Written by Emma Kennedy
The late 70s was an era of rock classics. Rush bid a Farewell to Kings with a prog rock staple. ELO released a hit-heavy album that was particularly Out of the Blue. Fleetwood Mac was busy spreading Rumors. In a decade of power chords and 2 minute punk tunes, something new took the world by storm. Two brothers fresh off the boat from Holland formed a band that would release the most game-changing album in heavy metal history: the 1978 self-titled debut, Van Halen.
Rock fans experienced a new form of guitar wizardry that stood out from the distorted blues sound of Jimmy Page and soulful wail of Dave Gilmour’s black strat. The fist-pumping, heavy and anthemic hit Runnin’ With the Devil kicked off the album, followed by Eruption, Eddie Van Halen’s grand entrance that showed the world exactly what they were in for. Listeners experienced a solo that defied the guitar’s capabilities as an instrument, introducing the method of “tapping” to the mainstream. Eddie Van Halen utilized the technique by rapidly tapping across the fretboard to produce a mind-bending symphony of highly distorted notes.
Lest we forget the dazzling energy of frontman “Diamond” David Lee Roth. The vocalist delivered a punchy, rhythmic cadence and snarky attitude to tracks like the hit Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love and sultry Little Dreamer. Not to mention drum virtuoso Alex Van Halen alongside bassist and powerful backing vocalist Michael Anthony, who meshed perfectly with Diamond Dave’s liveliness and Eddie Van Halen’s explosive melodies.
It’s no secret that each track on the album delivers something fresh and special, whether it be an amped up cover of The Kink’s You Really Got Me or bass heavy, singalong-worthy Jamie’s Cryin’. Van Halen melted the faces of new fans, and turned off the critics at Rolling Stone and Village Voice like most rock bands did. It’s the album’s place in music history today that marks it as a rock and roll essential. Van Halen’s debut contains a sound that could not be replicated or even surpassed by any band in this era. Tapping is a technique that could very well be mastered by any guitarist with ample practice, yet Eddie Van Halen was the first to trademark it. The album is decorated with loosely thrown in harmonics and little riffs throughout verses, possessing a spontaneous spirit that, for lack of a better word, makes the album fun.
David Lee Roth describes the band’s sound as “rock music you can dance to.” The album alone is an opportunity to dance, headbang, air guitar, and scream at the top of your lungs. Versatile and vibrant, Van Halen’s 1978 debut should be a staple for any music fan. I might be biased, being the rock and roll enthusiast I am, but don’t take it from me. Take it from David Lee Roth, who once said, “there’s always a little bit of Van Halen rumbling around inside of us.” So I dare you to tap into it.
