Reviews (page 7 of 15)
-All of the electric guitar parts are played well by EVH -Album wasn't insanely influential in the same way as others from then -A lot of the music feels very similar -Best Songs: Runnin' With The Devil, Eruption, On Fire -Worst Songs: I'm the One, Atomic Punk, Ice Cream Man -Overall Rating: 8.3/10
Respect the guitar. Some hits on here.
top songs: you really got me, eruption, little dreamer, ain't talking about love peak guitar playing
Revolutionary
Eruption…if all the rest were stinkers, the album still would have at least 3 stars!
So another van halen album generated precisely a week after I got 1984? Fine. It’s a 4. And yes, Eruption, along with stairway to heaven and comfortably numb, MUST be in the great Rock’n’Roll songbook for their solos. 4/5
good one
Couple of clunkers but not enough to drop it too low.
Lots of fun. Let's go drinking
Eddie's guitar solos are juste something else. A great representation of real hard rock. -1 for "Ice Cream Man" though so 8/10. fav songs : Atomic Punk & On Fire
Solid. Love the energy.
its 80s rock from the 70s, that's got to count for something fun album
Damn, that Guitar-Solo in Eruption. Really cool. Ain't talkin bout love is also really cool.
An amazing force this is. Incredible sound and the quality of production. A must!
It’s nice to listen to this album knowing what kind of history this band had in front of them. The album rocks, and is true Van Halen. Great record.
i like van halen yay this is top tier dad music
Fun, great guitar, and not gross (lyrically) unlike many classic rock musicians of the time.
I like it :) It is indeed peak "dad music", but that shouldn't hold it back. Technical guitar fun :)
I saw somebody say Eruption should have been the opener and I AGREE SO MUCH. Would have been soooo good. I really love albums with instrumental openers... Slayer's Repentless, Testament's The Formation of Damnation, The Cure's Seventeen Seconds... and the instrumental opener on 1984 by Van Halen is probably my favourite track on that album The guitar tone here is also SO GOOD. Like OMGGGG the You Really Got Me intro RAHHHHH. So crunchy but also... it sounds wet?? If that makes sense??? I like that combo a lot
I wish my dad had played me this when I was a kid
More fun and bizarre than I was expecting. Doo-wop breakdowns followed by "Panama" kept me on my toes.
Atomic Punk FTW
Ok riffs but corny harmonies
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. When it got picked, I thought I’d rate it a 2 maybe 3 stars at best. But, for a debut album, it was a really nice foreshadowing of what was to come. Clocking in at an economical time less than 36 mins, we experience the genius that is Eddie on guitar, and coupled with David Lee Roth’s playboy antics and howls, there isn’t a wasted minute here. Consider me “re fanned”.
classic
Ya... There's a reason people think Eddie is a guitar god.
Thoughts before listening: I used to think I hated Van Halen. I mean I knew EVH was an amazing guitarist, but their music is cheesy and David Lee Roth is more showman than incredible singer. However, I have explored their albums past the hits, and found there to be more depth than I originally thought. I'm glad to get a chance to listen to this today. Review: This is better than I thought it was going to be, and the best songs are the album cuts. Sure the hits are iconic, but for my money, "Atomic Punk" and "I'm the One" are the best songs here. EVH"s guitar playing is on point throughout the album and DLR hasn't gone full blown cheeseball yet (although "Ice Cream Man" is a sign of things to come). I've always associated VH with the worst side of cheesy 80s metal, and while they certainly were a major influence on bands like Poison, this debut album proves that there was more to them than the party anthems that would soon follow. 4-stars
A very good listen! I admittedly didn't know Van Halen as well as I thought. They aren't as hard as the "hard rock" name would suggest but they have their moments. It sounds like they're having fun and that appeals to me. The doo-wop breakdown is top tier. I can see why they're so successful and why this album is on this list. That said, it gets a little same sound at a point. The guitar sound is unique and played well enough to excuse it though.
Хороший альбом. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" шедевр на все времена
When I reviewed 1984, I said it was probably the highest rating I’d ever give to what I called “big penis rock.” Now, honestly I’m going to retract that. While I’m still not a massive fan of the style, the energy on this album is palpable and you do get a sense that they were uncovering something new by making hard rock so glitzy and shiny and over-the-top. So, sure. I’ll give this one a higher rating and a must-listen designation (#125 for me).
I like it but small doses only
3.75
Big 80s rock. I don’t think I can name a Van Halen song that did not appear on this album. This is what I think of.
Q if you would have asked my 17 yr old self in 1978 when this came out what I thought of this - I would have given it 5 stars. But now 47 yrs later Roth’s schtick is a little grating at times so it gets knocked down 2 stars. Eddie playing though raised it back up another star!
Really good album, it would probably be a 5 but I don’t like their cover of You Really Got Me
Oh, well that’s a surprise it seems I actually still like Van Helen. Thing is I’d built up my own stereotype of what I remember them sounding like, which I didn’t give much credence to. But the 2 albums I have re listened to on here, are well just good rock and roll. Dave Lee who I just think of as clowning actually fits this well, went to the edge .. the musicians are always on point and serve the song at all times while being, well eddieVH. Great hard rock album, 4.5 Star
Classic hair metal album. There was so much of the same music coming out at the time of this album so it was definitely difficult to design any record with heavy metal riffs, catchy phrase lyrics AND be unique at the same time. VH set themselves apart with their vocal sound and, of course, the face melting guitar solos. This album crushes it for me all day. Whether I'm on my way to work or slicing another Titleist from the tee box, I'm belting RWTD.
Not my favourite genre but it's a good album.
All timer and Janice likes it
A classic sound, growly and indignant! Pisses me off that Jump! is Van Halen's most popular track, everything here is more creative and punchy.
Prochronism describes a moment when something from the future is placed in the past. And right up there alongside a baroque blockchains or rococo smartphones is Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” – a guitar solo that would have sounded pretty out of joint on any playlist of 1978’s most popular tracks (think Chic’s “Le Freak” into ABBA’s “Take a chance on me”). No doubt, EVH was a genius. (Perhaps, at times, too great a genius for his band’s own good – why, Mr Lee Roth, must you feel the need to compete?) It’s a struggle to find praise high enough for the guitar playing on display here, or to adequately capture the impact of Eddie’s innovations without lurching into sickly hyperbole – so instead I’ll do what we all wish David Lee Roth would do at times, and shut the fuck up.
This is a really great way to debut your kickass metal band to the world.
Great guitar riffs
Shred jams.
Never listened to VH in albums, but this one is really solid
Unexpected
The guitars on this record are insane
4.2
Haven’t listened to this in decades… Lots of great songs. Some filler though.
Straight forward, top-notch Metal and Hard Rock. A little dated, but still cool. Would have loved to train Karate to this in the 80s.
I’ve been around long enough to know who Van Halen are. I’ve heard my fair share of songs, hell, I’ve heard quite a few of these. What I haven’t done is fairly critique them. 5 songs in and I’m impressed. I never questioned Eddie’s guitar playing or Alex’s drumming. I’m not a fan of Dave’s screaming or whatever you call it. Moans? Whatever. You get it. My only knock is it tapers off with the last 4 songs. The momentum has been lost. Other than that, it’s a very passable album, just not perfect. Choice cut: Eruption
I would pass on Ice Cream Man, but other than that, solid
hell yeah
Random thoughts: * I grew up with Van Halen 1984 so it took me a good while to discover this album in the late 90s. I probably got to this album because of the Tone Loc sample. * Anyway, this is some guitar ripping stuff! * Eruption plus You Really Got Me are peak guitar rock! * Overall a solid rock album with a bit of filler at the end.
Ladies and gentlemen. I give you... Van Halen!
hell yeah brother 👊🇺🇸🔥
What a great freaking album! So many good songs! Classic songs as well! This album showcases so much of Van Halens talents and it just keeps it up the whole time!
oohh oohh ooohh jamies cryin 🗣️ e-gitarren neuron activation
Lots of bangers. Aint talkin bout love has been stuck in my head all night.
David Lee Roth screams like a mountain lion mauling an elk.
This was surprisingly good! Wasn’t expecting it! I loved the guitar, the vibes. Couple of songs weren’t my thing. The song ain’t talking bout love was great!!
Ahh, this brings back memories of sitting in my friend Bubba's rec. room spinning side 1 of this album and being blown away by Eddie Van Halen's scorching and original-sounding guitar sounds along with David Lee Roth's howling/screeching vocals! That's got to be one of the top 4 opening tracks of all time, including the innovative You Really Got Me cover. What a "We have arrived" statement this is.
RocknRollllllllll
Eruption alone could give this a 4 but Van Halen before the synth was a hell of a beast.
Lean more towards a 4.5, but since that isn’t possible, 4 it is.
A really solid first album, as classic as classic rock gets. Love the foaminess of the guitars, and most of the tracks have great momentum, as well as just good vocals. The writing isn’t necessarily poetic, but that’s not the point here I don’t think, and I liked it anyway. I did feel that it started off really well and then kinda slowed down after about the halfway point, but that’s forgiveable. Favorite track: Jamie’s Cryin’ Least Facorite Track: Atomic Punk
David Lee Roth is not a singer, thank God for Michael Anthony Nonetheless a classic album with a few iconic tracks and a blistering debut for Eddie
Das Album hat mich damals umgehauen. Und war ein Grund dafür ein paar Jahre später in den nächsten Gitarrenshop zu gehen und ne billige Korea-Stromgitarre zu kaufen. An der Kasse fragte ich: Wo ist die Bedienungsanleitung? Man hat mich dann an den Gitarrenlehrer im selben Haus verwiesen. Das erste Stück das ich damals übte was das Solo aus Van Halens Jump. Und das war dann wohl auch der Grund dafür, dass es mit meiner Karriere als Rockstar nichts geworden ist :)
Lots of hits here I'd forgotten about. And I know this view is unpopular, but it's David Lee Roth as a frontman who takes late 1970s to mid-1980s Van Halen to 11.
Almost a 5
Enjoyable listen. Really made me feel like the radio was on in the machine shop at work. Not my preference necessarily, but fun to listen to.
Great energy, great sound, great band. Guitar, bass, drums, and vocals all come together pretty well. I'm a little biased just because I probably enjoy rock the most as a genre but this was a super solid album. I liked the length of it too, I felt the songs were fairly similar and because of that the shorter length prevented the sound from overstaying it's welcome. I hadn't heard some of the songs before and some were good and some were ok. I liked Feel Your Love Tonight the best.
Bello, ma mi aspettavo di più
Their most fluid and consistent record. Highly recommended for the opening track alone.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would, but some of the original lyrics are... oof. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
A band that has weirdly grown on me over the years as I've come to enjoy the unabashed big dumb sound and kitschy debauched style. Incredible guitar tone, epic anthems you can really pump a fist to, arena filling drums, and crazy charismatic vocals. Sometimes it's just time for uncut puro braindead fun. Ice Cream Man is an embarrassment though, wild.
Ice cream man sucked. The rest of the album was pretty great.
I may take this one for granted because I’ve heard it so many times. A great debut.
This album kinda slaps
Very good guitar riffs Catchy album Kinks cover is one of my favourites so far
Cool album! Nice listening. Classic.
Classic rock at its most classic
Never listened to them before but this was awesome. Eruption especially and it's just a guitar solo
This is a great classic.
I like Van Halen a lot. Incredible. I've read about and obviously heard how amazing of a guitar player he was and how he did so many new and innovative things. I also constantly hear about the 1984 album. I was shocked to get this album instead of 1984, and then to realize that most of the hits that I assumed were on 1984 were actually on this album. Really incredible through and through.
powerful songs and innovative guitars
Suprisingly fun, despite the self indulgent guitar work :) 70+/100
It's like exactly what is expected when we read "Van Halen" on top of the page. Nothing less and nothing more. It means that it indeed sounds a bit outdated, but still incredibly good.
Just up my street, some great guitar solos and good listening
This is pretty impressive and a really well-done record. I would go so far as to say 'inventive' as well - my knowledge of the rock landscape in 1978 is limited but it seems like this record and their next one were probably like a bomb of new rock energy and likely felt totally unexpected and new. This also has the feel of a record where the guys in the band just got along and had fun - no idea if that's true haha but def feels that way. Easy 4 approaching a 5.
I’m not much of a rocker, but I really like the older, David Lee Roth version of VH
Awesome walking around tunes for FtL
It's great, but after a while, it feels like the guitar's doing all the talking and no one else gets a word in.
Good!
Probably my favorite New Wave album I’ve listened to all the way through. As one of the creators of the genre, it’s only fitting that they do it the best. Parallel Lines doesn’t have the same punk attitude as their self-titled, but that anti-establishment flair does glimmer from time to time. 4.5/5
80s Rock with a capital R. Excellent guitar work. Debut album. Metal.
This was really good. I get why people like Van Halen and why they have such a legacy. Awesome album
Debut album with solid opener Runnin' with the Devil. Next up is Eruption, a classic. Third track is You Really Got Me, also a classic but only decent. Forth track is Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, an awesome song. The first half of this album is hit after hit. I'm the One is unremarkable. Jamie's Cryin' is another great classic. Van Halen liked to use a lot of 's in song names. Atomic Punk unremarkable; almost sounds like an Iron Maiden song. Feel Your Love Tonight and Little Dreamer are lame. Ice Cream Man is acoustic and doesn't mesh with the album at all. On Fire sucks. 4 stars for how good the classics are although the second half of the album is begging me to drop it to 3.
Classic hard rock. Everyone is great in their role - EVH's riffs are catchy and flashy and the rhythm section is as tight as can be. David Lee Roth seems like such a sleezeball but he's really entertaining. The band can be cheesy at times like on Ice Cream Man but it's in a fun, laid back and tongue-in-cheek way The album remains (mostly) consistent from front to back, switching between more laid-back tunes like Runnin' with the Devil (which is a perfect opener) and Little Dreamer, and more energetic ones like I'm the One and Atomic Punk Eruption is probably my least favourite track. I'll listen to it when I've got the whole album on, but it's never been something I've wanted to listen to in isolation. It's just too wanky and over the top; it kind of just passes me by without me really taking it in. There's a fine line for me with technicality, as I do love many prog bands, but here it's too much. I much prefer when solos like that are built into and enhance a full song Not my favourite Van Halen album (that's probably Van Halen II or 1984), but it's a classic for a reason Highlights: Runnin' with the Devil, I'm the One, Atomic Punk
not a huge Van Halen fan, first time listening to the album end to end and found my self listening to it twice, lets go!. alot of radio play tunes so knew most of em but didnt realize some many of those hits were on a single album. I could do without the Atomic Punk and those epic but over done screeches from David "Screech" Roth.
Its a fine album, not one that I love, but understand its position as influential in the following decade. 7/10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrFxKY6aFrQ
this is what they used to prescribe for low T in the 70s
Good to the point where I resent it being the casting mould for a million others that weren't.
7/10 The first half of this album permanently altered (or disfigured, depends on who you ask) the face of Rock music. Second half is alright. *plays the sickest air guitar solo you’ve ever seen in your life*
A very decent album. Surprised it was in the 70's as I always assumed all the many songs I knew from this album were in the 80's. A good, solid album.
the first song is good I didn't really listen to it though. the second song is also good its hard to explain. the third song is still good I like the way the drums sound and the guitar sounds. the fourth song is good I've heard it before and I like it.
super fun and awesome guitar work. good shit
I love David Lee Roth era Van Halen so much better than Sammy Hagar era, despite the Hagar era pushing them to new heights. To me, David Lee Roth just sounds like Van Halen. This album just does it for me. Great guitars, DLR's screams. I just eat it up. I like 1984 more than this album, but I can't deny how good this first release was.
Ya know, honestly I didn’t have a problem with this! It’s one of those albums where most of the tracks are hits. The production and (obviously) the guitar playing is fantastic. It’s a tight 35 minutes! It’s fun! I was surprised at how much Beach Boys I was hearing in some of those tight harmonies!!! This is a really great classic rock album, and I think you should listen to it!
Hardrock, exzellentes Gitarrenspiel
This Van Halen debut album exudes a raw energy and excitement, full of wild wailing guitar riffs, loud and chaotic drumming, and David Lee Roth's vocals, where nothing is beholden to any pre-existing formula or sound - all in the best possible ways. The album carries a punk spirit, and Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing established the benchmark (and model) for hard rock music into the 80s and beyond. Notable tracks include "Running With the Devil," "You Really Got Me," and the guitar work showcased in "Atomic Punk." Their rendition of John Brim's "Ice Cream Man" is particularly interesting as they shift from a more conventional acoustic blues riff into their distinctive Van Halen sound midway through the track. As the 1980s progressed, Van Halen began to lose some of that raw intensity, becoming more predictable and almost a caricature of their original sound, especially following their transition to Van Hagar. This remains an exceptional debut album.
8/10 Trovo quest'album rappresentativo di un specifico tipo di "hard rock", che ho sempre evitato per un motivo o un altro, ma che in realtà nasconde chicche interessante Un album che anche se non hai mai ascoltato, per sbaglio, hai almeno sentito 3 canzoni "Eruption" solo iconico, la chitarra di Eddie è magica
Great album with a A-side that's a lot better than the B-side. Classic hard rock
Two brothers who didn't play around. Not the first or most influential glam, arena rock, etc band of the time, but Eddie's guitar skills are unmatched, much like Hendrix a decade before. While the albums after this one can be a mixed bag as a whole, this one doesn't let up for a second and is the kind of debut you want to hear. Running With the Devil is a solid start, but always felt like Eruption/You Really Got Me would have made a bigger statement for the band's debut, and the riffs across every track show he was a step above his contemporaries in play, while still writing songs with a blend of catchy hooks and technical prowess.
I was surprised how much of this is just hard rock blues. It's great!
4.5
In my callow youth I dismissed EVH as a bunch of flash with no heart. I think I was wrong. And David Lee Roth is a hell of a frontman and lyricist. Love the falsetto ad libs. My love is rotten to the core!
Not a huge Van Halen fan but this album is a classic.
The first half of this album is amazing. The second half is fine to good, but no where near as good as the first half. Some true classics on this record.
Most of the songs are so good. Guitar goes crazy, but atomic punk and on fire are kind of bad
Before listening: I'm only familiar with Van Halen's hits, there are bands from this era that I actively listen to way more, so I'm curious about what their debut is like. After: For a debut rock album, this is pretty solid, usually it takes a few to find a decent set of tracks. The band are clearly very talented, but I don't think they'll ever be one of my favourites, which is ok. Overall a good time.
Great album, but not my type of music. I wouldn't like to listen to it a second time
A classic, so many good songs and riffs are on here. It's a shame that such talented musicians didn't pursue a more complex and interesting style of music. But that was their choice and they made a mark all the same, perhaps reaching greater mainstream popularity as is. The riffs and the tone are out of this world. Eddie really transformed what people thought was possible to do on a guitar. The drums are also pretty tight on this. The lyrics and themes are lacking a bit, they are close to the classic 80s vibe.
There are rock gods and then there is Eddie Van Halen, who stands atop the pantheon. Diamond Dave>Sammy Hagar
Great first album by a legendary band. Not my favorite as far as rock goes but definitely a great one.
I could see doing coke to this.
rock com muita guitarra, riffs cortantes e muita distorção principalmente nas primeiras músicas
here is my first one. liked it more than I expected. fav songs: you really got me ain’t talkin ‘bout love Jamie’s cryin’ little dreamer 🔥🔥🔥
Classic. Still rocks
Legendary band
Great album. Tons of rocking fun. Loved it
Amazing. Would listen to every week. Cultural important. One of the most remembered guitar riffs.
Lekker rock album. Niks buitengewoons, maar wel gewoon goed
probably about as good as anything in this genre is going to be for me. im not crazy about this era of rock but i really liked this album a lot because the riffs are catching and not too annoying and all the instruments sound great together; it feels like every member is playing at their absolute best and it doesnt seem like any of them are playing at a level below any of the others.
I have not listened to Van Halen on purpose. This was very solid. Runnin with the Devil is a great opener and the guitar on the album is what I would have expected from Eddie Van Halen. Really a great album and I was surprised that it was their debut
Pretty solid hard rock/glam metal album. Not the most interesting or different, but enjoyed this overall. Highlight being 'Little Dreamer'. Few minus points for including cover tracks.
Eruption made me bust
35 mins of straight fire
This is not my style of music but can’t deny this is some dumb fun 70s rock. This is the band I wish Led Zeppelin sounded like Very surprised I liked it , this may be a guilty pleasure but it’s damn catchy and Eddie can play and Mr Lee Roth has a voice I don’t hate 4/5
Very good, but a bit hectic.
My favorite version of Van Halen. David Lee Roth vocally swaggers and Eddie VH speeds his guitar. Right on the edge of heavy metal, but because David's voice stays in the blusy range, instead of the high pitched screaming, they stay in the rock range. Full of energy and not a hint of boring. 4/5
First four tracks really set the stage. Can’t give this less than 4 stars.
Some really good songs in the first half carried the whole album. The goofy vocals and aggressive guitar tone puts a cap on how good this band can be
Classic
Muzyka wszystkich ojców świata. Porządny rok, że skarpetek nie wybije, ale można się dobrze bawić, plus kilka naprawdę fajnych hitów jest na tej płycie. Nie każdy album musi zmieniać świat.
I knew that Van Halen were great but I only knew a few songs. This album was pretty nice, and given that this came out in 1978, people must've gone crazy listening to it, and even at live concerts. Great instrumentals, singing is good and overall very boppy music.
What a classic album. Their first, legendary. Eruption is a true form guitar solo turned song. 4.5⭐️
Ik had deze voormiddag een vergadering van 4 uur dus dit album kwam op een perfect moment. Even afzonderen en deze klepper op volume 100 in mijn oren laten knallen. Is het goed voor mijn oren? Neen. Is het goed voor mijn productiviteit? Neen. Is het een schijte goed album? Fuck ja. 4.4
1978. Could’ve sworn this came out later. I guess this really is stream of consciousness. Sometimes consciousness isn’t all that interesting. As a rule, I hate glam rock, but I’ve found Van halen doesn’t fit that mould in the same way that Motley Crue or god forbid, Poison do. Running with the devil. Excuse me, “Runnin’ with the devil.” Not a bad track. The guitar tone and vocals are excellent, the chorus grates in me a little bit. Feels a tad like a glorified intro but still heavy and pretty high octane starter. Eruption was mythical to me as a kid. I think that was the whole idea, but my god is it ever good. The tone just rules, and yes the secret is out. It’s tapping, but it’s played with such fervour. I love it. HOLY JESUS. It’s so nice to hear heavy guitar. A great Kinks song with the modern technology of that guitar tone. I say modern guitar tone. This is the equivalent of an artist today covering a song from 2010. Yeesh. Another ripping intro. Less exciting as a song. Back to the high energy stuff. This thing keeps trucking along. Oh no, no vocal scatting. Please. I guess it’s probably ironic. I’ll allow it, but don’t let me catch you doing it again. The riff in “Jamie’s Cryin’” is excellent. The lyrics are odd/mid, but that chorus is simply too good for me to be all that snarky. Although, what’s with the lack of “G’s?” I’m not talking about noted gangsta figures either. I’m talking about the song titles. Anyway. Good song. This is almost metal in places. Heavy tone, psychotic vocals. Just so good. Oh god. The riff is insane but this is poison lyrical content. Double meaning meant. “Hey baby, I’m sorry I sexually assaulted you in a car, whatta ya say we get together later?” Oh the 70’s. Still. Riff is great. Little dreamer. Why not beautiful dreamer as sung by Chris Peterson auditioning for zoo animals on wheels. Now that allowed America to dream once more. Decent song but nothing to write home about. Classic. Loved as a kid and is still fun now. Ignoring the innuendo as a child and tolerating it now, this probably helped me get into metal. It sounds odd, but this tone and energy is just so close to metal. Listen to that audible bass too. Damn fine. On fire is a great closer. More gruff vocal delivery with some amazing wails. This song is fantastic too. It sounds like King Diamond and Slayer. Like. How did I miss this shit? I expected to be brought back down to earth on my expectations here, but this album is so god damn good. Driving, aggressive and with one of the best guitar tones/performances I’ve heard possibly ever. Not perfect, but a monster of an album that will get some return play. 4 HIGHLIGHTS: Eruption, You Really Got Me, Jamie’s Cryin’, Atomic Punk, Ice Cream Man, On Fire
Very classic anthem rock!
Great!
First Van album. Decent!
Van Halen will never not be in the conversation of best guitarist. What that man did with a guitar is unbelievable
For a first album, this leaves me super impressed I get it, its over the top, but theres still a lot to love. Incredible guitar tone, I loved how forward the drums are in every song and David Lee Roths screams are iconic 80s rock (although this is 79 IIRC) Favorites: Jamies crying, Ice cream man, Feel your love
You Really Got Me with this album. This is On Fire!
Pasional y frenético de principio a fin
|m|
Absolute flithy shredding by EVH. DLR vocals didn't bother me as much as I remember. Running with the devil is awesome but Eruption is the star of the show.
I forgot how fun this album is. It's a good reminder that I like Van Halen
dad rock essentials
Ace
Indispensable classic ( for young white male rock fans)
Pretty hyped songs!
One of the more consequential albums of its time. Changed rock guitar forever. Brilliant musicians, some great songs, especially in the first half.
solid
85% Best: Runnin' with the Devil; You Really Got Me; Jamie's Cryin'; Feel Your Love Tonight Must-Hear? Sure
Seguro se merecen un 5, la guitarra, las voces y la batería junto al bajo, se conjugan en este gran grupo
I can say that I'm not a Van Halen fan but a few of the songs on this album have completely permeated American society over the decades whether being played in commercials or in stadiums. I've never formally listened to the album before, but I've heard every song on the album at some point. Which is weird for me but I'm sure not surprising to a lot of Van Halen fans.
Nostalgic
4.75
jó egy ilyennek ideje volt már nagyon!
\m/ Hollywood Hard Rock \m/
Good
Favorite Track: You Really Got Me
Leyendo la historia de como se grabó el disco, es interesante como ya la banda tenía en mente todo lo que iba a hacer y fue un proceso de grabación muy rapido y practicamente en crudo porque quedó tal cual grabaron. Es un album que personalmente me gusto por su sonoridad rockera de los finales de los 70s, marcando una epoca de hard rock sin precedentes. El timbre de la guitarra principal bastante aguda y bastante aguda la mezcla por los platillos de la bateria.
Really good.
Fun, energetic and full of hits. I enjoyed this one a lot!
I thought itwas really good and Nice rock. Some songs i knew already. It was a good album
It's a pretty fun album Will I listen to again: 50%
Clearly a legendary record for a reason, so many radio-ready catchy bangers, and Eddie's guitar work is awesome. But for me, none of those tracks knock my dick in the dirt, and if I never heard any of them again, it would be fine. Except for Ain't Talkin' About Love, that song fucks.
3.5
Remarkably short album but it slaps. Almost every song is an iconic Van Halen song that has seen radio play for years. The only song I wasn't familiar with was "On Fire" which is incredibly good.
The first side is great, but by the end of the second side the steam has just about run out. It's hard to mark this album down, particularly because it's about as close to a live album as you can get based on the limited production. I'm going with a 4.
A banger, such a solid, fun album
The perfect antidote to a stressful day at work. Play it loud and proud! Great guitar. Great noise. I enjoyed this. I mean, I'm not a huge Van Halen fan, but this was definitely the right album at the right time, for me. Lift music - but not in that way, in an uplifting way! Made me wish I could play the guitar🎸🤘😎
This sounds great up loud. Everything about it is BIG. I love the heavy, crunchy guitar sound, and some of the lead guitar is very technically impressive. I can imagine Van Halen would’ve been amazing to watch live. A reliable personal barometer by which I gauge my enjoyment of music is how it makes me feel physically. When I’m enjoying a piece of music I get this electric shivering sensation down my arms and legs, and I got it with this album. I watched Wayne’s World 2 this week, and this is exactly the sort of thing they would like. Party on, Garth!
Oh yea! This album is classic and legendary.
I forgot how enjoyable this album was, what a treat!
Have on vinyl. Revolutionary sound, great singles, but some weak tracks. Very influential, but it doesn't warrant 5 stars
....
They sure as hell put on a show. More like a 3.5, but I’ll round to 4.
I’m the one is a jam
Fantastic sound, though it could probably be a little better with some more focus on sounding good rather than technical ability. Still great though. 4/5
It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. More soulful than I expected, some definite hits on there. Would listen to again.
3.5
Great classic rock album
I've heard most of these songs before, and this was better than expected. I've never been a huge Van Halen fan but after listening to this album, I'd definitely call it a 4 out of 5.
Scale of 1-5 is too hard
🤘
Excellent excellent album. Some classics here. Only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because it's been so played out at this point
The hair band era wasn’t as bad as they said. This was an album that could be easily released in the 2000’s and would be a hit. I enjoyed it
yea, i mean this is obviously awesome. not a hit parade by any means, nor is it important enough in my opinion to warrant 5 stars. a strong example of its genre, but certainly not gods gift to music
Another debut album, another contender for best first song off a debut album for Runnin' with the Devil. I like guitar solos, but Eruption has never been one of my favorites. I like them in the context of a song, not as the song. You Really Got Me is a great cover. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is another Van Halen staple. I don't know if a band started a first album with more consecutive staples than Van Halen does here. This is a fun album. Jamie's Cryin' AKA the song that would become the sample from Tone Loc's Wild Thing. Six straight songs that probably make any Van Halen's greatest hits album....that's quite a start. First came KISS, then came Van Halen. Brothers maybe more than anything, but definitely related. That's a quick album. Good stuff.
I’ve been a fan of Van Halen for a while but I need to say that this album takes a while to get going. Hot take, but I think Running With the devil is a weak opener, and Eruption is a disjointed mess of EVH showing what he can do with the guitar. I can take or leave the cover of You Really Got Me, but the album really starts with Ain’t Talkin Bout Love, and never slows down from there
This album is fun and a bit goofy. You can see how it influenced hair metal. Technically it's great and I love the guitar tone. I just feel it lacks a bit so isn't 5 star worthy.
ERUPTIONNN!
A humdinger of an album! Bravo!
I enjoyed it much more than i expected to
It's basically start to finish bangers
Perhaps the true beginning of hair metal. Perhaps not. Has a kind of gloss to it that never seemed as true as the energy of punk rock. But it has its moments and no denying that Eddie Van Halen can play.
Pretty fire tbh. Listening going down I-4 which was a good choice.
Some of the best guitar shredding I've ever heard. Their later songs may be cheesy and dated (specifically Jump) but this album still sounds amazing even now. Didn't think I was going to like it, but ended up loving it. Only issue is the album definitely peaked with its first half
Yassssssssss and yasssssssssss and yasssssssssss that is all
Hmmm... I remember Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love sounding cooler than I just heard. Anyway, overall it's fun and energetic. I'd put it on again.
Talk about getting hard and taking a ride, this album just like 1984 rips and keeps on rippin
### **Van Halen - *Van Halen* (1978): An In-Depth Review** #### **Introduction** Van Halen's self-titled debut album, released on February 10, 1978, marked a seismic shift in the rock landscape. Featuring the virtuosic guitar work of Eddie Van Halen, the charismatic vocals of David Lee Roth, the solid bass lines of Michael Anthony, and the powerful drumming of Alex Van Halen, the album redefined hard rock and set the stage for the band's enduring legacy. This review delves into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of *Van Halen*, highlighting the album's strengths and weaknesses. #### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Van Halen* are a mix of youthful exuberance, bravado, and rock 'n' roll rebellion. David Lee Roth, known for his flamboyant persona and sharp wit, delivers lyrics that are both playful and provocative. The album's lyrical themes often revolve around love, lust, and the rockstar lifestyle, reflecting the band's hedonistic ethos. **Songs like "Runnin' with the Devil"** explore themes of freedom and rebellion, with Roth's lyrics capturing the essence of the band's carefree attitude. The line "I live my life like there's no tomorrow" embodies the spirit of the album, emphasizing a live-for-the-moment philosophy. **On "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love,"** the lyrics take a darker turn, with Roth singing about the emptiness of a superficial relationship. Lines like "You know you're semi-good looking" and "I been to the edge, and there I stood and looked down" showcase Roth's ability to mix humor with a sense of danger. However, the lyrics are not without their shortcomings. Some tracks, like **"Feel Your Love Tonight,"** feature more generic and simplistic lyrics, which, while effective in capturing the spirit of the times, may not stand up to more sophisticated lyrical scrutiny. Roth's lyrics, while charismatic and fitting for the band's image, can occasionally feel lightweight, prioritizing style over substance. #### **Music** The musical aspect of *Van Halen* is where the album truly shines. Eddie Van Halen's guitar work is nothing short of revolutionary, introducing techniques that would become staples in rock music. His use of two-handed tapping, harmonics, and whammy bar dives created a new sonic vocabulary for guitarists. The album's music blends hard rock, blues, and pop sensibilities, resulting in a sound that is both aggressive and accessible. **"Eruption,"** the album's second track, is a showcase of Eddie's technical prowess. The instrumental piece, lasting just under two minutes, redefined what was possible on the electric guitar. Its cascading taps, rapid-fire hammer-ons, and lightning-fast runs made it an instant classic and a rite of passage for aspiring guitarists. **"Runnin' with the Devil"** opens the album with a heavy, descending bassline that sets the tone for the record. Eddie's guitar riff, simple yet powerful, complements Roth's vocal delivery perfectly. The song's structure is straightforward but effective, with a memorable chorus and a driving rhythm section. **"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love"** features a staccato guitar riff that became one of Eddie's most iconic contributions to rock music. The song's aggressive tone is matched by Roth's vocal delivery, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. The use of a flanger effect on the guitar adds a layer of texture, showcasing Eddie's innovative approach to tone and sound. The album also includes a cover of The Kinks' **"You Really Got Me,"** which Van Halen transforms into a hard rock anthem. Eddie's reinterpretation of the song's iconic riff, combined with Alex's thunderous drumming and Roth's swaggering vocals, gives the track a new lease on life. The cover respects the original while injecting it with a fresh energy that only Van Halen could provide. However, not every track on the album is a masterpiece. **"Ice Cream Man,"** a cover of a blues tune by John Brim, feels somewhat out of place amidst the more hard-hitting rock tracks. While the song allows Roth to showcase his bluesy vocal chops and humor, it disrupts the album's flow. Similarly, **"Little Dreamer"** and **"Atomic Punk"** are solid tracks but don't quite reach the heights of the album's standout moments, feeling somewhat filler-like in comparison. #### **Production** Produced by Ted Templeman, *Van Halen* boasts a crisp, clean production that captures the energy and rawness of the band's sound. Templeman, who had previously worked with artists like The Doobie Brothers, brought a polished yet organic approach to the album's production. The balance between the instruments is meticulously crafted, allowing each band member's contributions to shine. Eddie's guitar tone, dubbed the "Brown Sound," is one of the most significant achievements of the album's production. The tone is warm, rich, and overdriven, with a clarity that allows the intricacies of Eddie's playing to be heard in full detail. The use of minimal effects, primarily a phase shifter and reverb, keeps the focus on Eddie's technique rather than studio trickery. Alex Van Halen's drumming is also given a prominent place in the mix, with his snare and bass drums sounding particularly punchy. The production captures the power of Alex's playing, which is characterized by his heavy use of cymbals and toms. Michael Anthony's bass, while often following the guitar, is mixed to provide a solid foundation, and his backing vocals add a layer of harmony that complements Roth's lead vocals. Roth's vocals are mixed with just the right amount of reverb, giving them a larger-than-life quality without drowning them in effects. Templeman wisely avoids overproducing Roth's voice, allowing his natural charisma and personality to come through. One of the few criticisms of the album's production is its relative lack of low-end compared to modern rock albums. While this was partly a product of the era's recording technology, some listeners might find the bass frequencies a bit lacking, especially when compared to the thunderous lows of later hard rock and metal recordings. #### **Themes** Thematically, *Van Halen* is a celebration of rock 'n' roll excess and youthful rebellion. The album captures the hedonistic spirit of the late 1970s, a time when rock music was both a form of escapism and a means of self-expression. The themes of freedom, lust, and living on the edge are prevalent throughout the album, making it anthemic for a generation seeking to break free from societal norms. **"Runnin' with the Devil"** embodies the theme of reckless abandon, with its lyrics suggesting a life lived without fear of consequences. The song can be interpreted as a reflection of the band's own experiences, embracing the rockstar lifestyle with all its dangers and thrills. **"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love,"** on the other hand, delves into the darker side of relationships, with its lyrics suggesting a cynical view of love as a fleeting, superficial experience. This theme of disillusionment contrasts with the more celebratory tone of other tracks, adding depth to the album's overall narrative. **"Feel Your Love Tonight"** and **"Jamie's Cryin'"** explore themes of love and desire, but with a tongue-in-cheek approach that keeps the mood light and playful. Roth's delivery, combined with the band's energetic performance, ensures that these songs are more about fun than introspection. The inclusion of covers like **"You Really Got Me"** and **"Ice Cream Man"** speaks to the band's influences and their desire to pay homage to the music that inspired them. These tracks, while not thematically complex, fit within the album's overall theme of rock 'n' roll as both a genre and a lifestyle. While the album's themes are not particularly deep or philosophical, they are perfectly suited to the band's image and the musical landscape of the time. *Van Halen* is not an album that seeks to challenge listeners intellectually; instead, it offers an escape into a world of loud guitars, fast cars, and endless parties. #### **Influence** The influence of *Van Halen* cannot be overstated. The album redefined the possibilities of rock guitar and inspired countless musicians to pick up the instrument. Eddie Van Halen's innovative techniques, particularly his use of tapping, became a blueprint for guitarists in the 1980s and beyond. The album's success helped pave the way for the rise of glam metal and hair bands, with its blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities becoming a template for many bands that followed. The impact of *Van Halen* extended beyond just the guitar world. The album's production techniques, particularly the emphasis on clarity and separation of instruments, influenced the way rock records were produced in the years that followed. Ted Templeman's approach to capturing the energy of a live band in the studio became a model for other producers working in the genre. The band's image, with David Lee Roth's flamboyant stage presence and Eddie's guitar wizardry, also played a significant role in shaping the visual aspect of rock music in the 1980s. Van Halen's success demonstrated the importance of not just musical talent, but also showmanship and personality in achieving rock stardom. However, the album's influence was not entirely positive. The success of *Van Halen* and the subsequent rise of glam metal led to an oversaturation of the genre in the 1980s, with many bands imitating the style without the same level of talent or innovation. This eventually led to a backlash against the genre, culminating in the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the early 1990s. #### **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Re volutionary Guitar Work:** Eddie Van Halen's innovative techniques redefined rock guitar and influenced generations of musicians. 2. **Energetic Performance:** The album captures the raw energy and charisma of the band, making it a thrilling listen from start to finish. 3. **Crisp Production:** Ted Templeman's production is clean and well-balanced, allowing each band member's contributions to shine. 4. **Memorable Tracks:** Songs like "Runnin' with the Devil," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," and "Eruption" are timeless classics that have become staples of rock radio. 5. **Cohesive Sound:** The album successfully blends hard rock, blues, and pop elements, creating a sound that is both aggressive and accessible. **Cons:** 1. **Lyrical Simplicity:** Some of the lyrics are simplistic and lack depth, prioritizing style over substance. 2. **Inconsistent Tracks:** While the album features many standout moments, tracks like "Ice Cream Man" and "Little Dreamer" feel less essential and disrupt the album's flow. 3. **Limited Low-End:** The production, while crisp, lacks the low-end punch that would become more common in later rock albums. 4. **Overemphasis on Guitar:** While Eddie Van Halen's guitar work is undeniably impressive, it sometimes overshadows the contributions of the other band members. #### **Conclusion** *Van Halen* is a landmark album that changed the course of rock music. Its blend of virtuosic guitar work, energetic performances, and charismatic vocals made it an instant classic, and its influence continues to be felt in the rock genre today. While the album is not without its flaws, particularly in its lyrical content and occasional inconsistency, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. *Van Halen* remains a testament to the power of rock 'n' roll and the enduring appeal of one of the greatest bands in rock history.
An amazing debut album that firmly planted Van Halen on the Rock map. 5 out of the first 6 tracks are rock classics (including one heavy cover of The Kinks "You Really Got Me". It is the B side of this album that descends from greatness into merely being good. An easy 4 for quality, innovating, and standing the test of time. It's not their best album as that would be a toss up between 1984, 5150, OU812, or FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAGE. Not only did this album sell well, but I remember a bunch of those sales coming from guitarists who bought the album just listen to "Eruption" over and over in an effort to figure out Eddie Van Halen's fretboard tapping style.
An excellent debut from a rad band that everyone knows. In my opinion it starts out way better than it ends (Runnin With The Devil -> Eruption -> You Really Got Me is one hell of a start), but it’s still a fun album all the way through. Eruption is arguably the most important guitar instrumental ever in terms of what it did for the election guitar, and the You Really Got Me cover is somehow better than the Kinks original. So much swagger, great tunes, and insane guitar playing in one record.
Definitely their best album.
It's hard for me to not think of this as the cheesy rock playing on the jukebox during my mom's bowling league in the 80s, but it's a solid, fun album.
Vastly more enjoyable than expected! :)
I mean obviously Van Halen hits and this album has so many BANGERS. Have to give it a 4 even though I would never just like throw it on ya know
Great rock and roll album. Really enjoyed it.
Of course, for purists, this probably isn't rock, it isn't heavy enough, it's too commercial. Well, tough, music should be joyous and there aren't many better examples of where the truck labelled "rock" (quote marks intentional) crashed through the door marked "pop" with some absolute bangers. Yes, hair metal drove their clown car through shortly afterwards, but this is a fine fine album.
it’s Van Halen
What a fucking debut. Sometimes they're stars from the get go. Everybody's locked in, but David Lee Roth and Eddie were something else. No snoozers, just hits and other songs.
Never really been into Van Halen and I don’t know why because it seems right up my street. I can see why Eruption is considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, though I personally prefer solos with more melody than speed/technical difficulty. Ice Cream Man and Little Dreamer were my favourites, but enjoyed every song on the album.
Good stuff, especially Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love and Eruption.
Really Good album.
Why is Van Halen's half of the albums not available in my country apparently on Spotify. This one is half available, but if I search the songs individually they are on other ones, maybe live versions and stuff, sadly I'm gonna have to do that, I mean it's the same song. Tbh this is the first time I've heard of them, I love metal and rock and this better not be full of some basic ass sounds of them. I don't really have high expectations, but I think it's gonna be a good experience, just maybe not for me. The songs that are not available were played in 1977 Pasadena live, I hope there's not much difference. First song, eerie start, and I love it. Oooh this is the most listened song, so it's relatively the best on the album, but that doesn't mean anything to me tbh. His voice is different, but also a basic rock voice. Chorus isn't that catchy, tho verses have good delivery. Screaming is sometimes heard. Chorus is getting better as a second listen. The instrumental break is insanely good. The before-verse-starts guitar is also amazing. Great start for an album I suppose. Second song, this has no lyrics. OOOOO THAT ELECTRIC GUITAR IS GUITARING. One in a lifetime solo I guesss. I'm transcending how is he doing that so well. Loved this one tho I need more of it. Third song, it starts with the chorus and does that before the verse, loved that touch. The verse was catchy, but chorus is superior. What were these alien sounds after the second chorus, because they're addicting. I'm getting familiar with his voice and it's less basic now. The outro is too good. 4th song, nostalgic vibe already. Verse is more like a build-up to the chorus, which is as good as bad, the chorus itself has a good delivery. The break is kind of not impressive. THE BRIDGE IS THE BEST PART, ESPECIALLY THE LYRICS THEY CATCHY AF. Outro is soooo good too, the Hey hey hey-s basically sum up the whole good vibe in the song. It went on for a while and quickly stopped. 5th song, he's talking because it's a live. After one minute it's finally starting. He wants the people to dance basically, if they also want it to. The recording is kinda bad because it's not loud enough if you know what I mean. The song itself must have been better on the album, 'cause this way it sounds bad and uninteresting. The electric guitar is carrying. I so wanna skip this, and sadly there's no other version of this as I remember. There's rainy sounds now. They're babadoobing now, dunno why. Outro was quite good I must say. 6th song, finally this one's available. Chorus is fun to sing along to. Verse has goood lyrical delivery. His voice is becoming more and more satisfying. The break is kinda basic. Forgot to say sometimes the lyrics are sang together, for example the chorus here, it sounds different, more united voice. Outro is the same as the break, but it's fading away now. 7th song, this and every other song is not available so time to feel like I'm in Pasadena. Without the lyrics it's hard to say what he is singing about, and without that it just sounds like a regular rock/metal song. I'm hearing Korn rn, with those sounds, yk the sounds he makes was now made, but with some instrument, cool af. I'm still not feeling this song tho. The outro is so good, it's a build-up for something, nevermind the song ended, but it did sound good. 8th song, he's talking to the audience now. Idk what to write, the song is chaotic in a bad way. The chorus is not as good as it should be. At some parts the song is really good, but not as a overall vibe. Doing a-capella now, guitar slowly increased its volume then stopped and after audience screaming he talked and stopped the song. 9th song, this one sounds good already with the lyrics. It didn't go on as good as it should've. Chorus is forgettable and not a sing along. He sang the song tittle without the instruments and he sounded kinda bad honestly. Overall I didn't enjoy this one either. 10th song, forgot to write, but this would have been better if it was heard on an album because the delivery of the ice cream man is catchy. This one was less metal at the start also, then it got hard. That guitar did the job weeeell. Chorus is the best part and it made me add the song. 11th song, he must have energy on the scene, I do wanna see him too, but I'm lazy. The song is not that good, it's missing something. I don't hear a good chorus. There are good woman's vocals tho. It was energetic and fun to listen to it, but I really think the album version would be just simply superior. Depending on these last songs, the album should get a rating of 3 stars, but it's my first time hearing them and I really liked them too. Their style isn't obscure, but they had something, more albums from them would make me sure in this idea. So basically 4 stars is the perfect choice, the first 5 songs were too good to ignore, and just because live versions were bad doesn't mean they are actually unlistenable. Thus it wasn't as basic as I expected it to be, it wasn't really metal for me either, more rock than metal I suppose. All and all I'll have them in my daily rotation most likely.
Favourite Song: Little Dreamer
legebdaarinen, influentiaalinen ja nykypäivänäkin suosittu albumi... lisätäänmpähän kolmen pekkaan neljäs adjektiivi: yliarvostettu. ehkä aikanaan uudenlainen ja raikas otos, joka nykyään kuulostaa lähes tavanomaiselta ja tylsältä. ainoa asia, joka tekee albumista yli monen muiden on tosiaan eddie van halenin kitarantyöskentely, joka on kieltåmättä todella vakuuttavaa. muuten biisit ovat täyttä poppimönjää joka kuuluu vain radio rokin automaattisesti soiville playlistoille koska ei ole varaa maksaa ihmisille kuratoida niitä im the one
Head banger
This album changed everything. Nobody played guitar like Eddie Van Halen at the time, and all the kids worked like fiends to learn his licks.
Great album, I loved the first half of it especially. Eddie's guitar is definitely the star of the show.
Rock, 1978 -> 4
For a debut album? Yes.
gold standard of pop rock // warmest guitar tone of all time...i fucking love Brown Sound and the melodies and swing across Van Halen's debut are incredible, only caveat is it falls off a bit in the last third but forever One of the Good Ones of Dad Rock 8/10
Great rock album with lots of iconic songs and guitar riffs.
I don’t listen to a lot of 70s and 80s hair metal, but if I do chances, are it’s Van Halen. This album is excellent. And I’m always mystified at how we could get from Chuck Berry to Eddie Van Halen in less than 20 years. Superb. I will always listen.
Good album, would even be better without the song about sweet talking a women into having sex with him.
Van Halen continues to be my favorite of the late-70s/early 80s rock bands, and this album is no exception.
Best version of Van Halen
Listened 7/12/24. Already knew most of this record, but still slaps nearly half a century later.
weak second half
Nostalgisk guitar hero musik
Great album! Rolled my eyes when I saw it bc I thought it was going to be heavier for some reason. But just good vibes really enjoyed it!
I think I’m going 4 (like a 3.5) on this because while it didn’t totally blow me away, the vibes were right for today and I thought the first two songs were excellent, which makes me think this has some staying power and I’ll be revisiting it!! Some real impressive guitar on here, to no one’s surprise!
Pure hard rock
"Eruption" - holy shit
VH has never been my taste exactly, but it's hard to argue with the talent and impact they've had. There's excellent technical musicianship throughout, but the songs don't have much emotion or depth. Just great party music. That, and the signature squeal-yell in the vocals gets old.
If the song "Ice Cream Man" didn't exist this album may have lost a star
Classic stuff. Didn’t realize how much of it I had already heard until listening. EVH was a legend and I’m glad to be able to explore more of his work!
Hoy en día no suena tan espectacular, pero estoy seguro que escuchar eso en 1978 debe haber volado la cabeza de mucha gente y quizás encontrado múltiples resistencias en el mundo de los melómanos. Una joya imperdible.
Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: 💯🤘😎 Mix (2015 Remaster): 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 💪🔌👨🎤 Wertung: 🎸🎸🎸🎸(🎸)/5
Enjoyable classic, but didn't stand out enough to enter the main rotation
Strong first half to the album, but drops off in the second half
Loved it, super fun and badass guitars!! A classic album with lots of great songs!!
A very enjoyable album 4 ⭐️
If I get anything out of this whole experience, it’ll be discovering that Van Halen are actually a great band. Very much enjoyed both albums I’ve had of theirs so far.
Classic Rock. This is the cream. I dont listen rock and roll too often but I can tell that this is the good stuff.
Some bands are just eternally cursed for being known better for one particular member than for the band as a whole. Van Halen can unfortunately probably be thrown in that category. That’s another reason why this list is valuable. Of all the classic hard rock groups I hear about, Van Halen may be one of the ones I hear about the least. Like I said, I hear about Eddie more than the band itself. Which I think is definitely justifiable. Because not only was he really the face of the band, he sort of became the face of modern 20th century guitar playing for a brief time. And you can’t take that away from him. The dude was amazing, no matter who you say was better or worse. But it’s also important to acknowledge the value the rest of the members brought to the band. It’s always nice to see where bands got started. This band in particular came out swinging for sure. Runnin' With the Devil is such an awesome way to open your album. I was also surprised by the release year. 1978 seems very late in the decade to start, considering how much hard rock had already released by then. But it also means that with how huge this album was, the band basically defined the sound of the early 80s. Everybody wanted to be Van Halen. Of course, this is definitely a little dated and shows its age. But it’s dated in a good way. Like dated in the same way that Def Leppard or Rocks by Aerosmith are. Admittedly, David Lee Roth’s lyricism is pretty surface level and lame. And his singing is nothing special, but he definitely provides energy to the music. All in all, this is a band that maybe isn’t judged for the sum of its parts as much as it should be. Eddie was of course badass, but the rest of the band is cool too, and this debut is solid overall. Rating: 7/10
Pretty awesome rock album
I had totally forgotten about the scatting on I'm the One. But yeah, these songs are seminal and still culturally relevant today. It's just sad that they've been relegated to radio rock.
Unfairly gets four stars because there’s so much of this out there to stumble upon that I don’t need to hear the album for the few weak deep cuts. It’s amazing work.
It sounded like the band had a lot of fun making this music, I'd give it five stars if it was more up my alley, but for this type of rock from that period it's the peak.
Runnin' With The Devil Eruption You Really Got Me Jamie's Cryin' Ice Cream Man
2nd straight day of listening to a self titled album. this was much more enjoyable. tight 35 minutes, no bad songs. great debut
Solid RAWK album. It's fun to listen from today and think back to how outrageously new Eddie's guitar work sounded. And I forget how jazzy Dave was right from the first album. Several classic songs on here, although I might like "On Fire" the best,
\m/ \m/
Great album - start to finish. I can't imagine what it must have been like to hear Van Halen for the first time and have that opening guitar riff be the introduction. It's still great.
A classic first album from Van Halen Top tracks: Runnin’ with the Devil, Eruption, You Really Got Me
Van Halen is dope AF. These guitars absolutely scream and it’s such a delight to listen to. This album as a whole has a bunch of hits, and it’s a short run time that leaves you satisfied.
They’re the best bits of AC/DC + Aerosmith. The ultimate Dudes Rock arena album. Surprisingly good, energetic from front to back. Surprisingly thorough
There's just a bit too much guitar wank here to take it all the way to the top for me, but there is no doubt that it's very cool.
I’ve never listened to a Van Halen album by choice prior to this challenge, so I only know what I’ve heard on the radio. I was surprised with this one, because I didn’t realize how many of these songs I knew — probably about two thirds of the album. It’s definitely filled with hits. That said, I wish Van Halen’s lyrics were even a fraction as good as their music. I’m not interested in a vapid rock star bloviating about being a womanizer (and a sex pest, as on “Feel Your Love Tonight”). It’s boring. A few notes: “Eruption” — iconic guitar solo “You Really Got Me” — Why does he sound like Steven Tyler? This cover doesn’t add a whole lot beyond some showy guitar fills and solos. His yelps in the background are annoying. I'll take the original. I’d rather listen to Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Rush, but it’s not terrible. Highlight: “Atomic Punk” I guess I’ll give this a 4/5 since I gave the other one a 4 (kind of regretting that now), and I like this album better.
Huge in its day, and still holds up very well indeed. The blueprint for the next decade of rock.
Still a great album.
I wanted this album to be a 5 sooooo bad especially after the first three songs which are just brilliant. Unfortunately I don't feel like the album is able to progress with the same quality. Other standouts are Jamie's crying which gives me you're so vain vibes ... don't hate me for that but also Feel Your Love Tonight. Such a fun listen overall!
3.5
Classic cute very nice
Loved this album then and love it now!!
HAHAHAHA S ALBUMCOVER GAHT JA DUMMMMMMMM runnin with the devil kenni?? finds es guets lied aber jz nöd meh, find d soli no en coole gegesatz zum restliche ener langsame rhythmus WAS ER CHAN GITI NÖD GWÜSST you really got me no funny cover ain't talkin' 'bout love het so vill apostroph s isch nüt revolutionärs aber finds en huere guete song, vor allem de ruhiger part ide mitti UHH I'M THE ONE riese rhythmus liebd pace hahahah was und denn no de acappella (wie schribtmer de scheiss) jamie's crying erinnered mich schochli ah älters van halen atomic punk riese banger, erinnered mich ah irgendes anders lied find sini stimm het scho gnueg hall hahahaha schwanke zwüsche 3 und 4, finds easy solid und natürlich nochli nostalgie aber es isch jz nöd s speziellste album oder so ahh ice cream man hallou fuck it 4
Not a huge Van Halen fan although I get the appeal. Really did enjoy this though
I've always liked Van Halen, but not loved outside of some singles here and there. This album is a lot of fun, but doesn't change my mind on the like, not love part. Still worth listening to by rock fans.
Stadium rock, which I don't particularly love, but some of the best of it. Lots of shredding as expected but pleasantly surprised with some of the bluesier stuff. Particularly enjoyed I'm the One, and Little Dreamer, and Ice Cream Man (after it picks up at least).
96/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
This is a LOT of Van Halen. It felt a little fatiguing... until I realized that each song is a hit. Talk about hitting the ground running. I can't believe this album dropped in '78. It sounds fresh, even in 2024.
Enjoyed this so much more than I expected! A bit cheesy but in the best way.
Some good old sexy hard rock, this album doesn’t hold back the punches in a great 35 mins, clearly kicked off the whole hair metal scene, though I’m not sure that’s a good thing…
This might have the best opening combo punch of any album, "Running With The Devil" followed by "Eruption" followed by a cover of "You Really Got Me" on a debut album to, what a way to make a mark.
"When I first came here, I thought every day was gonna be a Van Halen video... hot chicks wearing bikinis riding around on roller skates drinking cocktails by the pool. Damn you, Van Halen." - Ashton Kutcher in Spread. I havent seen that movie nor do I want to, but anytime I hear Van Halen I think of that quote from the trailer. This album is fun! VH has some sick riffs and really usher in 80's rock with this album before it gets too synthy. Cant help but enjoy it. For some reason Feel Your Love Tonight stood out to me most and thats fine!
4.5. Great album
I liked this album by Van Halen a lot better than the one I reviewed previously (1984), which came later. Listens: 2 Fave Track: I’m The One Rating: 4
A really good album, especially for a band's first album!
Classic obviously, beautiful Instantly added it to my Alt II playlist, aka Dad Rock
This album gets a 4 almost single-handedly because of Eddie Van Halen's incredible guitar work, especially on Eruption but also just throughout the album. There are also several banger tracks like "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", though there are also a bunch of "filler" tracks.
A ballsy, swaggering mix of arena rock anthems with an almost Vegas show tune silliness that - with insane guitar playing - made for a surprisingly fun album. While I'm not sure I'd regularly go back to listen to this again, can appreciate having fun while also being insanely talented.
This record is undeniably rockin'
Very epic album. Enjoyed the kinks cover