Rock Warrior – Van Halen I
This month’s pick
Van Halen’s debut.
Recorded in 1977, Van Halen sold over 10 million copies in the US alone, becoming one of the most successful debuts by a rock band. Along with 1984, it gives Van Halen two original albums with Diamond status in sales.
Eddie Van Halen set a new standard for guitar playing and spawned a generation of players utilizing his unique style and approach. The instrumental, “Eruption”, showcased his mastery of tapping, the use of the right hand to activate and fret notes along with the left. The sheer blazing delivery and solid composition shocked the guitar world and instantly set him apart as one of rock’s premier guitar virtuosos.
In 2003, the album was ranked number 415 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
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Phenomenal and groundbreaking album that really should be much higher than 415. Not their best album for sure, but certainly set the tone for what was to come over their next 4 or 5 albums. 33 years old and standing the test of time beautifully. An album to be listened too in it’s entirety and not to be flicked through or have an odd listen to random songs. Headphones on. Volume up. Job done. Epic stuff.