lambchops's Full Review: 1984 [Remaster] by Van Halen
Fans of Van Halen are neatly placed in two camps—those who like David Lee Roth as frontman best and those who like Sammy Hagar best. My first memories are vague. I recall as a youngster hearing Jump (not to mention Kool and the Gang’s Celebration) while in gymnastics class. My earliest memories of MTV also include the arena rockers.
Oddly enough, I’ve never counted Van Halen among my favorite bands. I own a few of their albums, know tons of their songs, and even have distinct memories of that blasted Crystal Pepsi campaign…Right Now! All generally embarrassing and commercially deadly Van Hagar and Gary Cherone (who, right?) memories washed away, I’m left with loads of positive things to say about the classic rockers.
Formed in Pasadena, California in 1974 Van Halen’s sound was defined by Eddie Van Halen’s unique guitar skills. The self-taught guitarist used his axe in various ways—not just limited to the usual strumming. With a flair for the dramatic, David Lee Roth proved that the art of being a rock singer isn’t just about talent—it is also about showmanship. Rounding out the band’s most famous lineup were Alex Van Halen on drums and Michael Anthony on bass guitar. It was this foursome that recorded and released Van Halen’s first six albums which also happen to be their most renowned.
During the late 1970s through the early 1980s, the California rockers really hit their stride. After considerable successes with Van Halen (1978), Van Halen II (1979), Women and Children First (1980), Fair Warning (1981) and 1982’s Diver Down it was time for the band to score a real bona fide hit album. That accomplishment came with and in 1984. Van Halen’s crossover appeal came on the heels of Eddie’s guest spot on Michael Jackson’s song Beat It. The band’s keen blend of arena rock with pop melodies was a perfect fit for the new video medium. That album would go on to be incredible popular and has to date sold more than ten million copies. 1984 is a rare case where the sales and hype are both well deserved.
At just over thirty-three minutes, this album is short though it packs a punch. The effort kicks off with the title track. Right away, it is clear that Van Halen was doing something different on this album—namely using synthesizers as embellishment. They were the first of their kind of really try this and to succeed completely in the attempt. That brief intro then slips into the classic Jump followed by another classic Panama. This is hard rock at its best...full of attitude, swagger, talent, and songwriting ability. Both are excellent with fast paces and great performances, though I think Panama is my favorite song on this album and one of my favorites across the entire Van Halen discography.
All these songs are familiar, though there are some that are less known. Remember, not all great songs are released as singles. 1984 is strong because of its considerable depth. Mid-album we are handed the under appreciated Top Jimmy followed by the wicked Drop Dead Legs. Again both are excellent songs with the latter showcasing Roth’s talent as a outstanding rock vocalist. This song stands out at the same level as the obvious classics which is quite a feat.
1984 continues to rock as it drops the hilariously campy but still incredibly well realized Hot for Teacher. The speedy guitar riffs paired with the bluesy ideas makes this an interesting listen. Not just that, but every time I hear the song my mind conjures up the music video. Once again, I’m impressed at the quality and depth of 1984. Strangely enough, it is the end of this album that really proves most surprising in particular the synthesizer and percussion driven I’ll Wait. A mid tempo ballad of sorts, it is my second favorite offering of this album just on the heels of Panama and outdoing Jump ever-so-slightly.
The final two tracks may not be as immediately well known, but Girl Gone Bad and House of Pain which both are textbook Van Halen—riffs, vocal growls, drums, and all. The only real problem I have with 1984 is that it passes so quickly. Obviously it was released originally to vinyl and therefore it is slightly shorter than I’ve become accustomed to. That said each of the nine songs is outstanding. I much prefer to have fewer songs if it means not having any filler.
1984 was the last album David Lee Roth recorded with the band that made him famous. Shortly thereafter (1985 to be precise) he parted ways and began his solo career which also proved relatively successful. Heck, I used to try to do that crazy roundhouse kick he did in the Just Like Paradise video when I was twelve years old. Van Halen of course would go on without Roth and while the albums weren’t as good the band still found great success with Sammy Hagar at the helm. 1984 is arguably the band’s biggest accomplishment and is inarguably their pop/mainstream breakthrough. This is definitely one rock album all fans should own.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. 1984
02. Jump
03. Panama
04. Top Jimmy
05. Drop Dead Legs
06. Hot for Teacher
07. I’ll Wait
08. Girl Gone Bad
09. House of Pain
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