Reviews (page 4 of 14)
Boom it's another 5 - there isn't a wasted minute on this album. VH know what they do best and they don't shy away from it. These guys reinvented guitar rock, but they don't spend 90 minutes parading around going "how good is this, corrrr bloody hell aren't we fuckin sick"
Great
Great album, I've heard it a million times and it's still great. Eruption still blows my mind. Obviously I would listen to this again, probably wouldn't own it though.
For a debut album. they don't get much more perfect. There are three talented musicians and a front man who isn't musical, but man does he command your attention. Everything after this never really, in my opinion, rises to the same level. What a ride this one is though. 9.7/10
It's difficult to not use superlatives when describing this record...best debut album, most important guitar solo, best frontman, etc. Appropriate for a band formerly called "Mammoth", everything about this album is huge. Eddie's guitar tone, the soaring choruses, Alex's drum kit, it's all bigger than the sum of its parts. Few albums have had as much influence as this one.
I have to be careful listening to this album because it's gotten me pregnant a couple times
Van Halen with Dave is the best Van Halen. Van Halen By Van Halen is the best Van Halen.
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.
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.
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.
It's Van Halen, who doesn't love it?
on of the first LPs I owned
Very energetic and vibrant
So much nostalgia, loved it.
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.
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.
Had to rate it higher to compensate for a friends low rating. Must restore balance in the world.
Perfection
Fucking rules. Super nostalgic.
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.
five stars for guitar alone. Changed things.
Great hits. Classic album.
I've been enjoying this groundbreaking album for years. Love it, live it.
So many hits
Great album, didn’t realize all songs I’ve heard before are on the same record.
Summer of '78 memories!
This album rips. Raw and aggressive with some incredible guitar playing. 5/5.
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!
5*
one of the best
A true classic!
Fuck yeah. Favorite track: Eruption
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!
Absolument gem.
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.
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.
I love David Lee Roth
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.
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.
Peaked with their first album and first singer. But holy shitttttt what an album
Fun, crazy, varied, astounding debut album.
The best hard rock album ever
Still great!
It slaps!
Dudh
A perfect album.
This has got to be one of the best rock album of all time.
Having not really listened to Van Halen before (except Jump) i was pleasantly surprised by this album.
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.
Enjoyed the rock & roll.
Sad day. RIP Siah. Crank this on your runs!
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
Classic
A classic!
9.5/10
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.
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!
Awesome
Such a beautiful journey from start to end
First time listening to entire album. Always liked Van Halen.
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.
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!!
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.
Hard to believe this is their debut album. Not a song worth skipping on the whole album.
5/5 Excellent listen. I've heard all these songs a million times before and hearing 'em again wasn't a bad thing.
great
3 or 4
Bought it when first released and still playing it now. brilliant album.
Classic
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.
Pure uncut rock n roll! Love it from the very beginning to the very last note. Crank it to 6 stars and keep going.
Love Van Halen
its cheesy but still slaps
Excellent classic album. So many hit songs on a freshman album.
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
Fantastic album. No rocket science, nothing ground breaking, just solid rock done well. A little dated now but still stands up
When David said “baba, shooby doo wa,” I really felt that. This album is as equally hilarious as it is legitimately great. I’m not even ashamed to say it… 35 minutes that are jam-packed with pure energy.
This is everything I wish the Aerosmith album was. It was unique, interesting, melodic, and rocked hard. Eddie Van Halen’s playing is simply phenomenal and the songs Stratton perfectly between pop and hard rock for me. Running with the Devil is a fantastic opening track and Eruption is 1 of 1. The exceptional Kinks cover doesn’t hurt either.
Its the perfect depiction of 80s metal.
This is certainly on the list of best debut albums. Such a unique guitar sound. Great, fun songs with a little edge and a little humor. Eddie was a master on the guitar. As unique as Jimi was in his time (also a top debut album btw). Thoroughly enjoyed this. Eruption/You Really Got Me is an all time classic paring. And I have always loved Ice Cream Man with the acoustic to electric transition.
Not often a debut has such a legitimate claim to being the top album of the decade, let alone the year. VH has many good songs, but the consistency of the run of classics gathered here is hard to grasp. Definitely an album that changed music forever.
Probably Van Halen's best. Great songs, great energy and a great musical delivery.
Van Halen always is good
It's not just that this became the perfect album for getting hammered in parking lots, although that's clearly a benefit. It contains the most impressive free standing guitar solo...ever? Yeah, ever. Argue about that if you must, but one thing is inarguable: There's never been a rock band quite like Van Halen. Especially this version of Van Halen. The only group that made sense to have David Lee Roth as a front man, so much so that the idea of anyone else fronting the band felt sacrilegious to many of us. A band that countless others tried to imitate but couldn't even come close, probably because the drummer and especially the guitarist were classically trained virtuosos. And it all started here. The '70's are my favorite musical decade for many reasons. One is for how many insanely great debut albums were released in the decade. And this one is truly a landmark.
Van Halen Van halen.. Kukaan ei hypi faneja eibolla ollaan kuvaajan x^2, x>0 alussa kohdassa x=0 heh... fanikäyrä fanikulaari.. yytä nollaa näyttää.. Parasta albumia tyhjälle katsomolle.. ei mene tämän paremmaksi.. debyt...
Это охренительный альбом. Он небольшой и звучит стремительно. Удивляет то, что на нем нет ни одной проходной песни: все на своих местах. Любимые: Ain't talking bout' love, Runnin with the devil, You really got me, Im the one, Jamys cryin' и конечно прекрасное соло Eruption. Также могу сказать, что это одна из тех немногих групп, где каждого участника можно назвать гением: гитара, вокал, бас и барабанны звучат интересно и создают целое полотно на 3-4 минуты, много деталей и чистый профессионализм. Этот альбом безусловно на 5+.
5.0 - One listener commented that back in 1978 this record sounded like it came from another planet. As a purely guitar-driven composition, “Eruption” still sounds otherworldly - possibly Eddie’s greatest achievement. There’s a sheen to this sound that foretold much of what 80’s rock would sound like, for better but mostly for worse. David Lee Roth fronts the sound impressively with a Beach-Boys-strung-out-on-Hollywood-Blvd vibe. For this moment in time, Van Halen had grabbed the world by the balls.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Instant 5/5
5 stars This is a perfect rock n roll record that begat a lot of complete crap.
Ok so this album has a lot of elements that would go into later music. Atomic punk feels like an early metal song, ice cream man has a lot of funky elements, the bass comes through very well. It definitely feels like a lot more rock than I originally assumed sprang from this album
Brilliant. 5/5
Essence of rock
5/5 Classic, Classic Rock I grew up listening to this. Fantastic! Standouts: Runnin’ With the Devil, Jamie’s Crying, Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love, Feel Your Love Tonight, You Really Got Me, Eruption, Ice Cream Man, I’m the One, Little Dreamer.
Eddie plays the guitar like it is a piano. Wonderdful.
It's a masterpiece through and through. What it's all about. Imagine hearing this when it came out. I would have stood on my desk and just pissed.
I discovered Van Halen when I was 15 and the guitar was something different. This album get me to my adolescence
Iconic!
Crazy that this album is only 35 minutes long. Super tight with plenty of known songs, especially with "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Eruption". Man David Lee Roth's voice is so iconic next to Eddie's guitar, of course. Van Halen has that magical pairing of an S tier guitar player alongside an S tier frontman. 9/10.
Some of the best heavy rock ever made.the first half of this album might be some of the best rock ever.EVH’s playing is stunning and energetic.David lee Roth’s vocals give the songs so much personality.Every song is a banger.
Changed rock forever. Filled with extremely catchy fun songs. Eddie Van Halen shows why everyone tried to copy him,Alex has great drumming,David Lee Roth is one of the greatest frontman of all time and Michael can deliver some great bass lines.
36 minutos em 12 faixas que explodem uma energia incrível de hard rock com doses de hevy metal. Os riffs e solos são certamente históricos.
This is one of my all time favorites.
This is the archetypical rock album that so many many others tried to emulate. The Van Halens' first album represents the height of their powers.
eddie van halen's guitar work is the first thing that stood out to me, but i'm sure it does for most people. i'm thrilled he had his own instrumental song, "eruption," to play with, and it's not a surprise that became so well known, even if it wasn't ever a single. it contains some of the best guitar work in hard rock! the rest of the album doesn't slouch. take any song, and you'll find some beautiful guitar work. there was some nuance that was easy to overlook, that i only heard upon multiple listenings. there's a pinch of eddie van halen playing the sitar on "ain't talkin' 'bout love." on "i'm the one," there's a quick interlude containing some scatting. despite those nuances and more, the lyrics are great. the songs are catchy. what an enjoyable listen. rip eddie van halen!
Not a fan but I own this one. Worth a listen every few months. Remarkable debut for a guitar god
FINALLY! This is what I’ve been waiting for. Every song in this album was a banger. The transition from eruption to you really got me surprised me too. The first 5/5, with hopefully more to come.
Fantastic! Clasic Rock! Love it!
Not available on spotify
Absolutely incredible. Everything about this album, this moment in time and these musicians, is exceptional. 5/5
What can you say, really bad ass!!
I can't believe that it was ok to listen to this at 14. So dirty! But damn, they had some great links on this album. I like the rounds and harmonies they use.
Muchos megahits.
Arguably the best guitar-rock-sounding album Fav Track: Ain't Talking 'bout Love
Classic!
Own on Vinyl
The lyrical component can be improved, but 5 for the revolutionary guitar by Eddie
Almost don't really care about the lyrics in this album, I'm all in for the face-melting cheese-shredding guitar work. Also, I had no idea that "You Really Got Me" was a Van Halen song and Eruption was an absolutely incredible instrumental with electrifying guitar work by Eddie! A high energy head-banging album that makes you want to go back in for more. Best: Eruption; You Really Got Me Worst: Jamie's Cryin'
Great. All the songs are good and most are classics.
5/5. Not every song is perfect but the best ones really do stand out. An awesome collection of rock songs that are rarely skippable.
Still sounds great.
Excellent debut. Show the range they have in their talents.
I love this album, it was on constant rotation when I entered 10th grade. The opener, Running with the Devil, then the Epic! Eruption that put Van Halen on the map, to the fun pop You Really Got Me. Let us not forget that there are 2 Van Halen's on the roster here, tho Eddie gets the love, his brother, Alex on the drums, clanging and bashing us into Rock n Roll fame. The self-titled album (to me) is 100% perfect from start to finish. Ice Cream Man is one of my groove songs, I feel like a pimp when it comes on. With all that being said in combination with nostalgia and love this album is 5/5
Astounding debut and it set a high bar for everything the released after (which they had not trouble topping). Hard rock with a very healthy dose of glam and showmanship
Epic
This album is a lesson in rockin' hard and strumming quick. I knew almost all of these tracks and really enjoyed the full playthrough Unbelievable guitar solo on Eruption
Perfection
No notes
Hard rock. Un virtuoso Eddie. Vinilo.
Classic all-time album.
Gotta be one of the best debut albums ever.
When Eddie Van Halen died, I can't tell you how many times I played those first four albums. They all are real game-changers in my mind as to what rock albums can be. One thing that really surprises me is how short each of them are. Barely over 35 minutes. When you add up the times, the recording time for Roth and Hagar is roughly about the same, even though Roth has more albums. Weird. Anyway, that first album. I was too young to realize what was going on at the time. I can't imagine being a guitar player and hearing it for the first time. Every single song would have made me throw my guitar in the trash. The biggest thing is just the ease of the playing. It sounds like he's barely doing anything to get that kind of sound (I mean except for "Eruption."). So many people probably thought "You Really Got Me" was Van Halen's song, which is a shame, because both versions are great for such different reasons. "Atomic Punk" is another one of those songs that's so underrated. It could easily have been done by a thrash band and sounded great. Van Halen is definitely a band I regret never seeing live. But that first album I don't think I could have imagined them pulling off that sound, blowing people's minds like that. A classic must-have album.
I'm going to have to spend more time understanding the transition from 70's hard rock and heavy metal to 80's hair and arena rock. Because as much as I'm blown away by the sound of this album, I don't think I understand the full gravity of how it changed rock. Still, this is the birth of Eddie Van Halen (album-wise) and he is ridiculous on every song. And it's not always the tapping that is incredible (Eruption anyone?), even his chords are so powerful (it makes You Really Got Me their own song). And really he combines both into pretty much every song (Ice Cream Man if you need an example). Then there's his unique experimentation and sounds on songs like Atomic Punk. But you also have to give credit to David Lee Roth - his frontman performance is just dripping with cool and machismo. His screechy oohs and aahs (good examples - Runnin with the Devil, You Really Got Me, Jamie's Cryin) just fit; they give James Brown a run for his money. And that's not saying anything for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and performance on Ice Cream Man (complete with some nice acoustic guitar work). An underrated part of this album is the vocal harmonies between the band - I'm the One and Feel Your Love Tonight are great examples. These guys just bring it on every song and because of it there are so many classics. And I just can't say enough about Eddie - his guitar playing is off the charts. He must've inspired thousands to pick up a guitar - and just as many to throw in the towel.
Today's album is another gem from the heavy metal genre. Van Halen were huge in the 80's, and Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the "finger tapping" guitar technique, which, when mastered, allowed the player to absolutely shred! He features this technique in the song Eruption. David Lee Roth was a hell of a frontman with a stellar "glam/hair metal" voice and appearance. Every song on this record is a banger! It was so hard to pick a favorite, because they all rock in their own way. Ice Cream Man shows a deep understanding of blues, showing the diversity of the band. Overall, a phenomenal album, and one that definitely deserves to be on this list!! I've listened to this album many times before, and I will definitely listen again!! Favourite songs: Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, Runnin' With The Devil, You Really Got Me, Eruption, Atomic Punk, I'm The One, Jamie's Cryin', Feel Your Love Tonight, Ice Cream Man Least favourite songs: If forced to pick.... Little Dreamer 5/5
Great album!! Short and on the heavy side! Really enjoyed it Saved tracks: Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, I'm The One, Ice Cream Man, On Fire
I did not realize just how many songs I would know of this album. This has got to be top notch. I mean eruption alone!
Alright, last couple of weeks have been a little hectic so I am very late for my Van Halen review.... This is not their best album, but for a debut album, it rocked my world, Everyone will probably talk about Running with the Devil and the remake of You really got me, but this is an album that is solid from beginning to end. The introduction to Eddie made the half the world want to be guitar player. Of course, Dave's stage presence made the rest of the world want to be the led singer. But what stood out most to me, was Alex's drum playing. Every part of this band is fantastic. Eddie an Michael Anthony as back up singers are very underrated and huge part of the album. Of course Running with Devil, Eruption/You really got me are excellent songs, but some of my favorites come in the 2nd half of the album with I'm the one, Atomic Punk and Feel your love tonight. I actually saw Van Halen at the old Cobo Hall in Detroit back in 1981 or 1982 and have been a fan ever since. Think I have owned most of the albums on disc, but apparently, I never owned this one, according to Luke. But Van Halen has been a staple in my life through Roth and Hagar. Hagar was a better singer and wrote better songs, but the stage presence of Roth is somethin I'll never forget. Great band. Great tunes. A band I'll never grow tired of hearing! Solid 5. Great introduction to the world. BTW, whenever I hear Jamie's crying, I think of my god-daughter, additional bonus. 5
So electric, such fantastic riffs by Van Halen. I'm a little hesitant, but this is getting a 5/5 for now.
classic for a reason
Legendary
Never gets old.
Blew me away! So many classic songs for their first album. Every member had their own unique roles and sounded great! Amazing album!
Add this to the pile of albums I was praying would be on this list. Van Halen was one of my favorite bands when I was in high school. This album being the one I was most obsessed with. 1984 was also amazing, but this is one of the best debut rock albums I can think of. Not only does it establish Van Halen as a household name in rock, but proved the Van Halen boys belonged in the pantheon of the worlds best drummers and guitarists. On top of that, David Lee Roth showed he was just as perfect in his role as lead singer, wailing and crying and just acting like a nut case. To all of our collective benefits. Eruption is one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, to have a whole track dedicated to it. When that song finally came to guitar hero (along with their whole set list on the Van Halen game) I spent many an hour trying to be like Eddie. Throughout this album, you get to experience a new type of rock that fed on distorted guitar riffs and wolf howls. Favorite Tracks: Runnin' With the Devil, Eruption, You Really Got Me, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love, Jamie's Cryin', Feel Your Love Tonight, Ice Cream Man.
Nostalgia is one hell of a drug. Van Halen, for some reason, was THE classic rock/hair metal band that Alex and I latched onto in our younger days. As a result, I know so much of their (pre-Hagar) catalog like the back of my hand. I mentioned in our review of 1984 that the self-titled was probably my favorite of their albums. I ended up giving 1984 a 5 star rating anyway, and yeah, this one edges slightly higher for me. So many classic songs on here for me, it's kind of unfair. The whole first side of this album is all hits I love, what a crazy run. You've got an otherworldly guitar solo track with "Eruption," followed immediately by a Kinks cover, who does that? Just big, booming hits. And Side B holds up well too, a couple tracks that don't stick with me but damn, we got "Ice Cream Man" and "Jamie's Cryin", you just can't lose. One thing that's been made really funny for me is the bass, thanks to Tim Heidecker highlighting how one-note some of their basslines are in a hilarious game of "guess the bassline" with Thundercat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXSK5PwGcmw). So, Michael Anthony, you've got some explaining to do, especially on "Runnin' with the Devil." But yeah, I can't deny this album. It's a perfect classic for me, criticisms be damned. Favorite tracks: Runnin with the Devil, Eruption, Ice Cream Man, Jamie's Cryin', Ain't Talkin Bout Love, You Really Got Me, Feel Your Love Tonight, I'm the One. Album art: A four-shot collage of the band members in action, nothing really special. But the layout is slightly more creative than just a band photo, and the logo in the center is really cool. 5/5
My excitement drips off towards the end, bit a near perfect proto hair metal album.
No need for comment...
The playing on this record is so great and the songs are so catchy. Accapella break in I’m the one in so great. Love the back up vocals in general. One of the most classic intros on to a record Running with the Devil is one of my favorite badass one note bass lines. Such a great band. DLR was such a perfect frontman -unique voice, kind of ridiculous and hilarious personality but his delivery is perfect on this record. I can only imagine how much fun it have been so fun to play in vanhalen in the 70’s and early 80’s. I love virtuosity paired with a sense of humor and fun! Eddie is obviously one of the greatest guitarist but this was really the perfect band for him to shine in.
Just one of the best debut albums ever!
Awesome goes without saying
Great! EVH is the master.
Brilliant guitar licks amazing bass, rocking out good feels. All killer no filler :)
YES! Eddie van Halens iconic guitar sound all the way through and it shows his the exceptional skills. Amazing album!
Legendary.
Probably one of the greatest guitar albums of all time, all the elements work really well together. Besides EVH's solos being awesome his rhythm work is also outstanding!
Hell yeah! Halen is and has always been DLR, not Hagar. This album kicked ass and was way more fun than I remember. I should be listening to this way more often.
So many hits on one album, contender for best debut album of all time. Every member of this band is exercising top talent. Can’t think of a thing wrong with it. It’s just so good. 5/5
The album felt close to metal giving american style from the 60s without being from the era. Guitar solos were spectacular and the energy throughout the whole project never decreased.
It’s classic rock at its finest
Great debut album. Virtuoso guitar and energy that jumps out at every listen. You can feel the energy of them live. Worth rested listening, they never matched this album tho they would still create great songs. One of the 70s rock albums that would inspire 80’s glam metal sound
I was too young for this to be my first Van Halen album, but over time it has supplanted my introduction. When I listen to this record and understand it as a product of its time and place I'm impressed with how fresh the music sounds and how dated many of David Lee Roth's themes and lyrics are. With that out of the way, this is a ripper, it slaps, etc. All the performances on this record are tight and energetic. The tone is quintessential Van Halen and therefore much of 80s hard rock. Is it any coincidence that Running with the Devil kicks off this record? —I think not (and it's my daily drop on Oct 31, no less).
Happy college memories of this blasting from speakers in windows
This album was an absolute blast. Feels like the epitome of this kind of metal. Was surprised to see the release date of 1978 because it feels a lot more modern than that. I have to imagine people were absolutely blown away when this album was originally released.
Отличный альбом!!!!!!
Awesome
A debut album that tells you exactly who this band is, what they are about, and what type of show they're going to put on live. The album is like a cannon ball blast - 35 minutes of getting down to the business of rocking you to 11. Oh, and here's a handful of tracks that will be come classics, and a new guitar sound you've never heard before that's going to change the landscape of rock music for the next decade.
Great hard rock album, just makes me want to grow my hair, shoot up coke and bang 3 chicks, but say it was actually 12 chicks banged
Awesome album.
Kinda think “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” might be one of the greatest songs ever
Eddie Van Halen is an absolute unit. So good.
This sounds like something that came out in the mid 80s, such a great sound! Love me some Van Halen - RIP Eddie! <3
Great first album. They rock hard. I remember when this came out. Appreciate it more as an old man than when I was a teen
First listen. I let out an audible “ugh” when I saw this one. Just not my kind of tunes. That being said, I knew every song on the album and it really is impressive for a debut. You can see why so many are such big fans.
Earns its stars on Eruption alone, but I have loved each and every one of these tracks for over 2/3 of my life. Van Halen have some other good tracks, but they never again had a wholly good album. Let alone an album where every single track is a classic.
RIP to one of the greatest musicians ever
David Lee Roth You really got me !
Top to bottom excellent. Songs flow very well together.
very good
The beginning of a legend...
7 years old, 1978 and thinking this was the devils music. Heavy Metal rock and roll. Oh, how I love the devil’s music! Lol! Running…with the devil, actually!
Van Halen smartly strikes the perfect balance of previously unknown guitar virtuosity with a murderer's row of incessant party jams all deeply indebted to Southern Boogie. Before EVH throws himself off the deep end into Shred City, he is always reeled in by the band's more sensible aspects, like plenty of swing rhythms, hearty riff-alongs in Eb tuning (à la KISS), and one of the most excitable frontmen in Rock's history. A truly game changing album, an album and band that would still be a total blast even if it never innovated a thing. Lucky for us, it did.
Doesn't get much better! Classic debut.
Van Halen is a classic. The music isn’t ground breaking, and I’m sure it’s probably problematic now, but it was enjoyable to listen to.
six stars
Stands up there with Appetite for Destruction and Boston in terms of strength of album and quality for first releases. Eruption truly lives up to it's name. Turn it up roll the windows down when you're cruising the town in your 5.0.
Amazing dominant and original. Van Halen lands its debut with an incredibly energy and seems to be the quintessential definition of hedonistic rock. One of the most important rock records of all time.
It’s Van Halen. You know it’s good. It’s a fun listen with fast riffs and unique solos.
The best!
Hard rock. Un virtuoso Eddie. Vinilo.
Muchos megahits.
TOPPENplatta. Felfri.
This album kicks ass
It's so fitting I got this on a Saturday in June. This is such a classic, windows rolled down in the summer kind of album, long a favorite. On the short list for best debut album ever to be sure. Out of the box, these guys were just perfect and so distinctive sounding. Nobody sounded like them, and for a good decade, countless bands chased that sound, unsuccessfully. Roasting hot licks and insane, virtuosic solos from Eddie. Perfect, hard driving rhythm section in Michael and Alex. One of the most mesmerizing and enjoyable front men ever in Dave. Slammin', roaring, swaggering fun. Turn it up and ROCK. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love, Eruption/You Really Got Me, Jamie's Cryin', Runnin' with the Devil, Atomic Punk, On Fire, Little Dreamer, Feel Your Love Tonight, I'm the One, Ice Cream Man
Few hits and most tracks good.
My pussy moistened as soon as that first bassline started, and was fully wet by the time DLR began screaming. I squirted in sync with the last ringing note of eruption and had a shaking orgasm as the innuendo in ice cream man hit home. I'm a straight guy. 5/5.
Muuuuuito booom! Clássicos do Van Halen! Melhores músicas: Running with the devil, Eruption e You really got me.
One of the best debut albums of all time. Absolutely legendary.
Starts off with 4 absolute classics. Crazy.
It's been a long time since I've listened to van halen, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Hair metal is all about energy, and extremely few bands could pack an album with so much nonstop energy without it getting extremely old. Eddie and David Lee Roth are insane as always, and eddies brother and whoever plays bass have done pretty solid performances too.
This is where is all started! VH is one of my all-time favorites!
Always loved but never sat down and listened to an entire album. Wonderful and absolutely set the mood for the day.
Muito bom tchê
Stone cold classic, wonderful combination of tunes, playing and great production.
All you need is Eddie Van Halen on guitar
Album Rocks !!!!! One of the Greatest !!!!!!!
Eddie van van hail an
Excellent Album, one of the classics of the rock. Master piece
A fantastic debut by the best glam metal band of all time. I've raved about the polished opus magnum of 1984, and I'll do it again with the mind blowing bluesy experimentalism of Fair Warning, but here we have the same consistent strengths they would continue to have during the Roth era. Roth is an energizing and dynamic vocalist, with simple unforgettable lyrics you couldn't resist singing along. Eddie Van Halen establishes himself as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, sometimes just showing off as in "Eruption." The man can shred like no other. These guitar plays are damn impressive, so lively especially combined with the excited vocals and rapid drumming that there's no way you could block them off. Although I may prefer 1984 for its high production value and Fair Warning for best songwriting and consistency, this album has the strongest raw energy and genuine fun songwriting. First half is full of hits, but the second half could easily match them. I love the heavy metal riffs of "Atomic Punk," Roth's fun singing in "Feel Your Love Tonight," the mellow speed and angelic back vocals of "Little Dreamer," and that soft-to-hard blues transition and mind blowing Eddie solo in "Ice Cream Man." Weak tracks my ass. As my saying goes, if I love the tracks except at most one or two (in this case "On Fire") it has to be a 5.
One of the greatest albums of the era. And a game changer for guitar players.
Ok der jig ist up ich hab leider kein besonders großes musik hirn und dass van halen mitten im song anfängt zu scatten hat mich mit am meisten von allem bisher abgeholt. Das ist halt alles auf eine weise käsig die mich enorm abholt. Das kinks cover hat mich auch sehr abgeholt und ich sags wie es ist da hatte ich mehr spass mit als eminem oder cypress hill hab mich bisschen in eine ecke geratet aber so ist das halt
Eruption.. ‘nuff said.
Great album. Really enjoyed listening to it
Brilliant good take on the kinks song aswell nice 👌🏻
Greatest debut album of all time. Can you imagine seeing this shit in small a small venue
Feel Your Love Tonight sounds a lot like Social Disease from Bon Jovi. I can hear how this album inspired hair bands.
one of my favorite bands of all time
Still holds up really well. Even the non-classics are super good, and of course the instruments and vocals are top notch. If there's any complaint, I get a little fatigued by DLR's doo-wop stylings but Eddie makes up for all of it and more. I mean, it has Eruption.
Bang, out of the gate comes Van Halen with this cocksure and confident album that changed the sound of hard rock/heavy metal forever. Pyrotechnic, rockin', and above all fun, this album does not take itself too seriously, which is a major blessing compared to most heavy rock bands, who are generally po-faced in the extreme. Eddie's guitar style completely rewrote the book of heavy guitar playing, using the technological innovations of guitar and amplification to reinvent what technique could be. The sound of his guitar was so influential, we really didn't over it until grunge started knocking the edge off mainstream playing over a decade later. Some fo the songs are relatively weaker, especially in the back half of the album, byut a record with Runnin' with the Devil, Eruption, and Ain't Talking about Love (not to mention their cover of You really Got Me) as the first four tracks is always going to seem soft int he home straight. David Lee Roth is not the world's best singer, but his confidence, chutzpah and sense of fun leads the band in its party-hard strut. You just know you're going to have a great time with this band. A dead-set classic.
Classic. Just love the vibe and so many good hard rock/hair metal songs.
Fun to break this out of the closet. Used to be in heavy rotation, but I stopped listening to most VH due to radio overplay. This album really changed rock music when it was released, and I liked hearing it again. Great songs, guitars (of course) and vocals. Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Knew a lot of Van Halen singles, but never knew this album specifically all the way through. Helluva debut! A lot of the tunes I was less familiar with actually were favorites. The guitar and drumwork on 'I'm the one' in particular was awesome. Noticed more great bass throughout than I expected! I'm not a huge fan of all of Van Halen's stuff and where they ended up in cheesy Stadium rock, but this is huge for the development of metal, and Eddie is an INCREDIBLE guitarist. Album feels fun and definitely worthy of a 5.
Me mama.
Whenever I listen to the album I find myself thinking, are they all in a race to see who can finish the song first? Eddy and Alex always neck on neck, fast, furious and powerful, with David jumping in here and there just to let them know they are not alone, with his unforgettable high pitch. Recorded in 3 weeks mostly as a live set. 5 world hits and the most recognizable instrumental intro...... what a debut for a band.
Loved it! of course
Pretty much every track on this album is strong, no standouts that made me question their presence. Loved the energy in every performance and I feel the remaster does justice to the original by upping the quality.
I feel a little strange reviewing this, as it comes off the back of listening to Led Zeppelin III and the Rolling Stones' Athermath, both of which I gave four stars. Now, the star system is not fit for purpose, and I guess for that reason I have to add a qualifier (I loathe needing to clarify what's cock-obvious). Anyway, I found this superior to the two albums I just mentioned: lean, fierce, dumb in the right way, organic, and above all rocking. But I've given 5 stars to 3 out of eight so far (this, along with The Sonics' Here Are The Sonics and Leonard Cohen's Songs from Leonard Cohen) , so am I diminishing the ratings system, or did I just have a fortunate streak? I supppose the albums in this exercise have the reputations of classics.
Way more complex than the straight up shred fest I was expecting. Still plenty of shred obviously but also some deeper cuts like little dreamer, what a voice (and love the bell smash). The doo wop harmonies into shred in I'm the one is hilariously good as well.
Running With The Devil!!!!! This album is a masterpiece of hair and guitar shredding. Atomic Punk I think is the sleeper hit on this album. deep, moody, shreddy and paints a clear story.
Rock classic!
Top to bottom amazing album. Underrated sleepers are "I'm the One" and "Ice Cream Man."
Estuve cerca cerca cerca de ponerle nada más 4 estrellas a este disco, pero no veo la razón. Creo que es un parteaguas en la historia del Rock. No es que Eddie Van Halen sea el primer guitarrista en hacer solos, ni el más rápido o el más estridente, pero sin duda a partir de que él empezó a tocar así en 1978 se sentó el precedente de lo que la guitarra líder sería en el Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam, etc. usando técnicas como los armónicos, el tapping y encadenado de efectos que más de 40 años después siguen siendo sinónimo de Rock. Pienso también que el disco tiene un gran balance de estilos entre las distintas canciones: desde un cover a los Kinks y el de Ice Cream Man hasta el momento solista de Eruption, todo empaquetado en 35 minutos que se van como agua.
August 25, 2021 This album just does not stop. So good.
Classic rock is classic. But Eddie is fucking in heaven!
Like KISS, but fun-filled, more raw, and with less schmutz. Everything is done right here.
-It is literally Van Halen by Van Halen -"Runnin' with the Devil," "Eruption," "You Really Got Me," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Jamie's Cryin'," "Atomic Punk," and "Ice Cream Man" are all bangers
What an effort, the conversation between rock music old and new on this is so good. They also balance technicality and fun like no other band
Just look at some of the SONGS on this. Runnin' with the Devil, Eruption, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, Jamie's Cryin'...come on. Easy, easy 5.
Whats to say? Perfect debut album
Here's what I wrote for the previous VH album that came up on this list: Dang, I love these guys. One of the most fun, energetic, innovative pop/rock/metal-esque (kind of sort of, at times) bands I've heard. It's hard to pen any praise of EVH because anything I have to say feels too, I don't know, pedestrian and trite. I'm a bumbling beginner guitarist who high-fives himself when I remember how to play a major scale properly or plays through a medium-tempo 4-chord song with only a few slips, then I put on any song with EVH on guitar and I feel like I've been transported to another semi-comprehensible dimension inhabited by some form of demigods and demigoddesses whose very beings are entangled completely with the Music of the Spheres. And, honestly, sure, there are countless amazing guitarists in all eras, but it's Eddie's genuine joy he shares when playing that is the most infectious aspect of his musicianship to me. Play on, Eddie -- I know you always will! This album was the second Van Halen record I owned. I was introduced to them via VH II. Such an unforgettable band.
An amazing debut from one of the best bands that basically created the whole genre of hair metal and thusly hundreds of rip offs. Every solo here shreds and all the songs can stand tall on their own.
Good album
Had no idea I liked Van Halen. This album slays. A I didn't realize this was their first album. This is a hell of a break out album. - LukeDogg
Magnifiek gitaarwerk, glamrock op z'n best
I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would, enjoying the fact that it wasn't as heavy-sounding as I originally expected. I think this was a really nice length album, with each sound being around the 3-minute mark, and the album as a whole being just over half an hour. I didn't realise there was a version of 'You Really Got Me' by Van Halen, and I really enjoyed it. It wasn't too different from the version I was used to hearing, but I did enjoy it. I surprisingly loved most of the album, with I would say maybe only one or two tracks not interesting me all that much. In all, I thought this album was great, from the instruments to the vocals to the songwriting. Favourites: Feel Your Love Tonight You Really Got Me Jamie's Crying
Solid first album from a fantastic group. Eddie's guitar licks were amazing, Dave's yelling, and the harmonies from the rest of the band. Favorite tracks were Running with the Devil, Jamie's Cry and Eruption.
A lot of songs I was familiar with were from this album that I did not realise .
Just fuckin shredding guitar for 35 minutes, no notes
Einiges so lala, aber ein paar banger sind dabei -zB ‚I’m the one‘
I hadn’t heard of or really listened to Van Halen before this album. However, I am pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed the album as a whole and definitely would like to listen again and delve into Van Halen at some point.
Woah. A very enjoyable listen and will be listening again !!
I was surprised by how much I liked this album. Some really great tracks and a nice cohesive sound throughout the album.
Great song I love the lyrics and how the song sounds like and feels like even though. The beat was one of my favorite things about the song that we listened to. But the guitar was one of my best yet least things because it was sorta confusing with the beat but I still understood. Mostly all of the song eve though the album cover is really cool in my opinion. I think the album cover really matches the song. I would recommend this to my friends and possibly my teachers.
Very good, I am relatively a fan of heavy metal, and the guitar was executed perfectly on this album.
These guys are supremely talented, but I’ve always thought they fell short in their songwriting. Eddie is a game changer.
🤘✌️ you can’t define rock and roll without Van Halen
it's no "1984", but it is good. david lee roth is the only lead singer of van halen as far as i'm concerned. "ain't talkin' bout love", "jamie's cryin'", "runnin' with the devil"... these guys loved droppin' the "g". 'reat tunes.
Holy guitar on Eruption. Incredible. Super tight right from the start of the album.
Demasiado bueno Van Halen te vas al choto de nashe
Just a bunch of wacky guys having some fun is the best version of VH, Roth can wail but his singing does not measure up to Eddie's shredding
I can see why this probably felt like such a breath of fresh air in the late 1970's. It largely ditches the sounds that hard rock had been developing for something a bit different, something that gestures towards the future. (I'm not a fan of that 80's sound, but Van Halen makes it feel like its going to be an exciting decade.) Perhaps the only analogue that comes to mind are some moments from Queen. Eddie Van Halen is a really flashy player, but can also write a pretty good riff. David Lee Roth isn't a spectacular singer, but he's good enough and his charisma comes across. The rhythm section is good as well. It's also a band that sounds like they are having a lot of fun. The Kinks cover is even growing on me. The only thing I would have left out was Eruption, but that's under two minutes long. Van Halen spent a lot of time as a big touring act without a contract I believe and that ability to engage an audience is fairly evident here. I like this record.
It's so bad but it's so good. Very front loaded, but then again, this isn't meant to be some connoisseur fine dining soundtrack, just classic glam rock. Faves: Runnin' with the Devil, Eruption, You Really Got Me, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love, Jamie's Cryin',
Classic. Fun as hell.
I think the most important thing about this album is that it was made in 1978, not 1986. If this were just eruption it would be like a bomb, but instead it's surrounded by a coupla bangers. Even at a trim 35 minute run-time it gets a little long in the tooth (as these excellent but limited-sounding rock band albums do) but you can jump in, listen to three or four songs and have a good time. There's just something that kicks ass about it, but you can only take so much ass-kicking. The front half is better than the back half, but again, 1978. Woo.
i've heard You Really Got Me on the radio a bunch, but nothing else off this album Runnin' With the Devil - 5/5 Eruption - 5/5 You Really Got Me - 4/5 Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - 5/5 I'm the One - 4/5 Jamie's Cryin' - 3/5 Atomic Punk - 3/5 Feel Your Love Tonight - 3/5 Little Dreamer - 4/5 Ice Cream Man - 3/5 On Fire - 3/5 Average score: 3.8/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a really fun album, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it!
This album was so much fun! I was a bit young to ever really know a lot of Van Halen besides the Hagar era, so I enjoyed hearing this debut. It was a super easy listen, ya know, didn't have to think to hard about any of the songs and just let them happen. My favorite song was "I'm the One" because of the energy!
This is much, much better than 1984. Before even listening to this, I could tell that from the first half of the tracklist being nothing but hits. Jamie's Cryin' isn't quite as good as the other hits, but still. Was thinking this could be a situation of the second half just completely falling off, but with the exception of Ice Cream Man, it's just as good as the first half. On Fire is fantastic. So yeah. Great hard rock album.
Rv
The original van band
4.25-4.5 ⭐️
This album can’t make it to five stars; there is just not enough variety musically and emotionally. It does deserve its reputation as a genre shifting all-time great debut album. Van Halen built on the big riffs of Led Zeppelin, the showmanship of Mick Jagger, and even the Beach Boys vocal style. Like many artists, they altered these influences to such a degree that Van Halen became something new. Eddie Van Halen brought new techniques and sounds on the guitar that had the same impact as Jimi Hendrix. Does that mean I love Eddie? Not really, since his style on this record had zero nuance. One just goes wow as he blows one giant bubble after another. Ultimately it leads to the path of many stunt guitarists who can amaze with their speed and manipulation of effects, but lack the restraint and tone to provide pain, storytelling or even sweaty sexuality. However, on this record the bubbling blowing is groundbreaking and works well with the songs. Similarly, the signs of David Lee Roth’s male Rockette show can be seen, but at this point his massive personality gets harnessed enough to provide amusement. The lyrics and attitudes of the songs reek with simplistic libido, but in a fun way. While there is sexism, there is little chauvinism as no anger is directed at women. Roth even seems to have some sympathy for women’s plight as he mentions Jamie wanting more than “one night stands.” Lyrical analysis is beside the point with Van Halen as the delivery is all that matters. Like Black Sabbath’s first few records, this album starts out with five or six absolute bangers. It comes up a little short with some of the material on the second half of the record as “Little Dreamer” and “Ice Cream Man” fail to inspire. Those songs cannot take away from the innovative classics and stomping, less known ones like “I’m the One” and “Atomic Punk”, which nearly match the better known tunes. We know what’s coming with their influence on Hair Metal, Van Hagar and Roth’s “Just a Gigolo.” None of that matters as this album ranks close to Led Zeppelin’s and The Doors first records, and even the more respected and lauded punks of Van Halen’s era.
Good solid guitar rock album with nice bass playing too. Surprisingly melodic. Sounds very eighties.
i love this album. amazing to think that it is almost 50. i still don't really like the kinks cover (the original is perfect, tyvm), so it loses out on perfection. i do listen to it every now and then
Это хорошо
Me gustó más de lo que pensaba.
Cool
Wechselhaft mit aufkommenden Gitarrenwolken
erste hälfte mega, danach wirds ein bisschen zäh
Nice :)
Well this should be fun… And it was! Damn. If they didn’t mostly sing about sex this might go to 5. I mean when they broke out in full do whop in the middle of I’m the One I almost lost my shit! Wow. I so underestimated Van Halen. Don’t know if they were even on my radar growing up… 4 Boolean: yes, this is why I am doing this exercise, you know, before I die, and no longer can.
Pretty damn good
I did enjoy this quite a bit. It's noisy, it's obnoxious, but it's fun. Runnin' with the Devil, You Really Got Me, Ain't Talking About Love, and Jamie's Cryin' were my favorites. The others were alright but I hated Ice Cream Man, apparently it's a cover of a blues song but the lyrics did not do it for me, they were incredibly weird. Great music to listen to while riding a motorcycle in the summer.
Гитары это что-то нереальное
Fun! But not my cup of tea. Either way I have to appreciate the craftsmanship and skill, so I can’t give it less than a 4.
Too unpretentious to demand respect but deserves more of it than most we give out
I like this, it's fun and rock'n'roll! It's not too much and not too little. Would probably be good in a vintage car w/ the windows rolled down. I recognize "You Really Got Me."
unexpectedly really really liked it 8.5/10
4/5
That was an exciting ride
I knew so many more songs than I thought! I really liked this album and I played it twice through!