Van Halen

Pure magic. This is a candidate for albums I wish I could hear again for the first time. When Edward starts tapping in Eruption you realize he was better than everyone else. By a lot. This album is absolutely perfect. In my top 10 from this whole list. Pure magic. If you give this less than 5 stars you're only semi good looking.

Van Halen let everybody know what they were about from the get-go, and this album is a tight 35 minute roller coaster. The sounds from this record took everything rock and roll was about in the 70’s and turned it up to 11. It’s just flat out an album with personality. Eddie’s Frankenstrat guitar creates a wicked, heavy sound that has become iconic in rock. David Lee Roth’s power and swagger as a frontman can be FELT in these songs. Alex’s drumming is legendary, technical and has it’s own unique “closed” sound. Michael Anthony’s background singing is so “chimey” and in-line, and his bass just drives an already high energy tone. We got one of the greatest guitar solos of all time in Eruption, and a slew of hits that have stood the test of time in musicianship. While it may feel a little dated in terms of lyrics and taste, there’s no denying this absolutely an essential album in music history. Songs I Already Knew: All of them Favorite Song: Feel Your Love Tonight Least Favorite: Ice Cream Man (it’s fun, but can be a little cringe and just doesn’t have the power of the other songs)

Guys, it's the first Van Halen album.

Here's the thing about Van Halen: they're really talented people who haven't made anything I've ever liked. This album is no different. Most of the songs I've heard from them are on this album so I knew I wouldn't feel any different after listening. People go gaga over Eruption but it's simply disjointed, incoherent soloing that isn't well put together. He's just doing a bunch of admittedly cool things like he wanted to show someone all the possible tricks he has. If he had made it mesh together it would've been way more impressive. I get why people like Van Halen, there's just way more acts who have a better use for their talent.

I don't know why I expected a much harder rock/metal sound, but this was fantastic! One of the best albums I've listened to from this. I went back and listened through a lot more Van Halen after this.

“I am a victim of the science age.” What a line! This is another one that feels kind of silly to rate. I don’t generally envy people older than me, but I do wish I had been 13 or so when this album came out in order to have that pure experience of hearing Eddie at a time when no one else on the entire planet sounded like him. I can’t really fathom what that must have been like for young guitar nerds. Anywho, it’s astounding how many singles are on this record. Just astounding. Shout out to the Running with the Dweezil podcast, which I’ve only heard snippets of but is pretty fascinating.

I might not recall all the details, but here goes. I was about 10 years old when Van Halen's Diver Down was released in 1982. I heard their cover of Pretty Woman and thought it was pretty cool. For reasons lost to time, I didn't buy Diver Down but rather this album. Therefore I don't recall how Van Halen I came into my possession, but what I do remember—crystal clear—is the absolute joy it brought me. As the needle dropped and the record spun at 33 1/3 RPM in my little suburban New Jersey bedroom, a whole new world of sound exploded upon my ears. Up until that moment, my musical landscape had been shaped by my parents' oldies and Sesame Street. But this? This was something else entirely. This was testosterone-fueled rock, raw and electrifying. It coursed through my body, transforming me. Hair sprouted where none had been before. I felt stronger. A fire was ignited in my loins, and suddenly, female lust became my new obsession. I was no longer a child.

Next level guitar, arrogant sleazy vocal delivery. Outstanding production. And then for that 'difficult second album' they go and release Van Halen II which is even better!!  

What a classic album. Their first, legendary. Eruption is a true form guitar solo turned song.

Amazing musicians but lacking in memorable lines and choruses. Great guitar playing but too many riffs are the same and at 100 mph and played for the sake of it

Ludicrously overblown, sterile, soulless, awful. Dave Lee Roth's vocals are like Mariah Carey's - fabulously technical and gifted, but emotionally dead.Like a pantomime dame. Van Halen's guitar wizardry also leaves me cold - I hate shredding. Play it slowly but with feeling please.

Ok well Edie Van Halen is a very talented guitarist and David Lee Roth a charismatic front man, but unfortunately stylistically with their guitar wizardry and rock star wailing I am left cold. All style no substance. Not surprisingly the best sing for me by far is Ain"t Talkin' 'Bout Love, where both of these indulgences are reigned in. 2.5 🌟

Poodle rock

Great Rorschach test of a record: if you hate it, there's something wrong with you. Hopefully it's a temporary condition. I'm not much of a "cock rock" fan but this is a great record that transcends genre. It also lays out the blueprint VH would perfect with albums like Diver Down and 1984. They perfected it, but not necessarily improved it, if I may say that. By "blueprint" I mean that this album truly hits all the key points you want from a most satisfying VH record (in no order): Skull-crushing guitar solo (Eruption) Diamond Dave (Ice Cream Man) Pensive Dave (Little Dreamer) Mean Mistreater (Jamie's Cryin') Mister Mischief (Runnin' With The Devil) Kinks Kover (You Really Got Me) Hot for ___ (I'm The One) They throw off a really unusual mix of talents and vibes but that's what made them better than KISS and everyone else on the scene before and after. Maybe AC/DC is the only other cock rock band in the same league. What makes this particular album stand out from the rest of their work is that it sounds like they are playing live in the studio with maybe only some vocal overdubs. There are maybe two songs I don't like that much but otherwise this is lights out.

(4/5) Rock classic by a legendary band. It's good and I love the hits, but they always struck me as a bunch of hyperactive kids running around yelling "Watch this!". It's fine and it might even be fun (or funny) at times, but I don't have the patience for it *ALL* the time. That level of energy is unsustainable for me. I haven't snorted enough (or any) cocaine to keep up with that pace. It's over as quickly as it started, which makes this a quick 'shot' of rock.

Honestly going into this I was expecting something far lamer, but honestly it caught me off guard with just how hard the band could get with some of these tracks (I LOVE how crunchy the guitar is). Really put into perspective why this style of rock became popular, and how shitty its imitators actually were! I'd definitely say that the album loses some steam in the second half, but I appreciate how lean the it is which alleviates the effect a lot. All killer no filler, which is quite frankly the platonic ideal for a hard rock album. Highlights are Runnin' With The Devil, Eruption, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love and Jamie's Cryin'.

I'm so happy to see this album included on this list as I think it's the best Van Halen record. This is slammed with absolutely incredible pieces of music- "Runnin' with the Devil" "Eruption" "You Really Got Me" "Aint Talkin' Bout Love" "Jamie's Cryin'" are all SUCH strong tracks to have on one record. Each one absolutely amazing. I love "Runnin' with the Devil", David Lee Roth has such a laid back delivery during the verses that I think is both brilliant and perplexing as an opener for a hair metal album released in 1978. The guitar solo in this is pretty out-of-left-field when you look at it intervallically, but as all things with Eddie Van Halen, it not only "just works", but it sounds amazing and elevated with it's inclusion. "You Really Got Me" is such a fun addition to the album. They do such a good job at taking the beauty and fun of the original (by the Kinks) and maintaining those elements while also putting their wild spin on it. "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love" might be my second favorite Van Halen song. That intro riff is SO special, I go and learn it every few years on guitar just to be able to pull it out of my pocket and hear it whenever I want. This is one of the great moments of the production side of Van Halen- where they have this super unique setup where Eddie's guitar is recorded fully panned to one ear, and then sent into a reverb that then gets sent out 100% into the other ear. So in one ear you get his regular guitar sound, and then in the other ear you get this mimic'd version of his guitar part with a bunch of reverb on it. Sounds ghostly and cool and funky all at once. I recommend hearing this with headphones! My favorite from the bunch is the instrumental "Eruption"; the song that made me look at the guitar not as a hobby or something to do on the weekends, but rather as a form of art that I would obsessively have to practice every single day of my life. This single piece of music was my own personal Moby Dick, or rather my own Mount Everest- this towering, intimidating behemoth in the distance that stared back at me with an intensity that equaled my gaze at it. I first truly "heard" this song when I was 15 or 16 and only a year or two into playing guitar, and boy was I transfixed. The introduction to the alien sounding neck-tapping technique, the wild yet tasteful dive bombs with the whammy bar, the immaculately clean tremolo picked sections, the little blues grace notes in between all of the shredded pinch harmonics... it's all so SICK. I haven't tried to learn how to play more of it in years but I used to be able to play some of the harder sections. I think I need to get this one under my belt before my hands start to get slower with age! To put this track 2nd on an album is also so cool. Clear 5/5 for me. Such a great record!

N'ayant pas trouvé d'angle à donner à ma critique du jour, je me suis rendu sur la page Wikipedia du groupe qui nous intéresse. Et quelle ne fut pas ma surprise de constater que ladite page ne contenait pas la moindre rubrique dédiée à d'hypothétiques polémiques. Rien du tout. Pinuts. Une lueur d'espoir fit scintiller mon œil lorsque je vis que le mot "scandal" apparaissait une fois. À ma grande déception, il s'agissait en réalité du nom d'un autre groupe duquel faisait partie une certaine Patty Smyth qui, dixit, ne devait pas être confondue avec [la punkàch] Patti Smith (?!) Non mais on se fout de ma gueule en plus ! Évidemment qu'on va les confondre c'est exactement le même nom t'as juste mis des Y pour pas que ça s'écrive pareil !! Ils se prononcent comme des i les Y !! Pour en revenir à Van Halen, c'est donc du rock lisse, sans scandale, sans polémique. C'est du Kids United en fait. Sauf que non, erreur, les Kids United ils en ont des polémiques ! Eux ont osé crier "tout le monde debout" à un public exclusivement composé d'handicapés en fauteuils, ça c'est Rock'n'Roll.

I wish I had been around when this first came out and it was new to the world. I still remember the first time I heard "Eruption" and it absolutely blew my mind (it still does every time I hear it). This album opens with four absolute bangers and then carries on from there. Obviously Eddie and David Lee are the flashiest parts of the band, but Anthony's vocals might be the most underrated part of this band, they are superb and on point, remind me of John Frusciante's vocals. Alex is great on drums. "Ice Cream Man" is by far the weakest track on here but everything else is superb. Eddie was one of the best to ever do it, wish I could have seen him live. Also "you know you're semi-good looking" is an absolute bar.

I knew more songs on this album than I thought!

It's only 35 minutes long There were different songs on this album?

I don't understand this. These people are obviously very skilled at their instruments. And I have no doubt that they are sincere in what they are doing. But. I don't know what they are actually doing. For me the question being asked here is "What makes music "music"? Is it in the experience of the listener? Is it in the intentions of the player(s)? In the conversation space created between the two? If music is in this in-between space, this is a record in which I cannot enter. And I may actually not want to. Sounds are created here, they are put together, and I remain utterly unmoved. If anything, I get irritated. My attention has nowhere to hang on, everything shifts so fast. I cannot see one idea I can get interested and curious about. It feels like being talked at, and I have nothing to say or contribute. It makes me want to be somewhere else, doing something else. The final straw is their cover of the Kinks. It makes me sad that they somehow had to get roped into that mess.

The guitar by Eddie is amazing on this first VH album. While it could have had a little better song lyrics, it still has enough great songs on it to get a 5.

Growing up in the 80s it was inevitable and impossible to not hear Van Halen as part of daily life. There’s a lot of speculation on who was better: David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar. In truth, both were great in their own way. This album showcases the raw energy and talent of David Lee Roth in his prime. He may not have been the best singer, but he was definitely the better showman. What made this album great at the time was were bands, like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and even Journey, which were each going on their own path towards darker or more serious, Van Halen produced a juvenile rock that was backed by extreme talent of its four members. Eruptions ear-splitting technique revolutionized guitar, while songs like You Really Got Me Going and Running with the Devil were coercive works of mastery. One of my favorite songs this listen was Ice Cream Man, partially because the double entrendre, and its bluesy-rock roots. This album still translate to fresh rock and energy.

Timeless classic!! The beginning of a legend!!

La verdad nunca me llamó la atención Van Halen y le entré a este disco con muchas reservas. No pensé que me fuera a gustar tanto y sí quiero escuchar lo demás que han hecho. Grata, grata sorpresa. Songs: Ain't Talking' Bout Love, Little Dreamer

Très belle performance de Van Halen by Van Halen, mais sachez que le combat face a rob se fait de plus en plus pressant. En effet, hier soir, j'eu la surprise de recevoir un message de mon petit frère, me demandant si je connaissais un certain robbelvedere. Je lui repondais que oh oui, je connais un certain robbelvedere, je le connais même très bien, lui et ses opinions musicales de merde. Il se trouve que rob a fait irruption dans la troupe de théâtre de mon petit frère, et a commencé, en pleine représentation, à substituer au cd diffusant la bande son de la pièce un album de Frank Zappa, sous le regard médusé de mon petit frère, en pleine représentation d'un morceau de bravoure. Cet acte terroriste ne restera pas impuni, rob ne vas pas s'en sortir comme ça. Je vous tiendrai au courant de l'avancée de cette affaire

The musicianship is pretty good, not going to deny that. But I definitely didn't enjoy this one. Being the precursor to the whole annoying bleh glam rock / hair metal / pop-hard rock scene makes them more original than the plethora of copycats of a thoroughly unoriginal style, but it doesn't make them any less annoying. I did enjoy the short guitar instrumental at the beginning and I liked Little Dreamer as well - a solid highlight on an otherwise lame album. Ice Cream Man started annoying, but turned into the only actually interesting track. The rest of the album was a slog, boring and galling. Luckily it was quite short.

If you ever want to torture me just play continuous guitar solos with zero backing instruments. The Kinks cover was bad. I really do not like this album.

p412. 1978. 1 star. Soulless, spandex-clad, big haired cock rock. Lots of sheen and not a shred of emotion. Yes, you can play the guitar fast, but if you don't put any passion into it then it turns into pomp rock wankage realllll fast. Jeff Beck gets more feeling in 3 minutes than this lot have managed in a career.

Ain’t talking bout love…ain’t talking bout dub (Apollo 440). Love this, very rock n roll and short n sweet.

This album basically created the entire sound of 80s rock. This led to a bunch of terrible bands, but I get why so many teenagers decided to start terrible bands off this album. Pop metal perfection. Best song: Jamie’s Cryin’

5/5

This is another one of those albums where I find it hard to talk about why I think it's so great, because... Well, it just **is**, isn't it? Why should I hafta explain? It's Van Halen's debut album. You don't need to listen to it for too long to get it and why it's often considered, if not just **the** greatest hard rock album of all time. Certainly the most influential hard rock albums of all time, if nothing else. It really all comes down to Eddie Van Halen's playing. No matter how much his influence has spread, and no matter how many people have stolen his moves, no one can play like he can. Seriously, I don't legit consider "Eruption" to be maybe the most famous Van Halen song of all time for nothing. Sure, there's "Jump" over on 1984, but there's no other song in their entire discography that boils down and distills Van Halen's appeal and influence like that song. But let us absolutely not forget the other members of the band. Sure, the band name is Eddie's (and his brother's) last name, and Eddie's playing would always be incredible, but the band itself just wouldn't be the same without these other guys. I mean, for one David Lee Roth ain't one of the most iconic singers in hard rock for nothing. He's nothing but personality, with his "funtimes/goodtimes" delivery and, jus', like, the random vocal inflections he does — the whole "AAAA-AAAH-HAAAA-YEEAAAA-YEEAAAAAAAH" bit. That kinda shit. It's great. Then of course hafta give credit to the rhythm section: Alex Van Halen on drums, and of course, **of course**, Michael Anthony on bass and backing vocals. Seriously, tight as hell combo to keep up with the shit Ed and Dave are doing. And, y'know, as much as I can glaze and gas up Eddie's guitar and David's lead vocals, we really need to acknowledge what an absolute secret sauce Michael's backing vocals are. They are just as important to the sound as anything else, and they are what for sure make my favorite moment on the album: that part in "Jamie's Cryin'" where there's this big harmony on "than one night STAAAAAA-AAAAAAND." Incredible, amazing, just so good. And these four come together to make some of the greatest Southern-fried boogie-type kinda party rock the 70's would ever hear. And in all different styles! Where it's the slow-ish kinda jam of "Runnin' With The Devil", the 60's pop kinda feel of "Feel Your Love Tonight" and "Jamie's Cryin'", the 50's style swing of"I"m The One", the acoustic-start boogie of "Ice Cream Man", the crash n' bashers like "On Fire" and "Atomic Punk", and the straight-up hardrockers like "You Really Got Me" and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love". It's a nonstop 35-and-a-half-minute ride of guitar tricks and vocalizations and, gawd, it's just all so awesome and it kicks so much ass. Like, this shit just rocks and is fun as hell. There's really no better way to summarize it than that. And unless you think this shit sounds meatheaded, or you just really hate these kinds of guitar theatrics, I can't imagine how anyone could hate it. It's just that good and iconic. I mean, dang, why have you spent even this long readin' me babble about it? Go listen to it — or listen to it again! If it ain't worth a thousand words and then some by itself, goodness...

forgot how solid this album is. no, they are not known for deep, thoughtful lyrics at all. what they do showcase on here is the incredible talent of Eddie, showmanship of DLR, and fantastic backing by Michael Anthony & Alex. Ain't Talking bout Love is one of the absolute best tracks

Well well well.the blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal for decades. Talent and personality to spare. The sound of Southern California an updated Beach Boys that would never be duplicated despite many attempts. It sounds like an Iroc with the T roofs off driving in the summer on a Friday night.

One of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Powerful rock. EVH is the ultimate guitar god. DLR’s voice gives the confidence and swagger.

Kedvenc/Favourite: Jamie's Cryin' Nem véletlenül nagy klasszikus, élvezhető, megvan az egyedi hangzása, hallani lehet benne a hozzáértést és a tehetséget is. A rock egyik alapköve, akárhányszor meg lehet hallgatni, de nem veszít a varázsából soha. It's a great classic for a reason, it's enjoyable, it has a unique sound, you can hear the skill and talent in it. It's one of the cornerstones of rock, you can listen to it as many times as you like and it won't ever lose its magic.

PEAK

Very clear that the guitar work and drumming are second to none. I hadn't listened to this all the way through before. Mostly just "Runnin' with the Devil", "Eruption", and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", which are great. New tracks to add to my rotation are "I'm the One" and "Jamie's Cryin'" Solid album from start to finish, and a great taste of what was to come from them.

Not a debut, a declaration: an album so atomic that its fallout fundamentally rewrote rock’s laws of physics.

C’mon now. This is solid gold.

RIP to one of the GOATs

Van Halen! Whoo! Freaking pitch perfect album for a Friday on a holiday weekend! Eddie Van Halen is often cited as the greatest guitar player of his generation. He’s got a good argument. Listen to “Eruption” and make your opposing case if you want. Here on the debut Eddie is bringing his A game. This is just straight solid rock and roll. Eddie has a frontman well suited to the task of surrounding his virtuosity with such personality. David Lee Roth brings just the right amount of sleazy charm to each track to keep the audience entertained during the breaks between solos. Solid punchy rock music. I’m here for it!

Great stuff

Classic album from a generational band. To be honest, I respect their sound and the mark they left on the rock world. However, this kind of rock has never really been my style and for that reason it’s not getting a 4.

Kinda balls. Eddy van Halen is great but the singer is ass.

its not even awful but theres just something about this i find appalling

Just because you can play guitar doesn’t mean that you should. Everything about this made me feel miserable. Even the ‘humour’ of calling a minute and a half of guitar w*nk ‘Eruption’ could not lift the mood. I’m just glad that The Kinks are all still alive, otherwise they would be spinning in their graves. Dreadful.

131. TITLE - ARTIST (YEAR) Variety: 5 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 5 Emotionality: 3 = 4.6 rounded up to a 5 "Turn your radios on/ I'll appear right there, yes, I will/ Turn me up real loud/ I'm in your ears" Now we come to another of those albums ( they have been few and far between) that I heard tracks from ALL THE TIME. 1984 ( the album and the year) had come and gone by the time I realized who these guys were, but I had heard songs from both of these on the radio and in movies, and took me a bit to put two and two together that the synthy "Jump" guys were *GASP* the same miscreants who did "Runnin with the Devil"! As much as I liked those big singles I never dived into their discography until well after college and found quite a lot of great shit to admire. Though mainly on this, and 1984. Aside from the occasional track or two, every other single album I tried left me cold except these two. These two were more magic for some reason. I would argue they both keep rising in my estimation with every listen, but like with all music I tend to buy into the theory that what you loved when you were 12-18 or so will always remain your favorites. There are outliers, but as much as I do enjoy them, I'm not sure they will ever reach that top tier. I might have had to have been born a good 12-15 earlier for that to have happened. THE TRACKS Side one "Runnin' with the Devil" - What an opening. I can imagine how electric this must have felt at the time for the jean jacketed, longhair crowd in 1978. Having gone back and listened to a ton of metal and hard rock from the time, it's still striking how clean and unadulterated this sounds both production wise, and in the playing. I think people maybe my age and a little older don't quite understand or even buy that Eddie Van Halen was as big of an innovator he was. We'll get to more of that on the next track, but worth noting we've already just had an appetizer. More than most he also understands when enough is enough. As talented as the dude was, he was tasteful and knew when to turn it up and when to turn it down. Roth gets knocked all the time ( or used to anyway ) for being a crap singer, but I don't know what those people are on about. Could he sing opera? Probably not? He's fine, and he's got (had?) more personality in his pinky finger than even some of the most notable front men. Alex Van Halen on drums and Michael Anthony on bass ( and great backing vocals) deserve a call out as well. This is a full functioning unit, despite the superstar main attraction. Also worth mentioning here - what fucking BALLS these guys had to put that slide whistle in there. Who's idea was that? Brilliant. "Eruption" - More calling card than song, this was Eddie's "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!" moment and maybe a bit of a fuck you to any doubters or naysayers, and definitely something of a wakeup call to both any complacent old timers who may not have yet realized their prime was past, and younger players who needed something to aspire to. And did they. Guessing Guitar Center employees must have had a busy season after this thing came out. "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks cover) - The previous track as explosive as it pulled double duty as the intro to this very good cover of the kinks classic. When I was a kid, I had no idea this was a cover. I can't say they make it completely theirs, but it's a great showcase track, and proves that their whole thing is a real vibe that's transferable and mutable enough to take a stone cold classic and make it sound as if it MIGHT have been a Van Halen original. Michael Anthony's bass and Roth's guttural hiccupping are the real stars hear though. Not my favorite track, but still very, very good shit. "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love" - My personal favorite track off this album. That riff lives in my head more so than most of their other stuff ( "Panama" aside) This is as close to the band comes to that 70s New York Dolls glam sound in my opinion, despite this being labelled "ground zero" for 80s glam. The sleazy side comes across in the lyrics here, and Roth's ability to keep things subtle when needed is on great display. So much stuff to love about this track - Alex's frenetic cymbal work, the slightly sinister vibe and lyrical content, the ever forward momentum, the open ended and high up tiny little guitar solo that contrasts with the section just after when the rubber band is stretched way down in the other direction for the bridge before SNAPPING back into the song proper. Even the drum/ chant cooridination at the end is awesome. Top notch. "I'm the One" - And absolutely no rest spot need as we get to float on a blistering high octane blues boogie shuffle for a very quick 3:47 to end side one. Roth's vocal gymnastics here are so well timed and add just the flavor to keep this from seeming like the shred-heavy showoff track it is. Them we get hit with the full on harmonized barbershop quartet scatting form the boys, which logic and sense dictates should stop the track dead in its tracks and kill the momentum, but only serves to build tension. Like what the actual fuck. This might have blown just as many minds as Eruption at the time. The brazenness of that little section, and played off straight despite the implication of a wink - pure gold. Side two "Jamie's Cryin'" - Pretty sure I was way more familiar with Ton Loc's "Wild Thing" than I ever was with this ( if I had even heard it) so that when it did finally dawn on me that the drum fill from this song had been heavily sampled by Mr. Loc, a bit of a disconnect happened in my brain akin to what I imagine those people who obsess over whatever Mandela Effect they claim to have experienced must have felt when that idea punctured their brain. Had it always been this way? Why of course, but it still doesn't keep that itch from climbing up my brain stem and distracting me a bit as I listen to this. More great signature backing harmonies, and a nice example of the band's approach to lyrical content. They fall in that sweet middle round for me where they make just enough sense to not be distracting, and don't have to veer off into nonsense or surreality. The Keep It Simple, Stupid approach to song lyrics that really serves the main attraction, which is the balls to the wall fully in concert four-headed monster that is this band is. Good as this is though, it's got some TOUGH competition and gets nudged down a bit by the best of this, as we're grading on a curve for this one. "Atomic Punk" - As fun as this one is, it feels a bit more like a goof than some of the other stuff. To get very literal about it, we get what I imagine to be as either some crazy dude or possibly a mutant super hero bragging about his turf? Whatever the case, it's no sillier than Sabbath's "Iron man" I guess, if a little more low rent. Good times. "Feel Your Love Tonight" - It's funny how tame this sounds now, but it's chock full of the innuendo and thin metaphors that would go on to dominate the 80s hair metal stuff that is a pale imitation of this. I wouldn't call it quaint, but it's definitely on the side of some similarly sophomoric stuff from ZZ Top or any number of acts from time. Ah, the good old days... "Little Dreamer" - Speaking of the bearded ones, this track has more than a little blues rock ZZ Top DNA in it. This downbeat number is full of "they'll get what's coming to them" energy. The lyrics are treated with a bit more seriousness here, and yet there's not any kind of real dissonance in the band's vibes. They can easily switch between goofy and more staid material without losing a step. The range on display is quite impressive. "Ice Cream Man" - Another cover, this time of a more obscure blues number from 1968 by John Brim. When a debut album leans on cover songs, it can be taken as a sign of a lack of confidence or a literal lack material. In this case I'm not sure it's either. These guys were more than confident enough to make the bold move of covering the classic Kinks track, and I think with this they really do make it their own. The blustery swing that they add, Eddie's cleanly metallic soloing, the band's sense of humor, and Roth's easy, ringmaster persona are all on prominent display here. And who says these guys helped to sweep over the blues and remove it from popular rock? This was in no way authentic, but it does not seem like any sort of dismissal or anything. Just something else in the bag of tricks. "On Fire" - And we end on a banger. Simple as anything on here, but effective and even a bit menacing in a way that nothing else on here manages. This is the track I can imagine getting all the church ladies to clutch their purses and swoon with distress. And that's despite a lack of even a hint of demonic atmosphere or sexual innuendo. HIGHLIGHTS - "Runnin' with the Devil" - "Eruption"/ "You Really Got Me" - "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love" - "I'm the One" - "Little Dreamer" - "On Fire" MIDLIGHTS - "Jamie's Cryin'" - "Atomic Punk" "Feel Your Love Tonight" - "Ice Cream Man" LOWLIGHTS - FINAL THOUGHTS I am once again amazed at how fully formed these guys were on this. Up there in the canon of great debuts for sure. And once again I have to drive home how much of a complete unit they are here. The album cover itself speaks volumes to this appeal, with each of the guys equally framed in one corner of the postage stamp. Sure, Roth and Eddie are up top, but... They are on fire here, and when even your lesser material is THAT GOOD, people will sit up and take notice. And they did. This is rightly considered gamechanger I think, and is in no way overrated. As a matter of fact, I'd argue that in recent years maybe it's fallen slightly behind the older estimation of being a bit more of a creative achievement than 1984, as I've noticed by kids ( ranging from elementary to high school age) all have heard and love several tracks off 1984, but are barely familiar with this one. As old boomer critics die off, that estimation is likely to remain stagnant until maybe hard rock makes anther cyclical comeback. When we get to it, I'll have a lot of praise for 1984 as well, but I'm predicting this one will edge it out for me, if only just. This was a delight to revisit. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - Not a chance FURTHER LISTENING - Rocks by Aerosmith - Bad Reputation by Thin Lizzy - Powerage by AC/DC - Ace Frehley by Ace Frehley - Degüello by ZZ Top - Pyromania by Def Leppard

Putting aside how often I heard these songs growing up on the radio … just a plain awesomely fun album. Influenced so many to come / so many great songs throughout. 5

5/5

Alr one of my fav albums?

A nearly perfect album. I think if this list was just 100 albums, this Van Halen would need to be included. I got Blondie's Parallel Lines yesterday and somehow got an even better album today. There isn't a terrible song on here and I recognize that David Lee Roth isn't for everyone, and no, he is not a great singer either. The songs here perfectly balance Eddie Van Halen's guitar pyrotechnics with ensuring the songs don't overstay their welcome. I had forgotten how bare some of these songs were and how Michael Anthony's bass can easily be heard. Mostly, I had forgotten how the mix makes Eddie Van Halen's guitar essentially the co-lead vocalist. Most songs feature it so prominently you need to focus a bit to hear the lyrics, as the guitar sound can take over your attention. Wonderful album and it's nice to listen to the music before they became a bit of a punchline with the drama and other crap that took away from the music they made.

Van Halen was a super fun listen. I've only been familiar with one song of this album and that is You Really Got Me Now as that does play on the classic rock radio station i used to listen to but i still thought i wasn't gonna recognize any of these songs since i never recognized the album art. That being said this album was a really fun ride. The songs all had this super energetic, funky, almost swing like feel to them. Eddie Van Halen himself also provides some great guitar riffs and David Roth's vocals combined with those melodies make this an extremely great listen. I would have had an issue with the recording quality since i listened to it on YouTube and listened to some of the music video versions, but that's not how its supposed to sound on the regular album so i won't fault it for that. All and all, It's an amazing album. Best Song: Little Dreamer Worst Song: Eruption

I'm in the bag for Van Halen. I love their Diamond Dave era. This is a great album, it's got great guitar work and fun lyrics. Seriously this is great rock music. Kinda silly and dumb at times but super fun. So glad this is on the list.

5/5, an incredible rock album that is totally in its own category. All the members of the band are amazing musicians, and they're all perfectly on display here, but I obviously have to spotlight Diamond Dave and EVH. David Lee Roth's performances on here are LEGENDARY — he perfected stage peacocking so early in his career that he manages to verbally strut on stage throughout the album, and it's a riot. But Dave doesn't get enough credit, because the truth is that he's also a killer singer even without the constant stage diving. Just the diction in certain lines is inspired (e.g., "no love you cahreyaeahhh"). Another piece that DLH deserves major credit on is the song selection and composition: a huge fan of old blues, "Ice Cream Man" would've likely never made it on this album without him. The amazing barbershop harmonies would've likely never seen the light of day. That brings us to Eddie, THE guitar hero of his day. Eddie almost comes off as the too-professional virtuoso when set by Dave, but he was a showman on record and on stage in his own right. Some reviews say that some of his solos simply sound like a collection of hot licks and techniques, relatively disjointed, and they're right. EVH loved guitar, and would spend six hours a day practicing and improvising, unplugged, even after they made it big. Many solos were just a collection of hot licks that he came up with while practicing transposed into the right key. That said, even those solos are awesome — they're technically dazzling, fun, and give their songs an extra bit of oomph. And the solos where he composed them especially for the song are fantastic. "Runnin' from the Devil," and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" are brilliant. So what does all this amazing musicianship get us in this album? Ten outstanding songs and one kickass guitar solo demonstration. Every song is worth listening to several times over. It's a masterpiece of rock. Easy recommend to anyone who wants a raucous good time.

This is ELECTRIC. It’s basically every great Van Halen song, and it absolutely rips. Iconic vocals, iconic guitar. Can’t say much more than that, and as far as the genre is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this. Best Song: Runnin’ with the Devil

VAN HALEN, FUCK YEAH

YES.

Screaming guitars, screaming vocals. Belter.

Very valuable music

100% pure fun

I have a very sentimental attachment to this album. I feel like parts of it are cheesy, but it’s mostly perfect dumb fun.

LEGEN wait for it DARY

Excellent album. All the VH ones are great

I mean what can I really dislike about this album? Too much rock? Too much sexual innuendo? Ya it's not perfect but it doesn't get much better than this.

My very first album buy! Still one of my favourites.

Sheer sonic perfection!! Come on......our intro to the genius of Eddie Van Halen!! And you would be hard pressed to find a more enigmatic front man than David Lee Roth in his heyday. You know your head exploded the first time you heard Eruption.....and rightfully so. RAWR!!!

sick

Top to bottom great rock album

So much raw energy on this debut album.

Banger after banger. Unbelievable

LOVE. IT. Matt Bellamy uses Eddie Van Halen's guitar techniques, and that makes sense why I love this. Plus the vocal range.

VH at their best!

The crime of inspiring hair metal aside, this album was a nuclear bomb dropped on classic rock and roll—a unique blend of prog, metal, punk, and pop with that family sense of swing and Diamond Dave slathered on top

It’s a 5. Arguably a 10. I knew Van Halen had to be good, but before listening to this, the extent of my Van Halen experience is the cover of “You Really Got Me” that’s on this album, and “Jump” from their other album on the list, “1984”. Eddie Van Halen’s talents have been apparent to my ears for a long time, given that he absolutely fucking rips it on the guitar solo on “Beat It”, and I knew David Lee Roth’s vocals have always been praised, even if I really only knew them from the far more poppier tone of “Jump”. Needless to say, there were decently strong expectations here. This knocked it out of the fucking park from Track 1 and never once looked back; I don’t even have to say that much about the album itself, because this fucking rips. If you have ears, you will enjoy this, and if your ears don’t enjoy this, you need to calibrate your brain. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar feels like a weapon used to maximum efficiency, especially on the absolute madness that is “Eruption”, and David Lee Roth’s vocals are incredibly strong throughout the album, with a mix of grit you can’t teach & an energy that feels sort of like an American Ozzy Osbourne. Past that though, I’m beyond stunned that I never hear more about the percussion & bass from these guys. All the credit in the world to Alex Van Halen & Michael Anthony, who just as easily kill it in their roles; this album would feel incomplete without them, and I think they deserve some billing. I don’t want to go track by track or anything; I think the music speaks for itself. It’s a super tight 35 minutes that never lets off the gas pedal, and I love the variety it still explores while existing in a hard rock / heavy metal space; “I’m The One” & “Feel Your Love Tonight” are the two most surprising tracks here, just in terms of the swingier 50s/60s vibe they evoke while still being so distinct to this era of rock. For 1978, this does feel a little ahead of schedule, and I have to imagine a lot of the heavier glam rock of the 80s can trace some inspiration back to this album. I wish I had more to say, but I’ve just found myself in one of those in-sync grooves where the music washed over me like a magical sound shower; my ears are drying off, and the only thing I can tell you is that I feel musically cleansed. It’s a super easy 5, and arguably a 10.

FIVE!!!

dave, eddie, michael, alex. collectively they are known as van halen and they took the world by storm in their debut album. eddie van halen was a once in a generation talent and david lee roth was a charismatic frontman. this album is rock solid from top to bottom. haven’t listened to this album in many years, but it still kicks ass. the only *minor* issue i have with it is the track order… it really seems like a missed opportunity that the album didn’t begin with “eruption” then “you really got me”. now THAT would have been the ultimate introduction into what probably felt like at the time to be someone from another planet. van halen had massive success album after album, but this was where it all started, and they couldn’t have asked for a better debut. highlights: “eruption” “ain’t talkin’ ‘bout love” “atomic punk” “ice cream man”

again another classic. One of my dad's favorite band's too so I'll have to give it to him! And I got it on the day of his birthday, coincidence? I think not. Well, not his birthday in the US but his birthday in New Zealand because that's where my parents currently are.

Today I became a Van Halen fan. I had heard some of their songs before, but this album rocked!! Wouldn't say I am typically one for hard rock/metal. This project seems to challenge that belief. Awesome guitar riffs, great hooks, and a brash (but tightly assembled) sound that jumps out at you!

Favorite is Little Dreamer, very classic

Killer album! No doubting its importance for us and for Van Halen! Pure classic.

Unlike a lot of albums that I would have rated a 5 in my youth but now have little use for - This one held up for me

Killer debut album with unmistakable Van Halen sound.

Yeah the album is short st 35 minutes but it handles business and leaves you wanting more. Never listened to Van Halen and now thats gonna change. Best Song: Feel Your Love Tonight Worst Song: Jamie's Cryin' (Its not bad just last in rabking imo)

custom_rating:10

Some of the most incredible and fun guitar work out there. Revolutionary use of a tool put into stone and sound

Absolute Classic. Eddie revolutionised guitar all over again, and we can’t forget the under-appreciated backing vocals of Michael Anthony.

Have to at least respect the skill that they have

One of my favorite albums. The brilliant musicality of Edward, perfectly supported by Alex' deft feel, and balanced - like acid on fat - by the utterly unpretentious circus performances of David Lee Roth. (Watch his early 80s interviews on YouTube.) A band that makes no sense on paper - perfect right out of the gate.

Once in a while an album creates copycats. This is one of those records.

🤘Yes! Van Halen’s debut album. This will be an easy one for me to rate. I’m a Van Halen fan and like a majority of their discography including the Van Hagar tenure. Their debut album is absolutely jam packed with great songs. Yes, Eddie shreds on the guitar but it was the backup harmonies on a lot of their songs that put it over the top for me. It adds a layer you don’t expect from a “hard rock band.” Yes, Dave could get a bit campy with his lyrics and act but that’s not really found on this record. Ice Cream Man is the closest to that here but it’s still a jam. I’ve always appreciated Jamie’s Cryin’ and Little Dreamer from this album. Underrated gems in my opinion. There’s only one song on Van Halen that I’m not crazy about and that is the closer, On Fire. I don’t care for the vocals on that one but it won’t hurt my rating. Van Halen by Van Halen gets an enthusiastic 5 from me. 5/5

Ask yourself, you wanna see van halen?Ask yourself is Sammy Hagar singing? If David Lee Roth is signing the answer is yes!

Had this immediately after Led Zeppelin I. Not sure which is a better debut, both are amazing.

Van Halen by Van Halen it’s a proper banger. I absolutely fuck with the guitar on this album; Eddie’s licks are out of this world, and every riff hits like a bolt of lightning. The mix is phenomenal, with every instrument having its own space while still blending together into one epic soundscape. First off, the guitar work on this album is next level. Eddie Van Halen’s solos and riffs are nothing short of legendary, and I can’t get enough of the raw energy and innovation he brings to each track. It’s a masterclass in rock guitar, and honestly, it’s one of the main reasons I’m so chuffed with this record. The production is spot on too. The mix is crisp and dynamic, ensuring that the guitar, drums, bass, and even the occasional keyboard work together in perfect harmony. Every layer is clear as day, and you can really appreciate the intricacies of the arrangements. Now, about the vocals, they’re top notch. Sure, they might not be the most groundbreaking aspect of the album, but they work brilliantly for what it is. David Lee Roth’s delivery is charismatic and full of swagger, perfectly complementing the explosive instrumentation. His performance adds that extra bit of flair, even if it isn’t the album’s standout feature. If I’ve got a bone to pick, it’d be that some of the tracks can feel a bit overproduced in places, which slightly dilutes the raw, live feel I love about rock. But honestly, that’s a minor gripe compared to all the high points. Overall, Van Halen is a proper rock masterpiece. The insane guitar work, flawless mix, and gritty vocals combine to create an album that fires me up every time I hit play. It’s a solid 4.8/5 stars from me, a true classic that I’ll be blasting for years to come.

Yeah it still rips. The sound every guitarist wanted to copy and still wants to in 2025.

They nailed it so well right out of the gate. Crisp hard rock plus harmony. And Eddy took guitar to a new level.

Surprising that I didn't listen to this record previously. Great hard rock compositions, incredible guitar licks and general feel of the record. Great sound.