s in the 80’s. Seems like there were no worries. No wars to speak of. Economy was booming. Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, man. 🤘 Hot For Teacher: I have such a love-hate relationship with Guitar Hero. It introduced me to all these old iconic songs, but seared them in my memory as some sort of kitschy gamified nonsense. I can’t even be objective about this track because all I can think of are 5 multi colored buttons, an endless incoming stream of notes, and hammering the whammy bar to get my star power. But fuck it, gimme that high score and 5 stars. The crowd loves me. They really love me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ll Wait: I’ll wait… for this track to be less of a let down after the frenzied perfection of Hot For Teacher. But wait a minute now. Synth is trying to save the day here. Ahh but now we’re onto a half-hearted guitar solo. Yeah nah. I’ll wait…for this track to be over. Girl Gone Bad: I feel like Eddie said, “Hey just put one track on there where I can shred for 4 minutes.” And the rest of the band was like, “Yeah, ok but it has to be the second-to-last track.” House of Pain: This sounds rather Black Sabbath-ish. Ok ok. I like that breakdown. That’s a fun groove. Saved the track, for me. But a fade-out to close the album? Really??? Overview If this album didn’t fall apart over the course of the last 3 tracks, it would’ve been 5 stars. But I had a lot of fun and it’s a solid 4. 4/5 Highlights: Jump Drop Dead Legs Hot For Teacher

This sounds significantly better, perhaps because one doesn't have to put up with their annoying fans in anything like real time. The slightly softer edges do VH well here, showing their ability to adapt at just faster-than-dinosaur speed, to the New Wave tsunami which made them look (without too much effort, really) silly, buffoonish and badly out of date. "Jump" is still good, if a touch cheesy, but bonus points for inspiring Aztec Camera's legendary cover. Eddie keeps shredding, perhaps showing slightly more control and restraint, while DLR seems seems a bit abashed here, which might be read as an indicator of potential maturation, if not actual proof of maturity. "Hot for Teacher," however, is pure shameless throwback, with a sort of truth to it. This has aged much better than one would have expected. 3.7 for a most surprising 4, given one's quite pronounced and fully justified snobbery toward VH in the era of their prominence.