"Van Halen" Album Review
Alpha101 Time to review one of my favorite albums of all time as unbiased as I can. This will prove to be a challenge.Van Halen has proved to be one of the most talented rock bands in history. The most well known of the group is, of course, Eddie Van Halen, who is considered by many to be one of history's best guitarists. I mean, who could blame them? From his memorable riffs to his extravagant solos, he proves that he could stand with greats such as Hendrix and Rhoads. Well, time to review this classic piece of art.
"Runnin' With The Devil" opens the album perfectly! It's one of the best on the album, and one of Van Halen's best, period. From the popular riff, to the harmonic vocals, and to the very like-able chorus, it's one of rock's best songs ever.
"Eruption" is close to the best guitar solo in history. It's one of the most difficult solos to pull off, and it's mind blowing. It starts out slow (for Van Halen, that is), but things really pick up. This is the solo that got everyone to practice their hammer-ons, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to at least sound close to this amazing solo?
"You Really Got Me" is a cover of the Kink's legendary song. It's very rare when a cover outdoes the original, but it can be done, and Van Halen proves it. It's a fantastic cover, and among the best on the album.
"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" is not only the best on the album, but it's the bands best song to this day. The opening riff is my favorite in history, the chorus is so fun to sing along to, and the solo, while simple, is still amazing. It's one of my favorite songs, and anyone who calls this song anything but "great," deserve to go get their ears checked.
"I'm The One" is another great song. The opening is amazing, the chorus is catchy, and Eddie's guitar work is superb.
"Jamie's Cryin'" is, yet again, one of the bands best. The bluesy opening is enough to drag anyone in, the lyrics are simple, but alluring at the same time. It's another very impressive song. I still cannot refrain from singing along!
"Atomic Punk" has another very memorable riff, and it really has a punk feel to it, especially the chorus. The riff is the main thing that sells the song, but the vocals are outstanding as well.
"Feel Your Love Tonight" is one of the best love songs ever written. Another riff that will stay with me for years, and the chorus is innocent, but amazing at the same time. Kind of reminds me of a Beatles song, but with a Van Halen twist to it.
"Little Dreamer" is a gem. It's not really talked about much by fans of the band, but it's one of the best on the album. The opening riff is fantastic, the vocals are calm and beautiful, the backing vocals are perfect, and the chorus is marvelous!
"Ice Cream Man" is extremely catchy and lovable, but that's about it. Sure, Eddie has a few great moments in this song, including the solo, but it's possibly the albums weakest. it's still a great song though.
They couldn't have picked a better song to close the album with than "On Fire." It's electric, fast, rough, edgy, and amazing all at the same time. The vocals in this song are the best on the album, and the chorus is known by almost all.
There's seriously not one bad song on this album, not even one average song. They're all great in their own right. This is one of history's best debut albums, and I will continue to love it until the day that I die.
9.6/10 - Great Album