VAN HALEN — Van Halen (review)

VAN HALEN — Van Halen album cover Album · 1978 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Negoba
There Can Be Only One

Heavy metal is first and foremost about the electric guitar. And though rock has had numerous superheroes on its signature instrument, there is a clear pick for top dog. That would be Edward Van Halen. No one has launched more picks other than maybe Elvis or the Beatles, and that's clearly another game entirely.

Van Halen I contains the electric guitar Declaration of Omnipotence - "Eruption." This alone would hold the album in immortality as this short piece is the definition of metal guitar. The ending tapping cadenza is perhaps the most recognizable piece of shred ever recorded. With that song, virtually every piece of guitar virtuosity seemed simple and stiff. It is the defining piece for the instrument.

Of course, the band also contained glam's quintessential front man as well. David Lee Roth's squeals and antics would define the sound of the 80's as much as Eddie's guitar. Alex Van Halen was a great rock drummer. And Michael Anthony, well he liked his Jack Daniels.

The first album has some great songs, classics ranging from the opener "Runnin' with the Devil" to the underappreciated "I'm the One." "Ice Cream Man" simplifies the already single entendre Tom Waits take on and old theme but to delightful sound. "Jamie's Cryin'" trademark pinch harmonic would fuel an entire hit by itself for Rap Artist Tone Loc.

Bottom Line: Landmark album whose sound dominated music for nearly 15 years.
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