Van Halen's Albums Ranked

 Van Halen pretty much always mentioned when discussing the rock bands of all time. However, it seems there has never been a consensus on the Van Halen catalog. Many fans debate over who was the better singer in Hagar or Roth. For me, each brings different talents to the table that both are beneficial. With likely no new Van Halen on the horizon anytime soon there is still plenty of time to listen to the complete catalog and decide for yourself what albums are the best. 

I    At the top of my ranked list is the debut album. Not a single moment of the 11 tracks are wasted and in less than two minutes the instrumental "Eruption" took Eddie straight to the top of the rock guitar icons list. This album remains clearly as one of the strongest debuts of any major band in rock history. The first half alone reads like a greatest hits album. Overall, the whole thing is just simply explosive. If this was the only album they ever created they'd still be listed as legends but they were only getting started.

Fair Warning    Although this album may be the least commercially successful, when the martian's land this one may be the one you play to demand that there is something truly special about this band. This may be the darkest, most "brown sounding" in the catalog. However, Van Halen diehards may see this as one of their best works. 

II    Typically sequel's are rarely as good as the original but Van Halen "II" comes pretty darn close. Recording this album in just over three weeks Van Halen crafted an absolutely killer album with more confidence and swagger.

1984    This album turned Van Halen from rock superstars to a household name. This one sold by the millions. The songs "Panama", "Jump" and "Hot For Teacher" were all over the radio and MTV (while they still actually played music). It encased Edward's keyboard playing ability to new heights. It is staggering to think as well looking back at the height of notoriety at that time things would come to a screeching halt with Roth exiting stage left. 

5150    Not many bands survive the loss of its lead singer especially as one as charismatic as DLR. This album named after Edward's recording studio was one of the most seamless transitions in rock history (outside of AC DC) giving the band life for another 10 years.

OU812    This album title was in response to Roth's solo Eat Em & Smile. OU812 ultimately went platinum four times over producing such hits as "Finish What You Started", "When It's Love", "Feels So Good", etc. Certainly, this album is diverse when including even the epic Led Zeppelin-esque song "Cabo Wabo.

Balance    Balance was the last album to be made before a nasty split with Sammy Hagar. It was the end of an era for Van Halen. It was the last time that Van Halen would have a record producing actual radio hits. Despite things already sour within the camp, it still spawned a massive tour and sold millions. 

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge     Despite the 90s being the height of the grunge era Van Halen still was a bestseller with the release of this album. "Right Now" was a massive tv and radio hit and the album included other great hits as "Top of the World", "Poundcake", and "Runaround".

Women & Children First    "And the Cradle Will Rock" was the first encounter with the band not wanting Edward to play keyboards. If they only knew what was coming. Rolling Stone listed this album at #36 of all time for the greatest 100 metal albums of all time. Definitely, the perfect way to kick off the 80s.

Diver Down    Diver Down may be one of the most criticized album being loaded with so many cover songs. However, it did spend 65 weeks on the album charts. It initially wasn't meant to be an album which would explain why so heavy on the cover songs. Many of these are still top notch and spot on.

III    The band's solo effort with Gary Cherone on lead vocals doesn't tend be remembered that fondly. It did contain a few hits "Without You, "Fire In the Hole" and "One I Want". This is the longest studio album to date at just over 65 minutes. 

A Different Kind of Truth    After nearly 30 years apart the band welcomed Diamond Dave back into the fold. For this one I didn't rank it higher since 7 or the 13 tracks are remade in one way or another from some demo or another. So to some diehard Van Halen fans much may not be new. Although, some of the re worked tracks actually do sound better to some than the original demos. This album isn't really the worst nor is it bad from my perspective. It is just something for the most part not necessarily new material.

Each may have their own favorite albums, songs, etc and have their own taste in rankings. However, we can all agree on that Van Halen is certainly an iconic hard rock band that has made its impact on history even for generations to come.

Who Has the Best Fries

What is your favorite style of fries? Fries are often regarded as the ho-hum side of fast food. This is tough to hear from a guy who grew up in Idaho. Fries are the ultimate pairing with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and just about every other drive though item you can think of. Most are the classic fry, salt and maybe some sort of seasoning. Everyone has their own personal preference. Having a variety of options isn't necessarily a bad thing. Here are mine (in no particular order) that stand out.

Arbys/Curly Fries -Tasty treat with a fun shape and an unbeatable flavor

KFC/Potato Wedges -Tried and true wedges, most either love or hate. 

Smashburger/Smashfries -Tossed in rosemary, garlic & olive oil

Chick-Fil-A/Wafflefries - Age old classic that's thicker and most ordered item on the menu

In&Out/Golden natural, animal style - Fresh handcut golden natural, ask for animal style

Carls Jr/Crisscut Fries - Cost more but deliver more than standard, tasty & thick

Taco Time/Stuffed Mexi-Fries - Seasoning can be just a bit strong at times

American Burger/Golden Natural - Fresh golden natural cut

Burger King/Golden Naturals - Thick seasoned well and hold their texture

Taco Bell/Seasoned Natural Fries - Texture holds up well against the toppings

Apollo Burger/Golden Natural - Always fresh and hot

Five Guys/Cajun Fries - Bags loaded more than they should and typically use Idaho potatoes

Popeyes/Cajun Fries - Special seasoning 100% cajun loaded

McDonalds/Golden Naturals - Industry standard for golden naturals, hot & crispy

Wendys/Golden Natural Cut - Using 100% russet potatoes with sea salt

Recently, our prophet Russel M Nelson pleaded with us to increase our spiritual capacity. I am also reminded of the famous words of Aristotle that "we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, is then, is not an act but a habit." One must ask what are we doing to create, build and sustain habits for eternal growth. We must reach deeper and higher than we ever have before in these last days and trying times of uncertainty. When was the last time we looked seriously at ourselves in the structure of daily life to better align us with the values that we hold dear? Doing the same things repeatedly yet expecting different results will get one nowhere. However, by creating pure positive habits that may be closer aligned with our values will push us closer to the end goal in mind. 

So what we do value the most? Values are most inner part of us. They represent what we truly believe and stand for. Those core principles will guide us much like a life GPS unit and provide a personal code of conduct with the struggles which we face. When we tie and align our habits to what we truly value we give them a meaningful purpose.

Next, one can ask then what is a habit? It can be defined as a behavioral pattern acquired by frequent repetition that manifests itself in regularity or increased performance. In these trying times just simply doing the right thing often is not enough to make change in our lives. We must do the right things for the right reasons. 

No one likes pain, trials or discomfort. Often they are hard to bear. However, they are necessary for our growth. Often when things get tough, the best way to seek direction or guidance can be found through the power of prayer. We have access to free wifi with our Heavenly Father who knows all things and is wanting desperately to help us if we just ask. 

Begin by creating a habit of making time. Set aside a specific time for prayer. Live life in a way righteously that leaves clear reception like a radio station. Be on the same wavelength. Clear the channel if necessary of life's distractions and unnecessary noises. Study out the event, the trials that you may be struggling with in your mind and in your heart. Look at all the different possible angles. When praying, pour out those honest intentions of your heart and take the time to listen. When we talk on a cell phone do we continue to talk and talk? Or do we actually take the time to listen for the response? When one is living right you will be able to be worthy of receiving those promptings that may come in your heart and in mind. If it is right you will feel that burning inside and things will feel just right like you are calm and at peace. 

Sometimes the answers we seek may not always be what we want nor expected. Our loving Father in Heaven will know what is true and tailored for each one of us as his children. The road won't always be the simple life of peaches and cream. It will be for our growth and help increase our spiritual capacity in time with the more that we seek to do his will. 

Lastly, we know that everyone has different characteristics and gifts. I would absolutely recommend that one thing we pray for is the power of discernment. Through the power of discernment we will know what is right, what is wrong, and lastly how to act.