Van Halen - Van Halen
October 6th, 2020 will go down as a dark day in history, both in guitar and musical history. But, instead of feeling down, we should celebrate the music that Eddie Van Halen created, that is how he would have wanted it. So what better place to go, than the original, the classic, Van Halen. Roll the intro
Running with the Devil
The classic opener with the Single bass notes, giving no warning to what is about to happen. What that is, is a sonic onslaught, with a ripping riff, that evolves into the groovy as hell chorus, with the lion that is David lee Roth providing the vocals, that of which was like no other. Especially when the chorus brings back the riff with the great backing vocals from Michael Anthony. The solos in this song, Eddie was clearly holding back, doing classic rock n roll runs. That was all about to change
Eruption
I wish I knew the true feeling people had of when they first heard this solo over 40 freakin years ago. The solo that would go on to inspire so many guitarists, shredders, just musicians in general. I cannot wrap my brain around what it must have been like. Just think of all the music that we would not have today if wasn’t for this. I really don’t want to think about it, my life would be insanely different I can assure you of that
You Really Got Me
The song that I, and I know many others, thought for a long time was a Van Halen original. I have long since remedied that don’t worry. They put so much life into this classic rock songs, adding their own little, kinks. Eddie’s constant little runs through, and his crushing solo. This song is just perfect, and is impossible to not have a good time too
Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love
God the intro for this album is insane. This is one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time. All 4 of these songs are considered over plaid these days by some people but just think about what it was like when this stuff was new, it was revolutionary man. What this song shows is that Eddie is not a mindless shredder, as he knows how to use subtlety when appropriate. It is also very very hard to not sing along with the chorus of this song. Especially if you have consumed some confidence potion
I’m the One
It has been way to long since I listened to the complete album. So some of this feels brand new in a way to me. I remember the vocal’s of this song more so than the riff, cus that speedy little shred riff is my kinda riff. This song is a shredders dream, and I can hear some of the inspiration it provided to the well known virtuosos. Going from a vaguely remembered song to possibly my favorite so far. This song just oozes style everywhere, shooby do wah indeed
Jamie’s Cryin’
Such a damn good groove. I have never been able to resist going “womp wah” during the chorus. It’s just baffling at how many classics are on this album. So many people say appetite for destruction is the greatest first album in history, and I am not taking anything away from it, but I feel people who say that forgot how loaded this album is. From the crying guitar, catchy lyrics, constant bass and drum grove, love it
Atomic Punk
Speaking of appetite, the intro here makes me think of welcome to the jungle. I can hear the seeds of thrash metal being planted in this song. A few bpm more and it would be. Don’t forget, there was nothing like this when this album came out, and even as we approach half a century since it’s release, this song sounds fresh. Mind blowing
Feel Your Love Tonight
One of my all time favorite riffs. This is your strip dance song of the album. I can just see the classic rock back up female vocalists dancing in the background of the live stage while the crowd chants the chorus with Dave. I need a damn time machine. The bass really comes through in this song. Full loaded song, and you will feel it
Little Dreamer
We get more grove, as that riff is sexy as hell. I really like Dave’s vocals in this song, and the fittingly dreamy chorus is just so good. I don’t hear this song mentioned that much if at all, but I think it may be the grooviest of them all so far. It has elements of 50s bar room jazz and well, me like. Just hearing this song makes you feel 15 percent cooler.
Ice Cream Man
This song gets played on the radio occasionally, spitten out them ice cream blues. You gotta blast this song if you go to a diner that has a jukebox. It just oozes cool factor and you can’t help but bust out the Trevolta dance to it. Classic Rock n Roll
On Fire
We gotta end it with one more killer riff. This song is pure metal in Van Halen style, complete with shred and screams. There isn’t much more to say, this album goes out in a blaze of glory
Let’s get this out of the way as there is no point in delaying it, this album is first Class, there is no point in denying that. That isn’t really why we are here. There is no way to measure the true impact Eddie Van Halen had on the music world. Losing him was a severe gut punch felt around the entire music community. Even those that aren’t fans of rock and metal mourned his loss. Thank you Eddie, you will never be forgotten, we love you
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