1001 Albums Generator
Van Halen by Van Halen

Van Halen

Van Halen

1978
3.61
Rating
29861
Votes
1
3%
2
11%
3
29%
4
34%
5
22%
Distribution
Genres: Metal, Rock Styles: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Reviews (page 12 of 15)

Not a Van Halen guy....

sådär va. men en stark tvåa

at least they kept it short

Wow! Loved this album. You could see their brilliance as well as see where they grew in subsequent albums.

On kyl väkevä. Jotenkin nyt osasin kuulla juuston ohi ja ohan noi riffit kovia. Ja DLR:n laulaminen on kans yllättävän kovaa.

Its exactly what you expect, as deep as a puddle and some face melting guitar, gets a tad samey but it's quite enjoyable, 3.5 rounded up to 4

Honestly surprised how much I enjoyed this 4/5

Side 1 is a 5 with a lot of great guitar work and melodies. Side 2 is a 3 with a lot of forgettable songs.

Awesome guitar work, Eruption is sick, Really Got Me Now is a great cover, Jamie’s Cryin’ is classic, just incredibly solid all the way through. 4.5 leaning 5.

One of the all-time greats. Super rock album.

Ein Meilenstein: bestimmt - aber keiner für mich.

Amazing guitar that is just a delicious treat for the ears. I love a musician who isn’t afraid to show off their skill on their instrument. Eddie is revered by many as the greatest guitarist of all time. He achieved this by not only having amazing guitar skills, but by fitting his complex guitar parts into traditional rock song structures and styles that appealed to wide, mainstream audiences. Although I love the guitar on this album, I don't quite love every track on this album. Some tracks are really awesome, but some songs like Feel Your Love Tonight feel just a little cheesy and poppy, and not what I love about rock music. Van Halen feels like a unique transition point between the awesome hard rock of the 70s and the glitzy overblown arena glam metal/rock of the 80s. I think Van Halen was in some ways a gateway to more cringey rock bands like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi that I don't care for. Quite torn between 4 and 5

Pure 80s rock that is technically late 70s rock 👌

This album is a lot, and that might be a problem if it was by any band but Van Halen, but it suits them just fine. Eddie's iconic guitar sound and legendary skills paired with David's powerful voice and strutting showmanship would be enough for any band to be noticed, but having musicians like Alex and Michael holding down the rhythm section only cements VH as a powerhouse. The track listing here is incredible, with hits like "Runnin' With the Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love" and "Jamie's Cryin'" -- and one of the greatest guitar solos ever put to tape in "Eruption". And the whole affair lasts only 35 mins, a rock and roll rollercoaster that never lets you take a breath. I'm no Van Halen fanboy, but I couldn't give this less than a perfect score. This is rock at its most fun.

Hard rock, skilled guitarist. Ice cream man was a non sequitur, but still fun.

Best Song: Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love. Even though Eddie Van Halen's virtuoso guitar playing obviously contributes a huge amount to the band's success, and Eruption is an iconic track, I've always felt like David Lee Roth brought the heart necessary to make the band actually interesting. And on this track, his voice really soars. Worst Song: Little Dreamer. David Lee Roth is far too subdued on this one. Overall: Sexy in a dumb way. Music for and by big, dumb, beautiful, technically-proficient beefcakes.

I have never been a Van Halen fan. Their songs always sound messy and imperfectly put together - which is maybe the point. The guitar is obviously monumental and was a role model for guitar to come, but I find it overshadowed by the erratic drumming.

It's Van Halen, who doesn't love it?

on of the first LPs I owned

Great energy to this album. You can hear why Van Halen has inspired so many artists to follow.

You really Got me - one of the greatest songs ever

nothing here really stood out to me. I'd give it a 2/5. the only song that really stood out was the opener of the album "Runnin with the devil"

it defo rocks

Very typical of rock from that time period. Nothing stood out to me as particularly special.

A solid rocker and a great first studio album.

It's good, and the guitar solos especially are predictably great. I honestly expected to enjoy the album more, but I think my problem is that I didn't play it loud enough.

Not consistent. Seems dated.

Very energetic and vibrant

So much nostalgia, loved it.

A couple good songs. Not every song was my favorite but I enjoyed a good number.

Excellent rock album. Listened to it when it first came out on vinyl in a friend’s basement.

One of the best "first albums" by any rock band. Yes, there is a cover song (You Really Got Me) but it is as rememberable as the Kinks original.

Wat een tering herrie. Zeker niet mijn smaak. Veel te veel onrustige gitaar. Al met al een hele bak met herrie.

Ya pas de fausse publicité; c’est bel et bien du Van Halen par Van Halen pendant un inépuisable 35 minutes.

Wow, VH’s debut album- pure gold. Every note of every song is pure rock legend. Every girl loved David Lee and every boy wanted to be Eddie. Not since Hendrix had anyone made their guitar sound like Van Halen. In 1978 this sound came out from every car at every stop light. Just wow.

Who knew that Van Halen was into Doo Wop?!

Had to rate it higher to compensate for a friends low rating. Must restore balance in the world.

Perfection

Very different from what I was expecting. Running with the Devil is a great opener. Odd doo-wop bit in 'I'm the One'. The did a cover of You Really Got Me that felt totally unnecessary, they did almost nothing new or original with it to warrant it being on an already short album. 2/5

Fucking rules. Super nostalgic.

This isn't my usual stuff but I didn't find it offensive. Some fun stuff and a surprising amount of variety. But I'm never going to go back to it.

To be honest I had initially thought that Eddie’s guitar playing was a lot worse than this, but there is still a lot of soulless shredding - don’t understand why everyone gets wet over this. Will never forgive them for popularising hair metal

1984 is way better.

Great rock album. This is another one of which I've heard and know every song but have never listened to from beginning to end.

I really enjoy seeing another Van Halen record here since being dealt 1984 in the early stages of the list, and I’m happy to say on their debut they definitely didn’t disappoint. The first 4 songs are iconic enough for the band to really hook the listener in straight away, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” being my favourite here. “Eruption” not necessarily fitting the same category here but a killer guitar solo for an interlude to connect the songs how could I say no. From the deeper cuts I’ve got to mention “I’m the One” which carries on the electric energy from the first handful of songs, “Atomic Punk” which is just as atmospheric as any of Van Halen’s top songs and “On Fire” which closes the album like it’s being burnt to flames, such a cool track. I didn’t have too much of an issue with the other tracks I just didn’t find them as interesting, also wasn’t a fan of the first half of “Ice Cream Man” it’s like Elvis had invaded the album for a minute or 2. Overall, very solid album, I don’t like it as much as 1984 but as a debut album this is pretty good and makes me appreciate the band even more, I hope to hear more from them.

Top: Ice Cream Man et vous ?

This was fun to listen to, after so many years. I was never a big fan of Van Halen but there’s no denying that Eddie was a heck of a good guitarist. The thing that struck me as I listened this time was the good vocal harmonies in most of the songs’ choruses. I enjoyed listening to the album, but I’m not likely to seek it out to listen again.

five stars for guitar alone. Changed things.

Ok, alles goed scheurende gitaren? Van Halen is echt de ultieme hair metal band voor mij, Runnin with the devil vind ik meteen een lekkere opener, je weet meteen wat er de rest van het album gaat gebeuren. Eruption pakt mij wat minder, das gewoon alleen maar scheurende gitaar.. Het album is super kort met maar 35 minuten en daardoor blijft het nog net interessant genoeg ook dat ik me er niet aan irriteer. Metallica let je op? Hier zitten ook continue gitaarsolos in, maar dan in nmmers van 3 minuten ipv 8, dat maakt dit zoveel prettiger om te luisteren. Im the one heeft opeens een stukje scat in het nummer? Hilarisch, dit is dus gewoon fun, de band neemt zichzelf ook gewoon niet te serieus, denk dat dat mijn grootste punt is waarom ik dit beter vind dan eerdere metal albums. Wel vind ik het nog steeds niet geweldig ofzo, ik vind dit gewoon prima. Het is allemaal zo lekker over de top, dit is echt prime 80s metal/rock, je ruikt de haarlak bijna. FAVO: Runnin with the devil, Im the one

Pretty decent! Guitar solos are not for me though. 3⭐️

79/100 Based on this scale: 1 star - 0 to 19 2 stars - 20 to 39 3 stars - 40 to 59 4 stars - 60 to 79 5 stars - 80 to 100 If it weren't for uninspired tracks like Atomic Punk, this would have made 5 stars. It's an excellent album, but it's not entirely without filler.

Great hits. Classic album.

I've been enjoying this groundbreaking album for years. Love it, live it.

Pretty mundane, not my cup of tea.

Pure Sex and Rock n Roll. Heavy guitars and great vocals. I always turned my nose up to Van Halen, but this is a great album.

So many hits

I got exactly what I expected. All except that I didn't expect was how much I was going to enjoy it. Big haired, bare chested, RAWWWWWK that practically stinks of the late 80s. But it shifts around that formula in different ways and never stops being a fun listen.

EVH is a god! Not all songs appeal but can't deny it's awesome. Listened to the 2015 remaster in high-res.

Great album, didn’t realize all songs I’ve heard before are on the same record.

Yks bängeri, muut ei napannu

Un cambio en la manera de hacer hard rock alternativo aunque la producción es bastante floja con un sonido marquetero

This was a new experience for me. Vaguely familiar with Van Halen but can't say I've listened to them before. Can definitely play guitar. Can understand the lyrics which I always appreciate. Not exactly in my wheelhouse but not too bad.

The music has not aged well. I know the guitar is still "amazing", but I no longer like any of the songs. It seems that grunge bands from the 90s - with their socially-conscious lyrics - have pretty much done away with Van Halen-style rock.

Pretty good debut album. Great opening track! Although there are a coupe of classic hits on the album, I'm not digging all of the other tracks. Favourite tracks: 'Running with the Devil', 'Ain't Talkin' Bout Love'. 4/5

Summer of '78 memories!

Classic. This is one of the best of Van Halen. The guitar playing is phenomenal, vocals are so smooth.

No idea how many hits I’d be diggin on this album. Everything screams hair and rock opera. Bass and electric dominate my attention.

Ich bin kein Fan von van Halen geworden.

This album rips. Raw and aggressive with some incredible guitar playing. 5/5.

I had doubts if I would like some of the tracks today as I had some 40 years ago. Van Halen started a whole new rock genre back then, and Eddy's guitar play is still outstanding. But that's it. This music belongs to an era gone by and should stay there.

I was reluctant to listen to this since when I grew up I wasn’t in the ‘van halen’ crowd. Wow. They’re amazing!

rock on babyyyy!! eddie, wherever you are i hope you know that your crazy ear-shattering guitar solos will echo onward throughout the universe for a millennia. if we were to talk about definitive metal albums that changed the world, holy damn this may be that album. please give this one a listen!

didn't realize how many of these songs I already know. late 70s hair rock to the max. YOU REALLY GOT ME NOW.

This album starts off so incredibly strong. "Runnin' with the Devil" has got to be one of the greatest rock and roll songs ever. Weird choice to have the third track on your debut album be a cover-- and one that's not that interesting to boot. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" gets things back on track for sure. This album is like, all shredding. Just so much shredding. God damn this record is fun. 11 songs. 35 minutes. Absolutely no fucking around. Amazing. Honestly it would get five stars except for that dumb cover.

Basically revolutionised how the electric guitar can sound

Call him one of the best front man in rock and roll, I still think David Lee Roth is intolerable. His vocal choices are, to this day, still some of the cringiest and awful choices ever. Just listen to vocal isolations from Runnin' With The Devil. He continues to do this throughout his career and he has some nuances in later songs like Hot For Teacher: "I got my pencil.... Give me soemthing to write on." That being said.... He can hit some high notes that are without a doubt difficult. It's too bad he isn't even a fraction of what he used to be now. This record doesn't get hindered by DLR. If it wasn't for EVH this album would be sub par at best in my eyes. EVH's guitar work is iconic in this record. He single handedly (should I say two handedly?) put two hand tapping into the mainstream. Eruption is one do the best guitar solo songs ever written. The effects he uses on his guitar makes his guitar sound nothing like a guitar... Now a days this isn't as impressive as digital recording and production has given a lot of tools to work with.. But EVH was doing things on a guitar people couldn't even think or dream of. He truly is the saving grace to band and I honestly think Van Halen wouldn't have been given a second look at if it wasn't for Eddie Van Halen's explosive guitar work. For a debut album, this record rips. It isn't perfect. Songs like Ice Cream Man could have been left out and put on a singles 7-inch as a bonus song. It's not awful but it ruins the flow of the record. Atomic Punk is slept on. Perhaps I've heard the other songs far more and I've got ear fatigue... The singles are classics of course. Solid album. Van Halen still isn't my type of band. Eddie Van Halen is a legend. David Lee Roth is awful. That's all I gotta say.

Rocked totally in the day. Slaps completely today. Bass and drums just boom. Eddie does Eddie unapologetically (thank god he thought better of joining Kiss) — the first taste tasted best. and DLR (love or hate as one may) had undeniable frontman presences and 'tude. Plant with a sense of humor, it could be said. There are a coupla classics of the genre – including 3 of first 4 songs and just a killer opener – to set the template for what hard rock merged with catchy pop hooks and super muscular (even steroidal, near-macho) playing could produce. Still only a 4 because not so much of this should be encouraged and to hold VH to account for their future insults to musical (and world) culture and the obnoxiousness of their mostly cretinous fan base. In other words, it’s never been ones thing but does work well on its own terms and in certain controlled conditions (eg, in the gym).

Classic Van Halen, more fun than a Greatest Hits

Reminds me of my childhood. A bit too much flare on the electric guitar for my taste, but overall a fairly enjoyable album and I can imagine in the 70s that it was a very catchy new sound.

one of the best

Pretty good! Better than I thought for some reason. 3.4

A true classic!

Fuck yeah. Favorite track: Eruption

Serious fun. I do love a lot about this but it’s maybe just not got the killer tracks to push it to a 5.

An unquestionable classic!

No question in my mind that this album would have had little chance with me back when it was released. Even a few moments when I listened today had me wondering whether the appeal was forced. But ultimately, I think that this is just a well-done rock album.

I love this band, I love this album. They've got personality. So good.

This is the Van Halen of my youth. I didn’t appreciate it as much then as I do now that I realize that I, too, can rock. Packed with delights, this is just the right amount of David Lee Roth to counterbalance that On Fire Eddie Van Halen guitar. Love this album!

Hard rock from the late 1970s; the opening track "Runnin' with the Devil" sets the mood perfectly. The guitar playing on "Eruption" is pure guitar hero stuff. Really liked their cover of "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks.

Hair metal! Kan tellen als debuutplaat, ik zou 't als album niet zo snel opzetten, maar er staan wel een aantal heel goeie tracks op. Eddie speelt crazy. Positief, fun, energie, eruption!

guitar and drums r pretty cool. other characters..? o.o

Absolument gem.

Few great songs (or rather great riffs and guitar solos), few duds, and nothing else. I really wanted to give a good note for this album mostly because of Eddie Van Halen's talent, but I actually have such a hard time listening to their songs, it's unthinkable to give anything more than 3/5. Vocal and compositions on this album are atrocious. Biggest discrepancy between talent of the guitarist and the rest of the band. Three stars, all going to Eddie.

Fun rocker, didn’t grab me a ton admittedly.

I know why those kids in middle school had van halen shirts now. But what's up with the ice cream man song?

As soon as this was revealed, I knew it would be a 5 out of 5. I remember the feeling of first listening to this album and how good it sounded on my record playing stereo. Brilliant opener - Runnin' with the Devil. Ain't talkin' bout love - a classic. Little Dreamer - my favourite track. Smashing it with 5 out of 5 Gold Stars!

Solid debut album! I classic that still rocks to this day.

I don't like Van Halen.

Good classic rock

some good tracks eruption you really got me ain't talkin bout love jamie's cryin little dreamer

Way ahead of it's time. Brings me back but I doubt I would listen to it much.

I’ve listened to 61 albums since I was given 1984, with 38 albums labeled rock and 7 labeled hard rock. As a result I am wondering how much my opinion was shaped by the circumstances I was in then versus now and by how much more rock I’ve experienced; overall this album sounds more serious but more partyable. Per usual I was drawn more to the rhythm created by the drumming rather than the riffing of the guitar, yet they complemented one another well and created a cool vibe. I liked side A more than side B, maybe because my ear isn’t refined enough to pick out the fine differences and the songs started feeling repetitive in certain ways. 6/10

Well, this is an album that invites you, nay begs you, to rock out with your cock out. Or jam out with your clam out, depending on your available equipment. It's actually quite hard to type this review as my hands have yet to untangle themselves from the this - 🤘🤘. If I had a qualm about this album, it would be that not even Van Halen can do The Kinks as well as The Kinks.

https://youtu.be/dMfX9fu2030?si=sa9-rWQoUMkXP_Jn i just watched nicola benedetti perform the beethoven violin concerto and i think it was one of the most beautiful 45 minutes i will ever spend

A classic debut album

This record immediately became part of the "canon" when it was released. It holds up really well even now. The production is clean, the performances have good energy, the tunes both rock and swing, what's not to like? I can't give it a five as I wouldn't call it an all time classic, but it's got to be one of the strongest debut albums ever, top to bottom, even the "filler" is pretty dang good.

NAEZ gecinagyot ment, összes riff catchz af, kár a pedo szövegekért

I love David Lee Roth

Can’t call myself a guitarist and not pay some respect to this album

It's funny this is rated as Hard Rock and Metal. Maybe it was back in the day. I've heard many of these songs before and it's alright. Maybe it was big for its time because of the guitar skills? Anyway decent album. 3 out of 5.

2.5/5. I was not really into this. Sounds like pretty dated "hard" rock.

Really cool guitar but weak vocals and by the numbers songs

the melodic stuff is a bit repetitive it seems, cool guitar stuff obviously, Eruption is a classic for a reason, but I think I enjoy that kinda stuff more with a full band behind it, cool bass tone on Ain't talkin' 'bout Love, even though the bass line is pretty boring, nice vocals and harmonies too, cool bluesy tune with Ice Cream Man

Enjoyable album that has stood the test of time remarkably well considering its a hair-metal album.

A complete smoke show of an album. Eddie Van Halen's guitar work dazzles and lights up the speakers on every listening device imaginable. To say this album kicks ass is an understatement.

4/5 Really liked this album. Cool bits with some covers and fun stuff as well.

Van halen rules and ice cream man is a great song

Listened Before? No (somehow) Leading in hot with Runnin' with the Devil followed by Eruption. Kind of music that makes you want to light your clothes on fire and run around the backyard. Cover of You Really Got Me has become the definitive version lead by a crunchy riff and Van Halen's blistering soloing work filling any and every free space. Not to mention Lee Roth's sexed up shrieks, etc. through the breakdown. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love ends the hot streak of the first half singles. Solid song that is actually the best example so far (IMO) of the band's synnergy and depth. Just solid song writing with every member carrying their weight equally. I'm the One is an energetic and bouncing track. Van Halen fucking rips this one apart, and the barbershop quartet during the outro surprised me. Jamie's Cryin' is a great little squank rock song about a girl feeling pressured into sex and letting they guy go. Surprisingly catchy little jam. The sound starts to run together a little bit (as is always my complaint with Van Halen) following track 7. But the fretwork keeps it nimble enough. Found myself nodding along to Little Dreamer; one of the slower tracks with more space to let the instrumental truly explore. What a fucking debut. They wasted no time defining their sound, down to the production which always captures them as if they are performing in a stadium sized venue. David Lee Roth is such a formidable front man. Great voice and harmonization, with characteristic howling. And of course the Van Halen brothers (particularly Eddie) slay. This is by no means a perfect album, but it is very solid for an initial entry. Solid 4 / 5. Added to Library? Yes Songs Added to Playlists: - Runnin' with the Devil (Driving) - You Really Got Me (Sunny-vibes) - I'm the One (Driving)

Great start, makes me want to chug a budweiser and crush the can on my forehead. Never listened to that entire album but I liked it.

Fun, up tempo album with loads of memorable riffs. Love David Lee Roth's voice and their use of backup vocals. Commendations are also in order for this being a debut album. I feel like this is a rare album where the "deep" tracks are better than some of the hits. Ice Cream Man being one of those songs. I had high expectations coming into this one and they were surpassed. Hard to find a flaw in this album. Every song is good and it doesn't really run together at all. This 5 isn't completely out of left field, but it definitely wasn't a slam dunk going into the album. Very pleased with this one.

Van Halen was the first band who's entire catalog I downloaded on Limewire, and likely gave my computer a thousand viruses. If someone were to ask me what 70s rock was I would show them this album. The distorted guitars and and screaming vocals were so unique to their time. Far from perfect but still a great album.

Not my favorite type of hard rock/metal/hair but hard to deny Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. Dude is a master on it. Solid 3

For their eventual reputation of over-complicating (and over-sleazing) things, Van Halen's first album is just great rock 'n roll songs (hell, they even cover the Kinks here!) Good call to put the elaborate guitar playing in a very tight framework of just 3 minute songs, making them not overstay their welcome, but perfectly packing a punch. (plus the fact 80s overproduction hasn't hit hard rock yet helps as well) Decent 4

David's vocals hurts my rating on this album. The music is ok to good, depending on the song but his voice is horrible. I've never liked him or his vocals. There are some really good songs on here and then there's Ice Cream Man. I'm ok that I listened to this album but I'm not in a hurry to do it again, anytime soon

Peaked with their first album and first singer. But holy shitttttt what an album

Un clásico.

Fun, crazy, varied, astounding debut album.

Ice cream man best track, 4.5/5 album would re-listen 100%

Van Halen is probably the most overrated band in the history of rock music. Great guitar playing doesn’t make up for band songwriting. Ain’t Talking Bout Love is a jam though.

The best hard rock album ever

What a wild pop phase. It’s not terrible, but multiple listens are not for me. It’s fun and lively, but also silly.

Every single Hair Metal album has at least one song who's just is "Sorry I committed sexual assault, but I'm down to fuck again." 3/5

The second best Van Halen album and one of the most listenable albums ever.

Was Van Halens aim to become the pinnacle of a genre called Dad Rock? And kind of ridiculed as a result? Not sure. But with listening to Dad Rock, the excitement fades fast and the boredom sky rockets. I just want to watch spinal tap

They definitely have a bit of a formula on this one, and about half the songs just seem like excuses for Eddie Van Halen to shred on the guitar. But in his defense, he does. I was impressed by how many of the songs are still pretty catchy even with the focus on the guitar. This style of rock is probably never going to be my favorite thing, but I did legitimately enjoy this one. It's fun and the guitar skills really do stand out. There's a few great songs on here too, so I get the hype. I do think the first half of the album was a lot stronger than the back half, and I feel like I'd tire of this pretty quickly, but this album is pretty tight at 35 minutes so it works well. Favorite song: Jamie's Cryin' Other: Runnin' with the Devil, Eruption, You Really Got Me, Feel Your Love Tonight 11/22/23

Good album

80s hair metal and poser guitars at the end of the 70s. Not exactly what I need.

Still great!

Brani Preferiti: - "Eruption" - "You Really Got Me" - "Ice Cream Man" Note: Un album che ha avuto in impatto storico non da poco nel genere rock e metal, la chitarra elettrica di Eddie è sempre al centro dell'attenzione. Un ottimo album di debutto, anche se non fa molto per me è anche un album molto più intrattenente di un'altro qualsiasi disco di quel periodo. Tutto ciò che è qui è l'essenza più pura dell'hard rock e dell'heavy metal di quei anni, come non si fa a non apprezzare Van Halen.

It's probably just a genre thing that I'm not into. But the guitar just seemed like showing off for the sake of showing off, rather than what sounded good sometimes.

Never was a huge fan of Van Halen, and still am not. Not as bad as some classic rock but probably low/middle of the pack in my opinion. I can appreciate the technical skill of the guitar which is cool, and probably liked the instrumentals the best. I started getting a little tired of Van Halen by the end of the album and was glad it was finally over. I feel like this is a “had to have been there” band - for someone to be a real fan, you had to be living through this in the late 70’s to 80’s. Three stars

4 stars I liked this one pretty good. Not much more to say

Favorites were: Runnin' with the Devil You Really Got Me Jamie's Cryin' Ice Cream Man Overall decent, I can appreciate it for what it is. Does not stand out to me as something I would go back to a lot but since it is their first album I think I would listen to their later songs.

Good, oldschool metal album

Van Halen, great guitar, crap music.

It slaps!

Good album. 👍

Ice Cream Man is one of the best songs ever.

Like rock, but this is just too flashy for my liking.

I think I’m supposed to love this. Just too much for me.

A perfect album.

cock rock the album (Eruption is cool though) 5.6/10

The album is absolutely electric front to back, an all time classic rock album in anyone’s book. The fact that this is a debut album is astounding and the amount of classics that I instantly recognized was astounding. Arguably one of the best lead tracks of an album of all time, when it comes to “Running With the Devil” and comes with a cohesiveness with Eddie Van Halen’s eruption following it. The song “Ice Cream Man”, though featured late in the album, definitely added a touch of pop to the heavy rock chorus, and overall served as a great conclusion to the album.

Some great songs but unfortunately overplayed now in my eyes

I mean, what could I possibly say? I'm not a huge Van Halen fan, but even I acquiesce that this is essentially a "Greatest Hits" album. It fucking shreds. It's suuuuper horny. Grab a fucking forty and just chill to a tape of this. Favorite tracks: "Running With the Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "On Fire"

Some duck beats and catchy tunes

This has got to be one of the best rock album of all time.

First half is all bangers, second half decent. Very soft 4

I'm not really sure where this lands with me. On the one hand, it's mostly ridiculous testosterone fueled crap. But on the other, it has some of the most interesting and revolutionary guitar playing of it's time. Ain't Talking About Love in particular has to be one of the best riffs I've ever heard. But many of the songs on the second half are quite forgettable. Not something I would listen to often, but I think it is marginally better than 1984, so I'll bump it up to a 7/10.

def not the type of music i listen to often but this was so catchy, i was dancing all around my kitchen

"I'm the one" has a surprising a capella section, that was amazing. Really good rock music. I know a lot of the songs but thought it would be harder rock than I prefer, which is not true. I wish the bass stood out more but that could just be the earphones I'm using instead of the overheads I wear typically. The vocal harmonies throughout are fantastic. Main singer is both good and mediocre, a little yelly, but good still. Some good blues bones as well. It's just shy of 5 stars for me, it would need better singing and maybe some less hard rock.

# 107 : Good album, some nice tunes on here, a real rocker … but that guitar playing…. Favourite track : Jamie's Cryin' Listened : 10/11/2023

Enjoyed this way more than I expected. It was overly chaotic and just sounded like they had a really fun time recording it. Would maybe go back and listen again.

do i care about van halen? as a guitarist myself? yes. do i care about the music he created though? not really.

I always think of Van Halen as a comedy band but that’s unfair, it’s just not my cup of tea & clearly they’re very very good at what they do. The cover of ‘You Really Got Me’ is bizarre I never knew that was a thing. The instrumental ‘Eruption’ stands out for me, just let Eddie Van Halen go. It’s all a bit EuroTrash. The guitars are quite something but the vocals not for me. I’m trying to imagine what type of person went along to Van Halen concerts, what was the crowd like but I’m sure I wouldn’t fit in. I do love David Lee Roth’s quote ‘we sold hope and faith and a jubilation on par with a lot of your favourite religions’ I get that, so well played lads ! 😎 Oh God these lyrics are straight out of Spinal Tap actually is this a joke ? 35 minutes was too much for me. Seems like such a waste of an amazing guitarist it isn’t even well produced. ‘Little Dreamer’ was decent.

吉他riff特别好，哥们吆喝so boring

3.8. More my thing.

Pretty great! Liked 5 songs

Enjoyed that, some nice surprises.

I am sorry to all the fans but I can not really listen to this for more than 2 minutes without being bored to death. Lo-Fi girl 24/7 video is more entertaining for me than this. I do not doubt that people who enjoy this have many good things to say. Usually I try to be objective with ratings but I dont think I have anything positive to say about this. I dont even feel this album got much impact on music of todays and time is usually biggest art critique. I guess it might not have stood the test of time then.

It is a fun listen. I like their style. 3-4 stars. ish.

One known song but the rest felt very rocky and on point, won't reach the heights of other rock albums but it a foot tapper for sure.

Listened to this while playing Bullet Star solo. Lost one game, won the second. This is the first Van Halen album I've listened to, though I recognized a couple of the songs. This album brings me back to a very specific childhood memory...even though it might not have been Van Halen. When I was a little kid, I'd often go on ski trips with my parents. This is usually the kind of music they'd have blasting from a mid-mountain chalet at the base of some race course. I didn't like it much as a child...this was more my older half-brothers type of music. I appreciate it more now that I'm in my 40s. The musical technicianship was pretty excellent, but it kind of was all at the same level for me. This isn't an album with peaks and valleys...it is just cranked up to 10 the whole time. I must say, I enjoyed the range of skill much more in the Yes album I listened to the other day. While also technically excellent, there was so much more variety. Also...the "sorry I got kinda date-rapey" (definitely a paraphrase) song isn't one that stood the test of time all that well.

Good, a true classic

I'm not a fan of hair/spandex rock and I'm especially uninterested in anything by Van Halen.

Classic Album, classic tracks. Legendary for the time.

Está bueno, la viola es tremenda, pero. O es tanto el rock que más me gusta.

Having not really listened to Van Halen before (except Jump) i was pleasantly surprised by this album.

bardzo spoko

The guitar obviously rips but I've never really vibed with late 70s-80s arena rock. Just not my thing

I've loved this album since I heard it for the first time in high school in the early 90s. A solid listen from beginning to end. While not my favorite album of Van Halen, it's likely in the Top 3.

Great album. I wish there was more of it.

Enjoyed the rock & roll.

Great album, lots of good songs.

Sad day. RIP Siah. Crank this on your runs!

Ah, nothing like some Van Halen in the morning. This is nice, it reminds me of riding around in my dad’s truck as a kid listening to his favorite radio station.

The original. Gems and some crazy forgotten songs

What can I even say. One of the best albums of all time!! Listen again: yes!! Purchase for my collection: own it already Favourite Song: Little Dreamer or Eruption

Incredible guitar playing by Eddie. Classic classic rock album

Typical 80's hair rock. Eddie Van Halen was plaudited as the latest greatest thing with a guitar, but a bit too much of it for me. Wouldn't avoid them but wouldn't go out of my way to see or listen to them either. Half way again, 2.5.

Surprisingly, this wasn’t as terrible as I thought it might be. Probably as good as 1970s hair rock gets. Wasn’t expecting to find a Kinks cover on it and some of the other tracks didn’t seem to fit with my preconceptions. Loving some of the cheesy guitar riffs and some decent rhythm section moments. A mid 2 rating.

I was expecting to get shingles listening to this. Pleased when I didn't. Musically not my thing, and was mildly impressed with Ed's guitar playing. A high 1

This is the perfect example of an album that I normally would’ve written off because of a feeling I wouldn’t like it. David Lee Roth always bothered me and the flamboyance brought on by this era once seemed cringey. I’m sure in many ways, it still is. But I also now revere this era and beyond with nostalgia. Also, it legitimately fucking rocks. Going to a show would’ve been so much fun.

Easy listening. Talented band but a shame most of them were assholes.

A classic!

Fun album. Full of anthems. Not my favorite, but not bad

This album starts out really strong. Love the energy and the guitar-foreward style. I'm not much of a heavy rock person but there's some aspects that I like. The 2nd of the album starts to feel a bit predictable in song structure and like something a dad would listen to?

Nobody can play the guitar like Eddie Van Halen. Solid album.

“Runnin’ with the Devil” is one of the all-time best introductions to a band—the thumping bass, Eddie Van Halen’s distinctive sound, and David Lee Roth’s screlting all grab you by the face. They follow it up with “Eruption,” which instantly cemented Eddie as a force to be reckoned with. And at under two minutes, the song somehow manages to avoid seeming overindulgent. Track three: their cover of “You Really Got Me,” by the Kinks. Another hallmark of Van Halen that I’ve always loved is their ability to make a cover song their own. And so, in just the first three tracks of their debut album, Van Halen expertly announces their intention as a band. But what made me decide to ultimately give this album 5 stars wasn’t from any of these songs. Rather, it was the doo-woo section on the lesser-known fifth track “I’m the One,” that did that. With it, Van Halen showed their willingness to step out of their genre, to have fun, to be referential, and to do it all while being unmistakably themselves.

Guess you have to be an American to like this trashy music.

Tsja Van Halen, prima. Wist niet dat you really got me van hun was. Prima

I thought the album sounded good, again not really my style. I grew up listening to classic rock so I heard a lot of these songs.

It's David Lee Roth Van Halen - it slaps

Banger of a debut, rocks hard and Eddie changed the way people play guitar

оо, я открыла альбом и в предвкушении, ииххаа первый альбом, который я слушала и второй исполнитель после металики, которого я как-то более-менее знаю). А ну ладно, еще Игги Поп Но послушав целиком, не могу сказать, что в восторге. Поставлю 4-ку за ностальгию, некоторое время мне прямо очень нравилась вся эта глэм рок волна. Более поздний ванхален раскрывается больше

This is very late 70s and very Van Halen.

An all-timer for a debut album. Great classic songs with stellar guitar riffs and Diamond Dave doing his thing.

amazing debut album. love.

I can only imagine how fresh this sound was when the album first debuted. So awesome, and with an amazing guitarist!

Another 1 I missed, apart from 'Runnin' with the Devil', which I didn't really like when it 1st came out. Good album for a stadium type gig. A little formulaic but great fun. I could imagine doing a U.S. road trip with this as part of the soundtrack.

The best part of this album, besides the entirety of the song, 'Running With the Devil' is the moment when they take a scat break. When David Lee Roth said 'I am not a musician, I am a circus performer' he validated all of the non-sense sang and intended in these lyrics. Side note; so many jump references too.

I listened to Eruption for the first time all the way just now. Was that really it? Was that really what all the hype was about? And adding random needly needly guitar bits to You Really Got Me, really does not, it just ruins a perfectly good song Otherwise, I think I’d like this album a lot more if it embraced some of the weirdness that is clearly lurking just behind it’s surface, and comes out in instances like David Lee Roth suddenly scatting for no reason, midway through I’m The One, or the proto-cyberpunk dork that are the lyrics to Atomic Punk.

Never been a fan. This hasn't changed my mind.

This album doesn't quite reach the 5 star threshold for me, but it is not without its merits. It loses points for lyrics, but gains points for the absolute wizardry from Eddie and his guitar. 4/5

Such a beautiful journey from start to end

Was expecting more metal and less church, but good

2.36 per track average. I absolutely do not understand Van Halen, it’s just not good.

The 10 years of Van Halen peace have unfortunately ended, and there is no longer peace in the Middle East. It appears we need them now more than ever! RIP Eddie. Auspiciously-timed South Park reference aside - this band is made up of supremely talented musicians, possessing a revolutionary guitarist, and an undeniably present vocalist in David. Along with the rest of the band these guys rewrote rock and merged fast placing and power chords back into the glam rock of the era. This album has some absolute jams on it, of which ain’t talkin bout love steals the show as it expands upon Eddie and David’s ability to create a massive anthem. The rest of the album is filled with iconic rock songs and just a tad bit of filler. It’s definitely a regular oration in my catalogue.

Eruption and You Really Got me are ones that I was quite familiar with, but Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love and Jamie's Cryin' are getting added to my regular list.

Childhood!

Un disco de hard rock común y corriente, salvo con la excepción de que el talento de Van Halen (guitarrista) explota en todas las pistas. Si bien, su estilo puede ser polarizante, con canciones como Eruption que mas que claro que el lider de la banda tiene gran carisma y precisión al momento de tocar la guitarra (quizás no así al momento de componer).

Eddie's guitar is insane. I just thought the songs were a little too similar.

First time listening to entire album. Always liked Van Halen.

Enjoyed! I never knew that Van Halen's first single off this album was a cover of the Kinks "You really got me".

Je ne connaissais que de nom sans jamais avoir vraiment écouté. C’est un album culte. Les guitares sont sanglantes, Eddie Van Halen est un dieu. Un peu sloppy par endroit mais très cool dans l’ensemble.

I am surprising myself by giving a 5 rating to a hard rock album. But must say the Van Halen sound is still appealing to me. Of course lots of memories attached to the classic hits. I also really like David Lee Roth’s voice. I could list to it every 10 years and never get tired of it.

The guitar on this album really was something. It's very interesting to hear how often their sonic influence appears in various flavors of rock through the next couple decades. Eruption and Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love are as great as ever, and I also liked On Fire. That said, many of the other tracks didn't feel that inspiring—some great guitar playing for sure, but a lot of them blended together, and I don't always love David Lee Roth's vocals. So, a bit hard to rate overall: the best moments on the album are top tier, but my overall experience was a 7/10.

Wat een leuk album! Heel erg over the top, maar het plezier en de virtuositeit spatten ervan af. 2e helft was iets minder.

This was really an awesome album when it came out. After the fantastic music of the '70s there was a huge lull and then this come out and we had something to listen to again. It seemed like there was hope. That's it I don't really appreciate it that much anymore but no one can deny that Eddie Van Halen pushed the guitar world forward in regards to technique

I groaned when I saw this one, because I had 1984 previously on this generator and I hated it. This was actually significantly better than 1984, and even had one song I really liked (Little Dreamer), but I still wouldn't call myself a fan of theirs.

While Eddie Van Halen's talent and influence as a guitarist is undeniable, there is very little substance to Van Halen's debut record outside of its virtuoso guitar licks. David Lee Roth certainly has skill as a vocalist, but the cheesy lyrics, forgettable melodies and lack of variety make this record a bit of a tough listen. The only highlight for me is a souped-up cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me."

Better than expected and starts off very strong but despite the album only being 35 mins it still felt way to long come the end. Most songs sound pretty much the same

Eruption in 78 would have been mind blowing. I've heard a fair bit of Van Halen. I'd never heard the second half of this album and now I know why.

Eddie is great, but I really do not like David Lee Roth on vocals. The hits are good, but the album cuts and covers I do not like at all

I liked this more than I thought. The Kinks cover was terrible though. And guitar solos of any sort leave me cold. Wish I could mark these out of 10, as the disparity between all the albums I’m marking as 3 or 4 stars is huge

Overall: - 70-80s sound is there for sure, if you like it then you'll like this album, if not I doubt it'll change your mind. - A bit repetitive. Build up to choruses kinda meh. - Guitar solos were probably more impressive before but not interesting compared to modern guitarists. Overall solos are way less melodic and more just playing a ton of notes fast. Favorite song: Little dreamer

Not really my cup of tea.

Rock&Roll classic, fun, never old

Too rocky for me

Holly fuck… i was waiting for that one!!! By far the best ever Van Halen album, one of the best debut album of all times (Apetite for destruction ans The Doors) clearly one of the best pure hard rock album too. Its hard to belived it was a first album, so perfect, powerfull and magic at the same times. All members perfomances are great, our belived Diamond David Lee Roth, one of the best frontman in history delivred vocals like no one and pretty good lyrics. Micheal Anthony as a solid rythm part throught out all the album. Alex Van Halen gave us a taste of what its like to be a Van Halen Brother, so much talent and good druming part. Of course eveb though they are all in an other league of musicians, this album would have be the same You would though that these guy would come of with good songs? That would be wrong, those songs are not good, but powerfull, magical, sexy and wonderfull. I could list them all to show you (and i will do it), track by track this album is good Runnin with the devil is the oppeniogn track, itself it show what i just desrcibe you about this band, good vocals, a fucking bass part that run trought the song, the drums part is perfect and the guitart work too. This song introduce VH to the world and its clearly one of their best. Eruption is probably the reason why Eddie is considered in the top of guitar legend, a 1:40 guitar solo, no lyrics, no bass a little but fo drums, it sound perfecly well and show us how good he could be .Its a perfect introdution to the next song's powerfull guitar riff. You Really got me is a cover of the Kinks, but honnesly is still one of the bets VH song, above all the music that is far better than the Kinks version they add a more sensual and sexual connotation that define their style and fit extremely well with them. Not to mention the incredible riff that i think was very hard to beat from the original version but they managed to do it, and every members is part of it. Ain't talkin' 'bout love is often considred their best song or their best riff, i say its a very very good song, but not my favorite. I'm the one is one of their underated song on the album that you just know if you really listen to it, the fantastic guitar intro, Dave's vocal reach an other level, same for drums and the energetic bass line. The chorus sang by Micheal and Eddie (shooow you love) blend it so well in the song, dave's screams add it too. What make the diffrence to me is the bridge that goes: Whoo, Bop bada, shoobe doo wah, bop bada, shoobe doo wah, (ba da whum), sang like a gospel thing its very good before the outro that is very good you guess it. JAMIE'S CRYIN is in the top of my personal favorite song of all times, so i could simply say that its the best track of the album, its perfect and go listen to it again and again. But i would describe it the same way as the majority of songs in this album: all members feel equal in the sound and in the talent. David gave us pretty good lyrics about what he is famous for (one night stands) with one of his best vocals perfomances. Eddie give us a riff and a solo, not the more originals but it fit so damn well in the song that we forgot song like aint talkin' 'bout love or really got me. I don't understand how Eddie and Micheal voices sound so beautifull in this song (and a lot of other but this one stand out) that what make me worship this song really it sound like heaven or paradise i dont know its just magical. The drums intro and the bass line are again a good example of how good they are. Probably this song alone make me admired this band and this album i could listen to for ever really it worth the listening. Atomic Punk have a iconic guitar intro and i dont know how to describe it with better word than its tittle, it feel and sound just like that. Feel your love tonight is a good exaemple of what is a VH song, probably not very original in the lyrics or the music but still and powerfull and energetic party vibe song that they do so good. Little dreamer i think have the best lyrics of the album, the musics is extremely good and is probably the less exentric song in a way, but not less good a unique song in this reccod. Ice Cream Man is a cover, but i would never guess it cause they make it so good, compare to this old 50's blues song. The song is divided in two part, an accoustic one (play by Dave) where he take all the place with his incredible voice and charisma. Then all the band join in for the chorus that lead to one of the best solo in the album (and of the band wich mean of all times too). Then the sing the chorus again all together (magical each time they do it) and then the outro is still lead by Dave's and Eddie talent. I think it should have been the closing track and its a shame that this song is not more regocnize, like i said this song was literaly written for this band. On fire is a bit wierd like its a good song like the rest but i'm not sure if it fit so well with the rest of the album but its very my personal look like the rest of this critic. Well each song have a unique quality but remains coherent (exepect on fire but still) with the rest of the songs, this album was a commercial hit with 10 000 000 sales in the U.S but i don't think it have the recognition of other great 70's band like Queen, AC/DC or Pink Floyd i think this album is one of the best ever produce in the 70's it pave the way for a whole new genra of Glam Metal band that would reign on the 80's rock scene, it influnced could be seen one a lot of guitar heros that will follow its trace like Steve Vai, Rhandy Rhoads, Slash and countless others. This album have a magnetic hold one me, it just a magical reaction when i listen to it and i belived its the same for a lot of peoples. R.I.P Eddie Van Halen we all love you!!

One or two hits, was okay

This is an iconic and revolutionary album. With incredible vocals and guitar playing, this album has transcended time and has some of the greatest hits of all time. Eddie Van Halen is an absolute legend of a guitar player.

Probably the quintessential cock rock album. I don’t want to be unfair to it because of how overexposed a lot of these songs are in 2023 but man am I tired of hearing Running with the Devil on every clear channel classic rock station.

Hard to believe this is their debut album. Not a song worth skipping on the whole album.

There it is. The first album of this journey. Also the first album of what is arguably one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. And oh boy, what a debut. For this being their first album, it's spectacular! The sound immediately captured me in its fantastic energy. Eddie's guitar work will always stand the test of time. And do I even need to mention Eruption? Easily one of the greatest rock instrumentals of all time. It’s not a perfect album or anything, but it is very fun and good. I'm kind of lucky to get music that appeals to me like this as my first on the journey. I am now very excited to see what else this generator brings me. 4/5.

Strong first half of album weak back half

Album was very good 70s rock. Great guitar playing especially. Some songs blended together a bit and were a little forgettable, especially in the middle, but overall a great experience.

A lot of fun!!

Great blues band, kinda wafty when they do 80s hair metal. Good riffs, silly solos. Fun, camp.

5/5 Excellent listen. I've heard all these songs a million times before and hearing 'em again wasn't a bad thing.

First couple of tracks were ok (not You Really Got Me which was awful) but it died a death from middle to end.

The sound and musicianship were there. The songs weren't

Endless noodly guitar playing, mediocre singing, and a quite a few bizarre musical decisions that seem, for the lack of a better term, entirely fucking coked out. This embodies a lot of things that I absolutely hate in music tbh, but at least there's a catchy song or two. It gets a 2, I'm feeling nice today.

I don't like it, it's not bad but not exactly my kind of music and I find the production a bit dry and clinical. Nothing is really standing out, it's just clean but lacks personality. Won't be listening again.

Very good album that has a weaker B side.

Bought it when first released and still playing it now. brilliant album.

Dont like david lee roths voice

first listen what a blistering force of energy

I prefer 1984 to this one but it's still pretty damn good.

Rock hits, short and full of ENERGYYYY

Good times were had, ear bleeding riffs were played.

Revolutionary album at the time of its release, I'm sure. This record heralded the shape of rock to come, and introduced Eddie Van Halen's virtuosity to the world.

Very good for a first album

Pure unadulterated young man sex energy that delves into schitzo crack addict territory sometimes. In a good way though “We’re getting funny in the back of my car I’m sorry honey if i took it just a little too far” - “Feel You’re Love Tonight” 😲

Amazing stuff. Really defines this era of rock. The first 6 tracks will blow your doors off!

Pure uncut rock n roll! Love it from the very beginning to the very last note. Crank it to 6 stars and keep going.

4. Awesome rock and roll piece, full of energy. With hints of early rnr.

felt like I was in a 90s comedy intro

Love Van Halen

Really enjoyed it, very creative solos, great use of distortion and feedback to create an album that dances between rock and roll and hard rock. Great effort. (80%)

funny but conventional

Þetta er svo rosalega mikið barn síns tíma. Pínu nostalgía en úff, svo mörg rauð flögg í textum og bara.. æji.

its cheesy but still slaps

Excellent classic album. So many hit songs on a freshman album.

Включил бате - ему понравилось 4/10

Been a long time since I’ve listened to rock like this. Straight up classic that has basically 0 misses. The first half of this album dominated radio stations since the day it came out as well, it’s kind of undeniable

Good album, although never had listened to Van Halen before. Will definitely listen again.

Have previously heard this several times. Revolutionary for its guitar work but also for the specific kind of lifestyle it embodied: surfer dudes playing happy heavy metal/loud rock (and doing it well). In that way they're a bit of a latter-day Beach Boys. And that is a compliment. It just feels uninhibited and energetic. Like what electric guitar could sound like pushed to its limits and played with mastery. Hearing Eruption for the first time in 1978 must have been face melting (I was only 6 years old).

a fun lil album, but not my cup of tea

Quintessential Van Halen. You get a little bit of each band member in this one - but of course heavy with Eddie establishing himself as a guitar god, and Dave putting himself in the rare air of frontmen like Mick and Roger. Love that they took the chance to put Ice Cream Man on here with all these heavy guitar driven bangers.

Fantastic album. No rocket science, nothing ground breaking, just solid rock done well. A little dated now but still stands up