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Mar 02, 2016lukasevansherman rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Is Van Halen a good band? That's not a rhetorical question. I mean, I know that tons of people like them and, if you grew up in the 80s, you probably have a soft spot for them, even as Sammy Haggar came in and kinda ruined them. I like them enough, but am not sure about the question. They emerged during the 80s heavy metal/hard rock heyday, but they had a slick enough sound and pop hooks to be huge on the radio and appeal to people who don't normally like hard rock. To me, the key to their early albums is the contrast between Eddie Van Halen's flashy guitar wizardry and David Lee Roth's tongue in cheek persona. Although looking back, it's hard to tell if he was aware of his own ridiculousness. VH's fourth album is less celebrated than "1984" or their debut and only "Unchained" was a radio hit. It's maybe the Van Halen album for the true fan. "Sunday Afternoon in the Park" is a curious, odd instrumental. Originally released in 1981.