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.