Classic Albums Review: Van Halen

One of the many legends of stadium rock, Van Halen released their explosive self-titled debut album in early 1978. Critically, Van Halen is not terribly varied – the same can be said of their next three albums. The monotonous screaming of David Lee Roth can wholly undermine the talent of the rest of the band. Despite that, this album is filled with fist-pounding, fiery tracks that remain classics till this very day.

The first half of the album is chock full with Van Halen classics. Lyrically, like the rest of the album, there is very little to see here. While “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” have some semblance of genuine poeticism in their darker passages, there is nothing new other than Roth’s flamboyant vocals. Of course the undisputed highlight of these tracks is Eddie’s guitar playing, which still has the power to blow your hair back (I’m talking about “Eruption, specifically). Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony’s rhythm also compliments Eddie’s playing and Roth’s occasionally pleasurable vocals, but that is all they really do – compliment, not much else.

The tail end of the LP is crowded with more of what was on the first side; typical backing vocals by Eddie and catchy refrains. Perhaps the only positive exception to these tracks is “Jamie’s Cryin’,” but only for its chorus and momentary lapse in typical metal and rock lyrics. Following that, the next three tracks just mesh together before a cover of “Ice Cream Man” softly breaks the chain with its acoustic guitar opening. “On Fire” closes the album, and I wish the title would be more on par with what it says it is.

While a large part wants to unequivocally love Van Halen’s work, there’s always a nagging side that says, ‘It’s all so similar.’ At the most basic of levels, this album is good; it has a relentless energy that carries over well 38 years down the road. But I would never listen to this album as much as I would the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind the Bollocks or Black Flag’s Damaged. Again though, Eddie’s guitar playing will forever be the crowning achievement, the greatest thing this band gave to music. Thankfully, amidst the rest of Van Halen’s shortcomings, we have Eddie Van Halen.