Van Halen Still Knows How To Rock ‘N’ Roll

Since its first release in 1978, Van Halen has captured the attention of millions of people worldwide - young and old - becoming one of the most popular musical groups in parts of the last three decades.

Van Halen’s newest release, “The Best of - Volume 1” is a retrospective of the band’s history. The 17-track album re-lives classic songs like “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Jump,” and “Panama,” to their most recent hits like “Humans Being,” and “Can’t Stop Loving You.”

The final two tracks, “Can’t Get This Stuff No More” and “Me Wise Magic” are new recordings written by the band and the original lead singer David Lee Roth. The first half of the album contains some of Roth’s works from his stint with the band, while the second half is filled with songs by his replacement, Sammy Hagar, who recently split with the band due to disagreements with guitarist Edward Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen.

Van Halen’s music has spanned 18 years, and only until its recent breakup did anyone think it wouldn’t keep going for 18 more. Whether the band reunites or separates permanently, its music will never be forgotten. The new album is testimony to that.

The best thing about “The Best Of” is the fantastic blend and variety of hard rock and more mellow rock. The album begins with “Eruption,” a short solo by Edward Van Halen, in which he displays amazing skill and finesse by blasting out some quick-fingered riffs.

“Runnin’ With the Devil,” the third track, is one of Van Halen’s more well-known older songs, and it seems to have a grunge quality about it.

Hagar’s collection includes many lyrically superior ballads, such as “Dreams,” “When It’s Love,” and ‘Why Can’t This Be Love,” featuring the Van Halen brothers and bassist Michael Anthony, who combine to form one of the finest rhythm sections ever assembled.

Alex Van Halen’s fantastic use of the ride cymbal, Edward’s everpresent wailing guitar and the steady bass backbeat of Anthony make all their songs unique in musical appeal.

Van Halen also has 11 previously released albums that you can check out at your local music store. The best ones include 1) “Balance,” the band’s last album, which features possibly some of the best hard rock it has ever produced, along with some excellent ballads, and, 2) “Van Halen Live - Right Here, Right Now,” a two-disc set which truly gives the listener a feel of what the Van Halen concert experience is like. The best older releases include “OU812,” “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” and “5150.”

This latest album is one of the best I have ever listened to, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised if Volume 2 is even better. If you weren’t a Van Halen fan before, borrow this CD from a friend or check it out at the music store. You’ll be impressed.

Grade: A