Reviews (page 5 of 15)
Nahh
This kind of crap gives dad rock a bad name
Pretty ass
Cool guitar riffs don’t outweigh the sloppy misogynistic lyrics
I can only imagine what this must have sounded like when it first came out and people heard EVH for the first time. Must have blown minds. This is a great first record and they only get better.
Pretty great. Not going to do an in depth review for this one but the eruption guitar solo was insane. Crazy to think that this is their first project as it is so good and sophisticated
Eruption gives me chills everytime. One of many iconic guitar solo’s
Never really listened to Van Halen before. Nice dad rock that carries some good guitar.
As soon as I heard the opening of Runnin with the Devil, I realized it's been way too long since I heard this album. I only had their greatest hits album and this one back in the day, and this one is almost better track for track. The only thing I never understood was why they didn't start the album with Eruption--it's kind of like an announcement that Eddie was here, in the rock world, to stay. Ain't Talking Bout Love is tied with Hot for Teacher as my favourite VH song. The first 6 songs are total bangers. It slows down a little after Jamie's Crying, not in intensity necessarily, but perhaps in how good the songs are, but by that time the effect is already with you. Not a perfect 5/5 but fairly close.
One of the great debut albums of all time. LA Rock at its finest. Eddie's skill is apparent from the get go.
Van Halen is another band where if I could give the lead guitar a 5 I would but just can't get behind the 80s jams that accompany these fucking amazing guitar licks. Had I been 10-15 years older than I am I would have been all over this. I know for a fact seeing Eddie Van Halen play live would have given me multiple guitar orgasms. However me, an 80s baby, does not find as much joy in this.
This album brings me back to age 13, hanging out with my friend Darren at the Ocean City boardwalk. Darren had a big 80's style boom box and carried it on his shoulder, blasting this and other Van Halen albums. These guys absolutely rocked. David Lee Roth was an incredibly fun front man, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen made a fantastic rhythm section, and Eddie...holy shit. This is a great collection of songs highlighted by "Running With the Devil," "You Really Got Me," and "Jamie's Crying." But even the lesser songs, like "Ice Cream Man," are a lot of fun. And the album still sounds great. This one holds up.
Of all those late 70s/80s hard rock bands, give me Van Halen any day, especially over the likes of AC/DC. This thing rocks. The shredding talent of Eddie Van Halen is undisputed. They were a lot more power poppy than some of their contemporaries too, lots of good harmonies and vocal performances from Roth. Front end is better than the second, but all in all this is a great one
Pretty good! Did not expect that. Absolutely enjoyable 80s power metal.
Man, I remember listening to this cassette in our Ford Econoline van for years after it came out as a big part of the soundtrack to my youth. EVH is easily in the conversation of greatest rock guitarists of all time, his brother was clearly in the conversation for most mastrubatory fast drumming of all time, and DLR remains one of the most narcissistic front men ever, with terrible misogynist lyrics second only to AC/DC in their offensiveness (for front line bands). What was once shall never be again for me. Goodbye to frail masculinity, hello to being an adult
Reminds me of driving around listening to am rock. Great guitar, MOR lyrics and vocals. Definitely dated and as I have no emotional connection to this, it’s objectively a two from me.
dr rockso
Excellent album with some killer riffs and songs.
Short and Sweet!
Runnin' With the Devil
I had heard a fair few of the songs. I've never been a fan of the Kinks cover. They wrote some great songs, so why do one so iconic? Still, a decent album. 5 stars.
This album is like drunken, unprotected sex with a lady that has a bit of a reputation for being a slut.
Starts strong with running with the devil. Showcases all of their strong points. Eruption in its day eas maybe something new, but just a track of a dude randomly wailing on a guitar with no melody seems out of place now, especially track 2. Some other great tunes after this though and Eddie is absolutely killing it on guitar throughout. Lyrically, its a bit pervy at times with how the speak of women.
This shit sucks
Favourite Songs: Ain't Talking 'Bout Love Jamie's Cryin'
A solid start to this journey! I enjoyed this album a lot, I’ll likely listen to it as workout music. Saved in my library! ✅ I’ll give it a 7.8/10 for my first listen.
I loved that Kinks cover
cool 8/10
Running with the devil
Really fun!
와 앨범커버 정말 틀기 싫게 생김 노래는 무난무난하네 2
I wasn’t into this idea, I won’t lie. I don’t know who I thought Van Halen were, but they aren’t. Totally changed my mind. Running With The Devil and Enterprise not my sounds at all, but You Really Got Me is a sick cover and by the time you get to the tight harmonies, I’m all in. Take it as the theatre that it is and it is brilliant. The guitar leaves me a bit flat to be honest but the vocals are the thing that got me
Groupe de hard rock, je n’ai pas reussi a ecouter l’album a cause des guitares electriques et pas forcement a mon gout. Nouveau courant de guitar heros grace a la technique du tapping. Van Halen est classé dans le Livre Guinness des records comme le groupe ayant le plus grand nombre de tubes dans la Billboard Mainstream Rock List.
heck of a debut album. dad rocky
Eddie, good! David, corny!
Favorite track was ice cream man
My life wasn’t changed
As a lot of reviews have mentioned, the band is full of great musicians. But that doesn’t make you a great songwriter 🤷🏻♂️ It’s a high energy album but that kind of self masturbatory guitar playing gets tired after a while!
Har ikke noe valg💥
Liked this more than I thought I would
The OG hair band- inspiring so many flashy hard-rock bands to follow in their footprints. Great guitar solo. I grew up listening to You Really Got Me. Van Halen Rocks!
loved this one
Better than expected. I'm no big fan of the noodly guitar tapping that he is famous for. However there is some good stuff on here and i even find eruption bearable.
To je ta muska k bi jo zarad kitare mogla vec poslusat
I was surprised by how short it was but that meant it packed it in. An easy relisten. The guitars alone make this great
En lidt genreforvirret omgang. Men der er god energi, og de har helt sikkert haft det sjovt med at indspille det.
Come on. It’s a classic. It’s from another universe and invented an entire style of music that did not already exist.
Eddie Van Halen's guitar technique is amazing. The songs are okay but didn't grab my attention. The Darkness clearly drew inspiration from this album, and for that we should be grateful!
It didn't age very well.
I don't get the point of this at all. Very dull.
What was the guitar arpeggio in "Eruption" 😲? Never really heard the guitar being used as a piano like that. All in all, this is some tuff, melodic dad rock that probably kickstarted 80s glam metal.
decent. Not really my thing though
intressant album där det dras lite mellan deras åttiotal, den engelska hårdrocken och bluesrock. väldigt intressant att bredda synen på bandet. och det klassiska riffet på Ain't talkin bout love... Barbershop-känslan på en av låtarna kändes väldigt apart dock
3/10 Fav: -
Nothing like a good old classic to start the day. Great album!
Oh dear, I'm feelin' a bit queasy at the prospect of listenin' to this. In 'bout 1978 there was so much classy new music in the air, and this sauropod rock appears. I've played it through twice. Really quite dull and there's an odd bloke playing twiddly-diddly guitar off in the left channel and sort of mixed down.
Really talented people who I first got introduced to by my dad. Few things that really stand out is the guitar and the great vocals.
Me gustó, pero no 100% evocó algo lindo en mi más como un meh
Way better than 1984.
Didn't think I would like it but the vocals and the guitars were both great!
Why the fuck is Running with the Devil sequenced before Eruption?
I prefer the more melodic tone of Van Hagar, but still good fun
This whole album was really fun
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Feine Platte.
Something of a masterpiece really.
Don't get the appeal. Its like fake blues.
⭐⭐ Detta är ett väldigt hyllat album, men jag fattar inte grejen. Måste ha hamnat rätt i tiden. Det är extremt framtungt, börjar bra med de fyra första spåren. Även om detta inte riktigt är min grej så kan jag inte ducka för att de spåren är klassiker och svåra att inte gå igång på. Därefter är det inte alls min grej. Det går inte att komma undan att Van Halen och Lee Roth är skickliga. Men det blir mest gitarr/röst show off till ointressanta låtar helt utan personlighet.
This is a very classic album, some heavy hitter all timers on here. Top heavy though. The A-side of this album is completely loaded with amazing songs. The B-side grows a little bit stale in comparison, though it's still very good and definitely none of the songs are bad. It is a super fun record with tons of memorable guitar riffs and vocal melodies. Absolutely one of the better albums on the list. 4.2/5
I have listened to 1984 632 times but somehow never listened to this album. In my defense I was only 4 when it came out. Very technically clean, lots of energy and a lot of fun. I can see how you would get tired of it if you listened like 718 times but Eddie and David were quite a combo. Two handed is the only way to tap. 4.3 stars, my only ding is that the second half of the album was a bit of a comedown.
Nothing really will ever top this record. One of the best ever.
Once again, I wish we could give half stars, but I'll round up in this case. This album starts so strong, but kind of peters out, at least song-wise, by the end. Still, what an exciting and dynamic debut.
AMAZING
Fantastic album that defines the beginning of a generation of new music
not a big metal fan but this has some great songs on it.
Easy five stars, didn't even need to listen, but of course I still did. This album is in my personal top 5 albums of all time. Pretty much all songs are killer in my opinion. The best debut album for any band of all time (excluding supergroups). All members are terrific in their craft and showcase that on this record. I can keep going, but it is an easy rating. 5/5
It's Van Halen! It's hard to judge these guys as the music and sound feels so normal these days. There music was fine, but there was nothing that really set me alight.
Ekstremt kult album, kommer til å høre mer på denne.
Feels like a drop off in quality after listening to Deep Purple recently. Some crunchy riffs, flashy solos, but it's just so commercial feeling. I feel like I need to clean myself after listening to this.
Shocked this is their first album. They really kicked it off with a bang Favorite Songs: Running With the Devil, Eruption
Obvious musicianship and insane guitar skills, but i'm afraid besides the known songs, none of the rest really HAD something besides the solos
I’ll tell my friends I rated it 5. Very good album, incredible first effort, amazing songs.
this album screams rock and roll to me. from the groovy basslines, electric guitar solos, and heavy vocals. i love listening to something that fully immerses me into the time and place. i want to be in a smoky dive bar in a tiny band tee and skirt with teased hair flirting with a boy who looks like he can drive stick and play the drums.
Found a lot of new songs I like
I forgot I love rock and Van Halen is one of the best
Big fan - classic rock, mad riffs, covered You Really Got Me which I didn’t know. Much more fun and funky than anticipated.
Hey i bet all the dads love it
Not a huge Van Halen guy, but their first few albums are pretty decent. Ain't Talking About Love is probably the highlight of this album for me.
First CD I ever owned. I will always have fond memories of blasting this on my shitty 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 stereo. No bad songs on this record.
deedledeeeeWAAAAAAAO AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH baby mama Wyannnnowww. This was..not my jam.
Start mouth
I'm in the bag for Van Halen. I love their Diamond Dave era. This is a great album, it's got great guitar work and fun lyrics. Seriously this is great rock music. Kinda silly and dumb at times but super fun. So glad this is on the list.
I feel like I’d have to be driving down a freeway in a 78 mustang to really get the maximum enjoyment of this album. Certified classic
I didn't know what this was. Heavy metal? Hair metal? Confusing.
A million curses to this album for the influence it had on the Glam Metal sound that plagued the 80s. However, Eddie Van Halen truly plays that thing like no other, and David Lee Roth brings a really enjoyable bravado to his vocal performance. It all comes together to a pretty fun record all round A couple stand out moments are of course Eruption, genuinely a piece of guitar playing art. Also the Doo-Wop breakdown in I'm The One was an insane choice and I lowkey loved it. Ice cream man is unlistenable. Fave track(s): 2 - Eruption / 9 - Little Dreamer Best Three Track Run: 3, 4, 5
Not really my jam. But it’s undeniably good. Or at least competent. (Side 1 is a fair bit better than Side 2.)
Putting this in context, it was released in 1978, therefore a time when heavy metal was being perceived in some quarters as old and stale relative to punk and new wave. So I’m going to guess that the super-high energy style and fast beats on a number of these tracks was fairly notable for a HM album of that time? But it’s still got plenty of the heavy metal tropes that don’t do anything for me. There are some good riffs to start songs but then it always morphs into ‘the usual’. Ironically the best track for me - possibly just because I know the original so well - is the cover of the Kinks’ You Really Got Me, a very structured song.
I've never really listened to Van Halen, apart from the well known songs, so this was a first to listen to a whole album. Overall, it's OK. Decent music and vocals. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics though. Having said that, and this is probably sacrilege to Van Halen fans, I didn't feel that it was strikingly better than many albums of their contemporaries.
Never listened to this album before. I was surprised how many of the songs I had heard before. Kinda corny and I hate the guitar tone but it does rip at points
Other that the “ice cream man” this album is solid
Not quite my style, some great songs.
Damn Dimebag owes a lot to Eddie.
álbum increíble la verdad me sorprendió y lo mejor fueron las guitarras 100%. mis canciones a destacar son: runnin’ with the devil, eruption, atomic punk y on fire
j’ai écouté les 3 premières mais j’étais pas seule et ça faisait nuisance donc j’ai cessé l’écoute je pense pas la reprendre
5/5, an incredible rock album that is totally in its own category. All the members of the band are amazing musicians, and they're all perfectly on display here, but I obviously have to spotlight Diamond Dave and EVH. David Lee Roth's performances on here are LEGENDARY — he perfected stage peacocking so early in his career that he manages to verbally strut on stage throughout the album, and it's a riot. But Dave doesn't get enough credit, because the truth is that he's also a killer singer even without the constant stage diving. Just the diction in certain lines is inspired (e.g., "no love you cahreyaeahhh"). Another piece that DLH deserves major credit on is the song selection and composition: a huge fan of old blues, "Ice Cream Man" would've likely never made it on this album without him. The amazing barbershop harmonies would've likely never seen the light of day. That brings us to Eddie, THE guitar hero of his day. Eddie almost comes off as the too-professional virtuoso when set by Dave, but he was a showman on record and on stage in his own right. Some reviews say that some of his solos simply sound like a collection of hot licks and techniques, relatively disjointed, and they're right. EVH loved guitar, and would spend six hours a day practicing and improvising, unplugged, even after they made it big. Many solos were just a collection of hot licks that he came up with while practicing transposed into the right key. That said, even those solos are awesome — they're technically dazzling, fun, and give their songs an extra bit of oomph. And the solos where he composed them especially for the song are fantastic. "Runnin' from the Devil," and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" are brilliant. So what does all this amazing musicianship get us in this album? Ten outstanding songs and one kickass guitar solo demonstration. Every song is worth listening to several times over. It's a masterpiece of rock. Easy recommend to anyone who wants a raucous good time.
Fortunate enough to have seen this band in concert and well familiar with their hits, but admittedly had been awhile since I had listened. Boy what a masterpiece this album is!
good
I felt quite conflicted with this one. I love heavy metal, though this leans already to hard rock. I don’t know why I found it a little boring despite Eddies sublime guitar playing and Roth’s amazing voice, put to good use on their cover of You Really Got Me.
Loved the love songs in the first half of the album. Don’t know if I’m right, but i think that Atomic Punk is the guy that slept with Jamie. Otherwise, I don’t see the reason of this song in this position.
goes hard with lots of van halen classics.
Great album, my first time listening to it. Didnt expect to like it as much as i did.
This is what I wanted from gun n roses solid 4!
I'm not a fan of glam metal. Hard Rock does the glam sound better, and heavy metal does the metal side better. However, Van Halen are kind of the best (or at least one of the originators) of glam metal, so they get a pass. The performances are obviously top-notch, and even though some of the numbers are tired, this is a great album. What pushes it over the top is the production, which is exceptional. 4.5/5.0: Excellent
incredibly talented group and some of the best recorded work of their careers, not sure what else can be said
mad at my dad bc I’m 90% sure he saw this performed live
well, I dont like metal, rock etc BUT. THIS ALBUM IS INSANE!!!! i love the most part of the songs, in geral - 8/10!!
Alright so the negative, initial thought is this album is outrageously front loaded. I'm talking this is in my mind currently fist fighting Goodbye Yellow Brick Road for its place as the most front loaded album I know of. But are those first 4 songs excellent? Fucking certainly. The other point is that the other front loaded albums aren't written by Van Halen, and thus outside of comparing the initial 4 or 5 songs, are not quite as good as this. I don't really have to say more on it. David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen are still famous to this day and this album is almost 50 years old and especially Eddie is still held in insanely high regard, partly for his showings on this album and how he changed the game almost instantly with Eruption. I said before Revolver would be the highest 4 I rate but this was surprisingly close competition. Best songs: Ain't Talkin' bout Love / Runnin' With the Devil Worst songs: N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 17/52 (below Revolver, above Nevermind the Bollocks)
Proper rock baby
So short, I listened twice and completed my 48 year reappraisal. Great cover of You Really Got Me, and Runnin' With The Devil leads you in nicely. Apologies to Jess M from VIth Form for me not being more receptive at the time. It's not that far from punk rock after all.
Made me smile on my way to work. Solid 3
You Really Got Me blows the gaff here; it's rock for folks that prefer pop. Feels like a platform for Eddie's guitar chops. Which are impressive if not my cup of tea. 3* for all the hours of scale practice Eddie did in his bedroom.
Not that I hate it, but I also don't love it
shokingly fun listen, and even though it came out in 78, it embodies early 80's
Feel You love tonight gran canción
A true banger of hard rock
Runnin' with the devil - 5 Eruption - 4 You really got me - 4 Ain't talkin' 'bout love - 3 I'm the one - 3 Jamie's cryin' - 5 Atomic punk - 3 Feel your love tonight - 2 Little dreamer - 4 Ice cream man - 3 On fire - 3
Favorite track: Feel Your Love Tonight
Such a good debut album! 🤟🏼
Runnin with the devil: catchy pero normal eruption: un embole You really got me: ahi va, es x aca aint talking bout love: buena guitarra im the one: ???? cualquiera jamies crying: ok, pegadizo atomic punk: es x aca feel your love tonight: ok little dreamer: no ice cream man: un tema de swing rock? no on fire: no 5/10
WOW!!! Sounds very empty - only the three instruments plus the singer, nothing added.
I am a bit biased as a guitarist here. I find some Van Halen stuff amazing even though my brain sort of knows that it can lack musical sophistication. The lyrics are not particularly amazing but it cannot take away from the beauty of those guitar tapping solos.
Um dos melhores, muito bom
okay tbh i’m not a metal rock type of person so this album didn’t do that much for me.. but there are so classics here and there and this record kinda reminds me of my dad so props to that favs: you really got me - little dreamer!
This is a really fantastic album, with an opening four tracks that rivals any album of all time. The guitar work is impeccable, but really everything about this album is great. This album has been in rotation for years and will continue to be for years to come.
Van Halen is not only great because of the tight music and insane guitar works - it’s also interesting, creative and varying in its style. Very cool!
Four star album for EBH, two stars for DLR's weird bird singing. I probably should give it the 4 it deserves but I just can't.
It was alright. I feel like I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. Fun and heavy I guess.
7/10
One hit wonders in my country and this LP doesn’t even have the hit. Ponderous pop rock with an awful singer. Often everything stops while the guitarist “shreds” it sounds like he’s concentrating really hard with his tongue stuck out. There’s a version of the Kinks’s You Really Got Me that has none of the energy of the original. All in all it as if the Saffron Walden Townswomen’s Guild’s UFO tribute band decided to become an original act but the normal singer phoned in sick that day and they got the lass who makes the cucumber sandwiches to fill in. If you like your rock n roll devoid of anything that rocks or rolls this is for you.
(Should be 3.5) Honestly a very good album. Van Halen simply isn’t my style of artist which is why he isn’t getting graded higher, otherwise he would. Was a little surprised by how many I knew. Favorite track: You Really Got Me
3 maybe leaning 2.5
I used to be in love with a girl that looked just like Eddie Van Halen, but hotter.
Good- listened to over half the songs Favourite: Ain’t Talkin ’ ‘Bout Love
I've already listened a couple of songs from this album. I like the cover of Kinks and of course artificial harmonics that Eddie loved to do like the virtuoso guy. Not mine nowadays and then i was into that music however why not? Eventually, the best album in their discography.
Donne envie de danser un peu, meilleure écoute pour le moment
3.5 stars. Great album. So much fun to listening to. Definitely adding this one to my listening rotation.
The Van Halen brothers get all my stars for this album--Eddie is obviously a great guitarist, and Alex keeps a solid backbeat to sustain him. But I grew up watching and listening to David Lee Roth. He was obnoxious then and still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. His singing style fits the lyrics, but is he crucial to the band's sound? Nah. :) He was a dramatic frontman and crucial to their popular success, I get it. I just don't like his singing style.
tiene todos los años este album q, lo mismo q digo siempre no me gusta este genero de musica pero es lo q hay ñañaña track 1: no tengo mucho q decir la vdd, runnin with the devill, el video tiene tan mala calidad aksdjlk, m dio risa cmo se coordinaban el de la guitarra y bajo track 2: esta cancion debia ser el intro del album btw, solo de guitarra sirve concepto.com, increible, durisimo bro debia ser el intro explote de rabia, guaaaaaaaaaasiowuiwo (sonido de guitarra ok) track 3: el video tiene tan mala calidad q siento q estoy escuchando desde un pedazo de torta, U REAALLY GOT MEEE, he was serving hair and waist go diva, si me gusto pero ns q comentar uwu track 4: hola ???, cmo vas a iniciar una cancion asi, increible, un aplauso cmo siempre al guitarrista asi es, no amigos esta gente derrochaba magia siempre wtf q buena cancion, cambio por completo mi punto de vista del rock. best one btw. track 5: The saddest part of life is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory, me gusta el coro, q hacia el guitarrista amigo 40 años han pasado y estoy asi :O, show SHOW, q ?? era ?? ese ?? bridge ?? ok no le tenia nada de fe y aqui estoy hypeada con este album wtf track 6: otro video de mala calidad, ok sigan sirviendo blurry underground concept, ARREGLEN ESOS VIDEOS AAAAA, ou ou ouuuuu, no escuche una mrd q video tan malo llore, bno si escuche pero no es cmo q tenga la super opinion, btw no me gusta tanto q repitan el coro. track 7: el ?? inicio ?? qn descubrio el cosito q se sube y se baja en produccion akjka, ATOMIC PUNKKK OU YEAHH, los track 7 nunca decepcionan, de vdd quiero entrar a la mente del guitarrista y sabe q pasaba por su mente hola ???, uaaaaaaaaaaaa. track 8: la vdd no tengo mucho q decir, los anteriores tracks la rompieron, este no es malo, es mas cmo para bajarle revoluciones al album, no es q me encante mas alla de la guitarra.... track 9: espero no volver a hablar de los intros de las canciones PERO este es espectacular, pienso q ya dije todo. track 10: aca si me pierden por completo no, q extraña cancion sobre helado... track 11: ya me canse de hablar del guitarrista hagan algo, bno si me gusta cmo termina el album, pudo ser un peor ending (track 10) FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, todos sirven cabello diva ok esta jodido q los videos tengan tan mala calidad (de q se quejaba) el guitarrista solo derrochaba magia asi es q seria de esta banda sin el guitarrista ok, decian q se enfermaba y q no podia estar en el concierto y nadie iba, yo lo se ok mañana me caso con una guitarra aviso a todo el mundo soy una quejetas el album esta increible, creo q ya puedo escuchar rock gracias :3 de los mejores debuts de la historia gracias
I lost weight the first time I heard Eruption. This has some of the best guitar work ever recorded, also the rest of the band is pretty good. Mostly boomer cock rock fluff, but this album was certified platinum in my playlists when I was 19 so I'm a little sentimental for it.
Overall Rating - 3.91/5 (7.82/10). As a first album, this is insane. These guys absolutely shred. Even where it's not as good, it's still high quality hard rock.
Such a fun rock record. Yes - they are pretty corny. Especially David Lee Roth - but- that's part of the charm. And while Eddie's guitar is what makes this band so special, they'd be nothing without hooky, catchy songs. They repeat themselves quite a bit by the time we get halfwaya through the B side. And The Brown Sound gets a bit tiring. But then they mix it up again with "Little Dreamer" and "Ice Cream Man" - so - it all works out in the end. Overall and excellent debut and an excellent guitar rock album that completely changed that genre for good. FOUR STARS
It sort of sounds like the same song on repeat, but it’s a decent song
Runnin' with the Devil brings the taste of light beer to my mouth....Eruption, a joint between my fingers....every track that comes afterward sounds like the music that I would make after drinking 12 light beers and smoking a few joints. In terms of guitar, my interest was piqued. The tone felt novel in some ways, especially with eruption. But then again, it wasn't "earth-shattering" as some would describe this album... 2.5, rounded up for "Ice Cream Man" and the variety that a little bit of blues adds to the album.
This has to be one of the best debut albums of all time. Very few misses in the track listing. David Lee Roth's vocals and EVH's guitar prowess make this an all time great.
the GOAT. saved hard rock and heavy metal
Greatest debut album for a band of all time.
Every song is fantastic!!
Its okay.. I'm a huge fan of softer rock most of the time, but I will say I listened to half of this album while taking a quick shower before bed. Honestly, I only liked one or two songs from the album, believe it or not, 'Jamie's Cryin and You Really Got Me. I think my biggest turn-off with this album is the vocalist. Don't get me wrong, he's not horrible. But it's that annoying nasally whine that I hate in male singers. Also, I need to remember that this was made in the 1970s, when music was actually evolving from the traditional rock 'n' roll you would hear in the 1960s or anytime before that. Okay, so I would give this Van Halen by Van Halen (heh hehhh) a decent 3/5. I'm not a huge knower of all music, but drums/guitar were pretty stable and unique. The blends of the instruments were obviously nicely placed and did keep :p
This is a perfect debut album. Everything about it is amazing. Can’t say much more, Van Halen comes in lets you know what they are about and rocks The whole way through. Had to crank out the vinyl to give a spin.
The first concert I ever went to was Van Halen (supporting their 1984 album) and I feel like despite it being for that album, they played the entirety of this one. Despite David Lee Roth's vocal wanking over the top of almost every song (except for, ironically, "Eruption"), the real voice of this album is Eddie Van Halen's guitar, and the second-most noteworthy thing being Eddie and Michael Anthony's harmonies. There are a ton of hits here, but none that I ever really loved. David Lee Roth is a visual performer, and his vocals in isolation are kind of terrible. The rhythm section lacks punch as well, never more apparent than on "Atomic Punk" and "On Fire" which want to sound more powerful than they are. The muffled sound of the drums annoys me in general. But for all my complaints, it's not a bad album or a chore to listen to, and I do prefer fun and zany DLR Van Halen to the serious versions that came later. They just didn't have enough of the elements that I enjoy out of hard rock, and the song's melodies weren't catchy enough to appeal to me from a pop perspective. But Eddie sure could play the hell out of a guitar, and 13-year old me really enjoyed them in concert.
I downloaded a best of Van Halen compilation in my teens, so it was really nice to get reacquainted with some of these. Eruption was a 5 star song back in my iPod smart playlist days. It was also a blast to hear Jamie's Crying and You Really Got Me again, as someone who finds Van Halen generally mid-tier, those few songs really hold their own weight. As far as the sound goes, ignoring how ahead of their time they were because this feels like a cemented '80s vibe and this is a late '70s debut, it's just ok metal with a really good guitarist. That's a mood, and it's generally what you hope for in a good rock band. I can live without this but I'm glad it exists. 3.2/5
Started off strong and I thought this album is cooking. Doesn’t hurt that my band in high school used to cover their version of you really got me. But then I just started getting bored with the guitar tricks. I know Eddie is awesome but I heard enough.
not my kind of music
Second Van Halen album I've had, second one I liked a lot more than I thought I would. Very good start to finish.
Expected this to be significantly more cheesy - this is great. That intro riff to Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is awesome. The album is technically great, and fun to listen to. Really good throughout, without taking itself too seriously - what's that shoo-wop bit in I'm The One all about. Does what it says on the tin, and then some. And at 35 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome either.
YES!
Very loud! A lot of things happening at once. I didn’t enjoy it tbh- not my kind of music. I guess the electric guitar was impressive (?) but I don’t know enough about it to understand that. I do enjoy the fashion and costuming associated with this era, though, and I really like the cover. I’m sure bands like this were amazing to see live in their prime and always put on a good show. Maybe the album was wasted on me, idk. Favourite song: ice cream man (I like ice cream)
Yeah it wasn’t bad
I had my first guitar class yesterday and so I find this fitting. The guitar playing is impressive. Van Halen is better than me at guitar. It’s still big cock dad rock but it speaks to me today and I appreciate it way more. High 3.
I enjoyed the guitar parts, but the lyrics easily dragged my rating now to a 3/5 for this album. Nothing special as far lyrics go for most songs, this is a definitely a product of its time lyrically. I have to say, I loved the surprise 'shoob-a-doob' section in one song, that was awesome. Nice cover of "You Really Got Me" and my favorite track was the opener, "Runnin' with the Devil".
Well I’m sold
The seminal unleashing of Eddie and Alex's band onto the world, changing the landscape of rock and roll for generations to come.
Nice cheesy 80s Hard Rock. Also what is probably the first 'true' Glam Metal album proper, probably. I went in thinking I would hate this but I ended up liking it more than I thought. This is the type of stuff Hells Angels used to listen to so its a pure testosterone fest.
not my vibe but i understand the popularity
Loud
Pretty good. Like rolling with the devil and you really good me.
Lekker Eddieeeeee
Surprisingly many titles I recognize. Good rock, not exactly my style
OMG I’m three songs in and this is what my January needed 🎸 ❤️
Love
cant go wrong with a classic
it’s classic rock, not really my thing but generally pretty good. one song added to playlist. 2.5 cause i can’t give half stars
This was crazy
I was a little bit disappointed really. There were no standout tracks, and it started to feel very repetitive after a few tracks. As a Brit I can say that Van Halen probably never reached the heights over here that they attained in the US, and this album goes a way to explaining why that is/was (imo). I did make it all the way through without feeling the need to kill myself, but it's not close to 3 stars for me.
hm
fand den anfang sehr vielversprechen habs aber nich ganz zuende geschafft
Not exactly my cup of tea, but the album itself is good. Perfect for some headbanging.
Perhaps not my cup of tea, cannot argue that Van Halen isn't a talented fellow. If one of his albums is to be kept, it ought to be this one! 8/10 [KEEP]
Great rock. Eddie is so casually excellent it’s easy to just listen to him the whole album and forget the songs are rocking too
A good album (—if you’re in the mood for the genre.)
Not generally my cup of tea but with it being from the 70’s I had higher hopes than usual. I enjoyed the first 20 minutes then I felt it got a bit tedious and repetitive.
I like dis
I didnt expect to hear a cover of the kinks on this album. Filled with lots of fun songs. Enjoyable hard rock album. Not the most impressive, but it doesnt need to be. 3/5
Surprisingly very listenable for how much this isn't my type of music (rock/metal) Nobody rules these streets at night like me👹 Fav: feel your love tonight Lowkey all sounds the same
Disco increíble, en algunos temas junta varios estilos. La guitarra es una pasada en Erupcion. Increible.
nice! reconozco canciones como you really got me o feel your love tonight, muy bueno pero no se si volveria a escucharlo por mi cuenta. canciones fav: jamie's cryin'; ice cream man
Holy hair metal. Absolute cult classics on this album. The second track being Eddie just absolutely shredding. Litterally a NO SKIP album. Perfect.
Goede degelijke rock met goede gitaarpartijen
I was surprised by how many songs I knew off the album. Not something I’m listening to every day but definitely understand how it influenced a lot of other rock bands
This website keeps putting my tf onnn I love all these albums. Eruption>>> Holy guitarrrr bro. You really got me is so goodd IM OBSESSED WITH AINT TALKIN BOUT LOVEEE AHHH I genuinely had to add evey single song to my playlist it was just that good wow On fire reminds me of Kai from Lego ninjago!
This definitely made me a strong impression on my long time ago when I first heard it. Haven't listened to them in ages, but I reckon it still 5 in my books.
I don't really like classic American rock! The best part of this was The Kinks cover
Incredible debut album, all guns blazing, fast paced, hard rock music. Heavy riffs, experimental sounds, hard drums, a ripping bass & powerful vocals on par with a prime Axl Rose. I also believe the album flows perfectly, has its lows & highs in the right order to give an engaging listen. Eruption is an incredible showcase of how good of a guitarist Eddie Van Halen actually was. He uses the double-tapping method which became popularised through Van Halen’s work. I don’t personally think it is contender for best guitar solo ever, as I don’t believe it’s that enjoyable to listen to and is more just a show case of his capabilities. I in fact enjoy alternative guitar solos on this album more. It is impressive nether the less. The cover of “You Really Got Me” just doesn’t hit the spot for me, the voice and changing of original lyrics felt not right and actually slightly irritating for me. This has definitely intrigued me to listen to have a deep dive into Van Halen and see what else they have to offer in their later work as this is absolutely great. Each band member has highly technical capabilities and they each try to showcase that in their art, something all artists should aspire to do. Favourite tracks are: ‘Runnin’ with the Devil’, ‘Atomic Punk’, ‘Ice Cream Man’, & ‘On Fire’.
Hell yes! I don't need no stinky Spotify, I'll just grab the vinyl I've had since 1978! It's a bit warped, but it still plays good, and sounds awesome. RIP Eddie, you did things with a guitar that blew us away. 5.0
It's the third great album in a row, unbelievable. I'm not a fan of metal, but there are exceptions. And this is one of them. I love it. I had some of these songs in my playlist a long time ago. You Really Got Me is a great cover of The Kinks. I don't know if it'll be bumped up to 5 out of 5 in the future, but for now it's solid... 4/5 —————————————— Liked: — You Really Got Me — Ain't Talking' 'Bout Love — Atomic Punk
Personally I dont like shredding, but its unbelievable that he could make those sounds from a guitar at that time. Definitely has crazy talent and great artistry in this album. But I just don't like classic metal/rock.
wasn't expecting to like this this much. bring back howling and growling and whining and whimpering in rock songs (ref. you really got me). ice cream man turned me on
slayyyy (too short)
Rock usor :) Highlights: you really got me (mai fain decat originalul decat the kinks pt mine); I’m the one
It's all in the guitar. Rock On. Good album.
I feel like the older I get the more I love this record. Van Halen came out with a debut like a bolt of lightning, relentlessly shredding to superstardom right off the bat. It doesn’t hurt that they’d spent years as an LA party band staple, but they can take any style and genre and make it metal as fuck, all while keeping things dance friendly for the non-rockers. There’s not a skip on this record and they’re not even at the peak of their powers. What a great fuckin’ album.
i'm not above this! blew my mind was i was 14, formative experience
So much better then 1984. Ain't Talkin Bout Love in particular is an excellent song.
Heck Yeah!!
Van Halen being my dad's favorite band, I naturally grew up listening to 1984 a lot. In the present day, I'm really not a huge Hard Rock enjoyer, though I dabble from time to time. Van Halen is one of the biggest exceptions and probably my favorite strictly Hard Rock band, and this album is their best by far. I'm sure many people are already aware of how ahead of his time EVH was, with Eruption being a massively influential solo that would inspire countless guitarists. The guitar-work on this album is so technical but without sacrificing fun or enjoyability. Pretty much the whole album is just so much fun, they never take themselves too seriously, but just seriously enough to put out a bunch of really solid tracks. The A-side is hit after hit, with the B-side slowing down a little bit but being a great time. Not only is this album incredibly nostalgic for me, I think it holds up almost 50 years later. It's not some super poetic story or a "punch you in the face" hardcore grindfest, it's just good, classic, catchy Hard Rock that inspired many artists going into the 80s.
no soy muy fan de esta era del rock la verdad
Not really my jam, I know it was an important work at the time, and I do like rock acts, but this was just not my speed.
Not my typical vibe, but cool!
I appreciated the instrumental. Really liked "You Really Got Me", "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love". "Atomic Punk" was fun, so was "Feel Your Love"- Very good album, very cohesive, not really my vibe.
This is ELECTRIC. It’s basically every great Van Halen song, and it absolutely rips. Iconic vocals, iconic guitar. Can’t say much more than that, and as far as the genre is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this. Best Song: Runnin’ with the Devil
Not Bad but I expected something with more lyrics. I liked the guitar in the background but it’s not really my style
Awesome. Hadn't listened in ages, and it hasn't lost a thing.
Overated eddi van halen
Shouldn’t the band name just be Eddie Van Halen
It's alright but nothing really to get your teeth into. Guitar is good but I need more than that when listening to music
I enjoyed this album. There are a few songs on here I already knew, and I ended up adding them to my liked playlist after listening to them again. I can see myself blasting this album in the garage next summer.
I understand some people really love Van Halen. I just don’t.
like
It's ok
8/10
Before Listening: I'm not entirely looking forward to this. From what I've heard of them before it's not really my vibe. My mom loves this band, or at the very least really likes the song Jump. When I told her I didn't like it a few years ago she was flabbergasted. Listen Notes I like the original "You Really Got Me Better". This version feels more bland, surprisingly. I actually really like production of "Ain't Talking About Love" but I hate the vocal performance and lyrics. "Ice Cream Man" makes me want to rate this as 1. If there's a hell, this song plays on loop there alongside dance monkey. "Jamie's Crying", "Atomic Punk", and "Little Dreamer" actually aren't bad Overall, I don't hate the production, even tho it can get a little bland at times. Lyrically, this album sucks for the most part, sorry mom. I don't see myself coming back to this at all, even the songs I didn't mind. Very much not my vibe.
8 / 10
ok
Lots of great songs on here. I liked it more than I expected to. But there's also the seeds of horrible hair metal here, with cheesy lyrics, annoying background vocals, and some serious sexism.
So many hits for a debut album. Great introduction to world - especially Eruption/Runnin’ With The Devil. The combo of those two songs introduced EVH’s skills to the world.
I think this is better than 1984. Feels less transitional.
VAN HALEN, FUCK YEAH
Respect it. Good fun. Not necessarily my vibe but some of the guitar rifts are like nothing else.
Phenomenal guitar work throughout, Eruption all-timer. Could take or leave everything else, though.
как для своего жанра очень хорошо, но не за мэтчилось с сегоднешним моим настроением, для меня этот жанр слишком поверхносный по лирике, но гитарные партии ахуенные
Bon album mais pas vraiment mon délire
I was a freshman in high school when this came out. What's lost in all the (deserved) talk about how EVH changed the landscape for guitar players is how damn hard Alex and Michael swing. While Eddie is the tinsel and lights (DLR providing the ornaments) all over the tree the rhythm section is the trunk and branches holding it all together. All in all a pretty fun and nostalgic trip for me. Kinda hard to not give this five stars for its historical significance alone. So even though the non-singles tracks don't add much to the statement/album, that's what I got.
5 - one of the greatest debut albums
Definitely not interested in this.
It's hard for listeners today to realize just how much this album sounded like nothing that had been heard on the radio before. This album planted the seeds of hair metal in a field full of disco and punk, and also caused tens of thousands of budding guitar players to spontaneously combust. Eddie Van Halen's technique, precision, and sheer speed blew minds across the country, and defined how rock was going to sound for much of the next decade. This was a band that had honed their craft in countless bar gigs, and by God, they were TIGHT - the timing, the harmonies, everything polished to a mirror finish. None of the songs are anything special by themselves (though I have a soft spot for the lesser-known "I'm the One"), but the performances were everything, and they set rock music on fire.
Interesting album to start with. Looked at the tracks and didn’t think this was going to be very good but I actually enjoyed it.
Pretty wanky
Yes, this is a record everyone needs to hear. You need to hear EVH play guitar. Innovator. Huge personalities in this band but the unsung hero for them in Michael Anthony. His bass playing is underrated and his back up vocals make the songs better. Fun rock and roll band. You can be the greatest guitar player ever but if you write crap songs no one will care. These are really good songs with one of the best ever playing.
Didn’t realize I had heard some of the songs before. Not a bad album just not for me!
Van failen hahha
Vildt fedt? Nogle af de vildeste riffs, og tuningen på guitaren er ret unik, meget positivt overrasket!!
An album with a few good songs. 3/5. Feels like it was written by a mid 20 yo. 80s sound. The kind of music I hear at a party or event and enjoy but not get super into.
Guitars: shredded. Highlights: Runnin' With The Devil, Eruption.
Very fun listen. Recognize the first song as well.
It’s okay, you can still love it
Never listened to one of their studio albums but pleased to report that pretty much all of this could sit comfortably on their Best Of
2.4 I went in with raised expectations. I knew I'd Running With the Devil and didn't mind it. At least I know now why I'd never heard of anything else. I'm not entirely sure why they're focusing on Eddie's guitar work so much, obviously I know I'm shit at guitar, but I had this impression he was this absolute maestro, yet his solo's seem kind of... Sloppy? Unless I'm missing something there must be at least 100 guitarists out there better than him. Maybe in his time he was great, he can play fast for sure, but I feel like he isn't always hitting the right notes. Other than Eddie's playing it was pretty mid, bland songs, trying too hard to genre hop at times, other members didn't really seem to be blowing me away.
eruption is a fire song, but the rest of the album is just not my thing at all - too loud and not my vibe - like 2.5/5, but I'll round up to three because it's not poorly done
too many hair bands on this list i fear
Y'know ... I do like the SOUND of Van Halen, but listening to this made me realize that David Lee Roth is a real turn off. His misogynist-dickhead vibe is just 🤮. I think I prefer Van Hagar, but not by much. Van Halen is definitely a sum-is-less-than-their-parts band for me.
This might be only the 3rd or 4th time I've listened to this album in its entirety and each time I'm impressed by the number of songs I know. Were they hits, I have no idea, but VH clearly knew how to get airtime back when I was listening to the radio a lot. That said, I can't really claim to enjoy their music. It feels a lot like ZZ Top, Def Leppard, and all the other hard rock bands from the late 70s and 80s. There's some catchy tunes and impressive guitar work, but the style itself turns me off.
This album definitely heralds a new branch of metal/hard rock. It’s brash and dumb and cool. I’m not a maximum guitar solo guy so this has a ceiling for me. I’ve been building an ice rink in my yard for 6-7 years, and made friends with a goalie in the neighborhood who does music writing for the Chicago Tribune. He has an extensive record collection and an audiophile setup with 300lb speakers, and $10,000 a piece components. He had us over for pizza, beer and loud music - he plays his music live venue loud. Running with the Devil was the first song he played and it was bitchin’.
I mostly disliked Van Halen when I was in my teens and 20s; thought their songs were stupid, and the hits were massively overplayed on the AOR stations I was listening to. At some point in the last 10 or 15 years something flipped, and now I really enjoy their brand of stupid, loud, *fun* rock. (I've had similar changes of view as to Def Leppard, Joan Jett, and Bon Jovi.) I think it helps that they always seem like they're in on the joke -- until the Hagar years that is, because Roth's persona really helps sell that bit. Anyway, this is really good Van Halen. I imagine it's on the list because of Eddie's guitar work, but another thing I've realized is that the band wouldn't be anything much without Michael Anthony's backing vocals. (Sorry, Van Halen drummer, whoever you are. I like your sound too but you're probably the least essential.) The end of Eruption / beginning of You Really Got me is an amazing kick in the ass that I've always loved, even when I didn't like the band.
5/5 - This is a 5 all the way for me. Wore out my cassette in my car in high school. I never thought too hard about the personalities in this band; I just thought they always made fun music -- until they didn't later on. A great debut album.
So many good songs
Absolute shithouse. Could not finish it
A rock classic and for good reason Favs were feel your love tonight and running with the devil I feel like each song is a little too repetitive for my tastes, but still thoroughly enjoyed it Added some songs to my playlist Certified divorced dad midlife crisis banger
I feel like the talent they clearly hold as musicians never really came together to form highly consistent songs. Like there is great drumming, good vocals and amazing guitar playing. Yet whilst those parts are great the songs are not great enough.
My favorite by them!
Van Roth over Van Hagar. Classic hair metal band with one of the most iconic guitar players to have ever played the instrument. The bass player on this album is also great.
Hell yeah! Another album that would have been rad to hear at the time it was released. Mind blowing.
Jammin
Powerful classic rock goodness with all the teenage nostalgia blended in
Solid, some classics on here, no duds.
Leuk om op te dansen en lekker energiek maar alle liedjes klinken wel een beetje hetzelfde
Was afraid going in to it, but much better than expected. Eruption and Jamie's Cryin' were highlights. 3.6*, rounded down. Decent though!
14 year old James would be very happy. This album is pretty damn good, and gets one of the most iconic guitar solos to boot. I'll say 4/5.
Classic jock rock stuff. Some hits, some stuff I hadn’t heard that surprised me
This is a very fun album. Tons of great sons and it goes very quickly - fun, hectic, noodling. Love it.
ok they're pretty good especially imagining this as being a new sound and not what a thousand people since have mimicked
Good guitar, good album. 8/10
album was okay? What i would imagine is like a generic late 70s dad rock album. Guitar from Eddie is fuckin sick tho! Fav track: Feel Your Love Tonight
Easy 5 for me. I’ve loved this album for years and I’m always happy to listen to it. One of the great rock debuts and best guitarist/frontman duos in history.
Couple classics but sounded pretty filler rock mostly
an album that i recognize is very technically impressive, but not one i see myself listening to and enjoying very much. i’ve never been a huge Van Halen fan, but i did like Jamie’s Cryin’ and thought Ice Cream Man was fun and weird. the You Really Got Me cover is pretty good too. realistically like a 2.5 star album for me, but i’ll round up.
The guitar is obviously great because it’s Van Halen, but I don’t really care about the rest
I love Van Halen, and this is one of their absolute best.
First time ever actively listening to Van Halen! I always heard of them but didn't know what songs they were famous for. Now I do! Overall it's not really my sound, but can definitely appreciate it for what it is.
Fav songs: Feel Your Love Tonight, Ice Cream Man
Only 3 x songs that I liked
No thanks
The hits are undeniably great, and Ice Cream Man is pretty fun, but overall this is just ok.
Little bit samey but holds up as a solid rock album
Ripper, can’t go wrong
More 80s hair fun.
True classic
It's hard to believe the quality of some of these debut albums. I know Van Halen quickly made a name for themselves in the late 70's, but didn't realize that they basically did it right out of the gate. When the group just casually drops one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time ("Eruption") amongst a sea of 70's hard rock staples, it's really not surprising to see why. I'm particularly fond of the opening three-track stretch. Eddie Van Halen was one of a kind with that guitar.
Pretty rockin' stuff. I enjoyed You Really Got Me and Eruption the most. An extremely solid debut album. It must have been mind-blowing to listen to this for the first time in 1978.
We like this
Good. Good.
Top notch LA hair metal.