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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 07:53:42 PM

Title: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 07:53:42 PM
Similar to the DT and Rush threads, we will now to a top 50 songs for Van Halen countdown.

I will count down the top 50 songs songs in order, and they will be taken from lists of anyone who wants to send me theirs via PM. Do not post them on the forum here. Send them to me via PM.  I will take all of the lists and come up with a top 50based on all of them and count the songs down from 50 to 1.

The rules:
-Songs must be listed from 50 to 1 in order (in reverse order), with no ties.  No having three songs at number 1 or anything like that. 50 songs, listed from 50 to 1. DO NOT list your songs with the points total. List them in your order (I will figure out the points on my end).
-Anyone wanting to submit a list must do so by the end of April.  I will then begin the countdown at the beginning of May. This should give anyone and everyone time to listen to the band's songs.
-The list will be tallied numerically in a simple way. On each list, whatever song is at number 1 gets 50 points, number 2 gets 49 points, number 3 gets 48 points, etc.
-No more Mr. Nice Guy on my part.  PROOFREAD YOUR LISTS BEFORE SENDING THEM.  Any list with the same song mentioned twice will be not be counted. :) :)

Feel free to post in this thread as well that you have PM'd me, if for no other reason than to bump this back up for others who may want to participate who may not have seen the thread yet.

This ranking engine link below works great. You can input all of the songs, and then you pick your favorite of every 1 on 1 matchup and then it spits out your list.

https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/

Songs listed below, which you can input into the engine and then rank.  No combining two songs into one spot on your top 50.  If that is done, whatever the longer song of the two is will be the one count.  For example, 1984 and Jump are two separate songs. If someone combines them into one spot, since Jump is the longer of the two, that spot counts towards Jump and 1984 will not be counted at all.

Top 50:

50 Feel Your Love Tonight
49 Feels So Good
48 Good Enough
47 Mine All Mine
46 Drop Dead Legs
45 Girl Gone Bad
43 (t) Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
43 (t) Ice Cream Man
42 Humans Being
41 Little Guitars
40 Feelin'
39 You Really Got Me
37 (t) When It's Love
37 (t) Little Dreamer
36 Best of Both Worlds
35 Top of the World
34 D.O.A.
33 The Dream Is Over
32 Top Jimmy
30 (t) I'll Wait
30 (t) Jump
29 Beautiful Girls
28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor
27 Everybody Wants Some!!
26 Summer Nights
25 Hear About It Later
24 The Seventh Seal
23 And the Cradle Will Rock...
22 On Fire
21 Eruption
20 Judgement Day
19 In a Simple Rhyme
18 Jamie's Cryin'
17 Poundcake
15 (t) Romeo Delight
15 (t) Runnin' with the Devil
14 Why Can't This Be Love?
13 Atomic Punk
12 Love Walks In
11 Dance the Night Away
10 I'm the One
09 Right Now
08 Panama
07 5150
06 Light Up the Sky
05 Mean Street
04 Hot for Teacher
03 Unchained
02 Dreams
01 Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 04, 2022, 07:58:56 PM
Awesome! I gotta flesh out my Van Hagar rankings.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 08:00:11 PM
I don't think I forgot any VH song, but I am sure someone will tell me if I did. 

*cues the bat signal for Setlist Scotty* :P :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 04, 2022, 08:00:25 PM
Time to list out the albums.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 04, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
Here to show my appreciation for VH III.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 04, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Here to show my appreciation for VH III.

Pretty sure that album never happened.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 08:05:31 PM
Here to show my appreciation for VH III.

Pretty sure that album never happened.

Pretty sure that if his Rush list is any sign of things to come, HOF will be the one to have four Cherone songs in his top 20 and leave out Jump, Runnin' with the Devil and Mean Street. :P :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 04, 2022, 08:07:05 PM
Jump and Runnin' With The Devil do not make the cut for me. OK...no more spotlighting.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 08:07:38 PM
Jump and Runnin' With The Devil do not make the cut for me. OK...no more spotlighting.

Mayday! Mayday!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 04, 2022, 08:08:13 PM
Jump and Runnin' With The Devil do not make the cut for me. OK...no more spotlighting.

Mayday! Mayday!

Now THAT song IS making the cut!! :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 04, 2022, 08:10:21 PM
Here to show my appreciation for VH III.

Pretty sure that album never happened.

Pretty sure that if his Rush list is any sign of things to come, HOF will be the one to have four Cherone songs in his top 20 and leave out Jump, Runnin' with the Devil and Mean Street. :P :P

 :metal

Oh, but you know I love me some keyboards, so Jump will likely be well represented.

Jump and Runnin' With The Devil do not make the cut for me. OK...no more spotlighting.

The Power Windows of VH songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 08:17:43 PM
Tim's head just exploded.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 04, 2022, 08:19:55 PM
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/VeneratedLikelyBandicoot-max-1mb.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on April 04, 2022, 08:22:19 PM
Jump and Runnin' With The Devil do not make the cut for me. OK...no more spotlighting.

The Power Windows of VH songs.

 :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2022, 08:22:23 PM
(https://i.makeagif.com/media/6-22-2019/Skxl7V.gif)

Okay, that is from a DLR solo video, but a VH thread feels incomplete without it. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 04, 2022, 08:36:14 PM
So cover songs are counted in this? Kind of feels weird to rank cover songs as VH songs? ie If Pretty Woman or You Really Got Me ends up number 1 that would be a bit bizarre wouldn't it?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 04, 2022, 08:41:25 PM
So cover songs are counted in this? Kind of feels weird to rank cover songs as VH songs? ie If Pretty Woman or You Really Got Me ends up number 1 that would be a bit bizarre wouldn't it?

Happy Trails FTW.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 04, 2022, 08:53:47 PM
So cover songs are counted in this? Kind of feels weird to rank cover songs as VH songs? ie If Pretty Woman or You Really Got Me ends up number 1 that would be a bit bizarre wouldn't it?

Happy Trails FTW.

Well that would be even more bizarre but if we are including cover songs, it's a chance!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 04, 2022, 10:41:41 PM
Kinda hope the covers don’t make it to the top.
Can assure you, my list will likely be quite devoid of VHIII, and probably a little heavier on the Roth than the Hagar.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 04, 2022, 10:42:27 PM
I need to do a full VH discography runthrough to be able to fully participate here. I haven't listened to Balance, VHIII, or A Different Kind of Truth in a loooong time. I also don't revisit OU812 or Diver Down very often. I should be able to put a top 50 together though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 04, 2022, 10:56:22 PM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 04, 2022, 11:03:50 PM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

On another note, I forgot how bad some of the Cherone stuff is. Like, reeeeaaally bad. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 04, 2022, 11:11:37 PM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

On another note, I forgot how bad some of the Cherone stuff is. Like, reeeeaaally bad. :lol

Surely I don't need to listen to the Cherone stuff, that shit ain't ranking is it?  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 04, 2022, 11:15:06 PM
Yeah, OU812, this is fucking terrible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 04, 2022, 11:17:53 PM
Kinda hope the covers don’t make it to the top.
Can assure you, my list will likely be quite devoid of VHIII, and probably a little heavier on the Roth than the Hagar.

As it is only a top 50, it will be pretty easy to avoid VHIII, which I'd say I will be as well. As far as Roth v Hagar, most likely more Roth but I'm pretty sure some Hagar will feature prominently.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 04, 2022, 11:18:24 PM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

On another note, I forgot how bad some of the Cherone stuff is. Like, reeeeaaally bad. :lol

Surely I don't need to listen to the Cherone stuff, that shit ain't ranking is it?  :lol
Yeah, I don't know that I would willingly put myself through that kind of torture.........I'm gonna do it anyway....to a point...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 04, 2022, 11:39:02 PM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

On another note, I forgot how bad some of the Cherone stuff is. Like, reeeeaaally bad. :lol

Yes the Cherone stuff is bad but for me, seeing VH live in concert with Cherone running around doing star jumps has scarred me forever...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 04, 2022, 11:39:50 PM
There’s a whole lot of VH III on my list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on April 05, 2022, 12:24:58 AM
given what happened in the Rush songs poll, I can anticipate a song like Little Guitars among others, to finish disappointingly lower than I'd hope.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 07:04:15 AM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

I think, by and large, the least best Hagar tracks are much worse than the least best Roth tracks, but I think the best Hagar songs are neck and neck with the best they did with Roth.  I used to not like OU812 that much either, but I have really come around to loving it in the last few years.  It took me over 30 years, but I got there.  :lol :lol  ..Carnal Knowledge is a bit lopsided for me in that it has four or five killer songs (I suspect four songs from it will make my overall top 20-25), but it has a bunch of average ones as well, ones that would sit near the bottom if I had to rank every VH song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 07:24:13 AM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

I think, by and large, the least best Hagar tracks are much worse than the least best Roth tracks, but I think the best Hagar songs are neck and neck with the best they did with Roth.  I used to not like OU812 that much either, but I have really come around to loving it in the last few years.  It took me over 30 years, but I got there.  :lol :lol  ..Carnal Knowledge is a bit lopsided for me in that it has four or five killer songs (I suspect four songs from it will make my overall top 20-25), but it has a bunch of average ones as well, ones that would sit near the bottom if I had to rank every VH song.

There are some really bad Van Hagar tracks for sure. A lot of the album cuts from the first three are quite terrible, and going through this last night, even some of the radio tracks that I used to really like don’t hold up that well. Until you get to Balance. Most of that album is really great, with a couple exceptions.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 07:26:02 AM


There are some really bad Van Hagar tracks for sure. A lot of the album cuts from the first three are quite terrible, and going through this last night, even some of the radio tracks that I used to really like don’t hold up that well. Until you get to Balance. Most of that album is really great, with a couple exceptions.

Balance is pretty consistent, yes, but I don't think it has as many amazing highs as the other Hagar albums.  That said, one song will definitely be a top 20-25 one for me, and one or two others should be a lock for my top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 07:33:29 AM
given what happened in the Rush songs poll, I can anticipate a song like Little Guitars among others, to finish disappointingly lower than I'd hope.

New rule: only those who submit a list are allowed to bitch and complain about a song being too high or too low. ;)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 07:40:19 AM
given what happened in the Rush songs poll, I can anticipate a song like Little Guitars among others, to finish disappointingly lower than I'd hope.

You and me both.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 07:42:25 AM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

I think, by and large, the least best Hagar tracks are much worse than the least best Roth tracks, but I think the best Hagar songs are neck and neck with the best they did with Roth.  I used to not like OU812 that much either, but I have really come around to loving it in the last few years.  It took me over 30 years, but I got there.  :lol :lol  ..Carnal Knowledge is a bit lopsided for me in that it has four or five killer songs (I suspect four songs from it will make my overall top 20-25), but it has a bunch of average ones as well, ones that would sit near the bottom if I had to rank every VH song.

It's actually the opposite for me; there are a couple... not clunkers, really, but songs that don't really count as "songs" per se on the DLR albums; the only one I can think of in the Hagar years is "Inside".  But without doing the ranking (yet) I can't imagine a Hagar song cracking the top five, maybe not even the top ten.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 07:45:29 AM
Kev:  seriously, thanks for being complete (Crossing Over, Me Wise Magic, the rest of the songs from the two greatest hits).  Impressive (I was 96% sure I was going to have to mention "Crossing Over", a b-side from the Balance era).  I think I'm going to do better with "listening" before I rank, since I have the time.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 07:52:06 AM
Kev:  seriously, thanks for being complete (Crossing Over, Me Wise Magic, the rest of the songs from the two greatest hits).  Impressive (I was 96% sure I was going to have to mention "Crossing Over", a b-side from the Balance era).  I think I'm going to do better with "listening" before I rank, since I have the time.

Don't get me too much credit, as I would have forgotten Crossing Over had I had not gone to wikipedia to double check my work (I have never been able to find Crossing Over online, so it is not in my iTunes :( ).  I think the new Sammy songs for the 2nd greatest hits are all pretty blah, but the two new ones with Roth in '96 were both pretty great. Will be interesting to see where both finish for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 08:02:29 AM
Check your email.

There are other songs that I don't think fit here, but in the interest of showing off completeness: "Respect The Wind", Eddie and Alex from the "Twister" soundtrack, and the two songs Eddie did for the porn movie "Sacred Sin", which are pretty good considering ("Catherine" and "Rise")
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 05, 2022, 08:11:20 AM
I was wondering whether you were including cover songs, looks like you are. I will not be listing any just on principle. Just doesn't feel right.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 05, 2022, 08:15:22 AM
Email set ;D

Thanks again, Kev!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 08:30:02 AM
Email set ;D

Thanks again, Kev!

 :tup :tup

Check your email.

There are other songs that I don't think fit here, but in the interest of showing off completeness: "Respect The Wind", Eddie and Alex from the "Twister" soundtrack, and the two songs Eddie did for the porn movie "Sacred Sin", which are pretty good considering ("Catherine" and "Rise")

Thanks, man!!  :tup :tup

I thought about Respect the Wind, but that is technically not VH, but just Eddie and Alex, so I left it off. 

I was wondering whether you were including cover songs, looks like you are. I will not be listing any just on principle. Just doesn't feel right.

I get that, but I included them this time because they were tracks on the proper albums, not just live covers, bonus disc tunes or on a separate EP.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 05, 2022, 08:44:17 AM
I am going to do my best to actually get this done in time to participate, which I didn't do for DT or Rush.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 05, 2022, 08:52:44 AM
I actually like Inside, enough so that it might make the 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 09:09:11 AM
I've run through VH, 1984, 5150 and going through OU812.  Hmm...can see why I'm not the biggest VH fan, this is going to be tough.

Jeez, I thought the Hagar stuff was a lot better than it is.  There's some real duds here.  Most of the songs from the two Roth albums I've been through heavily outweighs the Hagar stuff.
I prefer Hagar to Roth, hence why 5150 is my favorite VH album, but OU812 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are nowhere near as good.

I think, by and large, the least best Hagar tracks are much worse than the least best Roth tracks, but I think the best Hagar songs are neck and neck with the best they did with Roth.  I used to not like OU812 that much either, but I have really come around to loving it in the last few years.  It took me over 30 years, but I got there.  :lol :lol  ..Carnal Knowledge is a bit lopsided for me in that it has four or five killer songs (I suspect four songs from it will make my overall top 20-25), but it has a bunch of average ones as well, ones that would sit near the bottom if I had to rank every VH song.

There are some really bad Van Hagar tracks for sure. A lot of the album cuts from the first three are quite terrible, and going through this last night, even some of the radio tracks that I used to really like don’t hold up that well. Until you get to Balance. Most of that album is really great, with a couple exceptions.

Actually, some of the deep tracks on For Unlawful are really good, but there are a couple stinkers there too.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 09:39:53 AM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 09:41:37 AM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11



April Fools was four days ago.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 05, 2022, 09:41:44 AM
Kev:  seriously, thanks for being complete (Crossing Over, Me Wise Magic, the rest of the songs from the two greatest hits).  Impressive (I was 96% sure I was going to have to mention "Crossing Over", a b-side from the Balance era).  I think I'm going to do better with "listening" before I rank, since I have the time.

Don't get me too much credit, as I would have forgotten Crossing Over had I had not gone to wikipedia to double check my work (I have never been able to find Crossing Over online, so it is not in my iTunes :( ).  I think the new Sammy songs for the 2nd greatest hits are all pretty blah, but the two new ones with Roth in '96 were both pretty great. Will be interesting to see where both finish for me.

I had used this for eons to convert youtube audio to iTunes for free   https://www.4kdownload.com/products/youtubetomp3/7   

During Orbert's Jethro Tull discography is when I discovered the tons of their originally unreleased bonus tracks for their 70s albums.  And then, at one point, some of them would not convert.  This happened with some artists last year as well.  I ended up spending the $25 or so for their 'premium package', and considering I was able to download fifty or so songs that I couldn't before, it was worth the cost.

And here's your choices for 'Crossing Over' (one of my Top 50s....oops,....one of my 'considerations' for my Top 50 ;))

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=van+halen+crossing+over

It can be frustrating due to the often erratic 'base' volume that some of these uploads have in order to find what you want that equals what you have.  But it's certainly better than nothing.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 09:57:38 AM
I found this from Wikipedia:

"The track [Without You] debuted at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, the second in the magazine's history to do so (after Rush's "Stick It Out" in 1993)."   Where did "Stick It Out" end up on the Rush list?   :)  :) :)

I can safely say I know what my number one will be (I will also predict I will be the only one to rank this song that high), and I know the number of Cherone songs that will make the Top 50.  Everything else is up to the Ranker.   :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 09:58:23 AM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

Well, no wonder. I had some songs mis-labled in my spreadsheet. Actual breakdown:

Hagar: 26
Roth: 13
Cherone: 11

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 11:43:01 AM
I like it.  It would be boring if every list was mostly Roth stuff, so getting some with a bunch of Sammy and even a few Cherone tunes will mix it up a little and make it a less predictable.  I will be curious to see if any Cherone tunes actually make the top 50.  My guess is it depends on how many lists get submitted, as it feels like the more lists there are, the less likely Cherone songs are to see representation.  That is my theory.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 05, 2022, 11:55:48 AM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11


April Fools was four days ago.

 :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 05, 2022, 12:11:59 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

Well, no wonder. I had some songs mis-labled in my spreadsheet. Actual breakdown:

Hagar: 26
Roth: 13
Cherone: 11

I'm so with you on Hagar, though my list was a little more 50/50 (which surprised me).

That Cherone album is great, and I maintain that if it had been billed as something else (say, an EVH solo album), it would have been way more well-received and likely revered at this point.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 12:14:27 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

Well, no wonder. I had some songs mis-labled in my spreadsheet. Actual breakdown:

Hagar: 26
Roth: 13
Cherone: 11

I'm so with you on Hagar, though my list was a little more 50/50 (which surprised me).

Are you sure it's not more like.....51/50? :neverusethis:




Sorry.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 12:19:24 PM
Don't apologize. Finish what you started.  :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 12:22:52 PM
OK, but you'll hear about it later.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 12:33:07 PM


That Cherone album is great, and I maintain that if it had been billed as something else (say, an EVH solo album), it would have been way more well-received and likely revered at this point.

I don't think any new singer would have had a chance of being accepted by the fanbase as a whole.  The Sammy fans were ticked that he was fired, and the DRL fans were aggravated after getting teased about a full-on reunion that didn't happen.  VHIII was dead in the water before it was even released.  Throw in that it was smack dab in the middle of EVH's experimental phase, thus it not sounding at all like classic VH, and it's no wonder the album was not widely accepted. There are a lot of rough edges to it, but there are moments of true greatness, and a few songs that have held up for me as being really good.  I'll take it any day over Diver Down.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 05, 2022, 12:36:20 PM


That Cherone album is great, and I maintain that if it had been billed as something else (say, an EVH solo album), it would have been way more well-received and likely revered at this point.

I don't think any new singer would have had a chance of being accepted by the fanbase as a whole.  The Sammy fans were ticked that he was fired, and the DRL fans were aggravated after getting teased about a full-on reunion that didn't happen.  VHIII was dead in the water before it was even released.  Throw in that it was smack dab in the middle of EVH's experimental phase, thus it not sounding at all like classic VH, and it's no wonder the album was not widely accepted. There are a lot of rough edges to it, but there are moments of true greatness, and a few songs that have held up for me as being really good.  I'll take it any day over Diver Down.

Fun fact: in the past 20 years, I've probably listened to VHIII and ADKOT ten times more than the rest of the catalog combined. Both just sound, for lack of a better word, 'fresh' to my ears.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 05, 2022, 12:45:58 PM


That Cherone album is great, and I maintain that if it had been billed as something else (say, an EVH solo album), it would have been way more well-received and likely revered at this point.

I don't think any new singer would have had a chance of being accepted by the fanbase as a whole.  The Sammy fans were ticked that he was fired, and the DRL fans were aggravated after getting teased about a full-on reunion that didn't happen.  VHIII was dead in the water before it was even released.  Throw in that it was smack dab in the middle of EVH's experimental phase, thus it not sounding at all like classic VH, and it's no wonder the album was not widely accepted. There are a lot of rough edges to it, but there are moments of true greatness, and a few songs that have held up for me as being really good.  I'll take it any day over Diver Down.

Fun fact: in the past 20 years, I've probably listened to VHIII and ADKOT ten times more than the rest of the catalog combined. Both just sound, for lack of a better word, 'fresh' to my ears.

See, I straddle this line.   I LOVE ADKOT.  My album of the year in 2012, and it's very high on my list of VH albums.  In fact, I think it's DAVE'S best album; not the band's best, but the best overall for Dave.  I think his lyrics on that album are as good as any album out there in terms of creativity and cleverness.  There's a subtle depth to them as well that I think VH in general doesn't get any credit for.  There will no doubt be several entries on my Top 50.   

Having said that, I'm a HUGE Extreme fan, I've seen Gary three times with Extreme (including back before they went on their first hiatus) and he's KILLED it every time.  I was psyched to potentially get a Van Halen show that would cover all eras relatively equally.   Having said that, I was distinctly disappointed with the record.  One or two good songs, some flashes of greatness, but it just doesn't deliver enough of the highs that a Van Halen album is expected to deliver. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 12:51:37 PM
Two shortcomings of the VHIII album are..

1. While you can tell it's Alex VH by his style, the album lacks the dynamics and liveliness that his drums are known for. This album would benefit from Alex's trademark sound.

2. The same can be said for the backing vocals. Michael's (especially) and Eddie's backing vocals, to me, are one of the band's trademarks. The backing vocals on this album are really stifled.

Cherone sounds fine, if not a lot like Sammy. The songs aren't great, but if it sounded more like VH, with the two above points as an example, I think it would've been better.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 01:12:50 PM
Much of my love for VH III is just that it was a big part of my soundtrack for the summer of '98, which just happened to be a really great summer for me for a bunch of different reasons. But I also think it's great that they basically chucked the playbook and made an oddball album and really stretched out musically into territory they really hadn't before (although Balance was a bit out there too). At that time I remember thinking it was going to lead to this whole new, interesting direction for the band, and then they just farted it all away. In retrospect, I don't think Eddie was really very with it at the time that album was made, and if you watch interviews from that period you can just tell everything was going downhill.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 05, 2022, 01:17:58 PM
I don't think Eddie was really very with it at the time that album was made
That's what the album sounds like.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 05, 2022, 01:34:41 PM
I'm a bit on the fence in participating on this one because, although I have all VH albums, I'm much more familiarized from 1984 on, wich are the albums that I've heard much more. And, believe or not, I truly believe there's an excellent 40-45 minutes album in III...
So I'm a bit worried to make a bizarre VH top 50. :lol
Kev, when it will be the deadline to send the list?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 01:45:40 PM

Kev, when it will be the deadline to send the list?

The OP says the end of April, but if you're including Cherone songs, then you have until the end of August.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 01:46:35 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 05, 2022, 01:49:35 PM

Kev, when it will be the deadline to send the list?

The OP says the end of April, but if you're including Cherone songs, then you have until the end of August.
:D :D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2022, 02:01:02 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

Agreed. I have some tasty Alex moments in my top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 05, 2022, 03:04:29 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

I'll put on my neck bracecto remember. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 05, 2022, 03:30:52 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

I'll put on my neck bracecto remember.

I’m going to wear a bracecto as well 😀
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 03:33:45 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

I'll put on my neck bracecto remember.

I’m going to wear a bracecto as well 😀

Do I just go to the store and ask where the bracectos are?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 03:43:58 PM
A preliminary ranking on my part using the engine got about what I expected as far as the breakdown goes:

Roth - 29
Hagar - 20
Cherone - 1
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 04:20:42 PM
I'm going to start by ranking my DLR songs together and then my Sammy songs together.

My DLR Top 40 is set!

And my Sammy Top 17 is set!

Don't think I'm going to use the ranker at this point. I'll just insert the Sammy songs into my DLR list.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 05, 2022, 04:29:00 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

Alex always had a really good technique, even for today's standards. But he really stands out as having a lot of creativity in his drum parts and a very distinct style and drum sound. But, in the end, he's the kind of rock drummer that just sounds incredibly cool and with a lot of groove, even not playing like (just an example) Chad Smith. And he never slowed down with time - his performance on Different Kind of Truth is one of his bests IMO.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 04:39:45 PM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

Alex always had a really good technique, even for today's standards. But he really stands out as having a lot of creativity in his drum parts and a very distinct style and drum sound. But, in the end, he's the kind of rock drummer that just sounds incredibly cool and with a lot of groove, even not playing like (just an example) Chad Smith. And he never slowed down with time - his performance on Different Kind of Truth is one of his bests IMO.

I agree.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 04:49:10 PM
Alex had the tendency to get a little crash cymbal-happy at times - the chorus of Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do) irritated me like hell at first because of how loud his cymbals are - but in general I would still say he was a really good rock drummer.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 04:49:50 PM
It irritates the hell out of me too, but it has nothing to do with Alex. ;D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 04:53:55 PM
That was the first song released for the radio from Balance, and when I heard it, given how hoarse and raspy he sounds in the song and the fact that they had toured a ton on FUCK and then the live album, I actually wondered if Sammy had blown out his voice.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 06:35:53 PM
I believe my list is complete...

DLR...38
Sammy...12

I do have 1 Sammy song in the Top 10.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 05, 2022, 06:47:46 PM
I love that song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 06:48:32 PM
How do you know what it is?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 05, 2022, 06:51:37 PM
So, I've listed to VH, 1984, 5150 and OU812.  Again, I remember why I was never a big VH fan.  Nevertheless, where do I go now?  Preferred on a whole the early two albums.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 06:52:48 PM
So, I've listed to VH, 1984, 5150 and OU812.  Again, I remember why I was never a big VH fan.  Nevertheless, where do I go now?  Preferred on a whole the early two albums.

VH II and Fair Warning.

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge rocks though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 05, 2022, 06:53:56 PM
How do you know what it is?

Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 06:55:20 PM
How do you know what it is?

Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)

That's not it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 05, 2022, 07:00:25 PM
I think he was speaking to you, not listing a song title......
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 05, 2022, 07:01:34 PM
So, I've listed to VH, 1984, 5150 and OU812.  Again, I remember why I was never a big VH fan.  Nevertheless, where do I go now?  Preferred on a whole the early two albums.

Fair Warning and FUCK man.
Anyone who”s a VH fan will know that ain’t Tourette’s kicking in.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2022, 07:03:27 PM
wolfking,

At least listen to Fair Warning. If the first five songs of that do you knock your socks off, then this band may not be for you.  And the truck that was dispatched with your ice cream bars will be re-routed to St. Louis. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 05, 2022, 07:03:54 PM
Just dusted off VHIII and currently giving it a spin - it has been a very long while! Got to admit I am kind of enjoying it. I was a big Extreme fan 'back in the day' (early 90s), mainly because of Nuno really but I didn't mind Cherone. Never thought he fit in VH but anyway now that many years have gone by I can be a bit more objective. I think I'll get a song or two from this album in the top 50. I'd be pretty surprised if any songs from this album make it overall though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 05, 2022, 07:06:37 PM
Thanks lads.  Was hoping never hearing those 3 might be the key here to unlocking VH a bit more.  Will get onto these later in the week.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 05, 2022, 07:25:04 PM
wolfking,

At least listen to Fair Warning. If the first five songs of that do you knock your socks off, then this band may not be for you.  And the truck that was dispatched with your ice cream bars will be re-routed to St. Louis. :P

This.
Mean Street, Hear About It Later and Unchained, minimum! I’m not a massive fan of this album, but these 3 plus So This Is Love? were constantly chosen over a lot of others last night on the ranker. I just didn’t feel I was doing it right because I haven’t listened to much VH lately. Good time to revisit all of the a,bums, I think.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 05, 2022, 07:37:12 PM
How do you know what it is?

Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)

That's not it.

No.  I'm not talking about your 1 Sammy song in your top 10. I just saw you and Kev talking about that song. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 07:40:02 PM
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/1iTnzFRFQwDpv3C8/200w.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on April 05, 2022, 07:48:31 PM
Not sure I am up for this, but I imagine my breakdown would be closer to Dave 45: Sammy 5, with my top 2 being covers.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 07:49:11 PM
Not sure I am up for this, but I imagine my breakdown would be closer to Dave 45: Sammy 5, with my top 2 being covers.

You have a month. LFG!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 05, 2022, 07:52:40 PM
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/1iTnzFRFQwDpv3C8/200w.gif)

Love you too baby.  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 07:54:36 PM
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/1iTnzFRFQwDpv3C8/200w.gif)

Love you too baby.  :lol

 :P  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on April 05, 2022, 08:10:44 PM
Not sure I am up for this, but I imagine my breakdown would be closer to Dave 45: Sammy 5, with my top 2 being covers.

You have a month. LFG!

LFG? It was a stretch for me to do the Rush list, because even though I have enjoyed half their material for decades, and they have my #2 all time favorite song and favorite 5-album run, I was pretty ignorant on the other half. There are quite a few VH songs I enjoy, but I've probably never heard 1/3 of their material in my life. I'm just not invested in them.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 05, 2022, 08:41:37 PM
Anyone else ranking the songs for each album while their listening through them, or is that just me?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2022, 08:42:39 PM
Anyone else ranking the songs for each album while their listening through them, or is that just me?

Cool Chris isn't. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 05, 2022, 09:49:02 PM
Not sure I am up for this, but I imagine my breakdown would be closer to Dave 45: Sammy 5, with my top 2 being covers.

You have a month. LFG!

LFG? It was a stretch for me to do the Rush list, because even though I have enjoyed half their material for decades, and they have my #2 all time favorite song and favorite 5-album run, I was pretty ignorant on the other half. There are quite a few VH songs I enjoy, but I've probably never heard 1/3 of their material in my life. I'm just not invested in them.

This is pretty much me.  I'll make the effort, but yesterday wasn't an encouraging start.

I think he was telling you to 'let's fucking go' also.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 05, 2022, 10:34:53 PM
Anyone else ranking the songs for each album while their listening through them, or is that just me?

Yes, I am. That is actually how I do it. I listen to all the songs, give each song a rating out of 10 and then after that is done I sort the order and rerank, even relisten if I have to. There are always some I know are going to be near the top etc, so I need to do a fair bit of sorting at the end.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 05, 2022, 11:47:46 PM
Anyone else ranking the songs for each album while their listening through them, or is that just me?

Yes, I am. That is actually how I do it. I listen to all the songs, give each song a rating out of 10 and then after that is done I sort the order and rerank, even relisten if I have to. There are always some I know are going to be near the top etc, so I need to do a fair bit of sorting at the end.

Pretty much. I gather my top 5 per album, and then I’ll let those duke it out. Mind you, preliminary listening to VHII is telling me that album could see extra places, coz I really really enjoyed that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 06, 2022, 06:52:51 AM
I hope this thread helps people rediscover just how fucking good Alex Van Halen was.

Alex always had a really good technique, even for today's standards. But he really stands out as having a lot of creativity in his drum parts and a very distinct style and drum sound. But, in the end, he's the kind of rock drummer that just sounds incredibly cool and with a lot of groove, even not playing like (just an example) Chad Smith. And he never slowed down with time - his performance on Different Kind of Truth is one of his bests IMO.

That's something that got lost in all the "they rehashed songs!" nonsense.  One of the Used Bin Radio guys - Joe - that used to do a radio show out in California actually put together an "A/B" of the moments on the new record and the bits from either demo or live tapes back in the day, and I'm pretty sure every single one of them was done in the original key at the original tempo.  Kudos to both Alex and Dave for doing that 35 years later (assuming the originals were from the '77 demos that were done). 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 06, 2022, 06:55:00 AM
I believe my list is complete...

DLR...38
Sammy...12

I do have 1 Sammy song in the Top 10.

I love that song.

How do you know what it is?

I just spewed coffee all over my desk.  That's hilarious (though I think I know what King was going for).     :) :) :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 06:57:46 AM
How does anyone know what King is going for?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 06, 2022, 07:02:38 AM
How does anyone know what King is going for?

I've taken the Rosetta Stone course in "King". 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 06, 2022, 07:09:39 AM
There’s a good few Hagar songs asking for a spot. I’m counting at least 5 from 5150.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2022, 09:03:50 AM
I didn't divvy up my list by singer, but I would guess it's roughly an even split between Roth and Hagar.

The Cherone era doesn't exist for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 06, 2022, 09:34:45 AM
Okay, so I'm starting my listening, and I'm listening to VHI for the first time in a LONG time.

Man.  It just takes me back.  It's hard to express to people who weren't there what Eddie Van Halen meant.   I get it; in hindsight, there have been SO MANY people that appropriated his style that it almost sounds anticlimactic at this point. Hell, I suck at guitar and I can play the rudiments of most of the songs on that first album.  But they were so much more - he was so much more - than the sum of the notes. He played with such AUTHORITY.  He was a rock star.  I can play the notes on those songs, but they don't come across with the same level of aggression and "fuck you" (for lack of a better word).  He just had this swagger, this confidence in his playing that I only dream of.   There were and are better singers than David Lee Roth, but no one delivered lines like he did.  Van Halen, party band extraordinaire, with the ringmaster, Mr. David Lee Roth, singing "She knew what love was for, it should mean, mean a little more, than a one-night stand!" and yet, you BELIEVED him.  He WAS the Atomic Punk, whose love was rotten to the core, and he's taking JAMIE'S side on things?  C'mon!  :) :) :)

They were, and in some ways are, the perfect American band. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2022, 12:07:06 PM
Van Halen was my first "favorite" band.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 06, 2022, 12:25:25 PM
I didn't divvy up my list by singer, but I would guess it's roughly an even split between Roth and Hagar.

The Cherone era doesn't exist for me.

That tour was fantastic though.  Pulled out song old DLR songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 12:29:26 PM
I didn't divvy up my list by singer, but I would guess it's roughly an even split between Roth and Hagar.

The Cherone era doesn't exist for me.

That tour was fantastic though.  Pulled out song old DLR songs.


Stadler, you got that Rosetta Stone handy?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 06, 2022, 12:29:58 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 06, 2022, 04:34:10 PM
Okay, so I'm starting my listening, and I'm listening to VHI for the first time in a LONG time.

Man.  It just takes me back.  It's hard to express to people who weren't there what Eddie Van Halen meant.   I get it; in hindsight, there have been SO MANY people that appropriated his style that it almost sounds anticlimactic at this point. Hell, I suck at guitar and I can play the rudiments of most of the songs on that first album.  But they were so much more - he was so much more - than the sum of the notes. He played with such AUTHORITY.  He was a rock star.  I can play the notes on those songs, but they don't come across with the same level of aggression and "fuck you" (for lack of a better word).  He just had this swagger, this confidence in his playing that I only dream of.   There were and are better singers than David Lee Roth, but no one delivered lines like he did.  Van Halen, party band extraordinaire, with the ringmaster, Mr. David Lee Roth, singing "She knew what love was for, it should mean, mean a little more, than a one-night stand!" and yet, you BELIEVED him.  He WAS the Atomic Punk, whose love was rotten to the core, and he's taking JAMIE'S side on things?  C'mon!  :) :) :)

They were, and in some ways are, the perfect American band.

Totally agree with this - you kind of had to be there. If you have never listened to VH1 and you put it on right now, does it have the same impact? Of course not, however the passion in the playing is there - just like you said Stadler awesome technique combined with a swagger and kind of confident arrogance. I'm currently listening to VH1 right now and am loving it. Sure, it is nostalgia but also more than that too.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 06, 2022, 07:24:53 PM
Okay, so I'm starting my listening, and I'm listening to VHI for the first time in a LONG time.

Man.  It just takes me back.  It's hard to express to people who weren't there what Eddie Van Halen meant.   I get it; in hindsight, there have been SO MANY people that appropriated his style that it almost sounds anticlimactic at this point. Hell, I suck at guitar and I can play the rudiments of most of the songs on that first album.  But they were so much more - he was so much more - than the sum of the notes. He played with such AUTHORITY.  He was a rock star.  I can play the notes on those songs, but they don't come across with the same level of aggression and "fuck you" (for lack of a better word).  He just had this swagger, this confidence in his playing that I only dream of.   There were and are better singers than David Lee Roth, but no one delivered lines like he did.  Van Halen, party band extraordinaire, with the ringmaster, Mr. David Lee Roth, singing "She knew what love was for, it should mean, mean a little more, than a one-night stand!" and yet, you BELIEVED him.  He WAS the Atomic Punk, whose love was rotten to the core, and he's taking JAMIE'S side on things?  C'mon!  :) :) :)

They were, and in some ways are, the perfect American band.

Totally agree with this - you kind of had to be there. If you have never listened to VH1 and you put it on right now, does it have the same impact? Of course not, however the passion in the playing is there - just like you said Stadler awesome technique combined with a swagger and kind of confident arrogance. I'm currently listening to VH1 right now and am loving it. Sure, it is nostalgia but also more than that too.

I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 06, 2022, 07:33:32 PM
Totally agree Kev, I just don't see today's youth latching onto VH. It is a shame.

Finished my listen through of all the albums and I gotta say, the album I struggled with the most overall was OU812..yes, even more than VHIII. I actually enjoyed some of VHIII believe it or not.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 07:34:33 PM
I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol


Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 07:38:20 PM
Totally agree Kev, I just don't see today's youth latching onto VH. It is a shame.

Part of the problem is that I believe this was self-inflicted. After VHIII, they made ONE album, 15 years later, and that was it. There was nothing for today's youth to experience in the here and now. It's shameful because ADKOT is freaking excellent. If they had 3 or 4 more of those over the last 25 years, then I can't help but feel that their acceptance by the next generation would be different.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 06, 2022, 07:38:46 PM
It took me a long time to come around on OU812, but I love it now.  I get why others may not be overly crazy about it.  Not a fan of When It's Love, but the rest is mostly great.

I agree that FUCK has some blah lyrics, but, honestly, who listens to VH for good lyrics? :lol  Some are good in the clever "frat boy tried to get laid" sense, but some are just lame.  I can overlook them because of the party rock style of their music.


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol
 

Please no pics. :P :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 07:55:09 PM

Please no pics. :P :P

Hah! You're safe.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 07:59:27 PM
Okay, so I'm starting my listening, and I'm listening to VHI for the first time in a LONG time.

Man.  It just takes me back.  It's hard to express to people who weren't there what Eddie Van Halen meant.   I get it; in hindsight, there have been SO MANY people that appropriated his style that it almost sounds anticlimactic at this point. Hell, I suck at guitar and I can play the rudiments of most of the songs on that first album.  But they were so much more - he was so much more - than the sum of the notes. He played with such AUTHORITY.  He was a rock star.  I can play the notes on those songs, but they don't come across with the same level of aggression and "fuck you" (for lack of a better word).  He just had this swagger, this confidence in his playing that I only dream of.   There were and are better singers than David Lee Roth, but no one delivered lines like he did.  Van Halen, party band extraordinaire, with the ringmaster, Mr. David Lee Roth, singing "She knew what love was for, it should mean, mean a little more, than a one-night stand!" and yet, you BELIEVED him.  He WAS the Atomic Punk, whose love was rotten to the core, and he's taking JAMIE'S side on things?  C'mon!  :) :) :)

They were, and in some ways are, the perfect American band.


Bill, I'm not going to go the "you had to be there" route, but i was there, and it was simply a magical time to come of age musically.

I know that sounds dumb, because whenever anyone comes of age musically, it's a special time for them.

But Van Halen was a magical experience that I really feel goes unnoticed. I think a lot of it because they just never stayed relevant throughout the years. But from '78-'84, they were THE band.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 06, 2022, 08:02:19 PM
Don't get me wrong, I loved OU812 'back in the day' but it just didn't work for me now. I'll give it another listen though before finalising my list.

Currently I have:

30 - Roth
18 - Hagar
2 - Cherone

But this may slightly change.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 08:05:09 PM
I was lucky enough to see VH with DLR.

Here is my stub...

(https://i.imgur.com/nt0Fsu6.jpg)

I was 15.


I've mentioned this before...but The Lovely Mrs. TAC is 5 years older than me. You can see from my stub that I saw them on the 18th. Well, they played two nights in Providence, and my wife actually went to the show on the 17th with her ..um boyfriend. She was 20 at the time. I wouldn't meet her for another 12 years. :lol



I actually have front row pics from the show on the 17th, which a girl at work at the time gave me. They're not great, but I'll try and scan them in.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 06, 2022, 08:08:08 PM
I remember Martha Quinn, one of MTV's original veejays, once saying that only David Lee Roth could come out wearing assless chaps and have thousands of men in an arena go wild for it and cheer like crazy. That is how over he was with fans in their heyday.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 08:09:59 PM
I remember Martha Quinn, one of MTV's original veejays, once saying that only David Lee Roth could come out wearing assless chaps and have thousands of men in an arena go wild for it and cheer like crazy. That is how over he was with fans in their heyday.

He banged her. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 08:13:21 PM
I only have VH pics from one show..the 5150 tour.


August 22, 1986
Providence Civic Center


(https://i.imgur.com/9WB0nlT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XUhLInR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JbLCkqf.jpg)
Sammy high above on Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

(https://i.imgur.com/zllSyIv.jpg)
 :hefdaddy

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 06, 2022, 08:15:30 PM
A buddy and I have a running joke about the 5150 tour.

To explain, since the band only had one album at that point with Sammy, who didn't want to do a bunch of Roth songs, the set list didn't have a ton of songs, so he insisted that they dunced around a lot in between songs to kill time.

He refers to that concert as one big Inside.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 06, 2022, 08:36:04 PM
A buddy and I have a running joke about the 5150 tour.

To explain, since the band only had one album at that point with Sammy, who didn't want to do a bunch of Roth songs, the set list didn't have a ton of songs, so he insisted that they dunced around a lot in between songs to kill time.

He refers to that concert as one big Inside.  :lol :lol

Here's the Montreal show..two nights before I saw them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DB00j3g-4E




I wasn't keen on 5150 at all. The single was Why Can't This Be Love. Holy shit did that song suck. Compare that with Yankee Rose. 5 months after the VH show, DLR came through and his show was more like an actual Van Halen show. Steve Vai..Billy Sheehan. Hell yes. I actually managed to widdle my way to the front row for that show, but my friend insisted on holding the camera..(long story).

Here's the DLR show from Montreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9DPwKskJe4

Even though Van Halen would win the war, I always gave the first battle to DLR.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 06, 2022, 09:22:49 PM
Man, trying to pick between 2 VHIII songs on Ranker is like trying to decide if I prefer cleaning up cat barf or dog crap more...

Also How Many Say I has to be the absolute worst thing Van Halen has ever done. Maybe the worst thing done by a popular rock group ever.... :puke:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: jammindude on April 06, 2022, 11:22:17 PM
I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol


Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.

As silly as they are, I actually really love the lyrics to Poundcake.

In general, I prefer the DLR era….but Poundcake is easily my favorite Sammy song, and probably top 3 all time.

Not sure if I’m going to have time to participate in this one or not. (New job…training…studying for a test…all while trying to maintain a home life) but when I finish my Rush write up this weekend, I going to try and find some time to run some VH songs thru the tracker.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 06, 2022, 11:42:28 PM
Man, trying to pick between 2 VHIII songs on Ranker is like trying to decide if I prefer cleaning up cat barf or dog crap more...

Is it weird that I could actually answer this question, but not the VHIII track?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 06, 2022, 11:48:28 PM
I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol


Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.

As silly as they are, I actually really love the lyrics to Poundcake.

In general, I prefer the DLR era….but Poundcake is easily my favorite Sammy song, and probably top 3 all time.

Not sure if I’m going to have time to participate in this one or not. (New job…training…studying for a test…all while trying to maintain a home life) but when I finish my Rush write up this weekend, I going to try and find some time to run some VH songs thru the tracker.

Come on jammindude you can do it! The more the merrier.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 07, 2022, 02:12:39 AM
Actually, can’t remember the last time I listened to a VH album in one go that isn’t the first two or 1984, so I’m really glad we’re doing this. There’s some real underrated gems on some of these albums.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 07, 2022, 05:51:55 AM
Man, trying to pick between 2 VHIII songs on Ranker is like trying to decide if I prefer cleaning up cat barf or dog crap more...

Also How Many Say I has to be the absolute worst thing Van Halen has ever done. Maybe the worst thing done by a popular rock group ever.... :puke:

Well, if someone would be interested in discovering something good about VHIII,   personally I would recomend Neworld, From Afar, Dirty Water Dog, Once and Ballet or the Bullet.
And indeed How Many Say I is really THAT bad!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 07, 2022, 06:17:19 AM
I guess I am the contrarian here, because How Many Say finished at 78 on my rankings engine.  It's not great, but it's not awful.  The music is really nice, especially the piano and orchestration.  It would have been a lot better had Cherone sang the whole song, but most of the lead vocals are understated enough by Eddie that they do not kill the song.

I think the most obvious gaffes on III are One I Want and Josephina.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 07, 2022, 06:22:58 AM
Sure "absolute worst thing" is a exaggeration, but I do think Eddie's vocals stands out and totally kills the song - my perception anyway. But, maybe there's something instrumentaly good beneath that horrid vocals.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 07, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
By the way, an excellent bootleg from VHIII era. It doesn't have any of my favorite songs from the album, but a lot of DLR classics:
https://www.guitars101.com/threads/van-halen-1998-07-24-pittsburgh-pa-flac-fm-16bit-44khz.650841/
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 07, 2022, 06:50:05 AM
This is a blanket statement for III, but How Many Say I is lovely. Sure, Eddie sounds like he was smoking and drinking battery acid while he was recording it, but Tom Waites made a career of that sort of thing. The music really is good.

Josephina ranked very highly for me. Such an odd but cool track. So much Ed doing weird interesting things, and I love when the band finally comes in.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 07, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol


Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.

Tim was that the show at Great Woods where Wolfie ran out while Dad was playing 3:16 and started to dance then Valerie ran onstage to get him?  I was in the 6th row for that show.  Eddie threw a pick and 6 guys all went for it.  We all coconutted our heads.  I saw stars.  No one found the pic. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 07, 2022, 08:00:31 AM
Okay, so I'm starting my listening, and I'm listening to VHI for the first time in a LONG time.

Man.  It just takes me back.  It's hard to express to people who weren't there what Eddie Van Halen meant.   I get it; in hindsight, there have been SO MANY people that appropriated his style that it almost sounds anticlimactic at this point. Hell, I suck at guitar and I can play the rudiments of most of the songs on that first album.  But they were so much more - he was so much more - than the sum of the notes. He played with such AUTHORITY.  He was a rock star.  I can play the notes on those songs, but they don't come across with the same level of aggression and "fuck you" (for lack of a better word).  He just had this swagger, this confidence in his playing that I only dream of.   There were and are better singers than David Lee Roth, but no one delivered lines like he did.  Van Halen, party band extraordinaire, with the ringmaster, Mr. David Lee Roth, singing "She knew what love was for, it should mean, mean a little more, than a one-night stand!" and yet, you BELIEVED him.  He WAS the Atomic Punk, whose love was rotten to the core, and he's taking JAMIE'S side on things?  C'mon!  :) :) :)

They were, and in some ways are, the perfect American band.

Totally agree with this - you kind of had to be there. If you have never listened to VH1 and you put it on right now, does it have the same impact? Of course not, however the passion in the playing is there - just like you said Stadler awesome technique combined with a swagger and kind of confident arrogance. I'm currently listening to VH1 right now and am loving it. Sure, it is nostalgia but also more than that too.

I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022.

Well, not entirely; my kid is 21, at college, and between her and her friends, 1984/Jump is a popular one.  She's got a playlist that has what she calls "oldies" and it's on there.  "Panama" is a favorite too. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 07, 2022, 08:13:36 AM
I figure at some point there will be some movie that utilizes VH’s music the way Iron Man did AC/DC, Thor did Led Zeppelin, or all the stuff on Guardians of the Galaxy. Or they make the VH equivalent of the Freddy Mercury movie. Something like that will reintroduce the music to a younger audience.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 07, 2022, 08:22:18 AM
5150 is not only my favorite VH album, but it's one of my favorite albums period.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 07, 2022, 09:24:10 AM
Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.

I've written about this before; it's obviously dependent on your point of view, but I always saw a cleverness, a tongue-in-cheekness with the Roth lyrics.  Some ARE dumb, but some are incredibly clever in their own way and even when they go a little dark, it's with a sense of humor, a circus/ringmaster attitude.   As much as I love Sam (Standing Hampton is not a good record, it's a GREAT record) he doesn't have that same breeziness, that same wink wink nod nod.  There's a crass-ness, a heavy-handedness to some of Sammy's lyrics that may have fit the time - the late '80's - but sort of aren't timeless in that same way.  When it's dark, it's dark.   I know I don't identify with them nearly as much.   

Martha Quinn was right, and Sammy didn't have that.  Don't misunderstand; Dave was never considered a "clown" back in the day - he was the real deal, and I know many women that thought he was stone-cold hot. But he was the guy who hit on your girlfriend and you still wanted to have beers with. Sam hit on your girlfriend and you were scrapping in the driveway.

I still love this lyric: "Mousewife to momshell in the time it took to get that new tattoo"  I think that perfectly captures the explosion (and acceptance) of tattoos in the late 2000's, early 2010's.   To me, that slays a line like "Honey, I ain't through with you...The harder the better (let's do it 'til) we're black and blue."   

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 07, 2022, 09:32:15 AM
Sammy wrote some good stuff, you just have to keep him away from the party/sex stuff where he really was awful. Roth probably did do those topics better, but not sure he ever did much besides those topics.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 07, 2022, 09:34:53 AM


Even though Van Halen would win the war, I always gave the first battle to DLR.

This is so true; I saw DLR (with Cinderella opening, who KILLED it) and it was everything you would hope for from a Van Halen show.  So good. I didn't see the 5150 show, but I was sort of not really impressed with that record.  "Summer Nights" is the only song that REALLY screamed "VAN HALEN!" to me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 07, 2022, 09:37:19 AM
I hear you guys about VH bringing you back to younger days.  I can't listen to Van Hagar without thinking of outdoor summer concerts, as we went to so many of those in the 90s, and all three times I saw VH was in the 90s, outside, in the summer.  Great stuff.

But I also agree that there is a bit of "you had to be there" with them.  It seems like for as much as younger people are getting into artistsloved by their parents, like Queen or Nirvana or Prince or Pink Floyd, you rarely hear about VH making new fans.  Wasn't it Billie Eilish a few years back who asked, "who?", when asked about VH on a late night talk show?  Sure, she is just one person, but I think it's indicative that Van Halen is just not an older band that is grabbing a lot of new fans here in 2022. 


Kev, I saw VH in the summer of '93 outdoors on a fucking HOT July night. It was literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. I even took my shirt off. :lol


Oh, and I have generally regarded OU812 as my favorite Van Hagar album. I just feel that it has a looseness to it. I know Carnal Knowledge is great as well, but I guess I've always found it hard to rate, but I finally figured out why..

The other day at work, I ran through the Sammy albums. I believe Carnal Knowledge is musically the best Sammey album, but those lyrics...Holy Shit...I know the DLR Era gets some grief, but there are no more cringey lyrics in their catalog than Carnal Knowledge. I think that's what has always held me back. But musically, it's one of their strongest albums in their entire catalog.

Tim was that the show at Great Woods where Wolfie ran out while Dad was playing 3:16 and started to dance then Valerie ran onstage to get him?  I was in the 6th row for that show.  Eddie threw a pick and 6 guys all went for it.  We all coconutted our heads.  I saw stars.  No one found the pic. :lol

I waved at Valerie, who was backstage in Charlotte, NC at the opening night of that non-album tour with Roth in what, 2006?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 07, 2022, 10:50:22 AM
5150 is not only my favorite VH album, but it's one of my favorite albums period.

Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 07, 2022, 02:03:29 PM
I'll try to give this a go in the next few days.  I'm just not sure I can find 41 other Van Halen songs I actually like after ranking the songs on 5150.

Regarding the covers songs:  I'm glad they were included.  I might feel differently with covers by other bands, but two things stand out to me with a lot of the covers Van Halen did:  (1) Van Halen generally changed them up and made them their own.  (2) Many of them became featured songs that often charted pretty highly as singles rather that just being forgotten album filler.  I mean, take You Really Got Me, for example.  That became an iconic song.  And I would venture to go farther and say it became an iconic Van Halen song.  There's no way I wouldn't include that one in a discussion of Van Halen's best songs just because "it isn't really a 'Van Halen' songs since it's really 'just a cover' of a Kinks song."  Not saying others have to agree, but that's my take on it. 

Regarding VH III:  Hated it.  I was psyched that they got Cherone because I'm a fan, and thought he was (and still is) a great singer with both the range and the charisma to pull off the back catalog and take VH forward.  But the songs just weren't there.  And the title really left a bad taste in my mouth as well.  Eddie seemed to be saying, "Me and my brother are Van Halen.  If you stand behind the mic for us, you are just a number."  Maybe that's not what he meant, but that's how I took it. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 02:17:00 PM
Regarding the covers songs:  I'm glad they were included.  I might feel differently with covers by other bands, but two things stand out to me with a lot of the covers Van Halen did:  (1) Van Halen generally changed them up and made them their own.  (2) Many of them became featured songs that often charted pretty highly as singles rather that just being forgotten album filler.  I mean, take You Really Got Me, for example.  That became an iconic song.  And I would venture to go farther and say it became an iconic Van Halen song.  There's no way I wouldn't include that one in a discussion of Van Halen's best songs just because "it isn't really a 'Van Halen' songs since it's really 'just a cover' of a Kinks song."  Not saying others have to agree, but that's my take on it. 


I agree. It's an essential VH track.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 07, 2022, 04:06:10 PM
I'm not fully on board the 'including cover songs' in the top 50, however I have to concede that the VH version of You Really Got Me is pretty much an 'iconic' VH track. I think I will have to include this one. I know the same can be said about a couple of others as well, including Pretty Woman but I'm going to stick with one cover in the top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 04:15:54 PM

Tim was that the show at Great Woods where Wolfie ran out while Dad was playing 3:16 and started to dance then Valerie ran onstage to get him?  I was in the 6th row for that show.  Eddie threw a pick and 6 guys all went for it.  We all coconutted our heads.  I saw stars.  No one found the pic. :lol

I waved at Valerie, who was backstage in Charlotte, NC at the opening night of that non-album tour with Roth in what, 2006?


That's weird, but at least this post from another forum makes sense..


Quote from: Valerie
There was this one fucking weirdo in Charlotte a few years back. The creep kept waving at me like he knew me. I remember because he also had this nerdy oxford shirt on. I mean, was he doing his taxes between songs? Anyway, I just gave him the finger.





Oh, and Joe, I have zero recollection of little Wolfgang running on stage.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 04:17:41 PM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 07, 2022, 04:22:52 PM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

Another thing they both had in common is that the DLR era largely sucked and the Sammy era was largely pretty good.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 04:29:36 PM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

Another thing they both had in common is that the DLR era largely sucked and the Sammy era was largely pretty good.

That's crazy.

That's like taking Contageous, Down For The Count, and Ten over Earthshaker, Black Tiger and Mean Streak.

Of course, you probably would..
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 07, 2022, 04:36:21 PM
That's like taking Contageous, Down For The Count, and Ten over Earthshaker, Black Tiger and Mean Streak

No, it's nothing like that.  It's more like taking Departure, Escape, and Frontiers over Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next (keeping with the Herbie Herbert theme). 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 07, 2022, 04:44:13 PM
I'm not fully on board the 'including cover songs' in the top 50, however I have to concede that the VH version of You Really Got Me is pretty much an 'iconic' VH track. I think I will have to include this one. I know the same can be said about a couple of others as well, including Pretty Woman but I'm going to stick with one cover in the top 50.

This is a weird thing to fret about IMO. They are VH songs even if the band didn’t write them. It’s a big part of their early identity.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 04:52:16 PM
That's like taking Contageous, Down For The Count, and Ten over Earthshaker, Black Tiger and Mean Streak

No, it's nothing like that.  It's more like taking Departure, Escape, and Frontiers over Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next (keeping with the Herbie Herbert theme).

er...you lost me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 07, 2022, 04:59:08 PM
That's like taking Contageous, Down For The Count, and Ten over Earthshaker, Black Tiger and Mean Streak

No, it's nothing like that.  It's more like taking Departure, Escape, and Frontiers over Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next (keeping with the Herbie Herbert theme).

er...you lost me.

Oh, back to Y&T?  It's actually called "I'm Lost," and it was on the Struck Down album, which isn't one of the three you mentioned.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 05:09:01 PM
That's like taking Contageous, Down For The Count, and Ten over Earthshaker, Black Tiger and Mean Streak

No, it's nothing like that.  It's more like taking Departure, Escape, and Frontiers over Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next (keeping with the Herbie Herbert theme).

er...you lost me.

Oh, back to Y&T?  It's actually called "I'm Lost," and it was on the Struck Down album, which isn't one of the three you mentioned.

Well, I was really just trying to show you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 07, 2022, 05:10:24 PM


I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

For sure. That is why I like to call them "party rock," but "summer rock" works just fine as well.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 07, 2022, 05:15:25 PM
I'm not fully on board the 'including cover songs' in the top 50, however I have to concede that the VH version of You Really Got Me is pretty much an 'iconic' VH track. I think I will have to include this one. I know the same can be said about a couple of others as well, including Pretty Woman but I'm going to stick with one cover in the top 50.

This is a weird thing to fret about IMO. They are VH songs even if the band didn’t write them. It’s a big part of their early identity.

Yeah, all good I totally agree the covers are a part of their early identity. It seems everyone is onboard including them so I'll do the same.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 07, 2022, 05:29:23 PM
So, I copied my ranking from the pubmeeple ranking engine to my notes in my iPhone. Anyone know a shortcut to put it in reverse order without having to retype everything?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2022, 08:18:02 PM
My list has been sent!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 07, 2022, 08:38:57 PM
My list has been sent!!

No sex and too much time on his hands. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 03:14:28 AM
My list has been sent!!

No sex and too much time on his hands.

WUT! :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 08, 2022, 06:04:22 AM
My list has been sent!!

No sex and too much time on his hands.

WUT! :lol

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c8/8a/81/c88a8171b7befd91bface875ffea0bf4.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2022, 06:48:39 AM

Tim was that the show at Great Woods where Wolfie ran out while Dad was playing 3:16 and started to dance then Valerie ran onstage to get him?  I was in the 6th row for that show.  Eddie threw a pick and 6 guys all went for it.  We all coconutted our heads.  I saw stars.  No one found the pic. :lol

I waved at Valerie, who was backstage in Charlotte, NC at the opening night of that non-album tour with Roth in what, 2006?


That's weird, but at least this post from another forum makes sense..


Quote from: Valerie
There was this one fucking weirdo in Charlotte a few years back. The creep kept waving at me like he knew me. I remember because he also had this nerdy oxford shirt on. I mean, was he doing his taxes between songs? Anyway, I just gave him the finger.





Oh, and Joe, I have zero recollection of little Wolfgang running on stage.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.  Unfortunately, that's me.  :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2022, 06:57:05 AM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

Another thing they both had in common is that the DLR era largely sucked and the Sammy era was largely pretty good.

Funny enough... I traveled Wednesday and Thursday, so I did a big listen-through.  I got from VHI through most of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and two things struck me right out of the gate:

- Eddie Van Halen is an American treasure.   He is (was?) so friggin' good.  EVERY SONG has some moment where you go "huh!?"  Even nine albums in, 13 years later, he's coming up with stuff that turns your head. 
- The Sammy years just don't hold up over time the way the Roth years do.  I get it, maybe it's me, but I put on "Atomic Punk" or "Panama" and I am TRANSPORTED.  I am 17 again, and I am living life large.   There isn't really any song in the Hagar portion that does just that.  MAYBE Cabo Wabo. 

I'm going to go back to what I wrote about the lyrics, but it just seems like Roth is (was?) a Cadillac, making love, Zack Effron as a cherubic high schooler in High School Musical, or Emeril slicing a fine cut of meat with a precision Henkel knife.  Sammy (in Van Halen, since his solo stuff is different) is (was?) a Humvee, fucking, Zack Effron as a frat boy in that movie with Seth Rogan, or Gallagher opening a watermelon with a sledgehammer.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: emtee on April 08, 2022, 07:09:23 AM
Yep, not sure there has ever been a more summertime, roll the windows down, Frisbee at the park, hanging with friends band than DLR era VH. Possibly Boston's first two. So many great memories.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 08, 2022, 07:14:48 AM
Yep, not sure there has ever been a more summertime, roll the windows down, Frisbee at the park, hanging with friends band than DLR era VH. Possibly Boston's first two. So many great memories.

Keeping speaking the truth!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 08, 2022, 08:37:21 AM
Regarding VH III:  Hated it.  I was psyched that they got Cherone because I'm a fan, and thought he was (and still is) a great singer with both the range and the charisma to pull off the back catalog and take VH forward.  But the songs just weren't there.  And the title really left a bad taste in my mouth as well.  Eddie seemed to be saying, "Me and my brother are Van Halen.  If you stand behind the mic for us, you are just a number."  Maybe that's not what he meant, but that's how I took it.
These are, well, my EXACT feelings on VH III.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Max Kuehnau on April 08, 2022, 08:48:52 AM
Regarding VH III:  Hated it.  I was psyched that they got Cherone because I'm a fan, and thought he was (and still is) a great singer with both the range and the charisma to pull off the back catalog and take VH forward.  But the songs just weren't there.  And the title really left a bad taste in my mouth as well.  Eddie seemed to be saying, "Me and my brother are Van Halen.  If you stand behind the mic for us, you are just a number."  Maybe that's not what he meant, but that's how I took it.
These are, well, my EXACT feelings on VH III.
IIRC, Ed and Al meant the III to represent the third official lineup of the band (after DLR and Sammy Hagar, respectively). I don't hate the album, but it's not among my favourites.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 08, 2022, 10:20:18 AM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

Another thing they both had in common is that the DLR era largely sucked and the Sammy era was largely pretty good.

Funny enough... I traveled Wednesday and Thursday, so I did a big listen-through.  I got from VHI through most of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and two things struck me right out of the gate:

- Eddie Van Halen is an American treasure.   He is (was?) so friggin' good.  EVERY SONG has some moment where you go "huh!?"  Even nine albums in, 13 years later, he's coming up with stuff that turns your head. 
- The Sammy years just don't hold up over time the way the Roth years do.  I get it, maybe it's me, but I put on "Atomic Punk" or "Panama" and I am TRANSPORTED.  I am 17 again, and I am living life large.   There isn't really any song in the Hagar portion that does just that.  MAYBE Cabo Wabo. 

I'm going to go back to what I wrote about the lyrics, but it just seems like Roth is (was?) a Cadillac, making love, Zack Effron as a cherubic high schooler in High School Musical, or Emeril slicing a fine cut of meat with a precision Henkel knife.  Sammy (in Van Halen, since his solo stuff is different) is (was?) a Humvee, fucking, Zack Effron as a frat boy in that movie with Seth Rogan, or Gallagher opening a watermelon with a sledgehammer.

Yeah, you've said similar things several times about Dave/Sammy.  Repeating the same thing over and over doesn't strengthen the argument. 

To me, they are equally crass and disgusting.  There is nothing "Cadillac" or high brow about Dave's lyrics ("reach down between my legs and ease the seat back, and...") or his stage banter ("oh my God, I'm so drunk I forgot the f*&ng words, haha" or "this guy down here looks like he's having a good time...wait until I f*&k his girlfriend backstage").  He was just as much in the gutter as Sammy, if not moreso.  The difference to me is that Sammy was more "everyman"-ish about it.  Dave was more the preening rooster that thought it was all about him and his narcissism, whereas the Sammy vibe felt more to me like "hey, let's all just hang out and have a party together."  Or to put it anther way, the Dave performances feel more to me like they centered around Dave, with his attitude being that the crowd needed to put in the work to come and enjoy his art.  In contrast, the Sammy performances feel more like they centered around the collective of Sammy, the band, and the crowd, with Sammy and the band being the ones to put in the work to make sure the crowd were enjoying themselves.  You can like or prefer either approach.  But to me, the second is more relatable and enjoyable. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 08, 2022, 11:50:09 AM
My exact thoughts.  AGAIN.

With anyone else, I would say "Get out of my head!"  But you?  You can stay.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2022, 12:17:57 PM
Even though I prefer the Roth ones, I have great memories of riding around with a buddy in the summer of '86 with the 5150 cassette cranking away.

I'll say that the thing that both the DLR and Sammy eras have in common is that they were both great for rolling down the windows in the summer and cranking it. Great beach music, great keg party music, tailgating...

Another thing they both had in common is that the DLR era largely sucked and the Sammy era was largely pretty good.

Funny enough... I traveled Wednesday and Thursday, so I did a big listen-through.  I got from VHI through most of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and two things struck me right out of the gate:

- Eddie Van Halen is an American treasure.   He is (was?) so friggin' good.  EVERY SONG has some moment where you go "huh!?"  Even nine albums in, 13 years later, he's coming up with stuff that turns your head. 
- The Sammy years just don't hold up over time the way the Roth years do.  I get it, maybe it's me, but I put on "Atomic Punk" or "Panama" and I am TRANSPORTED.  I am 17 again, and I am living life large.   There isn't really any song in the Hagar portion that does just that.  MAYBE Cabo Wabo. 

I'm going to go back to what I wrote about the lyrics, but it just seems like Roth is (was?) a Cadillac, making love, Zack Effron as a cherubic high schooler in High School Musical, or Emeril slicing a fine cut of meat with a precision Henkel knife.  Sammy (in Van Halen, since his solo stuff is different) is (was?) a Humvee, fucking, Zack Effron as a frat boy in that movie with Seth Rogan, or Gallagher opening a watermelon with a sledgehammer.

Yeah, you've said similar things several times about Dave/Sammy.  Repeating the same thing over and over doesn't strengthen the argument. 

To me, they are equally crass and disgusting.  There is nothing "Cadillac" or high brow about Dave's lyrics ("reach down between my legs and ease the seat back, and...") or his stage banter ("oh my God, I'm so drunk I forgot the f*&ng words, haha" or "this guy down here looks like he's having a good time...wait until I f*&k his girlfriend backstage").  He was just as much in the gutter as Sammy, if not moreso.  The difference to me is that Sammy was more "everyman"-ish about it.  Dave was more the preening rooster that thought it was all about him and his narcissism, whereas the Sammy vibe felt more to me like "hey, let's all just hang out and have a party together."  Or to put it anther way, the Dave performances feel more to me like they centered around Dave, with his attitude being that the crowd needed to put in the work to come and enjoy his art.  In contrast, the Sammy performances feel more like they centered around the collective of Sammy, the band, and the crowd, with Sammy and the band being the ones to put in the work to make sure the crowd were enjoying themselves.  You can like or prefer either approach.  But to me, the second is more relatable and enjoyable.

I'm not suggesting that "repeating it makes it stronger"; it's more that it's an intangible that's hard to put into words and so I'm trying to sharpen my pencil. 

Even with the more serious topics, there just seemed a more carnival type humor to the Roth years that was lost for me in the Hagar years.  I don't expect anyone to change their minds on what I wrote, but I had hoped that someone would be able to identify with it.

I don't really go to "narcissism" when talking about rock stars; they're all narcissists to begin with.  I think I want to stew on that point about putting in the work; I hadn't thought about it that way before.  I know for me, as a young kid who looked up to some of these stars there was something different about the Gene Simmons' and David Lee Roth's of the world that, later, when I got older, wasn't as... I don't know what the word is, "pure"?...in Sammy.  I love Sammy, I have every one of his solo albums after Red, and the Geffen records are SOLID.  I get the "everyman" part of things.  But there was a frat-boy-ishness to the Van Hagar that didn't connect as much.  I'm not intending this to be universal, it's just my take.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 08, 2022, 12:52:22 PM
I don't really go to "narcissism" when talking about rock stars; they're all narcissists to begin with.

Yes, that's very true.  I guess it's just a matter of degree, and there are definitely artists out there who step far enough over the line where it becomes unpalatable for me.  Sammy also displays a fair degree of narcissism.  It's just not to quite the level of quantity or quality of Dave's, at least in the way it strikes me personally.  But that said, let me also say as a sidenote that I am somewhat of a hypocrite in that department, as are you, and as are most if not all music fans.  We can't stand artist A because of his/her self-centered, narcissistic behavior, while we tolerate and minimize the same thing in artist B just because we like him/her or identify with his/her music more.  Guilty as charged.

EDIT:  Since you like to mention Simmons a lot, I'll add something about him to the discussion.  First off, I'm not a Kiss fan at all.  Never have been.  But that aside, I put Gene and Dave in a similar category in a lot of respects.  But here's the difference for me:  Gene is a pure businessman, and to an extent, his public persona is an act, and he is not shy about that at all.  Notwithstanding how long he has been a public figure, and that fact that he did a "reality show," I don't think anyone outside of Gene's close circle of family, friends, and bandmates really knows the real Gene vs. the character.  But he is self aware of two important things:  (1) Gene Simmons is a character, and he is playing a role whenever he is in the public eye; and (2) while he isn't shy about the fact that everything he does is to earn every last penny he can from the fans, he is fully aware that the fans are 100% his bread and butter, that he owes them everything when it comes to the life he has led, and he will give 100% to the fans because he is grateful.  I don't really get either of those from Dave, at least not to the same degree as Gene.  In that regard, whether or not I like Gene, I have a certain degree of respect for him that I don't have for Dave.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 01:52:54 PM
So Bosk, you really detest David Lee Roth? Is this what I'm getting?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bosk1 on April 08, 2022, 02:22:48 PM
"Detest" is much too strong a word.  I'm just indifferent.  Not a fan.  That said, I do think he contributed to some good songs during his time with VH.  But have never been a fan of him or his schtick.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 08, 2022, 02:35:27 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

You know, I can honestly never tell if you’re trolling or not. Only 17 Roth songs, and that includes ADKOT?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 02:43:11 PM
"Detest" is much too strong a word.  I'm just indifferent.  Not a fan.  That said, I do think he contributed to some good songs during his time with VH.  But have never been a fan of him or his schtick.

I think it got worse over time. The other day, I linked the Montreal boots of the '82 and '84 shows. Dave is quite different in the '84 show as he barely sings and basically just jumps around the stage, almost oblivious to what the BAND is actually doing. I can definitely see how they grew sick of his schtick.

I remember when they were on Rockline when 1984 was released. They were trying to present a party atmosphere on the show, but all they did was hoop it up and yipyap the whole time. It was quite annoying to listen to. And I was a huge fan.

As much as I remember liking Eat 'Em And Smile, and the subsequent tour, I never really stayed close to what DLR was doing. Without Eddie, he had no vehicle.

I generally enjoyed the Sammy Era. I only have my experience, but the DLR Era coincided with me coming of age, and that music resonated with me. 5150 was a bit lite for me at that time, and I was much more into metal in the late 80's. Still, I continued to buy the Van Hagar albums and go to the shows. They always remained very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 08, 2022, 02:56:58 PM
Similar to how Chevy Chase was really funny in the late 70s and 80s and then he just stopped being funny in the blink of an eye, Roth's persona just suddenly stopped being amusing in the late 80s/early 90s.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 08, 2022, 03:07:52 PM
Similar to how Chevy Chase was really funny in the late 70s and 80s and then he just stopped being funny in the blink of an eye, Roth's persona just suddenly stopped being amusing in the late 80s/early 90s.

Wow!  Bingo!  The perfect analogy.  :tup

But much earlier for both.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 08, 2022, 03:12:45 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

You know, I can honestly never tell if you’re trolling or not. Only 17 Roth songs, and that includes ADKOT?

I haven’t heard ADKOT to be honest. I don’t own any of the DLR albums and thought Tattoo was pretty meh, so I didn’t bother.

I feel like I go out of my way to explain controversial takes, so no I’m not trolling. I don’t care for the DLR stuff beyond some of the hits and a few deep tracks here and there. I’m also not a big fan of his schtick, though admittedly Hagar’s isn’t much better. I prefer the more serious side of VH, rare as it may be. III had more of that than the prior two eras, and I genuinely think the music on it is great.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 03:22:06 PM
Similar to how Chevy Chase was really funny in the late 70s and 80s and then he just stopped being funny in the blink of an eye, Roth's persona just suddenly stopped being amusing in the late 80s/early 90s.

Chevy Chase was never funny though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 08, 2022, 03:24:46 PM
I just sent you my list Kev.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2022, 04:59:12 PM
Similar to how Chevy Chase was really funny in the late 70s and 80s and then he just stopped being funny in the blink of an eye, Roth's persona just suddenly stopped being amusing in the late 80s/early 90s.

Even for me, who appears to be the Roth flagbearer, it wasn't perfect.  I liked him MUCH better in Van Halen.  A little Dave goes a long way, and he got sillier as he got older.   I dig the hungry, lean Roth more than I dig the Borscht Belt Vaudvillian Roth, though it was hints of that latter part that made the former part interesting.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2022, 05:03:08 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

You know, I can honestly never tell if you’re trolling or not. Only 17 Roth songs, and that includes ADKOT?

I haven’t heard ADKOT to be honest. I don’t own any of the DLR albums and thought Tattoo was pretty meh, so I didn’t bother.

I feel like I go out of my way to explain controversial takes, so no I’m not trolling. I don’t care for the DLR stuff beyond some of the hits and a few deep tracks here and there. I’m also not a big fan of his schtick, though admittedly Hagar’s isn’t much better. I prefer the more serious side of VH, rare as it may be. III had more of that than the prior two eras, and I genuinely think the music on it is great.


Look, if you don't like Roth, you don't like Roth, and nothing on ADKOT is going to radically change that.  But I do know this:  I HATED Tattoo when I first heard it.  Thought it was embarassing and I thought it was a joke.  I couldn't imagine what Ed was thinking.  But then I heard the whole album, in context, and Tattoo has really grown on me, and the album itself is one of my favorite Van Halen records.  Dave is on FIRE on that record, IMO, and I think Wolfie kind of lit a fire under dad's ass.  It's worth a listen, even if just for Blood And Fire.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: jammindude on April 08, 2022, 05:37:43 PM
I can absolutely testify…Tattoo is the worst song on the album, and actually is made even worse by the fact that it doesn’t even sound like anything else on the album.

It’s really odd. It was almost like they made a really fantastic Van Halen album, and then at the last minute decided that it lacked a cheesy single so they threw it on there as an afterthought.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 05:38:33 PM

It’s really odd. It was almost like they made a really fantastic Van Halen album, and then at the last minute decided that it lacked a cheesy single so they threw it on there as an afterthought.

Well, they did that with Jump when they made 1984.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 08, 2022, 06:32:08 PM
Had a run through VH2. Eh, not bad.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 08, 2022, 06:35:01 PM
Had a run through VH2. Eh, not bad.

Great stuff on that album. Eddie crushes it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: bl5150 on April 08, 2022, 08:49:59 PM
Light Up The Sky  :metal    I used to play that a few times by itself first and then listen to the rest.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 08, 2022, 09:25:49 PM
Light Up The Sky  :metal    I used to play that a few times by itself first and then listen to the rest.

That was by far the best songs on my listen, easily.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 08, 2022, 09:44:20 PM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

You know, I can honestly never tell if you’re trolling or not. Only 17 Roth songs, and that includes ADKOT?

I haven’t heard ADKOT to be honest. I don’t own any of the DLR albums and thought Tattoo was pretty meh, so I didn’t bother.

I feel like I go out of my way to explain controversial takes, so no I’m not trolling. I don’t care for the DLR stuff beyond some of the hits and a few deep tracks here and there. I’m also not a big fan of his schtick, though admittedly Hagar’s isn’t much better. I prefer the more serious side of VH, rare as it may be. III had more of that than the prior two eras, and I genuinely think the music on it is great.


Look, if you don't like Roth, you don't like Roth, and nothing on ADKOT is going to radically change that.  But I do know this:  I HATED Tattoo when I first heard it.  Thought it was embarassing and I thought it was a joke.  I couldn't imagine what Ed was thinking.  But then I heard the whole album, in context, and Tattoo has really grown on me, and the album itself is one of my favorite Van Halen records.  Dave is on FIRE on that record, IMO, and I think Wolfie kind of lit a fire under dad's ass.  It's worth a listen, even if just for Blood And Fire.

I agree with this. I also hated Tattoo when I first heard it but it has definitely grown on me. Once I had the whole album and gave it a few spins it all came together. Overall it is a really strong record.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 03:37:18 AM
Light Up The Sky  :metal    I used to play that a few times by itself first and then listen to the rest.

Brent, you better be making a list and joining in!!!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 09, 2022, 06:26:35 AM
List sent. The singer breakdown surprised me a bit (I thought it would be more like 30/10/10). Mostly a result of some Sammy era songs not aging well for me.

Hagar: 22
Roth: 17
Cherone: 11

Though some of those are instrumental anyway!

You know, I can honestly never tell if you’re trolling or not. Only 17 Roth songs, and that includes ADKOT?

I haven’t heard ADKOT to be honest. I don’t own any of the DLR albums and thought Tattoo was pretty meh, so I didn’t bother.

I feel like I go out of my way to explain controversial takes, so no I’m not trolling. I don’t care for the DLR stuff beyond some of the hits and a few deep tracks here and there. I’m also not a big fan of his schtick, though admittedly Hagar’s isn’t much better. I prefer the more serious side of VH, rare as it may be. III had more of that than the prior two eras, and I genuinely think the music on it is great.


Look, if you don't like Roth, you don't like Roth, and nothing on ADKOT is going to radically change that.  But I do know this:  I HATED Tattoo when I first heard it.  Thought it was embarassing and I thought it was a joke.  I couldn't imagine what Ed was thinking.  But then I heard the whole album, in context, and Tattoo has really grown on me, and the album itself is one of my favorite Van Halen records.  Dave is on FIRE on that record, IMO, and I think Wolfie kind of lit a fire under dad's ass.  It's worth a listen, even if just for Blood And Fire.

My thoughts, word for word.

Look, I'm not going to 'try' and convince anyone that VHIII is worth revisiting (even though I enjoy the record), but if you haven't given ADKOT a spin, you are missing out. Not only does the record 'sound' fantastic, everyone is on fire ( ;D) throughout.

Just do yourself a favor, skip straight to 'She's The Woman,' and let the band take it from there (still think that should have been the album opener).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2022, 07:24:12 AM
Everyone can do their top 50 however they like, but I feel it's a bit weak to at least not give all or most of the catalogue a listen before doing it for this exercise rather than ignoring a big chunk of it. But that's just me.  Again though, your favorites are your favorites. :)

I with you guys on A Different Kind of Truth. While the mix is a little hot, the songs are mostly there.  I do think Tattoo is mostly blah, although there are a few good moments, but the back half of it is crazy good.  The four-song run of The Trouble with Never through Big River is awesome.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 09, 2022, 07:58:26 AM
Everyone can do their top 50 however they like, but I feel it's a bit weak to at least not give all or most of the catalogue a listen before doing it for this exercise rather than ignoring a big chunk of it. But that's just me.  Again though, your favorites are your favorites. :)

I with you guys on A Different Kind of Truth. While the mix is a little hot, the songs are mostly there.  I do think Tattoo is mostly blah, although there are a few good moments, but the back half of it is crazy good.  The four-song run of The Trouble with Never through Big River is awesome.

I’ll give ADKOT a spin just to see what’s up. But including anything from it would have been pretty unlikely (and not much different than including something from A View From The Top of The World in our DT lists, which was prohibited). I am familiar with all the other DLR albums and did do some spot checking on songs I wasn’t that familiar with before ranking.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 09, 2022, 08:03:12 AM
Everyone can do their top 50 however they like, but I feel it's a bit weak to at least not give all or most of the catalogue a listen before doing it for this exercise rather than ignoring a big chunk of it. But that's just me.  Again though, your favorites are your favorites. :)

I with you guys on A Different Kind of Truth. While the mix is a little hot, the songs are mostly there.  I do think Tattoo is mostly blah, although there are a few good moments, but the back half of it is crazy good.  The four-song run of The Trouble with Never through Big River is awesome.

Yup. I bet at least 6 songs from that album will make my list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 09, 2022, 08:45:12 AM
Also, I need to point out that in going through my list there is no explicit bias against Hagar - I just genuinely enjoy the earlier albums more, plus ADKOT. I love the emphasis on guitar, not synths, and the hooks and energy of the songs. So I'm not going out of my way to exclude Hagar songs, but right now there's only 2.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 09, 2022, 09:16:05 AM
Relistening the first 5 albuns - that I Iistened less than the others, since I followed VH closely since Hagar joined the band - and it’s really hard to compare the best of Roth era with Hagar/Cherone era. The Roth era is so visceral, has so much energy and driven by those incredibly guitar riffs… but I still love the more melodic and elaborated VH that emerged after that. So I can see my list being almost equally splited between the 2 eras (but I think my fave VH song is still one from Hagar era…).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 09:27:00 AM
Light Up The Sky  :metal    I used to play that a few times by itself first and then listen to the rest.

That was by far the best songs on my listen, easily.

 :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 09, 2022, 10:08:24 AM
Light Up The Sky  :metal    I used to play that a few times by itself first and then listen to the rest.

That was by far the best songs on my listen, easily.

 :metal

Before the last tour, they hadn’t played that song since 1979.  Imagine being at that first 2015 show, and they walked out and opened with that monster.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2022, 11:07:53 AM
Everyone can do their top 50 however they like, but I feel it's a bit weak to at least not give all or most of the catalogue a listen before doing it for this exercise rather than ignoring a big chunk of it. But that's just me.  Again though, your favorites are your favorites. :)

I with you guys on A Different Kind of Truth. While the mix is a little hot, the songs are mostly there.  I do think Tattoo is mostly blah, although there are a few good moments, but the back half of it is crazy good.  The four-song run of The Trouble with Never through Big River is awesome.

I’ll give ADKOT a spin just to see what’s up. But including anything from it would have been pretty unlikely (and not much different than including something from A View From The Top of The World in our DT lists, which was prohibited). I am familiar with all the other DLR albums and did do some spot checking on songs I wasn’t that familiar with before ranking.

Cool. Just skip Tattoo and remember that most of the best songs are later in the album.  :tup :tup

Relistening the first 5 albuns - that I Iistened less than the others, since I followed VH closely since Hagar joined the band - and it’s really hard to compare the best of Roth era with Hagar/Cherone era. The Roth era is so visceral, has so much energy and driven by those incredibly guitar riffs… but I still love the more melodic and elaborated VH that emerged after that. So I can see my list being almost equally splited between the 2 eras (but I think my fave VH song is still one from Hagar era…).

Even though I love both eras, I know what you mean.  All of those albums with Roth early on are majorly guitar-driven with Eddie spitting fire killer riffs and leads from every direction (even on 1984, where the synth songs are still in the vast minority), while the first two Sammy albums were heavier on the synths and had more of that 80s sound with lesser bottom end and less beef in the overall mix.  F.U.C.K. was back to rocking hard, with the good mix to boot, but EVH's brown sound is absent, so it's a bit of an anomaly in that regard.  Balance is probably the one Sammy album that sorta sounds like the early albums, and even that is a bit of a stretch. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 09, 2022, 11:57:50 AM
I gave ADKOT a listen. It’s a really strong effort for sure, and Eddie and Alex do seem to be in top form. Roth was rough in places, but better than I thought he’d be and considering his age I thought he sounded good. Now, 90% of a singer I don’t love in the first place is still going to ding the songs for me, but it was an impressive performance overall.

The two highlights for me were Blood and Fire and Big River. There are others I liked as well, but those are the ones I could see having a chance at the top 50 on first listen. A few places I did think, “this would be better with a different singer or as an instrumental,” but for the most part it sounded like classic VH and that means Roth and all that comes with it. I can definitely see how if Roth is your guy, people would like this album a lot.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 09, 2022, 12:03:33 PM
I became a fan with the Hagar-era. The Roth-er stuff made them my favorite band. At least until I discovered DT. As someone on another forum said before, “The Hagar-era was a great band, the Roth-era was MY band!” 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 02:19:51 PM
Here's an awesome website for fans of the DLR Era..
https://www.themightyvanhalen.net/
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2022, 02:47:35 PM
Where is the site for fans of the Cherone era?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 02:50:27 PM
Where is the site for fans of the Cherone era?

Right here. (https://www.wingertheband.com/)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2022, 02:51:45 PM
Where is the site for fans of the Cherone era?

Right here. (https://www.wingertheband.com/)

I knew I was headed for a heartbreak even before I clicked on that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 02:52:41 PM
Where is the site for fans of the Cherone era?

Right here. (https://www.wingertheband.com/)

I knew I was headed for a heartbreak even before I clicked on that.

Apparently couldn't pull one over on you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 09, 2022, 04:02:09 PM
Where is the site for fans of the Cherone era?

Right here. (https://www.wingertheband.com/)

I knew I was headed for a heartbreak even before I clicked on that.

There’s only seventeen fans in the club.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 09, 2022, 04:43:03 PM
Listening to Fair Warning now.  Some cool stuff on this one.  Push Comes to Shove is class.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 09, 2022, 04:52:53 PM
Listening to Fair Warning now.  Some cool stuff on this one.  Push Comes to Shove is class.


I believe it was inevitable.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 10, 2022, 08:12:11 AM
Listening to Fair Warning now.  Some cool stuff on this one.  Push Comes to Shove is class.

The first songs are where it's at, but Push Comes to Shove is nice as well.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 10, 2022, 07:55:19 PM
Six lists so far!  Still three weeks to enter one!

20 total is my best case scenario hope, but hoping we at least get to 15.  Come on, VH fans who have not participated yet, do not make me bug you via PM about this. ;)  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 10, 2022, 08:35:06 PM
I am definitely submitting a list, still trying to finalise it. Actually finding top 50 hard, going to have to leave out a few songs I'd love to include...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 10, 2022, 09:16:59 PM
I won't be submitting until the 30th of April.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 11, 2022, 06:46:19 AM
Listening to Fair Warning now.  Some cool stuff on this one.  Push Comes to Shove is class.
Arguably my favorite VH album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 11, 2022, 06:51:56 AM
Everyone can do their top 50 however they like, but I feel it's a bit weak to at least not give all or most of the catalogue a listen before doing it for this exercise rather than ignoring a big chunk of it. But that's just me.  Again though, your favorites are your favorites. :)

I with you guys on A Different Kind of Truth. While the mix is a little hot, the songs are mostly there.  I do think Tattoo is mostly blah, although there are a few good moments, but the back half of it is crazy good.  The four-song run of The Trouble with Never through Big River is awesome.

I might not be in until just before the wire, but I'm definitely submitting a list.   I've been trying to listen through again before commenting (there were too many songs on the Rush list that I wish I had listened to before ranking).  I'm through the Cherone album (my god) and have listened to the "extras" (Crossing Over, Humans Being, the two Dave songs from the Greatest Hits).  I just have the three new Sammy songs from BOBW, and ADKOT.   

You can count me in, it's a given, I am going on vacation next week and may not be able to do the Ranker until I return (though I will TRY to do it before I go).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 11, 2022, 06:53:40 AM
Listening to Fair Warning now.  Some cool stuff on this one.  Push Comes to Shove is class.


I believe it was inevitable.

I just got that.  Nicely done.

I like the song, but it was never the "go-to" song on the record. Great lyric, though. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 11, 2022, 08:22:41 AM
I didn't include any songs from III or ADKOT on my list.  I didn't like either album.

I'm glad that so many of you guys liked ADKOT, but it just did nothing for me.  It felt a little pathetic to me.  I admit to being predisposed against it, with the return of DLR and the absence of Michael Anthony, but I just don't care for it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 11, 2022, 12:04:11 PM
I didn't include any songs from III or ADKOT on my list.  I didn't like either album.

I'm glad that so many of you guys liked ADKOT, but it just did nothing for me.  It felt a little pathetic to me.  I admit to being predisposed against it, with the return of DLR and the absence of Michael Anthony, but I just don't care for it.

Nothing from ADKOT made my list either. I was excited for it when it came out, even though the lack of Mike was really sad. Musically it’s…okay. Dave’s voice isn’t great and I’ll never understand why Ed liked that ridiculously high gain, buzzsaw sounding guitar tone.

While the three new Sammy songs they did in 2004 weren’t amazing, I would have preferred a full album from them in that vein than ADKOT. But that’s me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 11, 2022, 12:16:44 PM
Controversial statement:  As compared to Balance and III, if we didn't know that Mike wasn't on ADKOT we would never know Mike wasn't on ADKOT.  I actually just listened to the first 11 (out of 13) songs in the car and it holds up.  It's almost like a "Van Halen Career Pastiche".  I can't imagine they DID know this (back in 2012) but that's an album that is sort of a career summation. There's something on there that evokes just about every period of the bands career, IMO.   And in solid fashion. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 11, 2022, 04:13:17 PM
Kev, is it ok to post my Album Distribution stats for my list?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 11, 2022, 04:50:15 PM
Kev, is it ok to post my Album Distribution stats for my list?

Yeah, but April Fools Day was eons ago 😉  (just kidding!)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 11, 2022, 05:29:03 PM
Controversial statement:  As compared to Balance and III, if we didn't know that Mike wasn't on ADKOT we would never know Mike wasn't on ADKOT.  I actually just listened to the first 11 (out of 13) songs in the car and it holds up.  It's almost like a "Van Halen Career Pastiche".  I can't imagine they DID know this (back in 2012) but that's an album that is sort of a career summation. There's something on there that evokes just about every period of the bands career, IMO.   And in solid fashion.

I find it hard to believe that anyone who has any familiarity with the VH catalog wouldn’t notice the lack Mike’s background vocals on ADKOT.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 11, 2022, 05:59:39 PM
Controversial statement:  As compared to Balance and III, if we didn't know that Mike wasn't on ADKOT we would never know Mike wasn't on ADKOT.  I actually just listened to the first 11 (out of 13) songs in the car and it holds up.  It's almost like a "Van Halen Career Pastiche".  I can't imagine they DID know this (back in 2012) but that's an album that is sort of a career summation. There's something on there that evokes just about every period of the bands career, IMO.   And in solid fashion.

I am normally so with you on this topic, but this one point where we diverge. I doubt that I need to tell anyone the value Michael Anthony brought to the table...especially in the vocal department. MA flatout carried the choruses on those early records and man, oh man could he harmonize with Hagar.

While I LOVE ADKOT, there is absolutely no mistaking the fact that Anthony is not there. I think the part that makes it palpable for me is that Wolfie does a bang-up job in both the bass and vocals department.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: it sucks Anthony wasn't involved, but without Wolfie, ADKOT never gets made. So, given the choice, I'll always take the option that leads to more music. Is it the line-up everyone wanted? No. But, in and of itself, the final version of the band had something to offer.

On a side-note: as a father of two, I can honestly say that playing music with my kids is the dream. Thusfar it has yet to happen, but if the stars were to someday align, I'd probably stop at nothing to have a chance to jam with either of my kids. In that regard, I'll always have a soft spot for ADKOT, because I feel like you can literally hear the joy in Eddie's playing.



Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 11, 2022, 06:02:52 PM
Kev, is it ok to post my Album Distribution stats for my list?

Sure.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 11, 2022, 06:28:15 PM
Controversial statement:  As compared to Balance and III, if we didn't know that Mike wasn't on ADKOT we would never know Mike wasn't on ADKOT.  I actually just listened to the first 11 (out of 13) songs in the car and it holds up.  It's almost like a "Van Halen Career Pastiche".  I can't imagine they DID know this (back in 2012) but that's an album that is sort of a career summation. There's something on there that evokes just about every period of the bands career, IMO.   And in solid fashion.

I am normally so with you on this topic, but this one point where we diverge. I doubt that I need to tell anyone the value Michael Anthony brought to the table...especially in the vocal department. MA flatout carried the choruses on those early records and man, oh man could he harmonize with Hagar.

While I LOVE ADKOT, there is absolutely no mistaking the fact that Anthony is not there. I think the part that makes it palpable for me is that Wolfie does a bang-up job in both the bass and vocals department.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: it sucks Anthony wasn't involved, but without Wolfie, ADKOT never gets made. So, given the choice, I'll always take the option that leads to more music. Is it the line-up everyone wanted? No. But, in and of itself, the final version of the band had something to offer.

On a side-note: as a father of two, I can honestly say that playing music with my kids is the dream. Thusfar it has yet to happen, but if the stars were to someday align, I'd probably stop at nothing to have a chance to jam with either of my kids. In that regard, I'll always have a soft spot for ADKOT, because I feel like you can literally hear the joy in Eddie's playing.


I agree with the bolded. ADKOT had no business being as good as it is. I don't love the whole thing, but Dave sounds great, as does Alex. But Eddie crushes it. There's real inspiration on that album.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 11, 2022, 06:41:43 PM
I would say Dave sounds "good enough" on A Different Kind of Truth, almost like they needed dozens of takes of each song to get ones just good enough to put on the record. The rest of the band is on fire.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 11, 2022, 06:44:19 PM
I would say Dave sounds "good enough" on A Different Kind of Truth, almost like they needed dozens of takes of each song to get ones just good enough to put on the record. The rest of the band is on fire.

So be it. Maybe the producer pulled the performance out of him. I must've had low expectations, in fact I know I had low expectations.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 11, 2022, 07:07:37 PM
Here's my Top 50 By Album distribution:

VH....8
VHII....7
Women And Children First....6
Fair Warning....5
Diver Down....3
1984....6
   
5150....4
OU812....1
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge....4
Balance....3
   
VHIII....0   
   
A Different Kind Of Truth....3
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 11, 2022, 07:26:13 PM
Here's my Top 50 By Album distribution:

VH....8
VHII....7
Women And Children First....6
Fair Warning....5
Diver Down....3
1984....6
   
5150....4
OU812....1
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge....4
Balance....3
   
VHIII....0   
   
A Different Kind Of Truth....3

Definite proof of sound musical taste.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 11, 2022, 07:52:02 PM
The Cherone album that bad?  :lol  kind of looking forward to listening to it now.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 12, 2022, 06:27:16 AM
I don’t think id ever listened to For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge before. Did tonight and I have to say I think it might be the best Hagar album, and in my top 5 albums overall. There’s a few that are gonna be on this list, for sure.

WHY HAVE I NOT LISTENED TO THIS BEFORE!?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 06:55:40 AM
The Cherone album that bad?  :lol  kind of looking forward to listening to it now.

Yes, yes it is.  And I'm a Cherone fan; I have almost a complete Extreme catalogue and even a couple of his Tribe of Judah records.   It's that bad.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2022, 07:01:38 AM
The Cherone album that bad?  :lol  kind of looking forward to listening to it now.
If you're expecting a VH album?  Yeah.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 07:03:09 AM
Controversial statement:  As compared to Balance and III, if we didn't know that Mike wasn't on ADKOT we would never know Mike wasn't on ADKOT.  I actually just listened to the first 11 (out of 13) songs in the car and it holds up.  It's almost like a "Van Halen Career Pastiche".  I can't imagine they DID know this (back in 2012) but that's an album that is sort of a career summation. There's something on there that evokes just about every period of the bands career, IMO.   And in solid fashion.

I find it hard to believe that anyone who has any familiarity with the VH catalog wouldn’t notice the lack Mike’s background vocals on ADKOT.

I lived and breathed those first six for YEARS.  My number one song (I just know it) has PROMINENT Michael Anthony vocals.   I'm not knocking him, I'm not belittling him, and I think he's gotten the short end of the stick in terms of his bass playing (there's some tasty stuff on the Roth era albums, and I saw him in a small club with Chickenfoot and he was a beast).   I think some of the stuff about how "poorly" he was treated is hyperbolic, though, and I don't think ADKOT suffers for not having him on there.   I'm with WilliamMunny on this with respect to the notion of playing with your son/nephew.   I MIGHT think different if it was someone different, but it's his SON, who he has written songs for (316) and has/had tattooed on his arm. I saw them live and they - he (Wolfie) - delivered.  Add to it that that album doesn't get done without him and I think the notion that "Mike should have been there" is a red herring.

And I'm standing by my statement: there are a couple songs on there that if you didn't know, you wouldn't know.  CERTAINLY as compared to VHIII and Balance, where Michael isn't as prominent as he was on the early albums. 


I agree with the bolded. ADKOT had no business being as good as it is. I don't love the whole thing, but Dave sounds great, as does Alex. But Eddie crushes it. There's real inspiration on that album.


Agreed
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2022, 07:17:58 AM
I think some of the stuff about how "poorly" he was treated is hyperbolic
HARD disagree. 

I'm with WilliamMunny on this with respect to the notion of playing with your son/nephew.   I MIGHT think different if it was someone different, but it's his SON, who he has written songs for (316) and has/had tattooed on his arm. 
Fuck that, too.  He could have made music with his son on the side at any time without kicking Michael Anthony out of Van Halen.  It's not like he was too busy making VH albums to work on a side project with Wolfie.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 12, 2022, 07:41:34 AM
I think some of the stuff about how "poorly" he was treated is hyperbolic
HARD disagree. 

I'm with WilliamMunny on this with respect to the notion of playing with your son/nephew.   I MIGHT think different if it was someone different, but it's his SON, who he has written songs for (316) and has/had tattooed on his arm. 
Fuck that, too.  He could have made music with his son on the side at any time without kicking Michael Anthony out of Van Halen.  It's not like he was too busy making VH albums to work on a side project with Wolfie.

Michael was treated extremely poorly.  Many times Eddie threatened to kick him out of the band and when Al had money issues, They voted to give Michael less to give Alex more money. Sammy voted no, and even Michael voted yes to take less.  It was like Stockholm syndrome.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 12, 2022, 07:48:38 AM
I know I’m gonna have at least two ADKOT tracks on my top 50 list. I feel like one will be agreed upon, but I don’t know how people would go with the other that’s definitely going in there.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 12, 2022, 09:06:27 AM
And my list has gone in. For anyone interested, here’s the album count.

VH - 9
VHII - 8
WACF -  5
FW - 4
DD - 3
1984 - 5
5150 - 2
OU812 - 3
FUCK - 5
Balance - 2
VHIII - Hahahahaha, no 
ADKOT - 3
   
Weird to me that it has fallen this way, as the count doesn’t fall in line with what I would’ve thought to be my favourite albums overall.
Forgive the language in the Hagar era, but it wasn’t me that named the album by this name just to get that acronym in there.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 09:49:42 AM
I think some of the stuff about how "poorly" he was treated is hyperbolic
HARD disagree. 

I'm with WilliamMunny on this with respect to the notion of playing with your son/nephew.   I MIGHT think different if it was someone different, but it's his SON, who he has written songs for (316) and has/had tattooed on his arm. 
Fuck that, too.  He could have made music with his son on the side at any time without kicking Michael Anthony out of Van Halen.  It's not like he was too busy making VH albums to work on a side project with Wolfie.

Michael was treated extremely poorly.  Many times Eddie threatened to kick him out of the band and when Al had money issues, They voted to give Michael less to give Alex more money. Sammy voted no, and even Michael voted yes to take less.  It was like Stockholm syndrome.

I'm used to being on the wrong side of this argument across the board, but I'm a free will kind of guy.  I'm Team Black Sabbath against Bill Ward, too. There's been no assertion that Mike was under the influence, under duress, or incapacitated in any way when he signed those agreements.  He agreed to it.  The ONLY thing I don't have an answer for is the removal of his image from the album covers, and I think that was only a temporary thing (someone apparently got smart).   There's no call for that.  But everything else... if I was in the band, I would have voted like Sammy, no, but if I lost the vote, I lost the vote.  It by definition turned out the way it's supposed to go.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2022, 09:57:52 AM
He wouldn't have signed it unless he was under duress, or if the alternative is nothing at all.  Who does that of their own free will?

Eddie strongarmed him out.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 12, 2022, 10:00:05 AM
It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 12, 2022, 10:10:48 AM
It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself.

And he had his royalties for the 1984 album reduced also, didn’t he?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 10:15:04 AM
It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself.

I do remember there being a story - not a "story" per se, but an explanation - that early on the band played their instruments but also took on other duties.   Ed had the music and recording.  Alex had the business side of things.  Dave did some of the marketing, booking and artwork.  And one of the... not criticisms, but enlightenments, if you will, is that Mike didn't really have anything else but the bass playing and singing. He didn't write much, he didn't do any of the behind the scenes stuff, so...   And it's not like he didn't get his cut from the first six records, two of which are DIAMOND.  Later, when ROTH sued the band to get his share of royalties (2004-ish) Mike got cut out of certain credits, but he very well could have joined Roth in the lawsuit and demanded what was rightfully his.  They brought back Roth, not Anthony, so suing the brothers apparently isn't a dealbreaker.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 12, 2022, 10:17:33 AM
It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself.

I do remember there being a story - not a "story" per se, but an explanation - that early on the band played their instruments but also took on other duties.   Ed had the music and recording.  Alex had the business side of things.  Dave did some of the marketing, booking and artwork.  And one of the... not criticisms, but enlightenments, if you will, is that Mike didn't really have anything else but the bass playing and singing. He didn't write much, he didn't do any of the behind the scenes stuff, so...   And it's not like he didn't get his cut from the first six records, two of which are DIAMOND.  Later, when ROTH sued the band to get his share of royalties (2004-ish) Mike got cut out of certain credits, but he very well could have joined Roth in the lawsuit and demanded what was rightfully his.  They brought back Roth, not Anthony, so suing the brothers apparently isn't a dealbreaker.

At the end of the day, they need Roth (or Hagar) and not necessarily need Mike. They eventually realized that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 12, 2022, 10:18:35 AM
It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself.

And he had his royalties for the 1984 album reduced also, didn’t he?

Yes.

It all started earlier Stads.  Their manager's book, he wrote about Roth giving the business to Anthony and the 2 brothers fell in line..  During the 1984 tour, he was essentially a sideman. The way he was paid.  Seems he could never stand up for himself.

I do remember there being a story - not a "story" per se, but an explanation - that early on the band played their instruments but also took on other duties.   Ed had the music and recording.  Alex had the business side of things.  Dave did some of the marketing, booking and artwork.  And one of the... not criticisms, but enlightenments, if you will, is that Mike didn't really have anything else but the bass playing and singing. He didn't write much, he didn't do any of the behind the scenes stuff, so...   And it's not like he didn't get his cut from the first six records, two of which are DIAMOND.  Later, when ROTH sued the band to get his share of royalties (2004-ish) Mike got cut out of certain credits, but he very well could have joined Roth in the lawsuit and demanded what was rightfully his.  They brought back Roth, not Anthony, so suing the brothers apparently isn't a dealbreaker.

I think it's obvious that Mike in a non confrontational kind of guy.  He's probably very happy playing with Sammy these days. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 12, 2022, 02:27:07 PM
This popped up in my youtube feed today..relevant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dnFzRxD_G8
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 03:37:01 PM
This popped up in my youtube feed today..relevant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dnFzRxD_G8

Sammy's no pussy, I'll give you that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 12, 2022, 05:08:50 PM

I think it's obvious that Mike in a non confrontational kind of guy.  He's probably very happy playing with Sammy these days.

This, without a doubt.  He is just a chill, laid back guy who wants to have a good time and play some tunes without all of the drama the brothers and Roth often brought/created.  I suspect that on some level Anthony was not happy when he was paid less, used less on some of the later albums, etc., but making a little less in a highly visible mainstream band like Van Halen was still far better than making the most in some new band trying to get itself off the ground and trying to scrap out any profits.   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 12, 2022, 05:21:30 PM
Okay, so I've finished my listening.  Tomorrow's the big day! We're rankin'!   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 12, 2022, 05:54:52 PM
I think it was Steve Rosen, a close friend of Ed’s, that I heard talking about the Mike situation on a podcast. What he was told from Ed was that he was always frustrated that Mike didn’t bring enough to the songwriting table. Ed and Al would jam out songs, and Dave would bring in ideas and lyrics. Mike would just show up and play to whatever they came up with. He wanted Mike to bring in ideas, but that just wasn’t him. Most bands have members who just play along and don’t bring anything to the table. But Ed held everyone to a higher standard. It was like, he expecting everyone to be as talented to him because I’m not sure if he really understand how extraordinary he was.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on April 12, 2022, 06:01:15 PM
And that is true because all sings were credited as Van Halen.  Sometimes resentment settles in when one sees it as "I'm doing more than the other guy."
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 12, 2022, 06:35:12 PM
Okay, so I've finished my listening.  Tomorrow's the big day! We're rankin'!

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 12, 2022, 06:37:01 PM
Just heard Hot For Teacher before a faceoff during the Bruins/Blues game! :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 12, 2022, 06:40:14 PM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/l4pT39GmdUXpi2ggM/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47v02umfk4ygl6ddfc9u7mcodpx6l7ppad6r01p51t&rid=200.webp&ct=g)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 06:16:05 AM
So... I'm doing every song, 125 or some-odd number, and the ranker says "you will have 523 comparisons".   The fourth one:  Sinner's Swing and Dirty Movies - IMPOSSIBLE! - and the sixth one, Blood And Fire and Little Guitars.  We'll see where they ultimately go, but all four have the potential to be Top 20 songs.  Not at this rate they don't!   HAHA.   This is not going to be easy. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 06:23:03 AM
So... I'm doing every song, 125 or some-odd number, and the ranker says "you will have 523 comparisons".   The fourth one:  Sinner's Swing and Dirty Movies - IMPOSSIBLE! - and the sixth one, Blood And Fire and Little Guitars.  We'll see where they ultimately go, but all four have the potential to be Top 20 songs.  Not at this rate they don't!   HAHA.   This is not going to be easy.

Both are awesome, but Sinner's Swing! gets the nod due to "THE" drum fill being the tiebreaker.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 06:26:35 AM
Of course, then a few later was "Me Wise Magic" - another top song for me - and "How Many Say I" - let's be kind and say "not a top song for me".  I think I broke my keyboard on that selection!  :)  :)

(No, I won't keep doing this; i just thought it was interesting how the process goes.)

EDIT:  Okay, one more comment.  I'm finding that some songs will likely be ranked lower not because they suck, but because they are... slight.   I LOVE "Intruder", but as a stand alone song, is it better than, say, some other song with full lyrics and a solo?  I don't think so.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 13, 2022, 06:38:42 AM
So... I'm doing every song, 125 or some-odd number, and the ranker says "you will have 523 comparisons".   The fourth one:  Sinner's Swing and Dirty Movies - IMPOSSIBLE! - and the sixth one, Blood And Fire and Little Guitars.  We'll see where they ultimately go, but all four have the potential to be Top 20 songs.  Not at this rate they don't!   HAHA.   This is not going to be easy.

I’d have to go Sinner’s Swing and Little Guitars. Not a fan of Dirty Movies, and although I have a soft spot for Blood And Fire, it’s not quite as high as Little Guitars was for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 07:07:18 AM
So... I'm doing every song, 125 or some-odd number, and the ranker says "you will have 523 comparisons".   The fourth one:  Sinner's Swing and Dirty Movies - IMPOSSIBLE! - and the sixth one, Blood And Fire and Little Guitars.  We'll see where they ultimately go, but all four have the potential to be Top 20 songs.  Not at this rate they don't!   HAHA.   This is not going to be easy.

I did not do every song. Not for Rush or the DT threads either. No way I could put myself through all of that. But the Ranker does give you fits. I ran the DT and Rush ones twice and adjusted from there.

For this one, I only ran it once and then made manual adjustments.  I went through each album and made nominations for the ranker. I think I only had like 56 songs to go through.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 07:29:48 AM
Don't answer if you want to hold it for the reveal, but how did you deal with the intros and snippets?  I feel like the bottom 20 is going to be just 0:40 soundscapes and Van Halen III.   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 07:37:43 AM
Don't answer if you want to hold it for the reveal, but how did you deal with the intros and snippets?  I feel like the bottom 20 is going to be just 0:40 soundscapes and Van Halen III.

I didn't include them. Come to think of it, I didn't even include Eruption. I should've made an exception for that I guess.

I also think Intruder is really cool, as is Sunday Afternoon In The Park, but they are not Top 50 material. Like I said, I really just nominated enough songs to cover the top 50. I wasn't beating my head against a wall to figure out if a song should be #110 or #118.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 13, 2022, 07:42:37 AM
Don't answer if you want to hold it for the reveal, but how did you deal with the intros and snippets?  I feel like the bottom 20 is going to be just 0:40 soundscapes and Van Halen III.

I didn't include them. Come to think of it, I didn't even include Eruption. I should've made an exception for that I guess.

I also think Intruder is really cool, as is Sunday Afternoon In The Park, but they are not Top 50 material. Like I said, I really just nominated enough songs to cover the top 50. I wasn't beating my head against a wall to figure out if a song should be #110 or #118.

All of that, except that I think VHIII has 33:07 minutes that are really good. :coolio
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 07:50:05 AM
Don't answer if you want to hold it for the reveal, but how did you deal with the intros and snippets?  I feel like the bottom 20 is going to be just 0:40 soundscapes and Van Halen III.

I didn't include them. Come to think of it, I didn't even include Eruption. I should've made an exception for that I guess.

I also think Intruder is really cool, as is Sunday Afternoon In The Park, but they are not Top 50 material. Like I said, I really just nominated enough songs to cover the top 50. I wasn't beating my head against a wall to figure out if a song should be #110 or #118.

All of that, except that I think VHIII has 33:07 minutes that are really good. :coolio

I think that's the half hour between when the producer pushed record and the band finally realized they should start playing.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 08:09:01 AM
Don't answer if you want to hold it for the reveal, but how did you deal with the intros and snippets?  I feel like the bottom 20 is going to be just 0:40 soundscapes and Van Halen III.

I didn't include them. Come to think of it, I didn't even include Eruption. I should've made an exception for that I guess.

I also think Intruder is really cool, as is Sunday Afternoon In The Park, but they are not Top 50 material. Like I said, I really just nominated enough songs to cover the top 50. I wasn't beating my head against a wall to figure out if a song should be #110 or #118.

All of that, except that I think VHIII has 33:07 minutes that are really good. :coolio

I think that's the half hour between when the producer pushed record and the band finally realized they should start playing.

Or the half hour after the album finishes where you sit in complete silence wondering where the hell the past hour went and can you ever get it back?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 13, 2022, 08:34:49 AM
Kev, I'll send my list closer to the deadline, just to make sure if half of VHIII will be in it...  :lol
In fact now I'm hearing better the SH era to make sure what songs will make the list. But it's taking shape as 30 from DLR era, 18 from SH and 2 from GC. When I make this kind of list, as a personal criteria, I like to consider also a fair proportion between the albums and eras that I like more, besides rating the songs individually. Listening to VH discography, it really confirmed that my favorite album is ADKOT (I know this is FAR MORE controversial than liking half of VHIII...) and, from SH era, is Balance. Interesting that those albums were made apparently when the band was more dysfunctional than ever.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 13, 2022, 08:44:00 AM
I have heard tell of a way to get your hour back from listening to VHIII, but no man has ever dared to try it. It is said that the cure is much worse than the disease in this case, and even the mere mention of it could drive a man i n s a n e.

But my brain don’t work proper, so, it didn’t work so goodly on me
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 10:00:25 AM
Given that I made some manual changes, was satisfied, and submitted to Kev, as I went back and counted singers and albums, I'm already dissatisfied!  So many good songs got left off the final list...

In any event...

Roth:       36
Hagar:     13
Cherone: 1

VH I: 10
VH II: 8
WACF: 1
FW: 5
Diver Down: 4
1984: 3
5150: 3
OU812: 3
Carnal: 3
Balance: 4
GHits: 1
VH 3: 1
ADKOT: 4
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 10:25:53 AM
I know which WACF song you picked, and it's likely just as high on my list, but you are severely underrating the rest of that album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 13, 2022, 01:06:40 PM
So full confession I had never heard Balance and had largely forgotten the one before it except the singles. After listening to both of those I can see a few songs making the cut. Some sick playing by Eddie.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 13, 2022, 02:39:51 PM
I know which WACF song you picked, and it's likely just as high on my list, but you are severely underrating the rest of that album.

Even I feel like I agree with you.  I have two other songs that could have been in the Top 50 but I couldn't readily pick something to move down.  Maybe something from I or II, but those records are just SO friggin' good. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 03:13:57 PM
I know which WACF song you picked, and it's likely just as high on my list, but you are severely underrating the rest of that album.

Even I feel like I agree with you.  I have two other songs that could have been in the Top 50 but I couldn't readily pick something to move down.  Maybe something from I or II, but those records are just SO friggin' good.

That was their current album when I became a fan. If I recall, I believe my 8-track edited out the ending of Take Your Whiskey Home.

Take a song like Loss Of Control....the band is on fire on that. It's ferocious. Probably not making anyone else's list though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 05:20:24 PM
Kev, I'll send my list closer to the deadline, just to make sure if half of VHIII will be in it...  :lol
In fact now I'm hearing better the SH era to make sure what songs will make the list. But it's taking shape as 30 from DLR era, 18 from SH and 2 from GC. When I make this kind of list, as a personal criteria, I like to consider also a fair proportion between the albums and eras that I like more, besides rating the songs individually. Listening to VH discography, it really confirmed that my favorite album is ADKOT (I know this is FAR MORE controversial than liking half of VHIII...) and, from SH era, is Balance. Interesting that those albums were made apparently when the band was more dysfunctional than ever.

See, I am the opposite. I pick the songs I like the most and let the chips fall where they may.  They usually end up to where I think, "Okay, yeah, my favorite albums have the most and least favorites the least," but sometimes I get surprised and end up thinking that maybe I like an album more or less than I thought.  And then of course sometimes the whole is greater than the sum, especially with concept albums where there may be a bunch of songs that are not top shelf ones when isolated on their own, but are great within the context of the record, but that is not really a VH thing, is it? :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 05:21:47 PM
I know which WACF song you picked, and it's likely just as high on my list, but you are severely underrating the rest of that album.

Even I feel like I agree with you.  I have two other songs that could have been in the Top 50 but I couldn't readily pick something to move down.  Maybe something from I or II, but those records are just SO friggin' good.

That was their current album when I became a fan. If I recall, I believe my 8-track edited out the ending of Take Your Whiskey Home.

Take a song like Loss Of Control....the band is on fire on that. It's ferocious. Probably not making anyone else's list though.

As much as I like W&CF, its representation isn't great on my top 50 either.  Feels like an album full of a bunch of 8s and a few 7s, while almost every other album has at least a handful or 9s and 10s.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 13, 2022, 05:41:04 PM
OK, I have submitted my list (well I think I have anyway) - sorry Kev for stuffing it up.

My song representations:

Roth: 33
Hagar: 17

Albums:

VH: 10
VHII: 7
WaCF: 3
FW: 4
DD: 1
1984: 6
5150: 7
OU812: 2
Carnal: 6
Balance: 2
ADKoT: 2

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 13, 2022, 05:54:18 PM

Take a song like Loss Of Control....the band is on fire on that. It's ferocious. Probably not making anyone else's list though.

You’d be mistaken if you think no one has Loss of Control.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 05:56:33 PM
9 lists entered into the spread sheet thus far, and we are already down to just two songs that have made all of them.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 13, 2022, 06:14:49 PM
9 lists entered into the spread sheet thus far, and we are already down to just two songs that have made all of them.

Wow! These type of facts will never fail to amaze me. So now I'm thinking this top 50 could be anything! I did find it pretty tough and I have to admit and I know I have left out some really great songs, but surely more than two are 'all time classics' on everyone's lists????
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 13, 2022, 06:36:24 PM
Looking at my split, I can honestly say that my list somehow fails to represent my 'actual' listening habits (most the Hagar albums).

I suppose ranking anything takes into account a lifelong perspective as well as my current tastes. After all, just because I never need to hear 'You Really Got Me' or 'Dreams' ever again doesn't mean I don't think super highly of both songs.

Albums:

VH: 8
VHII: 4
WaCF: 2
FW: 5
DD: 1
1984: 7
5150: 4
OU812: 3
Carnal: 4
Balance: 6
Greatest Hits/Comps: 3
ADKoT: 1
III: 2
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 06:37:47 PM
9 lists entered into the spread sheet thus far, and we are already down to just two songs that have made all of them.

Wow, that's interesting. I know that I don't have one song that 8 others have. Probably 2 or 3 more.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 06:43:43 PM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 13, 2022, 07:02:08 PM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

I'm still finishing and organizing my final list, but sure it will be in my top 15. My fave from ADKOT! :metal :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 07:04:15 PM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

Stop lobbying.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2022, 07:05:21 PM
Haha, but to harken back a bit, I hated not being able to get Loss of Control in my top 50.  Just too many good songs, but that one sure is good fun.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 13, 2022, 07:09:41 PM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

A great song but I feel we will all be saying this about a number of song we don't include in our top 50s - can't include everything!

I loved ADKoT when it was released, however, I don't really return to it often these days.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 13, 2022, 07:28:54 PM
Haha, but to harken back a bit, I hated not being able to get Loss of Control in my top 50.  Just too many good songs, but that one sure is good fun.

Should've bumped Outta Space. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 14, 2022, 06:50:02 AM
I know which WACF song you picked, and it's likely just as high on my list, but you are severely underrating the rest of that album.

Even I feel like I agree with you.  I have two other songs that could have been in the Top 50 but I couldn't readily pick something to move down.  Maybe something from I or II, but those records are just SO friggin' good.

That was their current album when I became a fan. If I recall, I believe my 8-track edited out the ending of Take Your Whiskey Home.

Take a song like Loss Of Control....the band is on fire on that. It's ferocious. Probably not making anyone else's list though.

It's maybe that I'm pissed Kev left "Growth" off the song list.   :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 14, 2022, 06:51:20 AM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

I haven't submitted my list yet  ;).

Yeah, can't wait to see how many people leave Hot for Teacher, Mean Streets, I'm the One, etc off their lists  :(.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 14, 2022, 06:53:08 AM
9 lists entered into the spread sheet thus far, and we are already down to just two songs that have made all of them.

Wow! These type of facts will never fail to amaze me. So now I'm thinking this top 50 could be anything! I did find it pretty tough and I have to admit and I know I have left out some really great songs, but surely more than two are 'all time classics' on everyone's lists????

Yeah, that always stuns me as well.  I can name probably 10 songs that I would just assume would be on all lists.  Though having said that, I'm sure that I'm the one holdout on a couple of songs.  :) 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 14, 2022, 06:57:23 AM
Looking at my split, I can honestly say that my list somehow fails to represent my 'actual' listening habits (most the Hagar albums).

I suppose ranking anything takes into account a lifelong perspective as well as my current tastes. After all, just because I never need to hear 'You Really Got Me' or 'Dreams' ever again doesn't mean I don't think super highly of both songs.

Albums:

VH: 8
VHII: 4
WaCF: 2
FW: 5
DD: 1
1984: 7
5150: 4
OU812: 3
Carnal: 4
Balance: 6
Greatest Hits/Comps: 3
ADKoT: 1
III: 2

I am DYING to know what the SECOND VH3 song is.  I did a complete listen - even to the throwaway songs - and in my not-so-humble opinion that album falls off QUICKLY. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 14, 2022, 06:58:49 AM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

A great song but I feel we will all be saying this about a number of song we don't include in our top 50s - can't include everything!

I loved ADKoT when it was released, however, I don't really return to it often these days.

I can guess I have about five songs to which that applies.  One song in my TOP FIVE might not be on even half the lists.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 14, 2022, 07:03:55 AM
I pick the songs I like the most and let the chips fall where they may.
Same.  The only way to do it that makes sense to me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 14, 2022, 07:04:00 AM
Looking at my split, I can honestly say that my list somehow fails to represent my 'actual' listening habits (most the Hagar albums).

I suppose ranking anything takes into account a lifelong perspective as well as my current tastes. After all, just because I never need to hear 'You Really Got Me' or 'Dreams' ever again doesn't mean I don't think super highly of both songs.

Albums:

VH: 8
VHII: 4
WaCF: 2
FW: 5
DD: 1
1984: 7
5150: 4
OU812: 3
Carnal: 4
Balance: 6
Greatest Hits/Comps: 3
ADKoT: 1
III: 2

I am DYING to know what the SECOND VH3 song is.  I did a complete listen - even to the throwaway songs - and in my not-so-humble opinion that album falls off QUICKLY.

'A Year to the Day' is a top-5 EVH 'guitar' song for me. One of their best 'epics,' and definitely would be viewed differently if it had been released as an EVH solo track.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2022, 06:18:13 PM
I am not surprised to see so few songs making every list. With some fans greatly preferring the Roth era, and some greatly preferring the Hagar era, it is inevitable that a few seemingly obvious choices will get left off a list or two.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 14, 2022, 06:29:47 PM

You made a spelling error. let me fix it.

I am not surprised to see so few songs making every list. With some fans greatly preferring the Roth era, and some greatly preferring the Hagar era, it is inevitable that a few seemingly obvious choices will get left off a list or two. Can somebody else please send Outta Space?

OK, all set.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2022, 06:33:02 PM
Mayday! Mayday!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 14, 2022, 09:39:24 PM
Looking at my split, I can honestly say that my list somehow fails to represent my 'actual' listening habits (most the Hagar albums).

I suppose ranking anything takes into account a lifelong perspective as well as my current tastes. After all, just because I never need to hear 'You Really Got Me' or 'Dreams' ever again doesn't mean I don't think super highly of both songs.

Albums:

VH: 8
VHII: 4
WaCF: 2
FW: 5
DD: 1
1984: 7
5150: 4
OU812: 3
Carnal: 4
Balance: 6
Greatest Hits/Comps: 3
ADKoT: 1
III: 2

I am DYING to know what the SECOND VH3 song is.  I did a complete listen - even to the throwaway songs - and in my not-so-humble opinion that album falls off QUICKLY.

'A Year to the Day' is a top-5 EVH 'guitar' song for me. One of their best 'epics,' and definitely would be viewed differently if it had been released as an EVH solo track.

It’s a banger.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 16, 2022, 05:01:50 PM
Kev, how many lists are we up to so far?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 16, 2022, 05:04:12 PM
Kev, how many lists are we up to so far?

10. Two weeks still to go, and I know a few are still planning to submit, but not sure if we will get to 15 total or not.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 16, 2022, 07:30:09 PM
If you don't get enough lists, you can count mine twice. ;D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 16, 2022, 07:30:42 PM
Redo it and add Outta Space, and it's a done deal.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 16, 2022, 07:31:40 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 17, 2022, 02:23:40 AM
I'm gonna struggle to get a list in.  Still got a few albums to listen to.  Not very motivated to put something together to be honest.  Finding out I'm really not a VH fan at all.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 17, 2022, 06:24:11 AM
I'm gonna struggle to get a list in.  Still got a few albums to listen to.  Not very motivated to put something together to be honest.  Finding out I'm really not a VH fan at all.

It happens.

I will say this: even though I have often said I am a big fan of both the DLR and Sammy eras, the Roth era really does hold up better as a whole.  Some of those Sammy albums really have some clunkers. Not that every song on the Roth albums was a winner, but even the least best ones can still be pretty enjoyable when doing the full album listens.  I know it aggravates Sammy that his era has kind of fallen by the wayside and the Roth era is largely considered peak Van Halen.  Turn on any classic rock station and I would imagine 95% of VH songs that get played are from the Roth era.  Even our local classic rock station, when doing their annual Rock and Roll 500 last spring, they had eight VH songs in there, with only one being from the Hagar era (the lowest ranked one, Right Now at #477).  And that station has historically been a huge supporter of Sammy Hagar (the same countdown had five songs from his solo career), but even they know at this point that the Roth era is where it's at with most when it comes to Van Halen.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 17, 2022, 06:43:50 AM
Interestingly, I had the opinion that it was all about the Roth era and there were very few good Hagar songs. I had thought that Sammy’s third album with the band (I have no idea if I’m allowed to keep using the acronym here) was meant to be awful. 5 tracks from that one made my list, and a fair few Hagar tracks made my top 50, peaking at number 3! I’d never made the effort to get through them before, but it turns out all but two of their albums are awesome. (Wasn’t a fan of Balance or III)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on April 17, 2022, 10:11:47 AM
Man, trying to pick between 2 VHIII songs on Ranker is like trying to decide if I prefer cleaning up cat barf or dog crap more...

Also How Many Say I has to be the absolute worst thing Van Halen has ever done. Maybe the worst thing done by a popular rock group ever.... :puke:

Queen's 'Body Language':  "Hold my beer"

Finally numbering my list.  It was pretty easy:  took the 16 songs that fit on my best of Van Hagar, along with the 20 for the Roth era, then added ten right of the bat that wouldn't fit onto either one.  The remainders were kind of slim pickings.  And I won't be surprised if my #2 comes in at #40 or misses the list entirely. 

Real brief as to VHIII:  at the time, it was hard for me to get into yet another lead singer, along with all the drama.  I certainly knew of Gary Cherone.  Extreme's performance at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert (an Easter Monday thirty frickin years ago already!) made me a fan, 'Pornograffit' is good, so I was hoping for the best.  It just seemed like a 'hollow' offering, and then when I read where Anthony played very little, and the absence of his BVs was stark.  The album cover certainly stunk.

I gave 'Outta Space' and a couple others ADKOT a try.  Just didn't work for me.  Hard to recapture an earlier era.

To end on 'semi positives':  I passed on seeing VH in '79 and '80.  A great guy with a van would take 6-8 along for the 150 mile drive to Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo.  I passed, saying I had a big exam coming up, only because one or two big time jerks were also going.  Years later, they cancelled their OU812 show, but my then wife and I did see the F*CK show but with way too many of those songs.

Oh, and Sammy Hagar put on a great show with a great stage that MTV televised in early '84.  Saw him that fall, a few weeks after the Tigers won the World Series. It was like the state of Michigan was still partying.  Nugent (back when he was cool)  even came out for the encore 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NAcsFR72wI
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 18, 2022, 05:19:40 PM
I'm gonna struggle to get a list in.  Still got a few albums to listen to.  Not very motivated to put something together to be honest.  Finding out I'm really not a VH fan at all.

You be you, but knowing you're a guitar player, that surprises me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 18, 2022, 05:22:39 PM
I'm gonna struggle to get a list in.  Still got a few albums to listen to.  Not very motivated to put something together to be honest.  Finding out I'm really not a VH fan at all.

You be you, but knowing you're a guitar player, that surprises me.

The guitar work is incredible but something about their music I haven't fully taken to.  Maybe they are just too light, not metal enough perhaps.  Maybe just too upbeat for me?  I'll try and sample the rest of the albums though.

I'm not a big DLR fan.  I prefer his solo stuff but for some reason he just doesn't really do it for me.  His 'wooooos' all the time in a lot of the old VH stuff kinda piss me off.  I'll keep trying, I do want to try and do this and there were a few songs I hadn't really heard that I liked.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 19, 2022, 06:57:00 AM
I'm gonna struggle to get a list in.  Still got a few albums to listen to.  Not very motivated to put something together to be honest.  Finding out I'm really not a VH fan at all.

It happens.

I will say this: even though I have often said I am a big fan of both the DLR and Sammy eras, the Roth era really does hold up better as a whole.  Some of those Sammy albums really have some clunkers. Not that every song on the Roth albums was a winner, but even the least best ones can still be pretty enjoyable when doing the full album listens.  I know it aggravates Sammy that his era has kind of fallen by the wayside and the Roth era is largely considered peak Van Halen.  Turn on any classic rock station and I would imagine 95% of VH songs that get played are from the Roth era.  Even our local classic rock station, when doing their annual Rock and Roll 500 last spring, they had eight VH songs in there, with only one being from the Hagar era (the lowest ranked one, Right Now at #477).  And that station has historically been a huge supporter of Sammy Hagar (the same countdown had five songs from his solo career), but even they know at this point that the Roth era is where it's at with most when it comes to Van Halen.

That's definitely true in my case; in forcing myself to re-listen to all the Hagar albums I found so many of those songs to be insipid and toothless.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 19, 2022, 08:04:30 AM
That's where I'm parked; even the Sam songs that made my list are largely there because of Eddie. I meant what I said; in my re-listening, I have a new awareness of just how good that guy was. EVERY songs just about has something that makes me go, "WHA?" to this day.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Dream Team on April 19, 2022, 08:45:12 AM
Submitted my list. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has my #1 song very high; or even my #2 for that matter. Might be considered idiosyncratic.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 19, 2022, 06:03:20 PM
Submitted my list. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has my #1 song very high; or even my #2 for that matter. Might be considered idiosyncratic.

Your number 2 is in my top 10.  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 19, 2022, 06:31:22 PM
Submitted my list. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has my #1 song very high; or even my #2 for that matter. Might be considered idiosyncratic.

I'm fairly certain that I'm the only one who has my 'number 1' in the top 10.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 19, 2022, 07:05:52 PM
Is his #1 in my Top 10?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 19, 2022, 07:41:53 PM
Submitted my list. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has my #1 song very high; or even my #2 for that matter. Might be considered idiosyncratic.

I'm fairly certain that I'm the only one who has my 'number 1' in the top 10.

I really think this could be the case for any of us. We already know that at a maximum only 2 songs are going to appear on everyone's lists so that tells me this top 50 could be anything. I think it is highly likely everyone has a different number 1 song. Van Halen has never been a band to me where I can easily say this or that track is the 'iconic' VH song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 19, 2022, 08:07:40 PM
Is his #1 in my Top 10?

If you are referring to WilliamMunny, no.  In fact, it is not even in your top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 19, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
Is his #1 in my Top 10?

If you are referring to WilliamMunny, no.  In fact, it is not even in your top 50.

I was referring to Dream Team.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 19, 2022, 08:14:29 PM
Is his #1 in my Top 10?

If you are referring to WilliamMunny, no.  In fact, it is not even in your top 50.

I was referring to Dream Team.

Dream Team's number 1 is not in your top 10, but is in your top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 19, 2022, 08:17:34 PM
Gotcha!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 20, 2022, 06:48:17 AM
Van Halen has never been a band to me where I can easily say this or that track is the 'iconic' VH song.

Well, they’ve definitely got a handful of iconic songs. But then they have the biggest divide where the two main singers opens a chasm of different opinions. Each singer probably has 5 or 6 different tracks that could be looked at as “this is THE one”. But that’s always THE one of their era. So, in short, I agree with you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Trav86 on April 20, 2022, 07:10:57 AM
I’m curious to see how “average” my list ends up being.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WardySI on April 21, 2022, 04:06:30 AM
PM'd you thanks Kev🤘

Submitted my list. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has my #1 song very high; or even my #2 for that matter. Might be considered idiosyncratic.

I'm fairly certain that I'm the only one who has my 'number 1' in the top 10.

Expect mine will be same too 😁
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 22, 2022, 07:08:43 PM
I'm having a listen to VH3 right now.  I'm up to Once.  Yeah, this isn't great at all but it's not as bad as the reputation it has, I think.  Not sure if I'll make it to the end though, there's really nothing here worthwhile besides a few Eddie licks.

EDIT:  In Once, Cherone sounds like he's been tied to a chair and tortured but Eddie is all class here.

Might come back to the rest later lol.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 23, 2022, 07:41:39 AM
I'm having a listen to VH3 right now.  I'm up to Once.  Yeah, this isn't great at all but it's not as bad as the reputation it has, I think.  Not sure if I'll make it to the end though, there's really nothing here worthwhile besides a few Eddie licks.

EDIT:  In Once, Cherone sounds like he's been tied to a chair and tortured but Eddie is all class here.

Might come back to the rest later lol.

I know I have said it many times already, but whoever decided that Cherone should tried his hardest to sound like Sammy Hagar on III should be nut punched.  I think there are some good songs and a certain charm to III (even if it is still my 11th favorite VH album out of 12), but I can't help but wonder how it might have sounded had Cherone sang in his normal tone throughout.  The mellow parts of Year to the Day and his lead vocal parts in How Many Say I are the closest we get to Extreme-sounding Cherone.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 07:59:13 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 23, 2022, 08:02:33 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight?
Fools?
In A Simple Rhyme?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on April 23, 2022, 08:11:54 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight?
Fools?
In A Simple Rhyme?
What about Take Your Whiskey Home? Gotta love that classic riff!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 23, 2022, 08:18:02 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight?
Fools?
In A Simple Rhyme?
What about Take Your Whiskey Home? Gotta love that classic riff!

Made my list, brother!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 08:20:35 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight? - Yes
Fools? - Meh
In A Simple Rhyme? - Meh

Actually found Loss of Control one of the more interesting ones.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 08:21:07 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight?
Fools?
In A Simple Rhyme?
What about Take Your Whiskey Home? Gotta love that classic riff!

Nah.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 08:22:12 PM
Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.

I'm gonna try my hardest to get a list done, but yeah, not becoming more of a fan here.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 23, 2022, 08:23:01 PM
Having a run through WACF.......meh.

Romeo Delight? - Yes
Fools? - Meh
In A Simple Rhyme? - Meh

Actually found Loss of Control one of the more interesting ones.

Loss Of Control made my list too. One of the more underrated VH tracks. The band is on fire on that one.



Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.


It's all about The Full Bug. ..
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 08:26:30 PM
The Full Bag easily, and hang 'em High.

Yeah, not sure what the consensus is on Loss of Control, but that was unique and interesting adn yeah the band rips.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 23, 2022, 08:28:58 PM
The Full Bag easily, and hang 'em High.

Yeah, not sure what the consensus is on Loss of Control, but that was unique and interesting adn yeah the band rips.


Yup, Hang 'em High just made it, and Little Guitars is a nice tune. Eddie is all class.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2022, 08:34:00 PM
The Full Bag easily, and hang 'em High.

Yeah, not sure what the consensus is on Loss of Control, but that was unique and interesting adn yeah the band rips.


Yup, Hang 'em High just made it, and Little Guitars is a nice tune. Eddie is all class.

I dunno, these sorts of tunes I just don't care for at all.

I'll keep working through.  Public holiday tomorrow so I'll have a chance to get through the last couple of albums and hopefully revisit most of what stuck and come up with something. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: jammindude on April 23, 2022, 09:19:55 PM
Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.


Shocking.

I mean, I get that the covers aren’t that great, but The Full Bug and Hang ‘Em High are just smokin! Little Guitars is excellent as well.  I quite like the smooth shuffle of Secrets as well.

And you have to accept Big Bad Bill for what it is…and I think it’s fun.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 23, 2022, 09:23:58 PM
Diver Down is solid, but nothing from it had a prayer of making my top 50.  It's the only VH album not represented in my top 50 (even III had one song make it).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 24, 2022, 09:11:25 AM
Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.


Shocking.

I mean, I get that the covers aren’t that great, but The Full Bug and Hang ‘Em High are just smokin! Little Guitars is excellent as well.  I quite like the smooth shuffle of Secrets as well.

And you have to accept Big Bad Bill for what it is…and I think it’s fun.

call me crazy, but I LOVE 'Pretty Woman'

One of my first musical memories is watching that video on MTV, and for a long time (probably until the Julia Roberts movie came out), I assumed that was a VH original. Didn't sound all that far removed from 'Jamie's Cryin' to my young ears.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: jammindude on April 24, 2022, 10:22:46 AM
Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.


Shocking.

I mean, I get that the covers aren’t that great, but The Full Bug and Hang ‘Em High are just smokin! Little Guitars is excellent as well.  I quite like the smooth shuffle of Secrets as well.

And you have to accept Big Bad Bill for what it is…and I think it’s fun.

call me crazy, but I LOVE 'Pretty Woman'

One of my first musical memories is watching that video on MTV, and for a long time (probably until the Julia Roberts movie came out), I assumed that was a VH original. Didn't sound all that far removed from 'Jamie's Cryin' to my young ears.

Good point. I was thinking more of Where Have All the Good Times Gone and Dancing in the Street. Although, truth be told, I kinda like them too. They just don’t hold up to the original stuff.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 24, 2022, 04:07:58 PM
I skipped the fuck out of both those cover songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 24, 2022, 08:47:27 PM
The Full Bag easily, and hang 'em High.

Yeah, not sure what the consensus is on Loss of Control, but that was unique and interesting adn yeah the band rips.


Yup, Hang 'em High just made it, and Little Guitars is a nice tune. Eddie is all class.

I dunno, these sorts of tunes I just don't care for at all.

I'll keep working through.  Public holiday tomorrow so I'll have a chance to get through the last couple of albums and hopefully revisit most of what stuck and come up with something.

So this will fall short today.

However, I'm listening to FUCK now, and this is more like it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 25, 2022, 05:11:35 AM
Diver Down...........this one is pretty fucking terrible.


Shocking.

I mean, I get that the covers aren’t that great, but The Full Bug and Hang ‘Em High are just smokin! Little Guitars is excellent as well.  I quite like the smooth shuffle of Secrets as well.

And you have to accept Big Bad Bill for what it is…and I think it’s fun.

call me crazy, but I LOVE 'Pretty Woman'

One of my first musical memories is watching that video on MTV, and for a long time (probably until the Julia Roberts movie came out), I assumed that was a VH original. Didn't sound all that far removed from 'Jamie's Cryin' to my young ears.

The pairing Intruder/Pretty Woman is amazing!!

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 25, 2022, 06:08:24 AM
I think someone hacked into Wolfking's account, or that lightning bolt fried some of his circuits!  :) :) :)

In A Simply Rhyme is, shall we say, "shockingly" high on my list (single digits) and I LOVE Diver Down.  I know what it is, transitional, made under duress and the band is not on the same page with each other, but that's what makes the good songs great.  I don't care about covers, because Eddie makes every song his own.   "Oh, Pretty Woman" sounds NOTHING like the Roy Orbison original.  "Dancing..." slays the Bowie/Jagger version, and is a classic tune on its own.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 25, 2022, 06:23:30 AM
I think someone hacked into Wolfking's account, or that lightning bolt fried some of his circuits!  :) :) :)

In A Simply Rhyme is, shall we say, "shockingly" high on my list (single digits) and I LOVE Diver Down.  I know what it is, transitional, made under duress and the band is not on the same page with each other, but that's what makes the good songs great.  I don't care about covers, because Eddie makes every song his own.   "Oh, Pretty Woman" sounds NOTHING like the Roy Orbison original.  "Dancing..." slays the Bowie/Jagger version, and is a classic tune on its own.

In a Simple Rhyme is in my single digits as well, and as for Diver Down, two tracks from that one made my top 10, and three made it overall.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 25, 2022, 09:19:26 AM
The only cover worth anything is You Really Got Me. Pretty Woman and Dancin’ are both quite weak. The only interesting thing about Pretty Woman is Intruder, which they only made for the ridiculous video.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 25, 2022, 12:08:27 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 25, 2022, 12:13:32 PM
The Full Bag easily, and hang 'em High.

Yeah, not sure what the consensus is on Loss of Control, but that was unique and interesting adn yeah the band rips.

Yup, Hang 'em High just made it, and Little Guitars is a nice tune. Eddie is all class.

I dunno, these sorts of tunes I just don't care for at all.

I'll keep working through.  Public holiday tomorrow so I'll have a chance to get through the last couple of albums and hopefully revisit most of what stuck and come up with something.

So this will fall short today.

However, I'm listening to FUCK now, and this is more like it.

Now you’re getting to the best era of VH.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 25, 2022, 12:37:55 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

This.

I've had to make my peace with this a handful of times in recent years.

I really 'want' to like Neal Morse, but man oh man, it just doesn't click.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 25, 2022, 01:35:54 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

This.

I've had to make my peace with this a handful of times in recent years.

I really 'want' to like Neal Morse, but man oh man, it just doesn't click.

Everyone has a band like that, I'm sure.   I have a couple; not that I actively dislike them, like Radiohead, but that are so close but just don't make the hairs on my arm stand up.  It is what it is. I don't stew on it too much.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 02:40:00 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

Agree.

There's plenty of stuff I like though and still wouldn't mind doing a list.  If anyone thinks I shouldn't because I'm not a massive fan, let me know.  Part of me thinks it's slightly unfair to participate.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 25, 2022, 02:45:36 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

Agree.

There's plenty of stuff I like though and still wouldn't mind doing a list.  If anyone thinks I shouldn't because I'm not a massive fan, let me know.  Part of me thinks it's slightly unfair to participate.

You have a legit ear. You have every right to make a list. I suspect it'll still be better than others I know who made lists.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 02:54:16 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

Agree.

There's plenty of stuff I like though and still wouldn't mind doing a list.  If anyone thinks I shouldn't because I'm not a massive fan, let me know.  Part of me thinks it's slightly unfair to participate.

You have a legit ear. You have every right to make a list. I suspect it'll still be better than others I know who made lists.

No pressure lol.

I did really like FUCK.  That had some cool songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 25, 2022, 02:55:58 PM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

Agree.

There's plenty of stuff I like though and still wouldn't mind doing a list.  If anyone thinks I shouldn't because I'm not a massive fan, let me know.  Part of me thinks it's slightly unfair to participate.
I think it’s always nice to have an “outsider” point of view. I feel myself a bit like that since I treat DLR and SH phases as equals.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 02:57:46 PM
Ok, sounds good.

I'm thinking my number 1 will make everyone puke though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Listening to Balance now, starts out pretty good. 

While Amsterdam isn't fabulous, Eddie's solo on this is absolutely incredible.  That chromatic climb at 2:32 is so cool, then the harmonics at 3:00 are beautiful followed by some melodic tasty whammy bar work.  So good.  This song may have to make this list because of the guitar work alone.

I would have LOVED to see Eddie in a really heavy metal band, fuck that would have been amazing, because even though, I'm not the biggest fan and he isn't really an influence on me, he was damn fucking incredible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 25, 2022, 03:58:41 PM
Listening to Balance now, starts out pretty good. 

While Amsterdam isn't fabulous, Eddie's solo on this is absolutely incredible.  That chromatic climb at 2:32 is so cool, then the harmonics at 3:00 are beautiful followed by some melodic tasty whammy bar work.  So good.  This song may have to make this list because of the guitar work alone.

I would have LOVED to see Eddie in a really heavy metal band, fuck that would have been amazing, because even though, I'm not the biggest fan and he isn't really an influence on me, he was damn fucking incredible.

Amsterdam has a 10 cent lyric, but the music is really great. Eddie’s tone on Balance is incredible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 04:00:45 PM
Aftershock is pretty cool, again, Eddie's short solo at the end is incredible.  And yes, his tone here is impeccable.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 25, 2022, 04:01:41 PM
Aftershock is pretty cool, again, Eddie's short solo at the end is incredible.  And yes, his tone here is impeccable.

Aftershock  :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 04:05:02 PM
I'll say besides the couple of hits on 5150 and OU812, I think the combo of FUCK and Balance is better than the former two.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 25, 2022, 04:07:12 PM
I'll say besides the couple of hits on 5150 and OU812, I think the combo of FUCK and Balance is better than the former two.

Both are way stronger, I agree. Carnal Knowledge is incredible. It kicks ass all the way through.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2022, 04:11:58 PM
Eddie is so self indulgent in that solo on Feelin', bloody love it.  Great closer.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 25, 2022, 05:32:37 PM
I don't think some of the songs from Balance have aged well, but I still love Take Me Back, Feelin' and The Seventh Seal a ton. And the sound of the album is great, as they brought back the warmth in the mix reminiscent of the earlier Roth albums. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 25, 2022, 05:40:16 PM
Yeah, I agree on Balance, hasn't aged well at all for me either. I think 5150 is by far the best Sammy album, that album is pretty special to me and then Carnal Knowledge is also great. OU812 also hasn't aged that well.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 25, 2022, 05:44:27 PM
I am a big 5150 fan, but it's always been a bit of a weird album for me since I think the worst song is track 1 (Good Enough), the last song is a goof-off song, albeit an enjoyable one (Inside), and the studio version of Best of Both Worlds has always sounded lifeless to me, largely because by the time I heard it, I was used to the Live Without a Net version that MTV played the daylights out of in '86/'87.  Still, Dreams is a top VH song (from any era), and I love 5150, Summer Nights and Love Walks In a ton.  Get Up is way underrated as well.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 25, 2022, 06:07:19 PM
I've actually never liked or warmed to Get Up. That is one song that has never connected with me. I don't mind Good Enough, it is a pretty good rocker. Inside is enjoyable for what it is. I am a huge fan of the rest of the album, great stuff in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: jammindude on April 25, 2022, 06:31:57 PM
Funny that we keep coming back to the thrash kick that I was in the middle of from 1984 to 1986.

I’ve mentioned in a couple of other threads now that I was doing a really deep dive into the most extreme stuff I could find at the time. It was for that reason that I never gave 5150 a moment’s thought until I heard a DJ play Get Up on the radio one day. Totally floored me that Eddie would do something like that. Went out and got the album as soon as I could after that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 25, 2022, 07:35:53 PM
Funny that we keep coming back to the thrash kick that I was in the middle of from 1984 to 1986.

I’ve mentioned in a couple of other threads now that I was doing a really deep dive into the most extreme stuff I could find at the time. It was for that reason that I never gave 5150 a moment’s thought until I heard a DJ play Get Up on the radio one day. Totally floored me that Eddie would do something like that. Went out and got the album as soon as I could after that.

...and immediately regretted it. :lol




Get Up was the one song that I took to when 5150 came out. I thought the album blew chunks.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: The Realm on April 25, 2022, 07:56:53 PM
I was also right into thrash around that time so I hear where you are coming from jammindude. However, with Get Up it just always sounded like a big mess to me and so unlike Van Halen. I actually just put it on and had a listen and yeah, I guess I still feel pretty much the same way but I didn't mind it. I would be pretty shocked if Get Up made it into the Top 50, but I am sure we are all in for plenty of shocks when the countdown starts.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 26, 2022, 03:17:35 AM
Having a run through ADKOT.  To be honest, I thought the first 3 or songs were shit but it's gets going at Bullethead.

Honey Baby Sweetie Doll......what do we have here.....this is not what I expected.......fucking VH doing something a bit metal, now this is more like it!!

Now we're back to some crap with the Trouble with Never.  Bugger.  Eddie saves the songs ass though, jeez, he could rip.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 26, 2022, 03:19:32 AM
I am throwing this out there now: the fact that no one else has had Outta Space in their top 50 bums me out.  That is such a great song, and if that intro doesn't make you want to head bang, seek medical help immediately. :P

Isn't this kind of post breaking all of your own rules?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 26, 2022, 03:21:45 AM
Big River, Christ, this had nothing until that solo.  Wow!

Stay Frosty was a skip at this stage.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 26, 2022, 06:22:33 AM
That intro to Big River is incredible.  When the whole band kicks in with that slamming rhythm and Eddie's lead guitar, that is pure magic.  If you don't like that, then this band probably isn't for you. :P

And to answer your previous question, no.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 26, 2022, 08:56:07 AM
wolfking, maybe Van Halen just isn't for you.

Agree.

There's plenty of stuff I like though and still wouldn't mind doing a list.  If anyone thinks I shouldn't because I'm not a massive fan, let me know.  Part of me thinks it's slightly unfair to participate.

You have a legit ear. You have every right to make a list. I suspect it'll still be better than others I know who made lists.

You called?   :)  :) :)


Wolfie, go for it!  Even if you're not a fan, I'd be interested to hear what you DO like.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 26, 2022, 08:57:25 AM
Listening to Balance now, starts out pretty good. 

While Amsterdam isn't fabulous, Eddie's solo on this is absolutely incredible.  That chromatic climb at 2:32 is so cool, then the harmonics at 3:00 are beautiful followed by some melodic tasty whammy bar work.  So good.  This song may have to make this list because of the guitar work alone.

I would have LOVED to see Eddie in a really heavy metal band, fuck that would have been amazing, because even though, I'm not the biggest fan and he isn't really an influence on me, he was damn fucking incredible.

Amsterdam has a 10 cent lyric, but the music is really great. Eddie’s tone on Balance is incredible.

With nine cents change.   I HATE that lyric with an active passion.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 26, 2022, 09:20:04 AM
Listening to Balance now, starts out pretty good. 

While Amsterdam isn't fabulous, Eddie's solo on this is absolutely incredible.  That chromatic climb at 2:32 is so cool, then the harmonics at 3:00 are beautiful followed by some melodic tasty whammy bar work.  So good.  This song may have to make this list because of the guitar work alone.

I would have LOVED to see Eddie in a really heavy metal band, fuck that would have been amazing, because even though, I'm not the biggest fan and he isn't really an influence on me, he was damn fucking incredible.

Amsterdam has a 10 cent lyric, but the music is really great. Eddie’s tone on Balance is incredible.

With nine cents change.   I HATE that lyric with an active passion.

That or 'SPanked' get my vote for most cringe-worthy lyrical moment...funny, they both belong to Hagar.

For all the crap Roth gets with his 'girls and cars' lyrics, the dude could certainly turn a phrase.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 26, 2022, 09:31:29 AM
I've said before, some of his lyrics on ADKOT are actually really good.  Really clever and well thought out.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 26, 2022, 10:42:51 AM
Listening to Balance now, starts out pretty good. 

While Amsterdam isn't fabulous, Eddie's solo on this is absolutely incredible.  That chromatic climb at 2:32 is so cool, then the harmonics at 3:00 are beautiful followed by some melodic tasty whammy bar work.  So good.  This song may have to make this list because of the guitar work alone.

I would have LOVED to see Eddie in a really heavy metal band, fuck that would have been amazing, because even though, I'm not the biggest fan and he isn't really an influence on me, he was damn fucking incredible.

Amsterdam has a 10 cent lyric, but the music is really great. Eddie’s tone on Balance is incredible.

With nine cents change.   I HATE that lyric with an active passion.

That or 'SPanked' get my vote for most cringe-worthy lyrical moment...funny, they both belong to Hagar.

For all the crap Roth gets with his 'girls and cars' lyrics, the dude could certainly turn a phrase.

Spanked and Black and Blue are worse. I don’t find Amsterdam especially cringeworthy, it’s just shallow and hedonistic. Super stereotypical rock and roll stuff, that even Eddie bristled at.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 26, 2022, 04:00:41 PM
Spanked was one I really liked also, but I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 26, 2022, 04:21:52 PM
Having a run through ADKOT.  To be honest, I thought the first 3 or songs were shit but it's gets going at Bullethead.

Honey Baby Sweetie Doll......what do we have here.....this is not what I expected.......fucking VH doing something a bit metal, now this is more like it!!

Now we're back to some crap with the Trouble with Never.  Bugger.  Eddie saves the songs ass though, jeez, he could rip.

That tune kicks ass. I remember seeing the title and thinking WTF is this shit, then I heard it and I was like  :omg: :metal


Yeah, you are correct in your impression of the album. The book ends are weak, but there's a 5-6 song run in the middle of the album that is excellent.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 26, 2022, 04:24:49 PM
Having a run through ADKOT.  To be honest, I thought the first 3 or songs were shit but it's gets going at Bullethead.

Honey Baby Sweetie Doll......what do we have here.....this is not what I expected.......fucking VH doing something a bit metal, now this is more like it!!

Now we're back to some crap with the Trouble with Never.  Bugger.  Eddie saves the songs ass though, jeez, he could rip.

That tune kicks ass. I remember seeing the title and thinking WTF is this shit, then I heard it and I was like  :omg: :metal


Yeah, you are correct in your impression of the album. The book ends are weak, but there's a 5-6 song run in the middle of the album that is excellent.

When the song started, I was like 'fuck, here we go, more novelty type shit,' then BAM!  :metal

Yeah, the meat of the album in the middle was really nice.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 26, 2022, 06:36:38 PM
Honeybabysweetiedoll is a great song, no doubt, but I have to admit that it was left out from my top 50. I don't know... ADKOT, being my fave VH album, made me feel guilty for selecting too many songs from it, instead of other great songs from the other albums!  ;D

Today I have listened to OU812 and, well... it's really my second fave Sammy's era album, only behind Balance. I think the rocker side of 5150 doesn't work so well. Besides Good Enough, I think Get Up is a bit chaotic and the rest, a bit too much mid tempo (although I like them). F.U.C.K. is really well done and consistent, but I think maybe it's like VH trying a tad too hard to emulate 90's hard rock.

Maybe the production of OU812 is VH's worst, but I love its mellower songs as much as the ones on 5150 (Feels So Good is a guilty pleasure of mine) and its heavier songs have that Eddie's quirkness on point and a lot of interactions of drums/bass/guitar that I love in the classic VH.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on April 26, 2022, 11:42:01 PM
Honeybabysweetiedoll made my list. It’s one I remembered being a dumb song, but it’s actually gold. What a heavy riff!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 27, 2022, 05:27:21 AM
Definitely up there on my list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 27, 2022, 06:50:45 PM
I'm going to try to bang out the rest of my list over the next couple days to meet the deadline. I've been so busy at work I haven't had time to work on it the last couple weeks. :(
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: TAC on April 27, 2022, 07:11:35 PM
Definitely up there on my list.

So...there is a list?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 27, 2022, 07:21:23 PM
Definitely up there on my list.

So...there is a list?
I hope Wolfking submits a list. I'd be interested to see someone's take on Van Halen going into this having not been a fan a previously. Going into something without preconceived notions can yield interesting results.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 28, 2022, 01:02:39 AM
Re-listening to all the albums has reminded me how terrible the production is on the drums on OU812, plus whatever that constant clicking is in almost every song on the album is extremely annoying and once you hear it, it's all you can hear.... :censored
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 28, 2022, 06:08:50 AM
It's like a click track with the sound of a cowbell echoing... I think it's more noticeable on Mine All Mine, When It's Love and Feels So Good - I don't know if it has in any other songs (parts of Finish What You Started and Black and Blue are actually cowbells being played by Alex). But, yes, that is really annoying.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 28, 2022, 09:52:12 AM
Got to say, I'm fired up with anticipation for the reveal.  I can't wait. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 28, 2022, 09:55:46 AM
I know exactly what you guys are talking about with the clicking sound on OU812, and can see why it would be annoying. I always kind of liked it. I used to think it was actually a synth effect, at least on When It’s Love, but maybe it is the click track bleeding through.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 28, 2022, 12:20:26 PM
Not offending anyone's taste...  :D but I was listening to Dirty Water Dog today and I confirmed that I love this song immensely!!
Someone mentioned earlier about Josephina... and indeed it's among the best from VHIII.
@Wolfking: you tried to listen to that album? I think there's a lot of cool and different guitar work from Eddie there, what you think?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 28, 2022, 12:42:46 PM
Not offending anyone's taste...  :D but I was listening to Dirty Water Dog today and I confirmed that I love this song immensely!!
Someone mentioned earlier about Josephina... and indeed it's among the best from VHIII.
@Wolfking: you tried to listen to that album? I think there's a lot of cool and different guitar work from Eddie there, what you think?

I love that intro to Dirty Water Dog. The percussion there is actually a push brush I believe, and then they used the sound of it falling at the end as well. The lyrics are probably the worst on III and get close to some of the cringier Sammy moments. But otherwise it is a very cool track.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 28, 2022, 12:47:31 PM
Not offending anyone's taste...  :D but I was listening to Dirty Water Dog today and I confirmed that I love this song immensely!!
Someone mentioned earlier about Josephina... and indeed it's among the best from VHIII.
@Wolfking: you tried to listen to that album? I think there's a lot of cool and different guitar work from Eddie there, what you think?

I love that intro to Dirty Water Dog. The percussion there is actually a push brush I believe, and then they used the sound of it falling at the end as well. The lyrics are probably the worst on III and get close to some of the cringier Sammy moments. But otherwise it is a very cool track.

I didn't know that. It does sound like a strange kind of percussion, cool!
About the lyrics, I must admit I never payed attention to them, so... let's keep this way! :D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 28, 2022, 01:10:56 PM
I can't for the life of me believe I'm saying this about GARY CHERONE, who I love, and I'm not suggesting that the quality is his fault - it's not - but there's one song that made my list - Without You - and the next tier songs on that record would all be far better as instrumentals. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: Stadler on April 28, 2022, 01:12:58 PM
I know exactly what you guys are talking about with the clicking sound on OU812, and can see why it would be annoying. I always kind of liked it. I used to think it was actually a synth effect, at least on When It’s Love, but maybe it is the click track bleeding through.

it's not on every song, though; I don't hear it on A.F.U., or Cabo Wabo.  I do hear it on Finish... .
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 28, 2022, 01:21:33 PM
Not offending anyone's taste...  :D but I was listening to Dirty Water Dog today and I confirmed that I love this song immensely!!
Someone mentioned earlier about Josephina... and indeed it's among the best from VHIII.
@Wolfking: you tried to listen to that album? I think there's a lot of cool and different guitar work from Eddie there, what you think?

I love that intro to Dirty Water Dog. The percussion there is actually a push brush I believe, and then they used the sound of it falling at the end as well. The lyrics are probably the worst on III and get close to some of the cringier Sammy moments. But otherwise it is a very cool track.

I didn't know that. It does sound like a strange kind of percussion, cool!
About the lyrics, I must admit I never payed attention to them, so... let's keep this way! :D

Yeah, I think it was probably inspired by Stomp (the Broadway show). Back when III came out there was a radio broadcast I listened to that basically previewed the album, and they explained the percussion on that track. Now that’s my memory from 24 years ago, so I could be off. But I’ve always understood that to be the case.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: HOF on April 28, 2022, 01:29:01 PM
I can't for the life of me believe I'm saying this about GARY CHERONE, who I love, and I'm not suggesting that the quality is his fault - it's not - but there's one song that made my list - Without You - and the next tier songs on that record would all be far better as instrumentals.

I like all of those songs and even I agree the vocals are very harsh and it doesn’t come off as Gary’s finest moment. Not sure if it was partly just where his voice was at at the time, or if it was just the way they were recorded or what.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 28, 2022, 03:07:56 PM
Not offending anyone's taste...  :D but I was listening to Dirty Water Dog today and I confirmed that I love this song immensely!!
Someone mentioned earlier about Josephina... and indeed it's among the best from VHIII.
@Wolfking: you tried to listen to that album? I think there's a lot of cool and different guitar work from Eddie there, what you think?

I got halfway through it.  Once had an incredible solo.  I'll finish the album off now actually.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 28, 2022, 03:24:00 PM
A Year to the Day is.......not bad.  Eddie rips shit up.  This song would have been amazing with Sammy.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 28, 2022, 03:36:18 PM
Yeah, that's about it for VH3.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: devieira73 on April 28, 2022, 04:13:31 PM
Cool to know your impressions! Once and Year to the Day are among my faves from the album (specially Once), although they aren't the 2 on my Top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (enter your submissions now!!)
Post by: KevShmev on April 28, 2022, 04:49:15 PM
Quick reminder: submissions are due by the end of Saturday, April 30th. I will tally the results up when I am back from Tennessee on the 1st or 2nd and start the countdown right away. 

To anyone still planning to submit a list, please proofread your list, because I am not waiting for anyone to correct it when I get back if you list a song twice, meaning your list will not be used.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 28, 2022, 05:32:55 PM
Got a top 20 down.  Will have the rest nutted out by early Sunday morning (my time) and sent.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 28, 2022, 07:05:47 PM
Sent my list off. Mine might be the most controversial list of them all...... :corn
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 29, 2022, 06:35:19 PM
My list is just about complete.

While this hasn't made me a VH fan of, the two albums most my style that really stick out that I will come back to is Balance and FUCK.  I also have much more of an appreciation for Eddie.  He was amazing.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 29, 2022, 06:43:25 PM
My list is just about complete.

While this hasn't made me a VH fan of, the two albums most my style that really stick out that I will come back to is Balance and FUCK.  I also have much more of a appreciation for Eddie.  He was amazing.

Nice.  :tup
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 29, 2022, 06:52:32 PM
I was actually noodling with a couple of his solos this morning and yeah, unique, intricate and much more difficult than they appear while being melodic and tasteful.

I wish he did play in a more heavy metal context though in his career.  That would have been epic.

Another thing is, I hear so many of my fav guitarists listening to his stuff.  It's clear Criss Oliva basically worshipped Eddie.  I hear a lot in Jason Becker too, but so many really, it's endless.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 29, 2022, 07:17:29 PM
I'm sure you know that Becker played on David Lee Roth's 3rd album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 29, 2022, 07:22:57 PM
I'm sure you know that Becker played on David Lee Roth's 3rd album.

A Little Ain't Enough.  :metal

Got that one on CD!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
My list.......has been sent!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 05:59:18 PM
My list.......has been sent!


 :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 07:26:05 PM
I was close to quitting, but glad I followed through.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 07:32:18 PM
I was close to quitting, but glad I followed through.

Glad you didn't give in.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:09:29 PM
I was close to quitting, but glad I followed through.

Glad you didn't give in.

Yeah same.  I'm the type of person that once they dabble their toes in, it feels wrong not taking the plunge.  Wanted to bulk up the number of lists too and be a team player too.  Kev puts so much work in and we get so much enjoyment and great discussion from this idea.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 08:10:36 PM
You da man! Plus...Eddie Van Halen  :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:12:18 PM
You da man! Plus...Eddie Van Halen  :metal

A couple of songs made the list because of the solo alone and some wouldn't have ranked anywhere near as high if it wasn't for the guitar solo.

As I said though, everyone will puke at my number 1, but I can't escape it, just always fucking loved it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 08:13:08 PM
Jump? :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:18:00 PM
Jump? :lol

No.   :lol

That did make my list, but only just.  Again, the solo is the reason it made the list.  Short, well crafted and a really nice key change going into it.  I see Eddie in the film clip every time I hear that solo too.

(https://66.media.tumblr.com/340ccbfd4637538e827ccabda3ae670e/tumblr_pmb9g1DGdS1xch6xgo1_400.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 08:31:35 PM

As I said though, everyone will puke at my number 1, but I can't escape it, just always fucking loved it.

I'm predicting right now that your #1 will be on everyone's list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:38:19 PM
Here's my breakdown;

VH - 7
VH2 - 3
WACF - 5
FW - 3
DD - 2
1984 - 5
5150 - 4
OU812 - 2
FUCK - 7
Balance - 5
VH3 - 1
Best of - 1
ADKOT - 5
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:38:59 PM

As I said though, everyone will puke at my number 1, but I can't escape it, just always fucking loved it.

I'm predicting right now that your #1 will be on everyone's list.

Oh, I definitely would expect it to be.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:42:27 PM
Actually, there's two others in the top 10 that might make people puke more, I'm interested in my rankings and where a lot of the songs fall with others (if at all).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: HOF on April 30, 2022, 09:02:07 PM

As I said though, everyone will puke at my number 1, but I can't escape it, just always fucking loved it.

I'm predicting right now that your #1 will be on everyone's list.

Oh, I definitely would expect it to be.

I’m predicting that we have the same #1.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on April 30, 2022, 09:14:04 PM

As I said though, everyone will puke at my number 1, but I can't escape it, just always fucking loved it.

I'm predicting right now that your #1 will be on everyone's list.

Oh, I definitely would expect it to be.

I’m predicting that we have the same #1.
I have a sneaking suspicion that mine is the same #1 as well...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 09:35:42 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/cFgb5p5e1My3K/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Submissions Due April 30th!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 01, 2022, 06:37:45 AM
I know for a fact my number one will not be in everyone’s list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Top 50 will start soon!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 01, 2022, 06:55:06 PM
Hoping to start this tomorrow.  I will add the last few submissions that were sent this weekend when I was out of town, tally them up, and away we will go.

No more lists.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 01, 2022, 06:57:52 PM
Kev, how long is the flight from Nashville to St. Louis, or did you drive?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 01, 2022, 06:59:28 PM
We drove (and it was technically to Cross Plains, TN, which is like 20 miles or so north of Nashville).  About 4 1/2 hours each way, give or take. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 01, 2022, 07:03:50 PM
We drove (and it was technically to Cross Plains, TN, which is like 20 miles or so north of Nashville).  About 4 1/2 hours each way, give or take.

Gotcha! Geez, we stayed over for a night about 20 miles north of Nashville on a trip from Disney to Chicago back in 2010.

I remember running out to the package store while my wife was at the hotel room with the kids, and I was praying I wouldn't be killed while I was out. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 01, 2022, 11:22:01 PM
What's the next artist song ranking going to be, so I can get a head start on it?  :biggrin: :corn
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: jammindude on May 01, 2022, 11:28:45 PM
What's the next artist song ranking going to be, so I can get a head start on it?  :biggrin: :corn

PLEASE BE IRON MAIDEN!!!!

Top 100!!!!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 01, 2022, 11:30:51 PM
What's the next artist song ranking going to be, so I can get a head start on it?  :biggrin: :corn

PLEASE BE IRON MAIDEN!!!!

Top 100!!!!!
I'd definitely be down with that!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 03:48:01 AM
What's the next artist song ranking going to be, so I can get a head start on it?  :biggrin: :corn

PLEASE BE IRON MAIDEN!!!!

Top 100!!!!!


If only for Kev posting.,,


No more lists.  No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists.
 No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: wolfking on May 02, 2022, 03:48:54 AM
What's the next artist song ranking going to be, so I can get a head start on it?  :biggrin: :corn

PLEASE BE IRON MAIDEN!!!!

Top 100!!!!!
I'd definitely be down with that!

This.

Kev, give the people what they want!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 06:05:16 AM



No more lists.  No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists.
 No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists. No more lists.

That would make a good Iron Maiden lyric for sure
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 02, 2022, 08:08:12 AM
Maiden would be a great one, or Metallica. Or maybe Def Leppard?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 09:25:34 AM
Def Leppard??

Here’s my list

High n Dry
On Through The Night
Half of Pyromania
Hysteria B Sides


I can scratch out 30 songs tops.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2022, 09:34:35 AM
Def Leppard ain't happening on my watch. :lol

Iron Maiden will be next...

That said, the VH countdown will kick off shortly.

I want to give props to all 16 who submitted lists.  Thanks again for participating!  :tup :tup

The top 50 will be based off of the lists from the 17 posters:

WilliamMunny
HOF
hefdaddy42
TAC
Trav86
Deadeye21
Stadler
The Realm
devieira73
Dream Team
WardySI
DragonAttack
FreezingPoint
Puppies_On_Acid
bl5150
wolfking
KevShmev
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 09:52:44 AM
Yay Brent!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: Stadler on May 02, 2022, 10:56:42 AM
Def Leppard??

Here’s my list

High n Dry
On Through The Night
Half of Pyromania
Hysteria B Sides


I can scratch out 30 songs tops.

HAHA, I think our lists would be identical.   :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 02, 2022, 11:01:48 AM
Def Leppard??

Here’s my list

High n Dry
On Through The Night
Half of Pyromania
Hysteria B Sides



I can scratch out 30 songs tops.

I'd be so in on that!!!

Damn near all of Hysteria ("Gods of War" for the win)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: wolfking on May 02, 2022, 02:54:19 PM
Yay Brent!!

Excellent!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 05:04:34 PM
Yay Brent!!

VERY last minute decision but yes.............I did the 500 questions or so on the generator on April 30 and would've liked the time to relisten/reorder a lot of it .  I wasn't entirely happy with the order but just hit send.  It's many years since I listened to anything much , let alone VH but they were such a massive part of my life , I thought I should have a go.

When I was in doubt I thought back to what I loved as a kid (so some weird surprises possibly) so it's been rated more on lifetime influence than current listening choice , as that was easier to do quickly.  Like Kade - in some cases as a guitar player I was rating focused on the guitar work as much , if not more , than the overall song.  I would often listen to songs and almost block out everything except the guitar if it was that good.  The exception might be some of the better guitar songs on ADKOT as I struggled too much with Dave's straining vocals in many cases and that album hasn't had as much time to become an influence .  Alex VH was also so unique that from time to time it might drums that got a song over the line too , which is unusual for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 05:19:23 PM
That's awesome Brent. Can't wait to see your picks. Alex was tremendous.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: wolfking on May 02, 2022, 05:32:12 PM
Yay Brent!!

VERY last minute decision but yes.............I did the 500 questions or so on the generator on April 30 and would've liked the time to relisten/reorder a lot of it .  I wasn't entirely happy with the order but just hit send.  It's many years since I listened to anything much , let alone VH but they were such a massive part of my life , I thought I should have a go.

When I was in doubt I thought back to what I loved as a kid (so some weird surprises possibly) so it's been rated more on lifetime influence than current listening choice , as that was easier to do quickly.  Like Kade - in some cases as a guitar player I was rating focused on the guitar work as much , if not more , than the overall song.  I would often listen to songs and almost block out everything except the guitar if it was that good.  The exception might be some of the better guitar songs on ADKOT as I struggled too much with Dave's straining vocals in many cases and that album hasn't had as much time to become an influence .  Alex VH was also so unique that from time to time it might drums that got a song over the line too , which is unusual for me.

Good to hear I'm not alone on that aspect, even for an old time fan like yourself, makes me more confident on my list and opinion on the band as a whole.  I thought maybe I was just missing something but it seems Eddie holds most of the weight when it comes to VH. I totally se and relate to that.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 05:48:39 PM
Another big part of DLR era Van Halen for me was the sense of humour/cheek and that's probably something you either rate or don't (or had to be there).........both with Dave and also in Ed's guitar work.  Sammy's songs on the other hand mostly fall flat for me when they try to do the same thing as it usually feels forced  .........Spanked didn't make it sorry  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 05:49:44 PM
Another big part of DLR era Van Halen for me was the sense of humour/cheek and that's probably something you either rate or don't (or had to be there).........both with Dave and also in Ed's guitar work.  Sammy's songs on the other hand mostly fall flat for me when they try to do the same thing as it usually feels forced  .........Spanked didn't make it sorry  :lol

So you didn't call the Spank Line?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 05:51:27 PM
Another big part of DLR era Van Halen for me was the sense of humour/cheek and that's probably something you either rate or don't (or had to be there).........both with Dave and also in Ed's guitar work.  Sammy's songs on the other hand mostly fall flat for me when they try to do the same thing as it usually feels forced  .........Spanked didn't make it sorry  :lol

So you didn't call the Spank Line?

I didn't say that :heybaby:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 05:52:23 PM
Another big part of DLR era Van Halen for me was the sense of humour/cheek and that's probably something you either rate or don't (or had to be there).........both with Dave and also in Ed's guitar work.  Sammy's songs on the other hand mostly fall flat for me when they try to do the same thing as it usually feels forced  .........Spanked didn't make it sorry  :lol

So you didn't call the Spank Line?

I didn't say that

 ;D

I knew that was coming.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: wolfking on May 02, 2022, 06:32:21 PM
Another big part of DLR era Van Halen for me was the sense of humour/cheek and that's probably something you either rate or don't (or had to be there).........both with Dave and also in Ed's guitar work.  Sammy's songs on the other hand mostly fall flat for me when they try to do the same thing as it usually feels forced  .........Spanked didn't make it sorry  :lol

I think this may be the kicker for me. 

I still haven't listened to the lyrics of Spanked but I love the groove and tempo of it.  I'm probably not going to look the lyrics up though lol.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown will start soon!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 06:37:46 PM
(https://c.tenor.com/rec5dlPBK2cAAAAd/mr-bean-waiting.gif)





Kev must still be at the barbershop... I mean, that was a LOT of hair. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown going!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2022, 06:38:15 PM
Okay, away we go!!

Time to "feel" the love so good.


50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)


This barely made the list of a majority of the lists on which it appeared, but enough to squeeze in at number 50.  It was unranked for me, as it has always been my least favorite song from the debut, but no shame in that.


49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


This came at 31 for me, and I was surprised it wasn't a little higher.  Always loved this one, even back in the days when OU812 was one of my least favorites.  Love the warmness of that keyboard line.  Just a great song to tap your foot.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 02, 2022, 06:40:24 PM
Feel Your Love Tonight was 50 for me too.

Feels So Good did not rank.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 06:43:52 PM
Feel Your Love Tonight was 50 for me too.

Feels So Good did not rank.


Ha! same here. I also had Feel Your Love Tonight at #50. It's not a bad song by any stretch. Always enjoyable.


Feels So Good just missed my Top 50.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 06:46:15 PM
I like both of these but were 60-70 ish.  Great solo in Feels So Good could've pushed it higher but yeah........like everything great bar the chorus.  Feel Your Love Tonight loses out for being one of my least favourite tracks on album that's up there in terms of all time best ( I did in fact rank it #1 in my DTF Top 50)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 02, 2022, 06:47:28 PM

50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)


49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


Feel Your Love Tonight arrived at 15 for me, making it the second highest ranked song from the debut on my list. Great riff, nice vocal parts, Alex giving the drums a good thrashing, what’s not to like?

Feels So Good was two places higher at number 13. This is my favourite song on OU812, but that doesn’t really say much. Good keyboard section and some decent grooves, with the trademark VH harmonies coming out during the choruses. Decent tune. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 06:48:36 PM

50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)


49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


Feel Your Love Tonight arrived at 15 for me, making it the second highest ranked song from the debut on my list. Great riff, nice vocal parts, Alex giving the drums a good thrashing, what’s not to like?

Feels So Good was two places higher at number 15. This is my favourite song on OU812, but that doesn’t really say much. Good keyboard section and some decent grooves, with the trademark VH harmonies coming out during the choruses. Decent tune.

not computing for me Deadeye  ;D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2022, 06:50:59 PM
I think he meant Feels So Good was as his number 13, although it doesn't say much if he considers his 13th favorite VH song a "decent tune."  :eek :eek :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 06:51:22 PM

Feel Your Love Tonight arrived at 15 for me, making it the second highest ranked song from the debut on my list. Great riff, nice vocal parts, Alex giving the drums a good thrashing, what’s not to like?

Feels So Good was two places higher at number 15. This is my favourite song on OU812, but that doesn’t really say much. Good keyboard section and some decent grooves, with the trademark VH harmonies coming out during the choruses. Decent tune.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/KGSxFwJJHQPsKzzFba/200.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 02, 2022, 06:51:34 PM

50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)


49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


Feel Your Love Tonight arrived at 15 for me,
Feels So Good was two places higher at number 15. This is my favourite song on OU812, but that doesn’t really say much.

not computing for me Deadeye  ;D

Yeah, sorry. I just woke up.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 02, 2022, 06:53:13 PM
I think he meant Feels So Good was as his number 13, although it doesn't say much if he considers his 13th favorite VH song a "decent tune."  :eek :eek :lol :lol

The first 13 on my list are all “my favourites in their album”, which I regret doing now, coz The Dream is Over very soon after became top 10 material for me, and Feels So Good fell way out of favour.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 02, 2022, 06:55:17 PM
Righto - sounded like you liked Feel Your Love Tonight (15) much better than Feels So Good (13, now it makes more sense
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 02, 2022, 06:56:13 PM
Righto - sounded like you liked Feel Your Love Tonight (15) much better than Feels So Good (13) , now it makes more sense.

Yeah, I really do now. I did my list in a rush to get it in, and then it’s really nit how I’d rank things today.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2022, 06:57:06 PM
Righto - sounded like you liked Feel Your Love Tonight (15) much better than Feels So Good (13) which is in fact the case - didn't initialy compute :)

Someone liking Feel Your Love Tonight a lot more than Feels So Good does not compute at all.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 06:57:43 PM
Righto - sounded like you liked Feel Your Love Tonight (15) much better than Feels So Good (13) which is in fact the case - didn't initialy compute :)

Someone liking Feel Your Love Tonight a lot more than Feels So Good does not compute at all.  :biggrin:


I guess it depends......

















...how you "feel".
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown going!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 02, 2022, 07:02:10 PM
50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)


This barely made the list of a majority of the lists on which it appeared, but enough to squeeze in at number 50.  It was unranked for me, as it has always been my least favorite song from the debut, but no shame in that.


49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


This came at 31 for me, and I was surprised it wasn't a little higher.  Always loved this one, even back in the days when OU812 was one of my least favorites.  Love the warmness of that keyboard line.  Just a great song to tap your foot.

Feel Your Love Tonight - This dropped in at number 82 for me. I think it was hurt by the fact that I kept comparing it to Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight by Spinal Tap in my head  :lol Not a bad song though...

Feels So Good - This didn't even make my top 100. It landed at #110. This song falls into the "Joe Walsh Life's Been Good" category of awfulness. It's annoyingly repetitive and in a way that makes me sick to my stomach. Not even a decent EVH solo can save this song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown going!)
Post by: TAC on May 02, 2022, 07:06:06 PM

Feel Your Love Tonight - This dropped in at number 82 for me. I think it was hurt by the fact that I kept comparing it to Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight by Spinal Tap in my head  :lol Not a bad song though...

I mean, seriously..what song stands a chance in comparison? :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown going!)
Post by: The Realm on May 02, 2022, 07:50:40 PM

50 Feel Your Love Tonight
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Stadler)



49 Feels So Good
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)



Feel Your Love Tonight - This was number 10 for me, I love this song. It is a really great, catchy rocker and I've always loved the vocals/back up vocals on this track. Did I think it would be higher overall? Probably but I reckon it is going to hard to pick any order overall in this countdown which is what is going to make it so great.

Feels So Good - Unranked. Once upon a time I would have had this fairly high but not so much these days. Not much of a fan overall of this album which made it hard to get songs in the top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 02, 2022, 08:00:09 PM
Feel Your Love is a good song, definitely up there in terms of Roth songs for me, but it missed the top 50. I didn’t thoroughly rank songs beyond 50, but I have it at 66 on my spreadsheet. Maybe would have gone a bit higher if we were ranking past 50. I like it when VH channeled The Beach Boys.

Feels So Good ranked at 13 for me. It also channels The Beach Boys and is sort of the 80s equivalent of Feel Your Love I guess. A little more clean cut and sentimental though. I like the organ over guitar aspect of this one. Unique for VH. The solo is really good, but that’s gonna be a standing compliment for just about all of these songs I guess. It’s mostly one I have a lot of nostalgia for. Like it says on the label, it’s a feel good song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 02, 2022, 09:10:10 PM
I didn't rank both songs, but I'm really pleasant surprised that Feels So Good made the Top 50!! What a nice song with that "cute" keyboard! I guess maybe I have been a little shy to include it in my Top 50...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 03, 2022, 07:53:07 AM
I had Feels So Good at 37; good tune, one of the better on OU812 (not my favorite VH record by a long shot) and one of the better Sammy songs generally.  But Feel Your Love Tonight is a quintessential VH tune for me.  It's got everything I LOVE about Van Halen in a concise 3:43.  The opening riff, the gang vocals... I love that song.

I love that the FIRST SONG has me with the highest ranking.  Probably won't be the last song like that; I predict there are FIVE songs for which I have the highest ranking of the group. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 03, 2022, 03:34:22 PM
Whoah had Feels So Good at 20 and honestly felt O might be the only one to include it tbh but its exactly as it's title says and as a big fan of OU812 I couldn't not include it quite chuffed to see others had it too \m/

Expect I won't be saying the same of some of the more obscure OU812 tracks but I'll take it, well played! ;D

Had Feel Your Love at 45 great song!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 03, 2022, 04:11:20 PM
I had Feels So Good at 37; good tune, one of the better on OU812 (not my favorite VH record by a long shot) and one of the better Sammy songs generally. But Feel Your Love Tonight is a quintessential VH tune for me.  It's got everything I LOVE about Van Halen in a concise 3:43.  The opening riff, the gang vocals... I love that song.

I love that the FIRST SONG has me with the highest ranking.  Probably won't be the last song like that; I predict there are FIVE songs for which I have the highest ranking of the group.

Awesome Stadler - we are 100% on the same page with Feel Your Love Tonight.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 03, 2022, 05:25:55 PM
Kinda funny that today's two songs are the track 1s from the first two Sammy albums.

48 Good Enough
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (Puppies_On_Acid)

To be honest, I have never much cared for this song.  The riff is great, and it has that party rock vibe, but I think the chorus is a bit lacking.


47 Mine All Mine
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, WardySI)

This has the honor of being the first VH song I ever saw live, as they opened with it when we saw them on the Right Here, Right Now tour.  It's wild to see that a song that was number 1 in two of the 17 lists is finishing only at 47.  No one else had it in their top 20. I had it at 34.  This is the second of three songs from OU812 to make the top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 03, 2022, 05:41:38 PM
Good Enough - Don’t like it, didn’t rank it.

Mine All Mine came in at 42. It has a great atmosphere and makes for a nice, driving opener. Lyrics are on the more serious/spiritual side, though there are some parts of it I’m not a fan of just personally speaking. One of a few different Sammy lyrics where I kind of go “hmmm, not really buying what you’re saying, but I at least appreciate the deeper thoughts.” A really strong Alex song too.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 03, 2022, 05:50:22 PM


48 Good Enough
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (Puppies_On_Acid)

47 Mine All Mine
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, WardySI)


Good Enough - number 36 for me. I really enjoy this song, just has a great vibe and great guitar work by Eddie.

Mine All Mine - unranked by me but I do like this song. Very surprised to see it as number 1 on two lists.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 03, 2022, 05:53:36 PM
Mine All Mine - unranked by me but I do like this song. Very surprised to see it as number 1 on two lists.

Same here 100%

I also didn't rank Good Enough. In the end.....










it wasnt......








Good Enough.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 03, 2022, 05:57:25 PM
Good enough is a cool song and all, but... (Tim already said it ;D)
What a surprise, I thought I was the only to like Mine All Mine THIS much! It has a very interesting arrangement in the sense that it should be driven by a heavy guitar riff, but, instead, it has that mix of keyboard/acoustic guitar/guitar and that cowbell echoing (hahaha - surprisingly cool here) that makes the song sounds totally unique. Alex's drumming, Sammy vocals (maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like the lyric are nice too) and specially Eddie's solo are between my faves from all VH's recordings and... it's a song that I NEVER get tired of hearing, I find it always extremely exciting! :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 03, 2022, 06:13:17 PM
Kinda funny that today's two songs are the track 1s from the first two Sammy albums.

48 Good Enough
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (Puppies_On_Acid)

47 Mine All Mine
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, WardySI)


Good Enough - It wasn’t. Not really that big of a fan of this one, though it came 4th in my individual rankings for the 5150 album. The “hello baby” kinda taints this song for me too. Bit of a shame.

Mine All Mine - 46th. This has everything I like in a VH song. I just think other tracks do it way better. I apparently have it higher than the average score though, which is cool. In hindsight, this is actually a lot better than the top track of of OU812 in my list, which you can all see in yesterday’s ranking.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 03, 2022, 06:34:12 PM
I had Mine All Mine at 38 and Good Enough at 40 = like both of them and I actually like pretty much everything down to around the 70-75 mark.   I wish that keyboard intro to Mine All Mine had a bigger production on it...........loved it at the time but it's lacking some oomph.  On review I really should have a little more Hagar stuff on my Top 50 list but it's getting pretty thin beyond these two.   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 03, 2022, 07:29:36 PM
Had Good Enough at 48 and Mine All Mine at 33.  Insane it topped 2 lists.  It is a very cool song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 03, 2022, 08:02:48 PM
Are you going to post the updated ranks on the first page like you did on previous threads?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 03, 2022, 08:03:44 PM
Kev, how many songs appeared on everyone's list?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 03, 2022, 08:11:48 PM
Kev, how many songs appeared on everyone's list?

Just two: Outta Space and How Many Say I.

Are you going to post the updated ranks on the first page like you did on previous threads?

Maybe. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 03, 2022, 08:14:08 PM
Seems someone has tight shorts on tonight.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 03, 2022, 10:52:39 PM
48 Good Enough
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (Puppies_On_Acid)

To be honest, I have never much cared for this song.  The riff is great, and it has that party rock vibe, but I think the chorus is a bit lacking.


47 Mine All Mine
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, WardySI)

This has the honor of being the first VH song I ever saw live, as they opened with it when we saw them on the Right Here, Right Now tour.  It's wild to see that a song that was number 1 in two of the 17 lists is finishing only at 47.  No one else had it in their top 20. I had it at 34.  This is the second of three songs from OU812 to make the top 50.

Good Enough - Definitely a great and fun song. Great first impression by Sammy. Just proves that Sammy is the best Van Halen vocalist, by a long shot.

Mine All Mine - Came in at #75. Not a bad song, just nothing special.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 04, 2022, 04:20:01 AM
Had Good Enough at #39 but am stoked I wasn't the only one to have Mine All Mine at #1.  Tbh my Top5 could all have been #1 they're all that good but went with Mine All Mine as it never lets me down, almost ALWAYS kicks off any Wardy VH playlist, and for everything devieira73 already said :metal

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 04, 2022, 05:50:15 AM
Kev, how many songs appeared on everyone's list?

Just two: Outta Space and How Many Say I.

:D  :D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 04, 2022, 08:02:09 AM
Mine All Mine was #63 on my list, and Good Enough was #118 (I ranked 134 songs, by the way).  Mine All Mine is decent, there's just better in the catalogue; Good Enough blows, if you ask me.  I almost actively hate that song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2022, 10:29:46 AM
Two deep cuts from the same album today.

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

Despite the hilariously bad lyrics, I love this one. I had it at 22.


45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

I didn't rank this one, but it's still a very nice tune.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 04, 2022, 10:35:11 AM
Two deep cuts from the same album today.

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

Despite the hilariously bad lyrics, I love this one. I had it at 22.


45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

I didn't rank this one, but it's still a very nice tune.

RE: Drop Dead Legs—I (obviously) F*CKING LOVE THIS SONG!!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 04, 2022, 10:41:03 AM
Drop Dead Legs is at #47 for me ("missed it by THAT much!")

Girl Gone Bad is at #104.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 04, 2022, 11:07:23 AM
I didn't participate here, but I'll chime in for the fun of it.

50 - Feel Your Love Tonight:  Love this song!  Classic riff, and the chorus is so good.  It's one of several VH songs that evokes memories of hanging out at the beach (south side of the pier in either Seal or Huntington) in the mid- to late '80s.

49 - Feels So Good:  Never heard this song.

48 - Good Enough:  At some point, I had 5150 on a cassette (not sure why since I never bought albums on cassette).  I never replaced it with a CD.  Anyway, this song turned me off with the completely dumb intro.  That was really all it took back then.  Listening to it now, it's not so bad, but it's not very good either -- especially compared to a lot of other songs on that album

47 - Mine All Mine:  I vaguely recall having heard this back in the day, but I think OU812 (or at least what I heard of it) sucks.

46/45 - Drop Dead Legs/Girl Gone Bad:  I don't share the common view that 1984 was great.  These are two of the songs on the album that I don't recall at all.  Listened this morning and had no recall and didn't like DDL.  GGB has a cool intro and a bit of a Zeppelin vibe when the full band kicks in.  Not bad at all and definitely better than the two most prominent songs from the album.

45 - Girl Gone Bad: 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 04, 2022, 12:10:08 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great. 

I like 1984; it's better than it should be, but not as good as some claim (it's their second diamond-selling record).  I think it's held in such high regard because it's an all original album, and has FOUR big hits (Jump, Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait) as a reaction to Diver Down, which is often knocked as being a "covers" album (I disagree; DD is one of my favorite Van Halen records).   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 12:15:56 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great.

Take away Jump and Panama and 1984 is fucking amazing! Might be the heaviest album in their catalog.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 04, 2022, 12:51:42 PM
These two didn’t rank for me. A little surprised to see Girls Gone Bad in the top 50. Guess there’s a chance everything on 1984 will rank except the title track I suppose.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 04, 2022, 01:11:40 PM
Although I also didn't rank those songs, I do think 1984 is an amazing album as a whole (including the songs with keyboard and I LOVE all the singles) - very consistent and with a lot of great instrumental/solo sections. It's my favorite from the first 6, no doubt!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 04, 2022, 01:23:04 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great.

Take away Jump and Panama and 1984 is fucking amazing! Might be the heaviest album in their catalog.

Panama is one of their best tunes.  I can sort of see not being behind Jump, but Panama is all killer no filler.  If you're going to exclude a song, exclude "I'll Wait". 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 01:45:53 PM
46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)


45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

I had Drop Dead Legs at #20. I think t's a great tune. Really groovy. I've always loved its vibe.

I had Girl Gone Bad at#42. This song is heavy as shit. I like it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2022, 01:47:18 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great.

Take away Jump and Panama and 1984 is fucking amazing! Might be the heaviest album in their catalog.

Yeah, the title track and I'll Wait are heavy as heck. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 01:49:29 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great.

Take away Jump and Panama and 1984 is fucking amazing! Might be the heaviest album in their catalog.

Yeah, the title track and I'll Wait are heavy as heck. :P

My 1984 starts with Top Jimmy. I don't mind I'll Wait though I don't love it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on May 04, 2022, 01:55:23 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great. 

I like 1984; it's better than it should be, but not as good as some claim (it's their second diamond-selling record).  I think it's held in such high regard because it's an all original album, and has FOUR big hits (Jump, Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait) as a reaction to Diver Down, which is often knocked as being a "covers" album (I disagree; DD is one of my favorite Van Halen records).

I agree.  1984 isn't a great album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 01:56:14 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great. 

I like 1984; it's better than it should be, but not as good as some claim (it's their second diamond-selling record).  I think it's held in such high regard because it's an all original album, and has FOUR big hits (Jump, Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait) as a reaction to Diver Down, which is often knocked as being a "covers" album (I disagree; DD is one of my favorite Van Halen records).

I agree.  1984 isn't a great album.

Have you ever heard it, or do you just listen to the radio?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on May 04, 2022, 02:15:12 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great. 

I like 1984; it's better than it should be, but not as good as some claim (it's their second diamond-selling record).  I think it's held in such high regard because it's an all original album, and has FOUR big hits (Jump, Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait) as a reaction to Diver Down, which is often knocked as being a "covers" album (I disagree; DD is one of my favorite Van Halen records).

I agree.  1984 isn't a great album.

Have you ever heard it, or do you just listen to the radio?

I listen to Prog.  Do you think I'm an album guy or a radio guy?  I never liked the album.  I HATE Panama. That's just one take.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 02:31:48 PM
Drop Dead Legs didn't rank.  Girl Gone Bad was 26 for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2022, 02:39:08 PM
How can a VH fan hate Panama??

You guys are weird. :P :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 03:10:33 PM
How can a VH fan hate Panama??

You guys are weird. :P :lol

It has the overplayed factor but I like it.  It ranked up there for me. 

I guess it's no different to me hating Run to the Hills or the Number of the Beast, I totally get why people would hate something like Panama.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 03:14:50 PM
To be fair, I didn't like Panama when the album came out. Especially compared to the rest of the songs on the album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:42 PM
I don't share the common view that 1984 was great. 

I like 1984; it's better than it should be, but not as good as some claim (it's their second diamond-selling record).  I think it's held in such high regard because it's an all original album, and has FOUR big hits (Jump, Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait) as a reaction to Diver Down, which is often knocked as being a "covers" album (I disagree; DD is one of my favorite Van Halen records).

I agree.  1984 isn't a great album.

Have you ever heard it, or do you just listen to the radio?

I listen to Prog.  Do you think I'm an album guy or a radio guy?  I never liked the album.  I HATE Panama. That's just one take.

I wouldn't say I HATE Panama.  Of the four biggies from the album, it's the one I like best (or, really, the only one that, outside of a strip club, I don't dislike).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 04, 2022, 04:17:02 PM

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)


Drop Dead Legs - number 48 for me. Really enjoy the vibe of this track.

Girl Gone Bad - number 35 for me. Big fan of this track, a heavier song with some really cool playing from Eddie and drumming from Alex.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on May 04, 2022, 04:28:08 PM
pg, it's the overplayed issue for me. I feel the same with Rock Of Ages from DL as well.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 04, 2022, 05:10:04 PM
I had Drop Dead Legs at #42.............cool groove and some super weird, quirky playing from Ed on this.  A bit of a grower over time.

I had the highest ranking for Girl Gone Bad at #9 and Kade also had it pretty high -  possibly no coincidence we both play guitar .  I could see why this song might seem a bit of a mess to some but I tend to elevate a song where Ed is just going on the attack on his guitar and the aggression in this song (and with the drums too) is palpable and builds right into the ending
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 04, 2022, 06:32:58 PM
Two deep cuts from the same album today.

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

Drop Dead Legs was my number 14 and I stand by it. Great riffing and drums. Yeah, the lyrics are awful, but I don’t listen to VH for lyrical content.

Girl Gone Bad was my number 44, meaning I’m pretty close on the mark again.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 04, 2022, 06:47:18 PM
Two deep cuts from the same album today.

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

Despite the hilariously bad lyrics, I love this one. I had it at 22.


45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

I didn't rank this one, but it's still a very nice tune.
Drop Dead Legs - I had this at #67. Not a terrible song, but also not terribly interesting either. Plus the lyrics are dumb. Then again you could say that about most DLR songs.

Girl Gone Bad - Had this at #11. My 2nd favorite song from 1984. EVH and AVH are a big reason for the high ranking for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2022, 07:42:08 PM
Tomorrow's tandem will make TAC happy, as he was the highest ranker on one of them.  He won't have to wait till the top 5 like he did with the Rush countdown.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 04, 2022, 07:45:00 PM
Tomorrow's tandem will make TAC happy, as he was the highest ranker on one of them.  He won't have to wait till the top 5 like he did with the Rush countdown.  :lol :lol
I already had 1 highest ranker. I'm betting I have several more to come. My Van Halen tastes don't run congruent with most people :corn  Well, except for the fact that VHIII was terrible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 07:46:17 PM
Tomorrow's tandem will make TAC happy, as he was the highest ranker on one of them.  He won't have to wait till the top 5 like he did with the Rush countdown.  :lol :lol

Oh great. One of my all time favorite VH songs won't even crack the Top 40! :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 04, 2022, 08:14:39 PM
Tomorrow's tandem will make TAC happy, as he was the highest ranker on one of them.  He won't have to wait till the top 5 like he did with the Rush countdown.  :lol :lol

Oh great. One of my all time favorite VH songs won't even crack the Top 40! :lol

Been there, done that  :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 05, 2022, 05:52:51 AM
I had Drop Dead Legs at #42.............cool groove and some super weird, quirky playing from Ed on this.  A bit of a grower over time.

I had the highest ranking for Girl Gone Bad at #9 and Kade also had it pretty high -  possibly no coincidence we both play guitar .  I could see why this song might seem a bit of a mess to some but I tend to elevate a song where Ed is just going on the attack on his guitar and the aggression in this song (and with the drums too) is palpable and builds right into the ending

Yeah great song and Eddie rips.  I probably didn't mind it cause Savatage ripped one of those riffs off for She's in Love.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 05, 2022, 06:42:40 AM
Two deep cuts from the same album today.

46 Drop Dead Legs
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (WilliamMunny)

Despite the hilariously bad lyrics, I love this one. I had it at 22.


45 Girl Gone Bad
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (bl5150)

I didn't rank this one, but it's still a very nice tune.
Drop Dead Legs - I had this at #67. Not a terrible song, but also not terribly interesting either. Plus the lyrics are dumb. Then again you could say that about most DLR songs.

Girl Gone Bad - Had this at #11. My 2nd favorite song from 1984. EVH and AVH are a big reason for the high ranking for me.

I've said this before, and I'll probably say it again a couple more times:  I do understand that not every lyric is a stone-cold winner, but don't sleep on DLR's lyrics.  I think at his best, he's VERY underrated as a lyricist.   What he does do, though, is know his place.  Some of those songs don't CALL for Shakespeare.  But he does slip in some nuggets now and again. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 05, 2022, 08:18:12 AM
Tomorrow's tandem will make TAC happy, as he was the highest ranker on one of them.  He won't have to wait till the top 5 like he did with the Rush countdown.  :lol :lol
I already had 1 highest ranker. I'm betting I have several more to come. My Van Halen tastes don't run congruent with most people :corn  Well, except for the fact that VHIII was terrible.

Lol...you and me both. I bet I'll have more than my fair share of 'highest rankers'

For instance, 'I'll Wait' is BY FAR my favorite track off of 1984—"such good photography" has been a part of my personal lexicon for about 35 years!!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2022, 10:58:22 AM

 

For instance, 'I'll Wait' is BY FAR my favorite track off of 1984—"such good photography" has been a part of my personal lexicon for about 35 years!!!

Spoiler alert: you and I were the two highest rankers of I'll Wait, but one of us had it one spot higher than the other. Time will tell who was the highest...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2022, 11:02:18 AM
Here are today's songs.

43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (WardySI)


I disliked this song a lot when I first heard it.  Sammy sounding like his voice was blown out combined with Alex's annoying cymbal flourishes in the choruses were big obstacles for me to immediately climb.  I did come around to liking it, although it is still not a favorite, and thus did not make my top 50.


43 (t) Ice Cream Man
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6 (TAC)


This one actually took me a while to come around on as well, as I just didn't like that much first, considering it the lone hiccup on an otherwise masterful debut record.  Like the above, it didn't get ranked, but I do like it quite a bit now.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 05, 2022, 11:17:46 AM
43(t) - Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do):  Never heard it.

43(t) - Ice Cream Man:  Vaguely cool novelty song with some nostalgia value for the days when we'd hear the ice cream truck and run outside (although I'm sure it's some sort of sexual metaphor).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 05, 2022, 11:55:05 AM
I had "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do) at #20, and - nailing the zeitgeist once again - Ice Cream Man at #44.

I really dig DTM(WLCD).  It's a dark song and in hindsight really reflects the mood and attitude of the band at the time.  Famously, it was "Let Me Show You What Love Can Do" or something (about Kurt Cobain) and the brothers said no, we want something darker.  Sam fought, but relented, but the tensions really signaled the end of the band in that incarnation.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 05, 2022, 01:12:15 PM
Don’t Tell Me What Love Can Do came in at 27 for me. Love how meaty everything sounds on Balance, and I’m glad they went for a darker overall tone on this song than whatever it was Sammy wanted to do. Never had any problem with the symbols on the chorus. Sammy is a bit shrill, but it’s a pretty great vocal performance overall. This is another one of those more introspective Sammy lyrics that I appreciate for being something a bit deeper.

Ice Cream Man did not rank.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 05, 2022, 04:52:35 PM
43(t) - Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do):  Never heard it.

YouTube is your friend😉
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 05, 2022, 04:54:08 PM
Neither of these ranked for me.  Ice Cream Man is just the type of novelty song I can't buy into.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 05, 2022, 05:23:43 PM
Ice Cream Man is just the type of novelty song I can't buy into.

I see what you did there.




43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (WardySI)



43 (t) Ice Cream Man
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6 (TAC)


I had DTM(WLCD) at Not Ranked. Never even considered it.

I had Ice Cream Man at #6. It's a little campy, but it shows just what a machine this band was from the jump.





Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 05, 2022, 06:13:18 PM
43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (WardySI)


I disliked this song a lot when I first heard it.  Sammy sounding like his voice was blown out combined with Alex's annoying cymbal flourishes in the choruses were big obstacles for me to immediately climb.  I did come around to liking it, although it is still not a favorite, and thus did not make my top 50.


43 (t) Ice Cream Man
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6 (TAC)


This one actually took me a while to come around on as well, as I just didn't like that much first, considering it the lone hiccup on an otherwise masterful debut record.  Like the above, it didn't get ranked, but I do like it quite a bit now.
Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do) - This song snuck in at #42 for me. Pretty close to the consensus. I was actually surprised how much this song grew on me when I was doing my relistening, and the rest of Balance for that matter. The middle instrumental break in this song is fantastic!

Ice Cream Man - This landed at #37. Yes the lyrics are kind of dumb. Yes they are definitely very tongue in cheek and full of innuendo. Yes the song is sort of campy. However, there's no denying the song is fun to listen to and full of great playing by Eddie.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 05, 2022, 06:30:53 PM

43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (WardySI)


43 (t) Ice Cream Man
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6 (TAC)



Don't Tell Me - this was 18 for me. I love this song although I think it is mainly because of the verses and the cool phaser guitar intro/guitar part under the verses. The chorus isn't that strong overall.  The guitar solo and guitar solo outro (before chorus reprise) are also great.

Ice Cream Man - unranked.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 05, 2022, 09:46:01 PM
I had Don't Tell Me in the 80's but find it a pleasant enough song.  Probably a good indication of how important VH were to me growing up - ranked in the 80s and still nothing I actively dislike.

I ranked Ice Cream Man #18.  Fiery guitar solo and the sense of humour that was a big part of my attraction to DLR era Van Halen.

Wouldn't mind a Davesickle guitar :lol

(https://i.postimg.cc/QdyxZxx9/davesicle.jpg)

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: jammindude on May 05, 2022, 10:25:52 PM
I’m lurking. But I just wanted something noted.

How many of you thought that it was EVH on the acoustic guitar on the intro of ICM? Because it was just a scant couple of years ago that I found out it was Dave.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 05, 2022, 10:35:39 PM
Davesickle.   :lol  My first time seeing that, holy shit!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 05, 2022, 11:08:07 PM
ICM didn't rank for me.

I recall when Balance was released I had no idea it was even coming out had missed the single even, but walking into my local hearing Don't Tell Me blasting over the stereo I was hit with that sound (someone above described it as meaty and I agree) and what a song!  Somewhat a departure at the time and I dug it and of course Ed's guitar before the final chorus is sublime (I never understood the split in fanbase or how anyone couldn't still enjoy Ed's work during the Hagar era some incredible stuff but oh well)...  Anyway great song and glad it made this 50 \m/


ETA No I didn't know that was Dave jammindude - noted ;)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 05, 2022, 11:48:06 PM
Here are today's songs.

43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (WardySI)


43 (t) Ice Cream Man
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6 (TAC)



Don’t Tell Me was my 50th track. Pretty groovy, but nothing super special.

Ice Cream Man didn’t rank. I really don’t care for this song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 06, 2022, 01:54:44 AM
jump.

 :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 06, 2022, 08:16:13 AM
jump.

 :metal
:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2022, 08:45:02 AM
We see someone's number 1 land in the 40s again today!

42 Humans Being
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 3 (WardySI)


This song was an instant ass-kicker for me.  Interestingly, it is the only song in the top 50 that wasn't on a VH studio album.  This song has held up really well, which is why it landed at 20 for me.


41 Little Guitars
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (Deadeye21)


This is the first and only song from Diver Down to appear in the top 50.  Nothing from that album made my top 50, but I would agree that this is the best song from it, so I am good with its appearance.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 06, 2022, 08:49:55 AM
MY NUMBER ONE IS 41ST!?

Nup. This list is rigged.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 08:58:14 AM
Humans Being is great. I had it at 30. VH were on top of it in the 90s. I just wish they had made more music in that period because what they did make sounded great. A little surprised it’s the only non album track to make it (I had Me Wise Magic one spot higher at 29, and I thought that one was fairly well thought of by others around here).

Little Guitars was one I probably should have ranked upon further reflection. It’s a really fun song. My apologies, Deadeye!

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2022, 09:01:14 AM
Me Wise Magic didn't miss the top 50 by much (it finished at 56), but I was also a little surprised it didn't do a little better.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 06, 2022, 09:10:36 AM
I love Humans Being, it was my #28. The solo section is great with that nice double bass drum groove!
So... no Pretty Woman (#32) in the Top 50? I think the VH's version is amazing, specially if we hear it together with Intruder (which I always do).
I also will miss Me Wise Magic (#38) and I Can't Get This Stuff No More (#44).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 06, 2022, 09:16:47 AM
Me Wise Magic didn't miss the top 50 by much (it finished at 56), but I was also a little surprised it didn't do a little better.

Dammit.  Me Wise Magic is #4 on my list.  I LOVE that song.


Little Guitars was #10

Humans Being was #86
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 06, 2022, 09:30:26 AM
I’m lurking. But I just wanted something noted.

How many of you thought that it was EVH on the acoustic guitar on the intro of ICM? Because it was just a scant couple of years ago that I found out it was Dave.

I'm trying to remember where I saw it, but I saw a COOL interview with Dave from not that long ago; it was after ADKOT.  It spent a lot of time on his tattoos (he did the irezumi style - the traditional Japanese tattoo style - with munewari - the "strip" down the chest so that the tattoos are not visible outside the shirtline or with a kimono) and his tattoo artist.  Supposedly he did it all at once rather than building up as some do.   Anyway, there was a scene and Dave had an acoustic guitar and he was playing and singing along and it was remarkably good, perhaps because it's not something you'd expect from him. 

I'll see if I can find a link; it's a fascinating look into the man; after 45 years in the public life, the REAL David Roth is still pretty much an enigma.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 06, 2022, 09:39:49 AM
43(t) - Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do):  Never heard it.

YouTube is your friend😉

I mean...I'm aware that there are lots of options where I COULD listen to it.


41 Little Guitars
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (Deadeye21)


This is the first and only song from Diver Down to appear in the top 50.  Nothing from that album made my top 50, but I would agree that this is the best song from it, so I am good with its appearance.

Fucking what?!  LG is a good song, and the Spanish guitar intro is really cool, but it's not even close to the best song on that album.  Hang 'Em High is a complete ass kicker.  One of my absolute favorite VH songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 09:46:37 AM
Hang 'em High is pretty cool, but I'm more surprised about (Oh) Pretty Woman, which is a classic VH cut that they really made their own.

But, 50 songs also really isn't a long list for VH. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 06, 2022, 09:56:10 AM
42 Humans Being
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 3 (WardySI)


This song was an instant ass-kicker for me.  Interestingly, it is the only song in the top 50 that wasn't on a VH studio album.  This song has held up really well, which is why it landed at 20 for me.


41 Little Guitars
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (Deadeye21)


This is the first and only song from Diver Down to appear in the top 50.  Nothing from that album made my top 50, but I would agree that this is the best song from it, so I am good with its appearance.
Humans Being - Awesome! I was a little worried this song would be forgotten about and not make the list. I had it at #15. It's a fantastic song. That build up in the intro always takes me back to when this song first came out. Such a nostalgic song for me. If I remember correctly, this song was recorded for the movie Twister, which is where I first heard it.

Little Guitars - I had this at #31. A great song from kind of a mixed bag of an album.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 06, 2022, 10:14:36 AM
42 Humans Being
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 3 (WardySI)


This song was an instant ass-kicker for me.  Interestingly, it is the only song in the top 50 that wasn't on a VH studio album.  This song has held up really well, which is why it landed at 20 for me.


41 Little Guitars
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (Deadeye21)


This is the first and only song from Diver Down to appear in the top 50.  Nothing from that album made my top 50, but I would agree that this is the best song from it, so I am good with its appearance.
Humans Being - Awesome! I was a little worried this song would be forgotten about and not make the list. I had it at #15. It's a fantastic song. That build up in the intro always takes me back to when this song first came out. Such a nostalgic song for me. If I remember correctly, this song was recording for the movie Twister, which is where I first heard it.

Little Guitars - I had this at #31. A great song from kind of a mixed bag of an album.

Humans Being was a song with controversy. The Brothers again hated the lyrics, and kept begging Sam to record with them in LA.  Sam's wife was pregnant, though, in Hawai'i and he didn't want to travel.  I guess she finally came to San Francisco, and he commuted from there. 

It's an "eh" song for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 03:05:38 PM
Shit, I didn't know about Humans Being.  What was this song released on?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 03:20:49 PM
I had Humans Being as Not Ranked. I was nice at that point to get some new material, but neither the new Sammy or DLR song was that good IMO.

I had Little Guitars at #38. Always enjoyed it.
Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?

The other Diver Down tracks I had were:
Hang 'Em High at #48.
The Ful Bug at #11.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 03:27:24 PM
I find that surprising too.  I had Hang 'em High at 31 and the Full Bug at 27.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2022, 03:30:31 PM
Shit, I didn't know about Humans Being.  What was this song released on?

The soundtrack to the Twister flick.

I know at the time that Sammy didn't want to do as he didn't want fans to have to buy a soundtrack just to hear their one song, but the brothers overruled him and he caved (IIRC).

The soundtrack also has a instrumental by just Alex and Eddie called Respect the Wind.  Really good song, one featuring just Eddie on guitar and Alex on keys.  I am pretty sure that was played over the end credits in the film.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 03:32:36 PM
I'll check that out.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 03:40:46 PM
Humans Being is not bad.  Not sure if it would have ranked but could be close.  That chorus reminds me of Harem Scarem.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 06, 2022, 04:47:06 PM

42 Humans Being
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 3 (WardySI)


41 Little Guitars
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (Deadeye21)



Humans Being - ok this is a miss for me. Sorry, I actually forgot to include non-album tracks....

Little Guitars - Ranked 34 for me. Totally agree with Kev that this is the best song on the album and it is the only song from Diver Down I ranked in my top 50 so I guess I got that part right. I am just not much of a fan of DD. I do love the Pretty Woman cover but I just couldn't rank it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 05:41:27 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2022, 05:50:13 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 06:17:52 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P

That’s because it rules all!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 06, 2022, 07:22:47 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P

That’s because it rules all!
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/770/884/857.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 07:27:17 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P

Uhhh......wow!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 07:32:39 PM
Wow, that is indeed whacked.




(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/770/884/857.gif)



That is an awesome gif!  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 07:34:13 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P

That’s because it rules all!

I'm sorry HOF but I think you're list has been disregarded and not included, Kev just hasn't the heart to tell you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 06, 2022, 08:02:07 PM
I’ve been re-listening to the DLR albums the last couple weeks, and I have to say, I think Diver Down might be my favorite from him. It’s just a fun album and the production on it is really strong too.

Considering you had 11 of the 12 songs from III in your top 50, I can't say I am surprised. :lol :P

That’s because it rules all!

I'm sorry HOF but I think you're list has been disregarded and not included, Kev just hasn't the heart to tell you.

Yeah, his opinions are the most outre I’ve ever seen.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 08:04:00 PM
Worse than Stadler! :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 08:35:17 PM
I aim to bring balance to the forum.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 08:52:34 PM
I aim to bring balance to the forum.

Well, to bring more Balance you need to start chopping VH3.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 06, 2022, 09:22:08 PM
I aim to bring balance to the forum.

Well, to bring more Balance you need to start chopping VH3.

I do have 9 from Balance on my list!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 06, 2022, 10:08:58 PM
Humans Being was an instant win on first spin and clearly has remained a fave.  It was so good I anticipated the next record with Sam would be something truly special but sadly it never happened. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 06, 2022, 11:23:04 PM
I liked Humans Being but had it around 60-ish on my list.  After OU812 Ed's lead guitar playing lost quite a bit for my taste (same time he ditched the Frankie and spent more time designing guitars and amps  etc...) and so from F.U.C.K. onwards it's more about me really loving the song as I wasn't so wowed by his playing.  I definitely liked Humans Being though.

I had Little Guitars #31 and agree with


Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 07, 2022, 06:01:28 AM
I liked Humans Being but had it around 60-ish on my list.  After OU812 Ed's lead guitar playing lost quite a bit for my taste (same time he ditched the Frankie and spent more time designing guitars and amps  etc...) and so from F.U.C.K. onwards it's more about me really loving the song as I wasn't so wowed by his playing. I definitely liked Humans Being though.

I had Little Guitars #31 and agree with


Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?


I actually really enjoyed his playing the most on FUCK and Balance, bit I think liking the songs and the style more maybe the reason.  But there's some amazing playing on these two.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 07, 2022, 07:06:41 AM
I liked Humans Being but had it around 60-ish on my list.  After OU812 Ed's lead guitar playing lost quite a bit for my taste (same time he ditched the Frankie and spent more time designing guitars and amps  etc...) and so from F.U.C.K. onwards it's more about me really loving the song as I wasn't so wowed by his playing. I definitely liked Humans Being though.

I had Little Guitars #31 and agree with


Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?


I actually really enjoyed his playing the most on FUCK and Balance, bit I think liking the songs and the style more maybe the reason.  But there's some amazing playing on these two.

I was thinking the same thing!

Where's "Dancing in the Streets" or "Pretty Woman"????  :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 07, 2022, 07:28:44 AM
Let's keep this moving...

40 Feelin’
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (hefdaddy42)


Love this one.  I had it at 35, which seemed lower than I would have thought, but the ranking engine does not lie.  VH rarely did songs like this, but they did it well. 


39 You Really Got Me
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (DragonAttack)


I didn't put any of their covers in my top 50, but this is a great one.  And it's on the debut, so it's obviously a keeper.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 07, 2022, 08:09:12 AM
Feelin’ is awesome. I had it at 16. One of VH’s most epic songs and a tremendous album closer. Incredible vocal performance from Sammy. And of course Eddie is all over it. Great track.

You Really Got me was 45 on my list. A great cover that the band make their own. I always think of the car commercial with Ken and Barbie when I hear it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 07, 2022, 09:25:14 AM
I liked Humans Being but had it around 60-ish on my list.  After OU812 Ed's lead guitar playing lost quite a bit for my taste (same time he ditched the Frankie and spent more time designing guitars and amps  etc...) and so from F.U.C.K. onwards it's more about me really loving the song as I wasn't so wowed by his playing. I definitely liked Humans Being though.

I had Little Guitars #31 and agree with


Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?


I actually really enjoyed his playing the most on FUCK and Balance, bit I think liking the songs and the style more maybe the reason.  But there's some amazing playing on these two.

I agree in parts but on the whole his lead playing (part of the attraction of which was his total unpredictability) became very predictable/samey to me after OU812  (lots of recycled licks........even moreso live) and his tone fattened up big time with his new signature guitars.  Over the journey I've probably only come across a couple of people who agree with me and draw a very clear line between OU812 and the rest with his guitar playing but it's clear as day to my ears. 

I really like both of the new songs.  Feelin' is one of the exceptions to what I said above re Ed's playing and therefore was a big favourite off Balance....I had it #47

I had You Really Got Me #17 - one of the first VH songs I heard (and saw on Rage/MTV) so big time influential on me growing up to worship Eddie and the band.  It had the playing , attitude , everything.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 07, 2022, 09:26:21 AM

You Really Got me was 45 on my list. A great cover that the band make their own. I always think of the car commercial with Ken and Barbie when I hear it.


Can’t say there’s anything that makes me think of Ken and Barbie.  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 07, 2022, 09:38:12 AM
Didn't participate but my #1 and #2 (not sure of order) are Pretty Woman and You Really Got Me. My favorite local cover band I saw a ton in my 20s did a rocking Pretty Woman in VH's style and I loved it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 07, 2022, 10:47:15 AM
40 Feelin’
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (hefdaddy42)


Love this one.  I had it at 35, which seemed lower than I would have thought, but the ranking engine does not lie.  VH rarely did songs like this, but they did it well. 


39 You Really Got Me
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (DragonAttack)


I didn't put any of their covers in my top 50, but this is a great one.  And it's on the debut, so it's obviously a keeper.
Feelin' - A great song. I had this at #22. This has some great Eddie licks and fantastic vocals from Sammy

You Really Got Me - I do enjoy this song, even though I only had it at #96 on my list. It's definitely better than the original. Although Stadler may disagree :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 07, 2022, 12:01:46 PM

You Really Got me was 45 on my list. A great cover that the band make their own. I always think of the car commercial with Ken and Barbie when I hear it.


Can’t say there’s anything that makes me think of Ken and Barbie.  :lol

More G.I. Joe and Barbie. Surely you’ve seen it before:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HQmuNEZak
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 07, 2022, 12:10:48 PM

You Really Got me was 45 on my list. A great cover that the band make their own. I always think of the car commercial with Ken and Barbie when I hear it.


Can’t say there’s anything that makes me think of Ken and Barbie.  :lol

More G.I. Joe and Barbie. Surely you’ve seen it before:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HQmuNEZak

Which seems to have been inspired by this weird Barbie video for The Kinks' original version of the song that was dreamt up by some rather well hydrated people at the ABC in Australia (music show called Rage) when I was a kid.  Funny the things you remember  :lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZejNl2YuEnQ
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 07, 2022, 12:15:38 PM

You Really Got me was 45 on my list. A great cover that the band make their own. I always think of the car commercial with Ken and Barbie when I hear it.


Can’t say there’s anything that makes me think of Ken and Barbie.  :lol

More G.I. Joe and Barbie. Surely you’ve seen it before:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HQmuNEZak

Which seems to have been inspired by this weird Barbie video for The Kinks' original version of the song that was dreamt up by some rather well hydrated people at the ABC in Australia (music show called Rage) when I was a kid.  Funny the things you remember  :lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZejNl2YuEnQ

Ha, did not know about that one, but it makes sense.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 07, 2022, 12:35:37 PM
40 Feelin’
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (hefdaddy42)



39 You Really Got Me
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (DragonAttack)


I had Feelin' at #47. I feel like I liked it a lot more when it came out. They really don't have another song like that in their catalog.  It's cool and all. Just not a favorite.

I had You Really Got Me at #30. I didn't consider any other of their cover songs, but I made an exception here. It's an iconic VH track, cover song or not.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 07, 2022, 12:43:37 PM
Besides Pretty Woman, You Really Got Me was the other VH's version to make my list (#35), really remarkable! Feeling is a great closer to the excellent Balance (#49) and one of few (if there's another) VH's songs with an epic feel.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 07, 2022, 04:30:33 PM
I liked Humans Being but had it around 60-ish on my list.  After OU812 Ed's lead guitar playing lost quite a bit for my taste (same time he ditched the Frankie and spent more time designing guitars and amps  etc...) and so from F.U.C.K. onwards it's more about me really loving the song as I wasn't so wowed by his playing. I definitely liked Humans Being though.

I had Little Guitars #31 and agree with


Wait..THIS is the only Diver Down track?? I mean, I know the album kind of sucks, but only one song?


I actually really enjoyed his playing the most on FUCK and Balance, bit I think liking the songs and the style more maybe the reason.  But there's some amazing playing on these two.

I agree in parts but on the whole his lead playing (part of the attraction of which was his total unpredictability) became very predictable/samey to me after OU812  (lots of recycled licks........even moreso live) and his tone fattened up big time with his new signature guitars.  Over the journey I've probably only come across a couple of people who agree with me and draw a very clear line between OU812 and the rest with his guitar playing but it's clear as day to my ears. 

I really like both of the new songs.  Feelin' is one of the exceptions to what I said above re Ed's playing and therefore was a big favourite off Balance....I had it #47

I had You Really Got Me #17 - one of the first VH songs I heard (and saw on Rage/MTV) so big time influential on me growing up to worship Eddie and the band.  It had the playing , attitude , everything.

I haven't listened enough to comment but knowing your knowledge, I don't doubt what you're saying.  I'll have to listen a bit more to him in general to sus that out.

I didn't rank YRGM but Feelin' was at number 12 for me.  Again, I loved what Eddie does in the middle and the song has a great atmosphere.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 07, 2022, 04:37:41 PM

40 Feelin’
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (hefdaddy42)


39 You Really Got Me
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (DragonAttack)



Feelin - unranked by me but I do enjoy this one.

You Really Got Me - this is the only cover I ranked in my top 50. I wasn't going to include any covers but then decided I had to have this one and I ranked this at 24.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 07, 2022, 06:44:10 PM

I had Feelin' at #47.

Feelin' is one of the exceptions to what I said above re Ed's playing and therefore was a big favourite off Balance....I had it #47


:hifive:



I didn't rank YRGM but Feelin' was at number 12 for me.  Again, I loved what Eddie does in the middle and the song has a great atmosphere.

It is a great song and one of my faves from Sammy.......  In terms of songwriting it should rank way higher than many of the Roth tracks I ranked higher , but I did it more on lifetime influence which automatically weighted things towards Roth songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 07, 2022, 07:25:46 PM

I had Feelin' at #47.

Feelin' is one of the exceptions to what I said above re Ed's playing and therefore was a big favourite off Balance....I had it #47


:hifive:



I didn't rank YRGM but Feelin' was at number 12 for me.  Again, I loved what Eddie does in the middle and the song has a great atmosphere.

It is a great song and one of my faves from Sammy.......  In terms of songwriting it should rank way higher than many of the Roth tracks I ranked higher , but I did it more on lifetime influence which automatically weighted things towards Roth songs.

As you would.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 08, 2022, 08:08:15 AM
Two very different songs are today's tunes.

37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


Good song, but one I got tired of quickly by the end of 1988 as MTV played the daylights out of the video.  The chorus is a bit too sappy for me, but the synth intro and outros are both nice.  Unranked for me.


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)


I was a bit dismayed to see this one not do a lot better, but such is life.  It was my number 7.  That intro alone is just  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 08, 2022, 08:39:20 AM
....the lower ten...and I figured with the small sampling size, that I'd end up with some of the highest ones ranked, along with favorites that wouldn't make the cut.  Add onto that a strong aversion of the hits of any band by some, which means I won't be surprised at any of the results here.

50 Feel Your Love Tonight (#43)

49 Feels So Good (#11.....highest) Takes me back to the late spring and summer of ’88.  I met and moved in with my future first wife, went on a couple of vacations with her, passed a required state exam to keep my job, had a great time during and after softball games with teammates and our girlfriends/wives.  Life did feel good.

48 Good Enough (#8) almost highest.  Their ‘well, here WE are’ introductory song, and it rocks.

47 Mine All Mine (#21) second of three from OU812?  Damn, ...where’s the spoiler alert? ;) I listed six from the album, as it’s my favorite Van Hagar offering. Then again, this is DTF. As I said earlier, I shouldn't be surprised.   :D  btw, terrific lyrics!

46 Drop Dead Legs (NR) the lyrics :tdwn

45 Girl Gone Bad (NR) see #46

43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do) (NR)  I do have it on my best of Van Hagar disc.  I had it at #50, but dropped it for ‘On Fire’.  Some outstanding BVs by Mike, but wasn't that generally the overlooked norm?

43 (t) Ice Cream Man (#20)  Heard this just as much on AOR stations back in the day as the handful of other favorites from this album.  Slight tempo changer before kicking axe.  So many good and clever blues song writers could insert sexual innuendos into a song in a smart way.  A great cover.

42 Humans Being (NR) not a fan of the vocal stylings.  All the turmoil that followed  'Balance' basically turned me off from anything they had to offer afterwards.

41 Little Guitars (NR) yet another spoiler alert missing....

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 08, 2022, 09:17:36 AM
Two very different songs are today's tunes.

37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


Good song, but one I got tired of quickly by the end of 1988 as MTV played the daylights out of the video.  The chorus is a bit too sappy for me, but the synth intro and outros are both nice.  Unranked for me.


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)


I was a bit dismayed to see this one not do a lot better, but such is life.  It was my number 7.  That intro alone is just  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy.



I had both these just outside the top 50 , but enjoy them both.  I think perhaps When It's Love suffered from overexposure but it's a very well written song and I do really like the bluesy solo which was a cool change up for Ed.   Like Feel Your Love Tonight , Little Dreamer is one of my lesser favourites on my DTF Top 50 #1 album of all time.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 08, 2022, 09:51:39 AM
37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)


I had When It's Love as Not Rated. Awful. Just awful. I was embarrassed for the band when this was released as the single.


I had Little Dreamer at #45. Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 08, 2022, 11:36:00 AM
37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


Good song, but one I got tired of quickly by the end of 1988 as MTV played the daylights out of the video.  The chorus is a bit too sappy for me, but the synth intro and outros are both nice.  Unranked for me.


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)


I was a bit dismayed to see this one not do a lot better, but such is life.  It was my number 7.  That intro alone is just  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy.
When It's Love - This song suffers the most on OU812 with that awful constant clicking in the background. It is persistent throughout the whole song. It could have been a decent song if not for that, but it missed my top 50 because of it and came in at #85

Little Dreamer - This one landed at #84 and had I looked over my list a little more carefully after running through the ranking engine it probably would have ended up higher. It's a good song. Oh well.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 08, 2022, 02:43:45 PM
I have When It’s Love at number 5. Surprised someone ranked it higher (though WilliamMunny and I tend to have similar tastes I think)! It’s a great ballad, and I’ve never gotten tired of it. The clicking sound was always an oddity, but I still think it’s actually a keyboard. Some sort of echo effect I think. It follows the same rhythm as the keyboards (even when the other keyboard isn’t playing). Whatever it is, I always liked it. I also for whatever reason really love the “nah nah nah nah nah nah” backing part. Weird how something without words can affect you, but it does.

Little Dreamer seems unremarkable to me and didn’t rank, but I know people love the debut.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 08, 2022, 04:17:17 PM

37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)



When It's Love - ranked 50 for me. A really nice song but probably hasn't aged that well for me. On the clicking sound - to me that sound is definitely keyboard related? Has never bothered me but I can see how it could for others.

Little Dreamer - now we are talking. I ranked this at 20 but this is a very cool song. This album as a whole just has so much life to me even today.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PM
Two very different songs are today's tunes.

37 (t) When It’s Love
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (WilliamMunny)


Good song, but one I got tired of quickly by the end of 1988 as MTV played the daylights out of the video.  The chorus is a bit too sappy for me, but the synth intro and outros are both nice.  Unranked for me.


37 (t) Little Dreamer
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2 (Dream Team)


I was a bit dismayed to see this one not do a lot better, but such is life.  It was my number 7.  That intro alone is just  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy.

RE: When It's Love - This is a good example of what made VHagar different than VHalen. Sammy and Dave were just so different, and in my opinion, that's what made VH 2.0 work. This is, in my opinion, a perfect song.

Sincere (sappy? I dunno, I don't really care) in a way that DLR just couldn't do. And let's be honest, if DLR had done a song like this, we probably would've thought less of him.

I'm one of the few who honestly prefers both eras equally. I'll take 'When It's Love' and 'Hot for Teacher' back to back any day of the week. For me, it all works, it all makes sense, and in my opinion, that's a testament to Eddie's genius.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 08, 2022, 05:02:49 PM
I also for whatever reason really love the “nah nah nah nah nah nah” backing part.

There was a short period where that was probably one of my favorite musical sections by any band.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 08, 2022, 05:05:30 PM

I'm one of the few who honestly prefers both eras equally. I'll take 'When It's Love' and 'Hot for Teacher' back to back any day of the week. For me, it all works, it all makes sense, and in my opinion, that's a testament to Eddie's genius.

Yep. Sammy opened up a side of EVH that DLR couldn’t/wouldn’t. It would have been a shame if the band never evolved beyond Hot for Teacher, as fun as that side of the band was.

I also for whatever reason really love the “nah nah nah nah nah nah” backing part.

There was a short period where that was probably one of my favorite musical sections by any band.

Yeah, it just resonates somehow. Maybe it’s borrowing a bit of cachet from Hey Jude, but it hits right in the feels.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 08, 2022, 05:18:14 PM
I really have so many fond memories of hearing When It's Love (#33) A LOT in the radio at the time. Always loved the song and, yes, the "na-na-na outro" is beautiful!
Although I think VH1 is a very impressive debut, Little Dreamer isn't in my list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 08, 2022, 05:18:41 PM
I had When It's Love at number 5.  Guilty pleasure.  Love the whole middle section, Sammy kills it and Eddie's solo is lovely.

Little Dreamer was at 39.  Decent song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 08, 2022, 07:08:25 PM
Two more today!

36 Best of Both Worlds
Appeared on 7 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (WardySI)


This was unranked for me, but I have always liked the Live Without a Net version a lot thanks to MTV playing it a ton in '87.  I always thought the studio version was a bit limp compared to that live version, but good tune regardless.


35 Top of the World
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (HOF)


Another good song that went unranked for me.  That lead guitar line can sometimes grate on my nerves, so it can be a song I do not always want to hear as a result.  Vocal melodies are catchy as heck though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 08, 2022, 07:13:14 PM
Neither of these made my Top 50...................Best Of Both Worlds just missed out.  Top Of The World was closer to #100........I liked it a bit when it came out and it probably got more curiosity from me at the time due to being a VH trivia nut and knowing the riff for this came from the outro from Jump.  But over time it didn't age well for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 08, 2022, 07:15:58 PM
Neither song ranked for me. I'd take Top Of The World over Best Of Both Worlds though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 08, 2022, 07:17:19 PM
Neither song ranked for me either.  Im shocked truthfully at one have 4 top ten appearances and the other 2!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 08, 2022, 07:33:56 PM
36 Best of Both Worlds
Appeared on 7 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (WardySI)


This was unranked for me, but I have always liked the Live Without a Net version a lot thanks to MTV playing it a ton in '87.  I always thought the studio version was a bit limp compared to that live version, but good tune regardless.


35 Top of the World
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (HOF)


Another good song that went unranked for me.  That lead guitar line can sometimes grate on my nerves, so it can be a song I do not always want to hear as a result.  Vocal melodies are catchy as heck though.
Best of Both Worlds - I assumed I would have the top spot on this song, but apparently there are other that like it just as much, if not more than I do. I had it at #10. I love the lead guitar parts here and enjoy Sammy's vocals.

Top of the World - I had this at #27. Another great song and good closer to For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 08, 2022, 08:22:57 PM
Best of Both Worlds is fine but gets a little bit tiresome to me. I think it was in the first iteration of my list but got dropped while I was moving things around.

Top of the World is just a great, upbeat rocker. It’s probably one of my earliest memories of VH, as I recall hearing it on the radio when it came out. So it’s definitely among a handful of songs that made sense for my top 5. I don’t know how that main riff can be annoying to you, Kev. To me, it’s one of the catchiest things Eddie ever came up with. Just a super-catchy song. The pre-chorus is gold, and the instrumental section is also really cool the way it builds. Really great closer too.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 08, 2022, 08:48:11 PM

36 Best of Both Worlds
Appeared on 7 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (WardySI)


35 Top of the World
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (HOF)



Two really great Sammy songs here, I am a big fan of both.

Best of Both Worlds - my rank 14. I get the feeling with this song having 4 top 10 finishes but only appearing on 7 lists and my own ranking just outside top 10 that this countdown could get influenced strongly by those who love the 5150 album and those who don't? Anyway, time will tell on that one but I am big fan of 5150 as a whole and just always loved this track.

Top of the World - my rank 37, so pretty close overall. This is just a fun rocking tune, always enjoyed this one. The bridge into the solo is cool and love the solo breakdown section before it takes off.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 09, 2022, 03:28:30 AM
Hmmm if I'm honest I expected a little more love for Best Of Both Worlds but maybe just me then LOL and Top Of The World (#35) was a late bloomer fer me actually didn't go much on Poundcake and the album initially and it took some time but yes, cool song!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 09, 2022, 03:44:50 AM
There’s a lot of good songs ending up way too low.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 09, 2022, 06:50:29 AM
About Top of the World (#50), I agree with all the good things said here. I guess I didn't rank it higher because it sounds like it's a bit too commercial on purpose. Best of Both Worlds I didn't rank, although it's a good song. Overall, I just like better the keyboard driven songs from 5150.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 09, 2022, 08:59:20 AM
So I had:

40. Feelin' at #108
39. You Really Got Me at #28.  Just a legendary song.
38. When It's Love at #57.  Very good song, not a great song.
37. Little Dreamer at #41
36. Best Of Both Worlds at #100.  Not a favorite of mine.  Overplayed, too.
35. Top Of The World at #70

From Diver Down (a favorite of mine), I had:
10. Little Guitars
25. (Oh) Pretty Woman. (I love the original and I thought Eddie just got the swagger of that tune perfectly)
33. The Full Bug
46. Little Guitars (Intro)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 09, 2022, 09:57:52 AM
It's been quite a while, but I recall Best of Both Worlds as one of the weaker songs on 5150.  Really like Top of the World, though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 09, 2022, 03:32:55 PM
40 Feelin’ (#23)  good song, damn good album closer

39 You Really Got Me (#6)  With the preceding song, one of the best ‘two fers’ by any band (not hard to guess what I placed at #5).  Tens of millions youtube views, with one of their most memorable beginning riff,  but that is a curse on DTF :D  Surprised no one ranked it higher.

37 (t) When It’s Love (#15)  again, I have fond memories of this album. 

37 (t) Little Dreamer (#34)

36 Best of Both Worlds (#31)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 09, 2022, 05:59:41 PM
Because tomorrow's two tied at number 30, I will do three today!

34 D.O.A.
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (TAC)


Ah yes, more epic EVH riffage.  :metal :metal  I had this at 39, and it probably could have been a little higher.


33 The Dream Is Over
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)


This one just missed the cut for me, which broke my heart a little, but just too many good songs overall.  It always felt like this was the red-headed stepchild of the F.U.C.K. mainstream radio hits, but I thought this was far better than Top of the World or Runaround.


32 Top Jimmy
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (hefdaddy42)


I was a little mystified as the support this one got, as it comes off to me as the clear "weak link" of 1984.  Still a solid tune, but it feels like every other song is a lot better.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 09, 2022, 06:14:59 PM
The Dream Is Over missed out for me but is one of my Top 3-4 songs off FUCK and could easily have made my Top 50 if I had fine tuned it a bit longer.

I had DOA at 46.............not a huge fave but definitely enjoy it.  I remember as a kid joining in on the "jury look at me say........outta luck"  :lol

I had Top Jimmy at #28.  Cool unique song with great rhythm change ups , solo , intro etc.....
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 09, 2022, 06:41:43 PM
D.O.A. wasn’t ranked, but that’s a fun chorus. Lots of 70s/80s acts had songs called Dead or Alive, but VH anticipated the trend and distinguished theirs ahead of time.

The Dream Is Over is obviously a favorite of mine at 2. That opening packs a big punch. I love both Eddie’s tone and Alex’s drum sound on this track. The verses are really raw and crunchy, but then the chorus is this big, bright relief with the backing vocals lifting it somewhere else. Then just a monster solo by Eddie. I guess maybe it’s the gritty sequel to Dreams. A really great performance by Eddie, Alex, and Sammy, and one that’s never gotten stale for me.

Top Jimmy was at 37 for me. One of my favorite Roth album cuts. Love the cleaner lead tone from Eddie. Clever lyrics. Another one that Alex shines on. Just a fun tune. Also doesn’t sound too different than a couple tracks on III that everyone hates. ;-)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 09, 2022, 06:46:25 PM

34 D.O.A.
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (TAC)


33 The Dream Is Over
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)


32 Top Jimmy
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (hefdaddy42)



D.O.A - my rank 26. Awesome, just love the feel and vibe of this track, really cool stuff. The solo is great, love the whammy bar action.

The Dream is Over - unranked by me but this is a great song, just couldn't fit it in but I probably also didn't try my hardest to get it in there either. I can easily see why it ranked where it did.

Top Jimmy - my rank 28. Eddie's rhythm playing rules on this song and then then the solo comes in and blows your head off...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 09, 2022, 07:54:11 PM
THAT riff in D.O.A. (#18) :metal :metal :metal Maybe my all time fave riff from Eddie :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
I like a lot The Dream Is Over and Top Jimmy, both from 2 very consistent albums IMO, but they didn't make my list.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 09, 2022, 08:28:11 PM
34 D.O.A.
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (TAC)



33 The Dream Is Over
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)



32 Top Jimmy
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (hefdaddy42)


I had DOA at #12 obviously. This was actually my first favorite Van Halen song when I was younger. I played the shit out of VHII. Such a heavy AF riff.

I had The Dream Is Over Is Not ranked. More Van Hagar gobblygook.

I had Top Jimmy at #19. Love Eddie on this. He's just toying with us. And Props to Hef, I would've never guessed. And Props to Michael Anthony on those backing vocals throughout.




I was a little mystified as the support this one got, as it comes off to me as the clear "weak link" of 1984. 

The clear weak link to 1984 is Jump. I mean Panama. Err...it's a tie.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 09, 2022, 09:18:02 PM
34 D.O.A.
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (TAC)


Ah yes, more epic EVH riffage.  :metal :metal  I had this at 39, and it probably could have been a little higher.


33 The Dream Is Over
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)


This one just missed the cut for me, which broke my heart a little, but just too many good songs overall.  It always felt like this was the red-headed stepchild of the F.U.C.K. mainstream radio hits, but I thought this was far better than Top of the World or Runaround.


32 Top Jimmy
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (hefdaddy42)


I was a little mystified as the support this one got, as it comes off to me as the clear "weak link" of 1984.  Still a solid tune, but it feels like every other song is a lot better.
D.O.A. - This finished at #26 for me. Like others have said, the riffs here are fantastic! One of the best from VHII.

The Dream Is Over - This just missed the list at #55. It's a good song and I'm not sure what Tim is talking about......gobblygook..... :biggrin:

Top Jimmy - To be honest I would have been surprised if this didn't make the list. I had it at #34. Eddie's guitar playing is phenomenal on this.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 10, 2022, 06:13:29 AM
I thought that it was fitting that today's two featured songs tied for their spot:

30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


I just missed being the high on this one, as I had it at 8.  This song is so awesome. Killer synths, great melodies, badass solo, and some killer drum fills that always make me want to air drum.  :metal :metal


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)


This one can be tough to rank, as I have heard it so many times, but it is still a damn good song, one I put at 25.  I get that others are sick of it, and I am sure the "we just wanna rock" VH fans in late '83 had conniptions when they heard this synth-driven single, but a good song is a good song.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 10, 2022, 06:26:13 AM
Jump (#25) is a classic, not only in rock, but in the pop world too, everybody knows it (and loves it). Despite its big commercial appeal, the guitar/keyboard solo is also amazing. I'll Wait is very cool, with a very interesting atmosphere in the keyboards.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 10, 2022, 06:34:39 AM
Jump (#25) is a classic,everybody knows it (and loves it).

That's your cue Tim

I had I'll Wait at #45 and Jump at #26


In the end I don't like one all that much more than the other which shows how close this all was for me.  What gets Jump over the line for me is the instrumental section.........guitars, drums, keys - the lot. As a young kid who idolised EVH I used to proudly go around telling people "that's the same guy doing the guitar and keyboard solos"  :hefdaddy   The drums rule as do the pickslides/chords etc...behind the keyboard solo.  I always loved it and that solo section makes any thoughts of the song being a tad soft/pop fade into the background for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 10, 2022, 06:47:31 AM
I thought that it was fitting that today's two featured songs tied for their spot:

30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


I just missed being the high on this one, as I had it at 8.  This song is so awesome. Killer synths, great melodies, badass solo, and some killer drum fills that always make me want to air drum.  :metal :metal


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)


This one can be tough to rank, as I have heard it so many times, but it is still a damn good song, one I put at 25.  I get that others are sick of it, and I am sure the "we just wanna rock" VH fans in late '83 had conniptions when they heard this synth-driven single, but a good song is a good song.

RE: "I'll Wait"—I (obviously) love this song, and this stands as a shining example of how Eddie + Dave + Keys could work, and did work.

I'm happy we got 5150 and Eat Em and Smile, but in an alternate universe where DLR doesn't leave the band, I'd love to hear the 'next' album, and feel like this song was a sign of things to come.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 10, 2022, 07:33:25 AM
34. D.O.A. - I had at #38  A rewrite of "Summertime Blues", but a good one.
33. The Dream Is Over - I had at #26 (What a chorus; the kind that sticks in your head for days.  This is the Sammy I love.)
32. Top Jimmy - I had at #101.  WOW; this is embarrassing, since I agree with all the comments on Ed's playing.
31. I'll Wait - I had at #81
30. Jump - I had at #32   I don't know why this gets so much shit; it's just a fun Van Halen song.That's what they do. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 10, 2022, 08:16:00 AM
I’ll Wait was at 39 for me. It’s one where you just kind of ignore the lyrics and enjoy the cool, synthy atmosphere. Randomly I just learned yesterday that it was co-written by Michael McDonald. Does anyone else think of this as a sped up All Of My Love by Led Zeppelin?

Jump was my number 7. It’s one of the great pop/rock tunes of the 80s and ever really. Again one of the first VH songs I remember hearing growing up. It’s a trademark VH tune. Not satisfied being a guitar legend, Eddie went and made himself a keyboard hero as well. I love that he was willing to branch off into that territory with his music. I’m glad he finally told Dave to stuff it and got this one recorded.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 10, 2022, 09:07:08 AM
34. D.O.A. - I had at #38  A rewrite of "Summertime Blues"



Next thing you’re going to tell me is that The Number Of The Beast is a rewrite of When The Saints Go Marching In.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 10, 2022, 10:30:42 AM
34. D.O.A. - I had at #38  A rewrite of "Summertime Blues"



Next thing you’re going to tell me is that The Number Of The Beast is a rewrite of When The Saints Go Marching In.

No, but "When It's Love" is "With A Little Help From My Friends" by the Beatles.    And "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister is a rewrite of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful".
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 10, 2022, 12:06:04 PM
^
 :mehlin
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 10, 2022, 12:30:54 PM
On Roth vs Hagar purely as vocalists: I expect more people think Hagar is "technically" the superior singer, but I'll take Dave's soulful baritone over Sammy's screeching any day.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 10, 2022, 12:47:13 PM
On Roth vs Hagar purely as vocalists: I expect more people think Hagar is "technically" the superior singer, but I'll take Dave's soulful baritone over Sammy's screeching any day.

The thing is, they are very very different singers.  Sam can belt out high notes but his range isn't THAT broad; he's no Freddie Mercury.  The thing with Sam is his POWER.  Dave's got like five different voices in that mix, and I suppose it's like anything else, you have to like them, but I do.   Listen to Me Wise Magic.  I think that's a vocal tour de force, and I would have LOVED to have heard that from a 28 year old Roth.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 10, 2022, 03:53:42 PM
Had DOA at 38.  Dream is Over was at 20 for me, really liked that one.  Jimmy just missed out on the 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 10, 2022, 04:00:01 PM
30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


I just missed being the high on this one, as I had it at 8.  This song is so awesome. Killer synths, great melodies, badass solo, and some killer drum fills that always make me want to air drum.  :metal :metal


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)



I had I'll Wait as Not Rated. I kind of like I'll Wait, but it's just not strong enough to crack the Top 50.

I had Jump as Not Rated. I'm so glad this didn't end up higher. I thought this was a joke when it was released.

I remember MTV premiered the video at midnight on 1/1/84. I stayed at my grandmother's house so I could stay up and watch it. I should've just stayed home. What a disappointment.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 10, 2022, 04:04:03 PM
I thought that it was fitting that today's two featured songs tied for their spot:

30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


I just missed being the high on this one, as I had it at 8.  This song is so awesome. Killer synths, great melodies, badass solo, and some killer drum fills that always make me want to air drum.  :metal :metal


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)


This one can be tough to rank, as I have heard it so many times, but it is still a damn good song, one I put at 25.  I get that others are sick of it, and I am sure the "we just wanna rock" VH fans in late '83 had conniptions when they heard this synth-driven single, but a good song is a good song.

Had I'll Wait at 13, really nice song, enjoyed it.  Jump came in at 47.  The solo section rips but the song certainly has overstayed its welcome over the years.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 10, 2022, 04:05:22 PM
The best thing about Jump is Alex during the solo.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 10, 2022, 04:30:07 PM

30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)



I'll Wait - ranked 16 for me. This is a great song, could have been higher.

Jump - I didn't rank Jump but of course it is an iconic VH song. I probably started off with it ranked around 25-30 but then I ended up dropping it off in the end.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 10, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
The best thing about Jump is Alex during the solo.

Quick story related to this. I've spoken about (in the wrong thread) of how I once played Gene Simmons in a Kiss tribute band, well after that I played the bass in a rock cover band (Bon Jovi, VH, GnR etc..). One of the songs we played was Jump (on the bass I had the easy part). Anyway, over the years we had a few different drummers in the band and most of them really struggled to nail the solo section of Jump, occasionally it was embarrassingly bad. It is such a cool drum part but not that easy to get right (apparently)..
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 10, 2022, 04:47:20 PM
The best thing about Jump is Alex during the solo.

Quick story related to this. I've spoken about (in the wrong thread) of how I once played Gene Simmons in a Kiss tribute band, well after that I played the bass in a rock cover band (Bon Jovi, VH, GnR etc..). One of the songs we played was Jump (on the bass I had the easy part). Anyway, over the years we had a few different drummers in the band and most of them really struggled to nail the solo section of Jump, occasionally it was embarrassingly bad. It is such a cool drum part but not that easy to get right (apparently)..

Yeah, it's a great part. That's an interesting story.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 10, 2022, 05:11:38 PM
When Jump was released I think the only bands that I really liked and knew the albums were: Kiss, The Police, U2 and Duran Duran! So when I heard Jump for the first time, I didn’t have the reference of what VH should sound and I loved it like any other great pop/rock hit from the 80’s. By the way, the B side from the single was House of Pain and, at the time, I thought it awful!! :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 10, 2022, 05:14:08 PM
As it was basically my intro to VH, I will admit that 10-year old KevShmev thought Jump was totally badass the first time I saw it. And that video was so good.  And it is hard to pull off a video being that good when it it just the band on stage, but Roth was The Man when it came to videos in the mid 80s. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 10, 2022, 05:59:44 PM
I remember MTV premiered the video at midnight on 1/1/84. I stayed at my grandmother's house so I could stay up and watch it. I should've just stayed home. What a disappointment.

I vividly recall that.  I was like...WHAT???  Just imagine if social media had existed back then!


The best thing about Jump is Alex during the solo.

Quick story related to this. I've spoken about (in the wrong thread) of how I once played Gene Simmons in a Kiss tribute band, well after that I played the bass in a rock cover band (Bon Jovi, VH, GnR etc..). One of the songs we played was Jump (on the bass I had the easy part). Anyway, over the years we had a few different drummers in the band and most of them really struggled to nail the solo section of Jump, occasionally it was embarrassingly bad. It is such a cool drum part but not that easy to get right (apparently)..

Huh...I literally had never noticed the drum part until I just listened now.  VERY cool.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 10, 2022, 06:02:20 PM
Paul, do you remember when they were on Rockline for the 1984 album? It was awful. I remember tuning in and all they did was hoot and holler through the whole thing. Nothing but noise.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2022, 06:17:19 AM
Two from II today!  :metal

29 Beautiful Girls
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Stadler)


This song just oozes summer.  Maybe it's the old Farley/Sandler SNL skit where it was featured that makes me think, but it just feels like a great sunny day tune. I had it at 46.


28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6  (devieira73)


I had this one a notch higher at 45, and it is one I sometimes forget about for some reason, but it's a heckuva song.  Interesting that the only time I saw it played was on the Cherone tour where Michael Anthony did the lead vocals.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 11, 2022, 06:40:02 AM
Most of the songs from II made my Top 50.........Somebody Get Me A Doctor at #27 and Beautiful Girls at #34.  Cool music aside both have that cheeky sense of humour that I loved about this era of the band.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 11, 2022, 07:07:53 AM
Neither of these ranked for me, thought Beautiful Girls probably would have been in the next 10 songs or so.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 11, 2022, 07:34:17 AM
Somebody Get Me a Doctor: the main riff of this song is so engaging... it's just a simple and accessible rock tune, but it's always immensely fun to me!!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 11, 2022, 07:47:25 AM
Now we're talking. Starting to get to some really good songs here. Beautiful Girls ranked pretty high for me, don't know where though 'cause I can't find my list.  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 11, 2022, 07:52:15 AM
29. Beautiful Girls.  I had it at #8.  I LOVE this song and in my opinion, this is Dave at his best.  I love that lyric.
28. Somebody Get Me A Doctor.  I had it at #45.  Solid deep track, the kind of thing that Van Halen could do in their sleep and still be better than 99% of other bands who were trying to be like them.

As for Jump, I don't get the ambivalence.  It's not the first song (or even first VH song) with keyboards.  Sure, it's a "single" but still.  I think it's excellent.  I also love how most guitar players dumb down the background for their solo sections but Eddie "makes" the band kick it up a notch, and STILL delivers a solo that most people familiar with the song can sing note for note from memory.  Love that guy more and more. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 11, 2022, 09:42:27 AM
Paul, do you remember when they were on Rockline for the 1984 album? It was awful. I remember tuning in and all they did was hoot and holler through the whole thing. Nothing but noise.

Can't say I recall that one, but it doesn't surprise me in the slightest.  Bob Coburn was awesome, though!


Beautiful Girls is one of THE quintessential southern California summer beach songs.  Any time it comes on, it evokes such vivid memories.  Doctor...meh.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 11, 2022, 03:17:40 PM

29 Beautiful Girls
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Stadler)


28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6  (devieira73)



Two really cool songs today.

Beautiful Girls - this was 40 me. Just a cool song, great vibe and swagger in this one. Solo is short and sweet, some cool bass playing too.

Somebody Get Me a Doctor - this was 44 for me. Never been the biggest fan of Dave's vocals on this one but the rest of the song is great.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 11, 2022, 03:31:33 PM
29 Beautiful Girls
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Stadler)


28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6  (devieira73)


I had Beautiful Girls at #21. Great tune, especially in the summertime. Fond memories of us three 15 y/o's singing it all the way home from the 1984 concert after a few too many nips. Thankfully, my buddy's father had a few nips while waiting for us, so we didn't get busted.  :lol

I had Somebody Get Me A Doctor at #31. This song kicks ass.


Somebody Get Me a Doctor: the main riff of this song is so engaging...
Kicks you right in the nads.  :metal

Also is this the song so far that has appeared on the most lists so far? I ain't gonna lie. That kind of surprises me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 11, 2022, 04:19:46 PM
Beautiful Girls just missed out for me.  Doctor came in at 35.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2022, 05:33:53 PM

Somebody Get Me a Doctor: the main riff of this song is so engaging...
Kicks you right in the nads.  :metal

Also is this the song so far that has appeared on the most lists so far? I ain't gonna lie. That kind of surprises me.

Yes.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 11, 2022, 06:39:37 PM

Somebody Get Me a Doctor: the main riff of this song is so engaging...
Kicks you right in the nads.  :metal

Also is this the song so far that has appeared on the most lists so far? I ain't gonna lie. That kind of surprises me.

Yes.

That also surprises me. Did we actually end up with any songs that were on everyone's lists? I think it was 2 at one stage but not  sure if that remained after all lists were received.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 11, 2022, 09:27:58 PM
I thought that it was fitting that today's two featured songs tied for their spot:

30 (t) I’ll Wait
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 7 (WilliamMunny)


I just missed being the high on this one, as I had it at 8.  This song is so awesome. Killer synths, great melodies, badass solo, and some killer drum fills that always make me want to air drum.  :metal :metal


30 (t) Jump
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)


This one can be tough to rank, as I have heard it so many times, but it is still a damn good song, one I put at 25.  I get that others are sick of it, and I am sure the "we just wanna rock" VH fans in late '83 had conniptions when they heard this synth-driven single, but a good song is a good song.
I'll Wait - Almost had top spot with this one at #9. I love the way this song starts with the keyboards. Plus the various keyboards throughout are awesome. Alex is super solid throughout the song and Eddie comes in with a tasty solo. This is also some of the best vocal melodies of the DLR era.

Jump - This one just missed my list at #52. I think it suffers from the overplayed factor. Plus the lyrics are straight dumb. Great solo section though.

29 Beautiful Girls
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Stadler)


This song just oozes summer.  Maybe it's the old Farley/Sandler SNL skit where it was featured that makes me think, but it just feels like a great sunny day tune. I had it at 46.


28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 6  (devieira73)


I had this one a notch higher at 45, and it is one I sometimes forget about for some reason, but it's a heckuva song.  Interesting that the only time I saw it played was on the Cherone tour where Michael Anthony did the lead vocals.
Beautiful Girls - Not the greatest song from VHII I had this at #72. This also suffers a bit from being overplayed, although not nearly as much as Jump. I really like Eddie's funky guitar playing on this song though.

Somebody Get Me a Doctor - This one snuck on my list at #43. This has some kick ass riffs and some more tolerable lyrics from Dave. Not the best song on II, but it's probably the 3rd or 4th best depending on my mood.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 12, 2022, 06:05:13 AM
Here are today's songs!

27 Everybody Wants Some!!
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8  (Dream Team)


I had this at 43, and that extended intro is a big reason why.  The meat of the song is good, pretty standard every VH fare, but that intro elevates it.  I also love the urgency when the guitar solo kicks in.


26 Summer Nights
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2  (FreezingPoint)


This one placed at 37 for me. It's another one of those great summer night songs, which of course is quite fitting for obvious reasons.  Kind of reminds me of Priest's Night Comes Down with those "great to listen to when the sun is setting" opening chords.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 12, 2022, 06:07:14 AM
Only 8 lists for Summer Nights? The people that like it must really like it for it to garner that many points.

My guess is that the 8 people that voted for it must’ve all had it at least Top 20? 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 12, 2022, 06:08:51 AM
Yeah, five of the eight voters had Summer Nights in their top 20, and three had it in their top 7.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 12, 2022, 06:13:14 AM
I had Summer Nights #52 and Everybody Wants Some #44.............both songs I like but never had on repeat.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 12, 2022, 07:05:49 AM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 12, 2022, 07:07:49 AM
I love the tribal drum parts interacting with the guitar playing (and pausing) on Everybody Wants Some (#26), it's what makes the song really interesting.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 12, 2022, 07:27:46 AM
Everybody Wants some was off my list. In my initial ranker run through it was 65. Summer Nights was somewhere in my top 50 when I did the ranker but I ended up bumping it off. It’s more ok than great and there are just other songs I prefer. Surprised it finished this high really.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 12, 2022, 07:36:49 AM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.

Good call.

Oh, and you're beautiful, Dream Team.  ;)  :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 12, 2022, 07:54:22 AM
27. Everybody Wants Some - I had it at #52.   Good tune, love the use in "Better Off Dead!", but when ranking it, it struck me as a little too much novelty for me.  I DO love the "improv feel" of when Eddie plays over Dave's vamp in the "I like.. .duh!duh!... I like the way the line runs up the back of the stocking...".   Plus it has Dave's "best" vocal line in the entire catalogue:  "I took a mooboo like a lookin' for a moonbeam" (Officially, "I've seen a lot of people looking for a moonbeam.") 

In hindsight, this should have been much higher on my list.  I missed this one.

26. Summer Nights - I had it at #23.   Just a good solid tune all around, and I love the guitars.  I always thought this was a call-and-answer with Dave with "Goin' Crazy".   Similar riffs, similar lyrical concepts, similar spot on the records... Summer Nights came first (March of '86 vs. July of '86) but I always thought there was more to this than just "a song". 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: FreezingPoint on May 12, 2022, 09:08:15 AM
As shown by my rankings, I love Summer Nights. Something about it just makes it seem like the Van Halen song to me. I wasn't alive in the 80s, but Summer Nights (and the entire 5150 album honestly) makes me somehow nostalgic for an era I didn't even experience. So many great memories of throwing this song on and going for a bike ride in the summer.

Didn't have Everybody Wants Some ranked, but I only had one song from WACF in my Top 50. For some reason that album has never stuck with me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 12, 2022, 09:26:35 AM
just doing five at a time to semi catch up.....

35 Top of the World (#16)....a feel good song, almost...'almost' a 'We Are The Champions' sentiment in this. 

34 D.O.A. (#48)

33 The Dream Is Over (#22)

32 Top Jimmy (NR)

30 (t) I’ll Wait (NR)... on my ‘best of’ Van Roth disc, but for some reason I didn’t have it on my list  :huh:  Certainly a top ‘60’ tune.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 12, 2022, 10:09:08 AM
Somebody Get Me a Doctor: the main riff of this song is so engaging...
Kicks you right in the nads.  :metal

Hence the need for a doctor.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 12, 2022, 03:40:48 PM
Here are today's songs!

27 Everybody Wants Some!!
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8  (Dream Team)


I had this at 43, and that extended intro is a big reason why.  The meat of the song is good, pretty standard every VH fare, but that intro elevates it.  I also love the urgency when the guitar solo kicks in.


26 Summer Nights
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2  (FreezingPoint)


This one placed at 37 for me. It's another one of those great summer night songs, which of course is quite fitting for obvious reasons.  Kind of reminds me of Priest's Night Comes Down with those "great to listen to when the sun is setting" opening chords.

Had EWS at number 40 and Summer Nights didn't rank.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 12, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
27 Everybody Wants Some!!
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8  (Dream Team)


26 Summer Nights
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2  (FreezingPoint)



I had Everybody Wants Some at #26, so about right. I kind of feel this song scored a bit higher than I actually regard it though.

I had Summer Nights as Not Ranked which also feels a bit high. ;D
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 12, 2022, 04:40:30 PM

27 Everybody Wants Some!!
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8  (Dream Team)


26 Summer Nights
Appeared on 8 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 2  (FreezingPoint)



Everybody Wants Some - 17 for me. Just a great song.

Summer Nights - 14 for me. I am a little surprised at the lack of love (only 8 lists) for this one. As I said with Best of Both Worlds, there is about half of us that love the 5150 album and half who don't. Just not sure what isn't to love about this one. Just an awesome riff and some great guitar work by Eddie. Just an all round great song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 12, 2022, 06:24:35 PM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.

Good call.

Oh, and you're beautiful, Dream Team.  ;)  :)

That girl is a smoke show.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 12, 2022, 06:38:53 PM
I had Summer Nights as Not Ranked which also feels a bit high. ;D
I believe you need to refer to the 3rd quote in your signature.  :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 12, 2022, 06:57:04 PM
30 (t) Jump (#49)  it was a big hit, thus it's ranked.  TAC, your story reminded me of various times not having cable, and making a visit specifically for some type of viewing.  And I can remember friends visiting because I (we) had cable and they didn't. 

29 Beautiful Girls (#35) one of the few standouts on VH II.

28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor (#37) one of the few standouts on VH II.  Wait, did I repeat myself. 

27 Everybody Wants Some!! (#17)  and I want some more to listen to.  Great track.  And, love the claymation in 'Better Off Dead' ('I want my two dollars! :lol)

26 Summer Nights (NR)  this was one of my borderline misses. 

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 12, 2022, 06:58:34 PM
I had Summer Nights as Not Ranked which also feels a bit high. ;D
I believe you need to refer to the 3rd quote in your signature.  :)

 :lol



Never seen Better Off Dead.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2022, 06:18:39 AM
Happy Friday!  Here are today's two:

25 Hear About It Later
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2  (Trav86)


I had this at 26, so pretty close to its final spot!  Side 1 of Fair Warning is pretty much flawless, and this is a great way to end it.


24 The Seventh Seal
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 9  (devieira73)


Not all of Balance has held up well for me, but this song has for sure.  I had this at 33.  This is the highest ranked song from Balance in the countdown.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 13, 2022, 06:59:46 AM
Hear About It Later is a nice song, but wasn’t in my top 50.

I had The Seventh Seal at 19. It’s a great song, kind of unusual lyrics for VH which I dig. It sounds a lot like Poundcake but that’s ok. It’s a great opener. Not enough Balance in the final ranking IMO.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 13, 2022, 08:31:50 AM
Hear About It Later (#31) - Great rocking tune with really tasty chorus/backing vocals;
Seventh Seal (#9) - It's an amazing song that benefits a lot of a robust arrangement, with a lot of guitars, even percussion and even a bit of shamanic chant in the middle. It's really very guitar driven, but it really rellies on making a great atmosphere in the entire song than focus on guitar riffs - which wasn't much common for VH.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 13, 2022, 09:49:12 AM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.

Good call.

Oh, and you're beautiful, Dream Team.  ;)  :)

That girl is a smoke show.

Who is it?  (I don't disagree, by the way).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 13, 2022, 09:53:19 AM
25. Hear About It Later - I had it at #13.  Love this song.  The intro is actually my ring tone for my ex-wife. :)
24. The Seventh Seal - I had it at #99.  Just a victim of numbers, frankly.  Good not great, and there are better songs on that album let alone in the catalogue.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 13, 2022, 10:47:07 AM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.

Good call.

Oh, and you're beautiful, Dream Team.  ;)  :)

That girl is a smoke show.

Who is it?  (I don't disagree, by the way).

Google Lens told me it's Elizabeth Olsen, who apparently is the younger sister of the Olsen twins and also an actress.  I have no clue who she is in her own right or what she's been in.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 13, 2022, 10:49:23 AM
Everybody Wants Some! is a little more special for me because the first time I heard it was when watching the movie Better Off Dead with that epic scene in the fry kitchen  :lol.

Good call.

Oh, and you're beautiful, Dream Team.  ;)  :)

That girl is a smoke show.

Who is it?  (I don't disagree, by the way).

Google Lens told me it's Elizabeth Olsen, who apparently is the younger sister of the Olsen twins and also an actress.  I have no clue who she is in her own right or what she's been in.

She was in the Avenger’s movies and had her own spin off show Wanda-Vision. That must be an old pic. It doesn’t really look like her to me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 13, 2022, 11:03:31 AM
WOW.  The woman in that picture is all kinds of attractive; in watching the Avenger's movies, she never struck me as THAT drop dead gorgeous.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 13, 2022, 11:06:05 AM
This is the pic from her Wikipedia article (2019).  Pretty damn amazing if you ask me.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Elizabeth_Olsen_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg/330px-Elizabeth_Olsen_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 13, 2022, 04:38:51 PM
Hear About it Later didn't rank for me.  Seventh Seal came in at 17.  Excellent song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 13, 2022, 04:45:52 PM

25 Hear About It Later
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2  (Trav86)


24 The Seventh Seal
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 9  (devieira73)



Hear About It Later - this was 33 for me. Just another one of those great, catchy rocking VH tracks.

The Seventh Seal - good song but unranked by me
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 13, 2022, 04:52:01 PM
25 Hear About It Later
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2  (Trav86)


24 The Seventh Seal
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 9  (devieira73)


I had Hear About It Later at #41. Hear About It Later is more than enjoyable. I love the middle section. So cool.

I had The Seventh Seal at #44. A lot of songs like this and Feelin' were so different that a typical Van Halen song, or even a Van Hagar song. Really cool addition to their catalog.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 13, 2022, 05:29:32 PM
WOW.  The woman in that picture is all kinds of attractive; in watching the Avenger's movies, she never struck me as THAT drop dead gorgeous.

I’ve got several more lined up  ;D.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 14, 2022, 03:01:58 AM
I had The Seventh Seal at #50 (probably should've been a bit higher) and Hear About It Later #23. 

The Seventh Seal was a nice opener for Balance and Hear About It Later just sits really nicely on Fair Warning leading into Unchained.  Both cool songs.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 14, 2022, 08:00:13 AM
Today's update is a great one if you love the early Roth years!

Amazingly, I did not rank of these songs in my top 50.

23 And the Cradle Will Rock…
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Trav86)


Fun little tune, but Women and Children First has never been one of my favorites, and I probably like half of the album more than this song.


22 On Fire
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 1  (Trav86)


This one got crazy support from its fan, appearing in five top 10s.  I like it a lot, and, hey, it is from the debut, so you know it is worthy, but it's probably my 10th favorite from that record.


21 Eruption
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2  (The Realm)


I probably should have ranked this, but I had it on the brain to not have any covers or guitar solos in my top 50, so there ya go.  This is still possibly the most ground-breaking electric guitar song ever.  No, EVH did not invent tapping, but he took it to a level previously unheard.  There are stories everywhere of heads exploding all over the world when this song first landed in 1978.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 14, 2022, 08:31:30 AM
Of these, only Eruption made my list at 46. It’s iconic and one of the most influential guitar solos in rock I imagine, so it had to go on the list somewhere.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 14, 2022, 09:24:47 AM
23 And the Cradle Will Rock…
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Trav86)



22 On Fire
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 1  (Trav86)



21 Eruption
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2  (The Realm)



I had And The Cradle Will Rock at #46. It's never been a fave of that era, even though it got a ton of airplay. I've never been a mid tempo guy either.

I had On Fire at #10. This song  :metal
Seriously, I remember seeing them play it on the 1984 tour, and I was kind of surprised, but it ripped. Killer track.

I had Eruption as Not Rated. I made an exception for You Really Got me. I should've done the same for Eruption. Iconic track.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 14, 2022, 03:22:36 PM
And The Cradle Will Rock... (#45) - I like this song a lot, I think the way Eddie uses the keyboards as the "rhythm guitar" was really creative.
The other 2 songs I didn't rank. Eruption, although amazing, iconic, and innovative as a guitar solo, to me, is more like a... guitar solo (!?), not really a song. And, as in "Best of Vol.1", I think VH1 would be even more impacfull (as if it would be possible...) if it opened with Eruption/Ain't Talking About Love.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 14, 2022, 05:17:59 PM
Didn't rate Eruption.  It's a guitar solo, not a song in my book.  It probably should have been ranked but I just couldn't, it felt weird.

I had Cradle at 19, that's a great song.  On Fire was 29, another good one.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 14, 2022, 05:58:04 PM
My rankings:

And The Cradle Will Rock #26........in hindsight possibly a bit high but certainly Top 50 material

Eruption #7 - I didn't know what to do with this to be honest but as an almost lifelong VH nuffie it felt wrong to leave this out of the Top 10.  It gets there for it's massive influence and legendary status

On Fire......I had at #3.   Any of my Top 3 could've been #1 on any given day.  This is the sort of song that makes VH great in my eyes - a great combination of attitude, aggression and humour.  Usually the guitar solo is a factor but it's not even one of my favourite solos of Ed's......just a great time from start to finish.  It always surprised me that it was the album closer .  I would've had it opening up Side 2.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 14, 2022, 05:59:26 PM
On Fire......I had at #3.   Any of my Top 3 could've been #1 on any given day.  This is the sort of song that makes VH great in my eyes - a great combination of attitude, aggression and humour.  Usually the guitar solo is a factor but it's not even one of my favourite solos of Ed's......just a great time from start ton finish.  It always surprised me that it was the album closer .  I would've had it opening up Side 2.

 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 14, 2022, 08:41:33 PM

23 And the Cradle Will Rock…
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8  (Trav86)


22 On Fire
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 1  (Trav86)


21 Eruption
Appeared on 9 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2  (The Realm)



And the Cradle will Rock - 15 for me. Love this song.

On Fire - 31 for me. Also love this one.

Eruption - not surprised I am the highest ranker. I was actually unsure whether Eruption would even make it to the Top 50 because I get that it isn't really a 'song'. However, while not a song it is actually so much more. If you have never heard VH1 and you put it on today, well there is a good chance you think Eruption is a cool little solo you have heard a million times but the reality is that before this album came along most of the world had never heard anything like this before. It is an iconic statement in the history and development of the guitar and the shredders we all listen to today. And in reality the whole VH1 album is iconic for the same reason but Eruption put Eddie on the map and for the next 10 years or more his face was all over guitar magazines etc etc or at least until Yngwie came along...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: jammindude on May 14, 2022, 09:27:26 PM
When I think about how iconic Eruption is, and the incredible indelible mark it made on the entire music industry, it’s sometimes hard for me to fathom that Van Halen was largely not that well known on a worldwide scale. Their “stamp” in culture was largely US-centric.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 15, 2022, 02:00:37 AM
Also chose no covers but had to include couple solos as it's Eddie so had Eruption at #10 and I may have been the only one to include 316 in their lists (#15), just love that piece 😁

Had Seventh Seal at #23 killer opening song!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 15, 2022, 05:53:15 AM
Before we get to the top 20, here are the songs that did not make the top 50:

51 Sinner’s Swing!         
52 Hang ‘Em High         
53 Aftershock            
54 Dirty Movies         
55 Outta Love Again         
56 Me Wise Magic         
57 Can’t Stop Lovin’ You      
58 Blood and Fire         
59 Women in Love…         
60 China Town            
61 The Full Bug         
62 Black and Blue         
63 House of Pain         
64 Loss of Control         
65 Cabo Wabo            
66 Get Up            
67 So This Is Love?         
68 (Oh) Pretty Woman      
69 Outta Space         
70 Take Your Whiskey Home   
71 Not Enough            
72 Pleasure Dome         
73 Take Me Back (Déjà vu)   
74 Fools                
75 Runaround            
76 Bottoms Up!         
77 She’s the Woman         
78 Source of Infection      
79 Push Comes to Shove      
80 Big River            
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll      
82 Sucker in a 3 Piece      
83 Secrets             
84 A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)   
85 Without You         
86 Crossing Over         
87 Amsterdam            
88 Bullethead            
89 Finish What Ya Started      
90 Baluchitherium         
91 As Is               
92 Once                
93 316               
94 Dirty Water Dog         
95 Could This Be Magic?      
96 One Foot out the Door      
97 Learning to See         
98 You’re No Good          
99 In ‘n’ Out            
100 From Afar            
101 Stay Frosty            
102 Can’t Get This Stuff No More   
103 Year to the Day         
104 Spanish Fly            
105 Big Fat Money         
106 Josephina            
107 One I Want            
108 Fire in a Hole         
109 Spanked            
110 Man on a Mission         
111 It's About Time         
112 You and Your Blues      
113 The Trouble with Never      
114 Ballot or the Bullet      
115 Inside            
116 Happy Trails         
117 (t)  Dancing in the Street      
117 (t) Little Guitars (intro)      
119 Where Have all the Good Times Gone   
120 (t) Cathedral            
120 (t) Doin’ Time             
122 Neworld            
123 How Many Say I         
124 (t) Tora! Tora!            
124 (t) Sunday Afternoon in the Park   
124 (t) Intruder            
124 (t) Big Bad Bill            
124 (t) 1984               
124 (t) A Apolitical Blues         
124 (t) Strung Out            
124 (t) Primary             
124 (t) Up for Breakfast         
124 (t) Tattoo             
124 (t) Beats Workin’         
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 15, 2022, 06:23:54 AM
I think most of my Top 20 is in that list (only half joking).  I always knew one of my Top 10 would struggle to crack Top 100 (correct) but surprised to see as many of my top 20-25 outside the Top 50 as there are.

Looks like Sammy is going to do well :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 15, 2022, 06:29:48 AM
Definitely see some unnecessary bias against ADKOT on that list. A bunch of great songs from that album are way too low.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Deadeye21 on May 15, 2022, 07:25:04 AM
Right, so most of my top 50 ended way below the top 20. This is disappointing.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 15, 2022, 07:42:50 AM
At least four songs from III in the top 100!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 15, 2022, 10:57:15 AM
25 Hear About It Later (NR)
24 The Seventh Seal (#44)
23 And the Cradle Will Rock… (#18)
22 On Fire (#50)
21 Eruption (#5)

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 15, 2022, 11:18:53 AM
and the one's that did not get ranked

62 Black and Blue (#1)       
68 (Oh) Pretty Woman (#41) 
70 Take Your Whiskey Home  (#29)
71 Not Enough  (#12)         
73 Take Me Back (Déjà vu) (#13) 
78 Source of Infection (#32)     
86 Crossing Over (#26)       
89 Finish What Ya Started (#10) 
105 Big Fat Money (#28)         
116 Happy Trails (#45)     
117 (t)  Dancing in the Street  (#46)   
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 15, 2022, 11:51:24 AM
At least four songs from III in the top 100!

Considering only 133 songs got ranked, that is not exactly a notable accomplishment. :lol :P

My biggies that didn't make the top 50 (my rank in parenthesis):

Pleasure Dome (6)
Black and Blue (11)
Sinner's Swing! (12)
Dirty Movies (17)
Take Me Back (19)
Outta Space (27)
Big River (29)
Cabo Wabo (30)
Outta Love Again (33)
The Trouble with Never (36)
Once (38)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 15, 2022, 12:08:36 PM
The biggest snub relative to my rankings was Not Enough, which was my number 3. Have loved that one since I saw them play it on Letterman. Really great solo, one of Eddie’s most emotional IMO.

Here’s the Letterman clip:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nS3r_br-l0c

The other two from my top 10 that didn’t make it are Once (8) and Without You (9), but no big surprise there.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2022, 01:28:01 PM
Before we get to the top 20, here are the songs that did not make the top 50:

51 Sinner’s Swing!  Had it at #24         
52 Hang ‘Em High  Had it at #48         
53 Aftershock  Had it at #36               
55 Outta Love Again   Had it at #7               
60 China Town   Had it at #35         
61 The Full Bug   Had it at #11               
63 House of Pain  Had it at #28         
64 Loss of Control  Had it at #27               
66 Get Up   Had it at #49         
67 So This Is Love?  Had it at #5            
70 Take Your Whiskey Home  Had it at #39   
74 Fools Had it at #18                  
76 Bottoms Up!   Had it at #32                  
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll   Had it at #13               
84 A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)   Had it at #34
91 As Is Had it at #40      
      

Wow, nearly 1/3 of my list didn't even rate. Including two Top 10's.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 15, 2022, 03:26:59 PM
One track that I didn’t rank but which I think is pretty cool is One Foot Out The Door. Paired with Sunday Afternoon In The Park it’s one of the more out there things VH ever did. Has kind of a Robert Fripp Exposure vibe.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 15, 2022, 03:58:14 PM
Before we get to the top 20, here are the songs that did not make the top 50:

      
52 Hang ‘Em High - My rank - 31      
53 Aftershock - My rank - 14                              
61 The Full Bug - My rank - 27                  
64 Loss of Control - My rank - 24                  
69 Outta Space - My rank - 45                  
72 Pleasure Dome - My rank - 43                        
75 Runaround - My rank - 41                  
79 Push Comes to Shove - My rank - 21      
80 Big River - My rank - 44            
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll - My rank 16                
87 Amsterdam - My rank - 11            
88 Bullethead - My rank - 42                  
91 As Is - My rank - 34                              
109 Spanked - My rank - 28                   

Few differences in there lol.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 15, 2022, 04:15:42 PM
Looking at that outside the top 50 list, it looks like 9 of my songs didn't make the top 50 and I still have 9 of my top 10 in play.

My significant misses were:

China Town - my rank 23. My fav song on ADKOT.

Runaround - my rank 29.

I did also have Spanish Fly (32) and was very sure that would be unranked.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2022, 04:44:21 PM
I cannot believe Outta Love Again didn't make the Top 50. That is fucking criminal. That song smokes.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 15, 2022, 05:27:12 PM
I cannot believe Outta Love Again didn't make the Top 50. That is fucking criminal. That song smokes.

Well I wouldn't have been surprised if it made it but to me the song is kind of a mess. Some great parts but I'm just not a fan of Dave's vocals and those screams are kind of painful and unnecessary and there are too many of them. Apart from the backing vocals, it just has nothing going for it melodically in regards to vocals.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 15, 2022, 05:50:27 PM
I cannot believe Outta Love Again didn't make the Top 50. That is fucking criminal. That song smokes.

Yeah I'm not surprised anymore. This is a very proggy Pink Floydey type board and a lot of the more straightforward metally VH songs just don't seem to be liked as much. Still hoping a few make the Top 10.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 15, 2022, 05:54:55 PM
Right, so most of my top 50 ended way below the top 20. This is disappointing.

My number one ("Me Wise Magic") didn't crack the top 50...I feel your pain :sad:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2022, 06:27:59 PM
So I still have 18 songs on my list that will appear in the Top 20.

6 of them made MY Top 10, and 4 more made MY Top 20.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 15, 2022, 06:35:58 PM
I was also pretty shocked that Outta Love Again didn't make the top 50.

I also thought Pleasure Dome would get more love since it is kinda long and people here love those longer songs. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2022, 06:40:44 PM
I don't know. Of the Hagar songs, the one I was most surprised not being in the Top 50 was Runaround, even though I didn't rate it personally.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 16, 2022, 05:35:08 AM
Had Cabo Wabo at #6 Aftershock#28 Mr Wise Magic #30 and Runaround at #42... Also surprised so many ADKOT tracks didn't make the 50, album was a loyal throwback to what made the original Roth stuff so good.  Blood And Fire (#21) Outta Space (#26) and China Town (#48) all class IMO!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 16, 2022, 06:23:22 AM
Let's get the top 20 going!

20 Judgement Day
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7  (wolfking)


I was a little surprised this did so well. I had it at 32, and figured that was its ceiling in this, but I was way off.  Killer riff, really good song.


19 In A Simple Rhyme
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 1  (Stadler)


This one just missed the cut for me.  I love that intro, and then later when it is brought back in the middle section, but I find the rest of the song to be merely good.


18 Jamie’s Cryin
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 3  (Stadler)


Despite being overplayed, this song is still money.  I had it at 28.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:24 AM
Funny how things differ between countries but Jamie's Cryin overplayed? ..............more like never played down here in Australia....with one exception. One of my earliest exposures to Van Halen was on a music show down here called Rage and they played those "live" videos with Dave in the red silk shirt back to back.  It was a package that opened with Eruption (while introducing the band with pics)  and then had Runnin With The Devil, You Really Got Me and Jamie's Cryin.   That is the sole time I have ever heard Jamie's Cryin played on any tv or radio in Australia.

Anyway..........Jamie's Cryin is cool and all but was never a huge fave and one of the few on VH1 I may occasionally skip.  Ranked #63

In A Simple Rhyme I had at #43.  Anything inside my Top 50 is a song I genuinely like but there's just 42 I like a bit better.

Judgement Day is one of the top couple of songs on FUCK - it never impressed me greatly as a whole album , but this was a very cool song which really grabbed me on first listen. Ranked #39.   My Top 50 is almost 80% DLR songs so any Sammy songs I let through are pretty big faves and this is one of em.


Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 16, 2022, 07:42:29 AM
Jamie's Crying (#5) - Love this song, what a killer guitar groove!!
Judgement Day (#34) - Like most F.U.C.K., it was VH updating his style for the 90's hard rock/metal and making it in a really good way.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 16, 2022, 10:34:02 AM
Definitely see some unnecessary bias against ADKOT on that list. A bunch of great songs from that album are way too low.
I don't know about unnecessary bias.  If people didn't like it, they didn't like it.  Like me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:12 AM
Right, so most of my top 50 ended way below the top 20. This is disappointing.

If it makes you feel any better, "most of" everyone's top 50 will end up below the top 20.  Any other result is mathematically impossible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 16, 2022, 04:36:55 PM
20 Judgement Day
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7  (wolfking)



19 In A Simple Rhyme
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 1  (Stadler)



18 Jamie’s Cryin
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 3  (Stadler)



I had Judgement Day at #22. This song kicks ass. Period.



I had In A Simple Rhyme at #3. "Ain't life grand when you finally hit it". What a great line. This is a wonderful song. A well crafted piece of work amidst the craziness of the rest of the DLR era.
Nice to see it with FOUR Top 10 finishes.


I had Jamie's Criyin' as Not Ranked. I don't know. I've never loved this song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 16, 2022, 04:43:49 PM

20 Judgement Day
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7  (wolfking)


19 In A Simple Rhyme
Appeared on 10 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 1  (Stadler)


18 Jamie’s Cryin
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 3  (Stadler)



Judgement Day - my rank 12. This is a great song, always loved this one. If my calcs are correct, there are two songs from F.U.C.K. to come, one I agree with (being ranked higher) and one I don't.

In A Simple Rhyme - Never been a big fan of this one, it's a good song but didn't find room for it in my top 50.

Jamie's Cryin - my rank 11. Classic song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 16, 2022, 04:51:11 PM
I honestly can't stand Jamie's Crying.  I found that chorus like fingernails on a blackboard.

Judgement Day as everyone can see was number 7, killer song.  Rhyme was 49 for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 16, 2022, 06:56:17 PM
Judgement Day was 43 for me. Iffy lyrics, but a killer riff and a real ear worm. This one gets stuck in my head for whatever reason.

In A Simple Rhyme wasn’t ranked, but I will note this song kind of sounds like Journey to me, which is cool.

Jaime’s Cryin’ was 35. This one also gets stuck in my head. Another VH radio classic that I always liked. Great hook, great backing vocals. Really catchy song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 16, 2022, 07:36:27 PM
Yes, nothing surprises me in this countdown but I guess it still does! I can totally see why Jamie's Cryin is unranked or unliked but I have got to admit I am astounded by some of the love for In A Simple Rhyme. Four top finishes and a number 1? Just wow to me but carry on...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 16, 2022, 08:24:37 PM
Fun facts:

-Not a single song landed on all 17 submitted lists
-Only two songs were on 16 of the 17 lists
-The song that finished at number 1 on the most lists does not finish at number 1 overall
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 16, 2022, 08:31:04 PM
Nice facts Kev. I have absolutely no idea what will be number 1. Pretty astonished that we couldn't get at least 1 song on everyone's list but I guess what would it be? I mean there are a few songs I could name that I think should have been on everyone's lists but then I do get why they are not. We have some old school VH fans, some new school (so to speak) fans, some Sammy fans and some Dave fans, even some Cherone fans so that makes it pretty tough.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 17, 2022, 04:00:41 AM
Those are fun facts.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 17, 2022, 04:34:11 AM
Yeah really cool facts very interesting...

Had Judgement Day at #9, cracking song!🤘
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 17, 2022, 06:06:31 AM
Three more today!

17 Poundcake
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (DragonAttack)


I had this at 18, so oh close to its final resting spot!  Killer song, always great live back in the day. 


15 (t) Romeo Delight
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (bl5150)


This one came in at 50 for me, and while I expected it to make the top 50, this is a little higher than I anticipated.  Definitely a very good song, for sure.


15 (t) Runnin’ with the Devil
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Trav86)


The greatness of this one almost goes without saying. I had it at 16, but it probably could have been number 1.  One of the best track 1s off a band's debut album ever.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 17, 2022, 06:16:42 AM
Poundcake:  I liked aspects of this but on the whole , never did much for me.  Pretty cringey Sammy lyric and not a favourite from the album.  Not something I would skip but wouldn't replay it either.  Possibly a bit harsh but ranked #91

Runnin' With The Devil :  obviously a classic song - ranked #22


Romeo Delight :  just a balls out rocker, a fan favourite and regularly a part of the live set right til the end.  Obviously I really like it as I was highest rank #4. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 17, 2022, 06:37:13 AM
I didn't have RWTD as high as others from the debut because I find it quite repetitive. However still a great intro to the band for someone who bought that album upon release.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 17, 2022, 06:57:25 AM
I don't object to the status of Runnin' With The Devil, but it has been played to death by classic rock radio, and if I never hear it again, that would be fine.  Same with Jamey's Cryin'.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 17, 2022, 07:59:23 AM
Runnin' with the Devil (#17) - Great album opener. As I said before, I personally think it would be more impactful if the album began with Eruption/Ain't Talk About Love, but it was still a great way to open VH's history, it shows right away a lot of own personality.

Romeo Delight (#20) - Another great example of the amazing riff fest that was VH at its beggining.

Poudcake (-) - I like it a lot, it's just not among the best half of the album to me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 17, 2022, 08:06:44 AM
I had Poundcake at 12. Sammy at his worst lyrically maybe, but everything else was firing on all cylinders. 

I didn’t rank the other two, but Runnin’ With The Devil might have been in the next 10. Honestly never been a favorite, but obviously a very important song for the band.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 17, 2022, 09:07:39 AM
sticking with five at a time....

20 Judgement Day (NR)  oversight on my part.  Should have had it in the 30s.  After ‘Poundcake’, they certainly kept the pedal to the metal.

19 In A Simple Rhyme (NR) never gave it a thought

18 Jamie’s Cryin (#19) never thought it was overplayed.  Placed perfectly as the Side Two opener

17 Poundcake (#2) superb and unique album opener.  No one plays an electric drill like Eddie.  :D The concert opener for the one and only time I saw them (they cancelled in Kzoo for the OU812 tour).  Mike’s bass playing and it's mix are some of his best.  It takes me back to a hot Sunday summer day teaming up and winning a golf scramble, and this was the first tune I heard afterwards.  And heard again, and again (along with a live WATC version wink)  The same day John Daly won the PGA.  (now ask me what I did yesterday.......)

15 (t) Romeo Delight (NR) never gave this one a thought as well


Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 17, 2022, 05:00:48 PM
17 Poundcake
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (DragonAttack)


15 (t) Romeo Delight
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (bl5150)


15 (t) Runnin’ with the Devil
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Trav86)


I had Poundcake at #29. Musically, this song is a monster. Kicks total ass. The lyrics are pretty bad, but whatever.

I had Romeo Delight at #8. Easily one of my favorite VH songs. The thing smokes. Such an iconic opening.

I had Runnin' With The Devil as Not Rated. It's not that it's overplayed.. I'm just not a fan of mid tempo mumbo jumbo.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 17, 2022, 06:39:29 PM
Had Poundcake at 22 - Killer song.

Had Romeo at 15 myself.  :metal

And Devil was 25.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 17, 2022, 08:04:26 PM
6 people not ranking Romeo Delight. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 06:07:32 AM
The next three:

14 Why Can’t This Be Love?
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 3 (Deadeye21)


This one has been downgraded a bit for me over the years.  I still had it at 47, but it would have been a lot higher years ago. Still a good song, but I just think many have aged a lot better.


13 Atomic Punk
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (TAC)


I nailed this one, as this was my number 13.  Amazing song all-around.  The energy and drive of this song are both off the charts.


12 Love Walks In
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 5 (WilliamMunny)


This one landed at 24 for me, which seems about right.  A great ballad, one they never could have done with Roth. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 18, 2022, 06:15:27 AM
Why Can't This Be Love..............I had #80 which is more a reflection of how full on into Van Halen I was for most of my life.  I like so many of their songs that #80 isn't a huge diss on the song.  But like Kev it has worn on me over the years and suffered a bit for that.  This IS one of the few songs in this countdown that was played to death in Australia for a while there.

Atomic Punk I had at #15.  Killer song..........like On Fire it's the sort of song on VH1 that defines early Van Halen for me.

Love Walks In I had in the 60's.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 18, 2022, 07:26:51 AM
I had Why Can’t This Be Love 6th. Just always liked it, another one of those early memories of VH for me. It’s a great pop tune.

Atomic Punk was not ranked.

Love Walks In was number 11. I always associate this one and When It’s Love, but I think this is the slightly weaker of the two, or maybe just the more played of the two. Still a great song regardless with two great solos and a really great keyboard sound.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 18, 2022, 08:19:48 AM
Yep, Love Walks In at #33 and as overplayed as it is no denying Why Can't This Be Love (#19) was a great tune!.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 18, 2022, 09:07:08 AM
Atomic Punk (-) - It didn't make my top 50 just because, like a lot of earlier VH songs that I truly dig, I think that VH has got better with a more polished sound over time.

Why Can’t This Be Love? (#27) - It's an amazing single and the lead keyboard sounds very creative. The keyboard driven songs are really the strongest of 5150 to me.

Love Walks In (#10) - My fave VH's ballad, just perfect and beautiful. At #10 and counting that VH is basically a band with incredible guitar oriented songs, it's really a sign of how much I love this song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 18, 2022, 11:33:45 AM
One great tune sandwiched by some watered-down mom rock. But those 2 Hagar tracks are pretty decent for what they are.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 18, 2022, 12:57:13 PM
One great tune sandwiched by some watered-down mom rock.

This totally.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 18, 2022, 04:02:24 PM
Right, so most of my top 50 ended way below the top 20. This is disappointing.

My number one ("Me Wise Magic") didn't crack the top 50...I feel your pain :sad:

Bro, I'm with you.  I LOVE that song (number 4 for me). 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 18, 2022, 04:09:37 PM

17 Poundcake
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 2 (DragonAttack)


15 (t) Romeo Delight
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (bl5150)


15 (t) Runnin’ with the Devil
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (Trav86)




Sorry, a little behind here. Had a very busy day yesterday..

Poundcake - my rank 41. Awesome musically, not so much lyrically.

Romeo Delight - 46 for me and yeah I think I should have ranked this one higher...

Running With The Devil - my rank 30. Yes, it is a classic but probably one I am a little tired of but had to be in the top 50.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 18, 2022, 04:13:28 PM
23. And The Cradle Will Rock - I had this at #60.  Good tune not great tune.
22. On Fire - I had this at #67.  Very good tune on an album of GREAT tunes.
21. Eruption - I had this at #24. I mean, it's legendary.  I remember when I first heard it.  It's that kind of tune.
20. Judgement Day - I had this at #87.  Eh.
19. In A Simple Rhyme - I had this at #1.  Far and away my favorite Van Halen tune.
18. Jamie's Cryin' - I had this at #3.  Love the mix of balls and melody, and Dave's lyric kills.
17. Poundcake - I had this at #66.  I'm actually surprised I had it this high.  It's what I DON'T like about the Sam era.
16. Romeo Delight - I had this at #77
15. Runnin' With The Devil - I had this at #27
14. Why Can't This Be Love? - I had this at #82
13. Atomic Punk - I had this at #34
12. Love Walks In - I had this at #40
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 18, 2022, 04:19:32 PM

14 Why Can’t This Be Love?
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 3 (Deadeye21)


13 Atomic Punk
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (TAC)


12 Love Walks In
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 5 (WilliamMunny)



Why Can't This Be Love? - I just got this one in at 49 but I think it had to be there. Absolutely loved this song on release, probably not so much now. A bit surprised it landed this high.

Atomic Punk - Number 9 for me. A classic and can't believe it was only on 11 lists??

Love Walks In - landed at 22 for me. Some divided views on this one and I can see why it wouldn't get ranked but I am in the camp that just thinks this is a great song and great vocal by Sammy.

So we have 11 songs to go? I still have 7 of my top 10 to be ranked which I am kind of a bit surprised about. Yes, lots of surprises in this countdown!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 18, 2022, 04:35:05 PM
Why Can't This Be Loved ranked at 9 for me.  As Brent said, heavily played on rock radio so always knew it growing up.  Always been a fan of it.  I love the middle section.

Atomic Punk was 23.  Surprising 6 people didn't even rank it.

Love Walks In didn't rank.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 05:38:52 PM
I just realized that of the top 50 songs, I am the high ranker on only one of the 50 songs...the song that finished at number 1.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 18, 2022, 06:11:49 PM
I just realized that of the top 50 songs, I am the high ranker on only one of the 50 songs...the song that finished at number 1.

Well, I guess I know what song is not number 1! ;-)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 06:17:03 PM
I didn't say I was the only one to have the number 1 song at number 1. I might have been the only one or I might have one of several. :P
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 18, 2022, 06:33:24 PM
I just realized that of the top 50 songs, I am the high ranker on only one of the 50 songs...the song that finished at number 1.

I just realized the countdown is rigged.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 18, 2022, 06:44:34 PM
I just realized that of the top 50 songs, I am the high ranker on only one of the 50 songs...the song that finished at number 1.

Hmmmmm......
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 18, 2022, 06:53:32 PM
14 Why Can’t This Be Love?
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 3 (Deadeye21)


13 Atomic Punk
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (TAC)


12 Love Walks In
Appeared on 11 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 5 (WilliamMunny)



This post is so disappointing.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 18, 2022, 08:04:48 PM
TAC, I think you need to soften up your dislike of 5150 because we ain't finished with that album yet and only 11 songs to go...
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 18, 2022, 08:09:11 PM
I think there's three songs from 5150 on my list that have not shown up yet, and one of them I had in my Top 10.  :P

For the most part, 5150 has aged pretty well.

When Love Walks In immediately turned me off on 5150 when it was released. I wanted Van Halen to come back and rock, and they released a single that was even more pussyish than Jump.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 08:38:46 PM
There are two songs left from 5150.

115 Inside
66 Get Up         
48 Good Enough
36 Best of Both Worlds
26 Summer Nights
14 Why Can't This Be Love?
12 Love Walks In
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 18, 2022, 08:43:28 PM
Yeah, as Kev just posted only 2 songs left from 5150, the rest have been confirmed as either in the top 50 or not making it. One of your 3 is Get Up I am presuming but we know it didn't make it.

My breakdown/guess of the 11 remaining by album:

5150: 2 songs
VH1: 2 songs
1984: 2 songs
VHII: 2 songs
Fair Warning: 2 songs
F.U.C.K: 1 song
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 08:48:54 PM


My breakdown/guess of the 11 remaining by album:

5150: 2 songs
VH1: 2 songs
1984: 2 songs
VHII: 2 songs
Fair Warning: 2 songs
F.U.C.K: 1 song

Correct.

And while I am sure most fans could figure out what the 11 are, I would ask again as a courtesy to not "spotlight" and mention the songs by name, as it is more fun to let me reveal them within the context of the countdown. :)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 18, 2022, 09:11:52 PM
Cool, no spotlighting by me. No idea what the order will be and looking forward to the rest of the countdown.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 18, 2022, 09:49:10 PM
I'm just now realizing Get Up didn't make the top 50, that's disappointing.... :(
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 18, 2022, 10:54:08 PM
I had Get Up at #120 , just above Tattoo, Spanked and How Many Say I  :lol     I dunno...................I know a lot of fans love that song and I guess it's fun and Ed's having great time whammying on his whammy bar :lol  , but my ears always told me it was a big mess.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 18, 2022, 10:59:11 PM
 :rollin I had Get Up at #3!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 18, 2022, 11:04:09 PM
But you're a puppy on acid  :lol

I was looking for excuses to like anything Van Halen related around the time of 5150 and I pretty much like the whole album (even though my ratings might not suggest that.....I just like DLR era a bit better on the whole) but Get Up is one of the few VH tracks that I never really want to listen to at all.

One of the songs in my Top 10 is the same - might not have even made anyone's Top 50.  Taste eh! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 19, 2022, 05:49:22 AM
Here are numbers 11-9!

11 Dance the Night Away
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (Dream Team)


Good song, one I had at 48.  I do not think it is the major standout some think it is, but it is one of those songs that nearly everyone seems to like.


10 I’m the One
Appeared on 13 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (Dream Team)


Seeing this get played on the tour with Cherone was such a great surprise.  This was at 14 for me, and really it could have been 10 spots higher. That is how great I think this song is.


09 Right Now
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)


This is the highest ranked song from ...Carnal Knowledge.   I nailed it again, as I had this at number 9.  For as silly as so many VH lyrics are, from all eras, this feels like one of their more serious songs, both musically and lyrically, and kicks serious ass.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 19, 2022, 06:13:29 AM
Wow I'm represented here. DTNA has such a KILLER vocal melody and the song just makes me feel nostalgic, whimsical, happy, all kinds of things. Love that intro so much too and that short melodic interlude. Dave is money on this track.

I'm The One is great; it's one of VH's most metal, aggressive tunes.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Zydar on May 19, 2022, 06:18:47 AM
DTNA is probably my #1 VH song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 19, 2022, 06:53:06 AM
"Right Now" is such a damn fine song—to my ears, it's as close to timeless as Van Hagar came in that I feel it trascends the '90s.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 19, 2022, 07:07:59 AM
Right Now (#11) - Love this song, the electric piano and organ give a totally different vibe to the song, in terms of VH's catalogue. It has a great solo and amazing melodies.
I like Dance the Night Away (-), but, and maybe I'm not worthy to say that, I think it's a tad too simple and commercial. I think I'm the One (-) is really nice.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 07:28:31 AM
11. Dance The Night Away - I had it at #18  One of several songs that is everything I love about VH.  Cool guitar, great melody...
10. I’m The One - I had it at #31
09. Right Now - I had it at #98    That seems kind of low in hindsight, but I think it rubbed me the wrong way a bit when it came out.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 07:53:32 AM
I'm now going through the "didn't make its" and I can't help but think... what are you people smoking?  :) :) :)

51 Sinner’s Swing!    #7
52 Hang ‘Em High     #75     
53 Aftershock        #94 
54 Dirty Movies      #9   
55 Outta Love Again    #49     
56 Me Wise Magic      #4   
57 Can’t Stop Lovin’ You     #43
58 Blood and Fire       #6
59 Women in Love…       #17
 
60 China Town    #92       
61 The Full Bug    #33     
62 Black and Blue       #68   
63 House of Pain         #85
64 Loss of Control       #103 
65 Cabo Wabo       #11.   This is the first REAL surprise of the has-beens.     
66 Get Up       #119     
67 So This Is Love?      #96   
68 (Oh) Pretty Woman     #25
69 Outta Space       #74 
70 Take Your Whiskey Home   #59
71 Not Enough      #48
72 Pleasure Dome       #54 
73 Take Me Back (Déjà vu)    #109
74 Fools      #79         
75 Runaround      #14   Second surprise of the "has-beens". This was a hit!     
76 Bottoms Up!     #30   
77 She’s the Woman     #80   
78 Source of Infection      #107
79 Push Comes to Shove      #88
80 Big River    #19       
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll      #64
82 Sucker in a 3 Piece      #93
83 Secrets     #97       
84 A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)   #39
85 Without You       #22   
Another stunner
86 Crossing Over     #29   
87 Amsterdam       #126     
88 Bullethead        #71   
89 Finish What Ya Started    #72 
90 Baluchitherium       #111 
91 As Is     #61         
92 Once     #127           
93 316      #95         
94 Dirty Water Dog    #134.    Very last on my list.  The worst Van Halen song ever.  :) :) :)     
95 Could This Be Magic?      #65
96 One Foot out the Door      #89
97 Learning to See        #83
98 You’re No Good        #53 
99 In ‘n’ Out       #12    
100 From Afar     #125     
101 Stay Frosty     #56       
102 Can’t Get This Stuff No More   #110
103 Year to the Day    #121     
104 Spanish Fly     #73       
105 Big Fat Money    #132     
106 Josephina    #130       
107 One I Want     #133  Second worst Van Halen song ever!       
108 Fire in a Hole    #129     
109 Spanked    #124       
110 Man on a Mission       #55 
111 It's About Time     #69   
112 You and Your Blues    #42
113 The Trouble with Never    #50
 
114 Ballot or the Bullet    #123 
115 Inside    #116       
116 Happy Trails      #115   
117 (t)  Dancing in the Street      #90
117 (t) Little Guitars (intro)     #46
119 Where Have all the Good Times Gone   #76
120 (t) Cathedral       #58     
120 (t) Doin’ Time      #113       
122 Neworld    #122     
123 How Many Say I       #131 
124 (t) Tora! Tora!     #120       
124 (t) Sunday Afternoon in the Park   #106
124 (t) Intruder     #102       
124 (t) Big Bad Bill   #112       
124 (t) 1984     #105         
124 (t) A Apolitical Blues    #117     
124 (t) Strung Out    #114       
124 (t) Primary     #128       
124 (t) Up for Breakfast    #84.  For some reason, I hate the word "Breakfast" in the title; Purple has "Breakfast In Bed" and while the music is great, the lyrics blow.     
124 (t) Tattoo      #51     These last two are a crime.  Indefensible. 
124 (t) Beats Workin’    #91     These last two are a crime.  Indefensible.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 19, 2022, 08:00:28 AM
I'm now going through the "didn't make its" and I can't help but think... what are you people smoking?  :) :) :)

51 Sinner’s Swing!    #7
52 Hang ‘Em High     #75     
53 Aftershock        #94 
54 Dirty Movies      #9   
55 Outta Love Again    #49     
56 Me Wise Magic      #4   
57 Can’t Stop Lovin’ You     #43
58 Blood and Fire       #6
59 Women in Love…       #17
 
60 China Town    #92       
61 The Full Bug    #33     
62 Black and Blue       #68   
63 House of Pain         #85
64 Loss of Control       #103 
65 Cabo Wabo       #11.   This is the first REAL surprise of the has-beens.     
66 Get Up       #119     
67 So This Is Love?      #96   
68 (Oh) Pretty Woman     #25
69 Outta Space       #74 
70 Take Your Whiskey Home   #59
71 Not Enough      #48
72 Pleasure Dome       #54 
73 Take Me Back (Déjà vu)    #109
74 Fools      #79         
75 Runaround      #14   Second surprise of the "has-beens". This was a hit!     
76 Bottoms Up!     #30   
77 She’s the Woman     #80   
78 Source of Infection      #107
79 Push Comes to Shove      #88
80 Big River    #19       
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll      #64
82 Sucker in a 3 Piece      #93
83 Secrets     #97       
84 A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)   #39
85 Without You       #22   
Another stunner
86 Crossing Over     #29   
87 Amsterdam       #126     
88 Bullethead        #71   
89 Finish What Ya Started    #72 
90 Baluchitherium       #111 
91 As Is     #61         
92 Once     #127           
93 316      #95         
94 Dirty Water Dog    #134.    Very last on my list.  The worst Van Halen song ever.  :) :) :)     
95 Could This Be Magic?      #65
96 One Foot out the Door      #89
97 Learning to See        #83
98 You’re No Good        #53 
99 In ‘n’ Out       #12    
100 From Afar     #125     
101 Stay Frosty     #56       
102 Can’t Get This Stuff No More   #110
103 Year to the Day    #121     
104 Spanish Fly     #73       
105 Big Fat Money    #132     
106 Josephina    #130       
107 One I Want     #133  Second worst Van Halen song ever!       
108 Fire in a Hole    #129     
109 Spanked    #124       
110 Man on a Mission       #55 
111 It's About Time     #69   
112 You and Your Blues    #42
113 The Trouble with Never    #50
 
114 Ballot or the Bullet    #123 
115 Inside    #116       
116 Happy Trails      #115   
117 (t)  Dancing in the Street      #90
117 (t) Little Guitars (intro)     #46
119 Where Have all the Good Times Gone   #76
120 (t) Cathedral       #58     
120 (t) Doin’ Time      #113       
122 Neworld    #122     
123 How Many Say I       #131 
124 (t) Tora! Tora!     #120       
124 (t) Sunday Afternoon in the Park   #106
124 (t) Intruder     #102       
124 (t) Big Bad Bill   #112       
124 (t) 1984     #105         
124 (t) A Apolitical Blues    #117     
124 (t) Strung Out    #114       
124 (t) Primary     #128       
124 (t) Up for Breakfast    #84.  For some reason, I hate the word "Breakfast" in the title; Purple has "Breakfast In Bed" and while the music is great, the lyrics blow.     
124 (t) Tattoo      #51     These last two are a crime.  Indefensible. 
124 (t) Beats Workin’    #91     These last two are a crime.  Indefensible.

I'm glad to see some more love for "Me Wise Magic"

In an alternate universe, DLR and boys stay together after that ill-fated MTV appearence, and they make an album that delivers more music in the vein of the two Greatest Hits tracks. In that alternate universe, the band tours, and maybe even releases a couple more albums. DLR still sounds good, Eddie plays his ass off, and MA is still in the mix.

I was seventeen when "Me Wise Magic" showed up on my local radio station, and the above scene is what I hoped/figured/assumed would happen. To this day I remain bummed that it fell apart so quickly, but for my money, "Me Wise Magic" remains one the the band's best songs (I had it at number 1) and painfully potent sign of what could have been.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 08:08:23 AM
I'm with you on that 100%.  It was, for me, the best part of the Roth years - the quasi-mystical, quasi-made up bullshit of Roth's vocals - and the best part of the Hagar years - the almost progressive song structure that came about around OU812 (as opposed to 3:25 of rip your face off) - and it had nothing but promise.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 19, 2022, 08:52:15 AM
Just echoing your opinions, to me: Me Wise Magic (#38) and Can't Get This Stuff No More (#44). I also would have loved to hear VH going from there.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 19, 2022, 10:29:04 AM
The music VH was making in the 90s in general was so great, and those non-album tracks had so much promise (Humans Being, Me Wise Magic, Can’t Get This Stuff No More, even Respect the Wind which could have just as easily been a VH song). Carrying on with either of Hagar or Roth in that period as a recording band would have been great. Heck, carrying on with Cherone after III could have been great too I think. But Eddie just couldn’t get it together, which is really pretty sad to me (I realize some of that was cancer issues as well though).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 19, 2022, 11:02:03 AM
Never liked Me Wise Magic, never understood why some other people did.  The music isn't great or captivating in any way IMO, and the lyrics are, well, unspectacular.  And that name?  WTF does Me Wise Magic even mean?  Just a dumb collection of words that make no sense.  Hard pass.

But I mean, if you like it, great.  Glad for you.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 11:34:46 AM
Never liked Me Wise Magic, never understood why some other people did.  The music isn't great or captivating in any way IMO, and the lyrics are, well, unspectacular.  And that name?  WTF does Me Wise Magic even mean?  Just a dumb collection of words that make no sense.  Hard pass.

But I mean, if you like it, great.  Glad for you.

Well, and not in defense, but as information, there was a sketch of a lyrical idea by Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, Aerosmith) but Roth rewrote them.  It's sort of a quasi-spiritual take on the interaction between man and God (and in my view, music).  I always interpreted "Me Wise Magic" as patois for "I am wise, I am magic" ala "Me Tarzan, You Jane".    I love that idea of spirituality being sort of "all knowing" (i.e. wise) and yet "intuitive/in flux" (i.e. magic).  The one thing that is unclear from the lyrics is where Dave sees himself in that equation; maybe a bridge between the two, but I think the last verse answers that:

A little zen headed your way  A little intuitiveness, a feeling
You'll get it halfway down the interstate
Four days from now It all blows clear That may not be obvious at first glance but will make sense once it sinks in
A Buddhist riff for your inner ear Buddhism is meditative, but about transcending suffering and finding enlightenment; I think this implies that music - i.e Dave - is a way of reaching that level. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 19, 2022, 11:42:42 AM
I do not, now or ever, see that kind of depth in David Lee Roth.

But even if that were the intention, I still don't like it.  There was a time when Roth was pretty awesome, but by the time this hit, he was well past that.  And I don't mean he was past his prime, I mean he was no longer relevant (at least to me).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 19, 2022, 12:05:06 PM
Never paid much attention to the lyrics for Me Wise Magic, but that chorus is tremendous. Not even sure what the backing vocals are singing (sounds like “Angeline”), but it’s a really cool way to build the chorus.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 19, 2022, 02:02:45 PM
So for today’s entries:

Dance The Night Away was at 36 for me. It’s just a great pop rock tune. One of many VH songs that are so very catchy.

I didn’t rank I’m The One but it’s a solid rocker. A bit of a precursor to Hot for Teacher.

Right Now as noted was my number 1 overall, and an easy answer for me. This is the side of VH that appeals to me most. It was also among the very first VH songs I heard. Eddie shines on both keys and guitar here, and while it’s piano based, this song really packs a punch. Alex plays a big part in that, and I love everything about his drumming here. Great lyric, great performance by Sammy, and of course the guitar solo is knocked out of the park as well. I kind of thought this one would make everyone’s list, even if not necessarily everyone’s top 10. It’s the band’s finest moment for me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 02:51:51 PM
Never paid much attention to the lyrics for Me Wise Magic, but that chorus is tremendous. Not even sure what the backing vocals are singing (sounds like “Angeline”), but it’s a really cool way to build the chorus.

"Do you believeeeeeeee!"   
    "Don't you trust me? Me wise magic!"
"If you could seeeeeeeee!"
    "Through my eyes, me wise magic!"

I love that part as Eddie builds up to the chorus and then the pulsing bass under the backing vocals...  Van Halen for the 2000's! 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 19, 2022, 02:53:43 PM
I do not, now or ever, see that kind of depth in David Lee Roth.

But even if that were the intention, I still don't like it.  There was a time when Roth was pretty awesome, but by the time this hit, he was well past that.  And I don't mean he was past his prime, I mean he was no longer relevant (at least to me).

I fully get that I think I'm the only one that feels this way, but I think Roth is WAYYYYY deeper than he lets on, or that his persona suggests.  Yeah, I know there's "Jump", but there's some clever stuff in there too (especially on ADKOT).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 19, 2022, 02:55:39 PM
So for today’s entries:

Dance The Night Away was at 36 for me. It’s just a great pop rock tune. One of many VH songs that are so very catchy.

I didn’t rank I’m The One but it’s a solid rocker. A bit of a precursor to Hot for Teacher.

Right Now as noted was my number 1 overall, and an easy answer for me. This is the side of VH that appeals to me most. It was also among the very first VH songs I heard. Eddie shines on both keys and guitar here, and while it’s piano based, this song really packs a punch. Alex plays a big part in that, and I love everything about his drumming here. Great lyric, great performance by Sammy, and of course the guitar solo is knocked out of the park as well. I kind of thought this one would make everyone’s list, even if not necessarily everyone’s top 10. It’s the band’s finest moment for me.

Interesting that you thought it should make everyone’s list, considering you have left a whole bunch off your list that I thought would be on everyone’s.  ;)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 19, 2022, 03:02:08 PM
11 Dance the Night Away
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (Dream Team)


10 I’m the One
Appeared on 13 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (Dream Team)


09 Right Now
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)



I had [Dance The Night Away at #33/b]. What a wonderful track. I have never been able to get Alex's cowbell/hi-hat intro down.

I had I'm The One at #4. This song is an absolute smoker! Top 5 for me!

I had Right Now at #37. Solid tune.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 19, 2022, 03:08:17 PM
So...I've never heard Me Wise Magic before today.  The intro part (before the vocals) sounds like it could have been a Dream Theater song on FII...checks Wikipedia...interesting given that this song was recorded and released in 1996.  The verse vocals are two different kinds of terrible (although the music underneath is pretty good).  The chorus is ok.  Solid EVH solo.  I'm 4 minutes in, and it feels like it should be about done, but it's got 2 minutes left...?  Please tell me we're not going to have a full 2 minutes of outro solo....  Nope...sort of a reprise of the intro.  Still reminds me of FII era DT.

Dance the Night Away is an amazing song.  Part of the soundtrack of my early teen years.  Right Now is excellent.  I'm the One is just meh.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 19, 2022, 03:11:14 PM
  I'm the One is just meh.

WUT?? I can't believe you just said that!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 19, 2022, 03:21:39 PM
  I'm the One is just meh.

WUT?? I can't believe you just said that!

I mean...it's fine, but I'm not a fan of songs with a shuffle beat (even one that fast), and there's nothing that really hooks me.  Also...the doo wop section....?  No.  Prime DLR vocal performance, though, even though it's not to my taste.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 19, 2022, 03:52:06 PM
So for today’s entries:

Dance The Night Away was at 36 for me. It’s just a great pop rock tune. One of many VH songs that are so very catchy.

I didn’t rank I’m The One but it’s a solid rocker. A bit of a precursor to Hot for Teacher.

Right Now as noted was my number 1 overall, and an easy answer for me. This is the side of VH that appeals to me most. It was also among the very first VH songs I heard. Eddie shines on both keys and guitar here, and while it’s piano based, this song really packs a punch. Alex plays a big part in that, and I love everything about his drumming here. Great lyric, great performance by Sammy, and of course the guitar solo is knocked out of the park as well. I kind of thought this one would make everyone’s list, even if not necessarily everyone’s top 10. It’s the band’s finest moment for me.

Interesting that you thought it should make everyone’s list, considering you have left a whole bunch off your list that I thought would be on everyone’s.  ;)

Well, I figured it had a better chance of appealing to both my unique VH tastes and everyone else’s.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 19, 2022, 04:26:30 PM

11 Dance the Night Away
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (Dream Team)


10 I’m the One
Appeared on 13 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 4 (Dream Team)


09 Right Now
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)



Three great songs today!

Dance the Night Away - number 19 for me. Love it but not one of my very favourites but I always sing along with a smile on my face when I listen to it.

I'm the One - number 5 for me. A classic.

Right Now - number 6 for me. I didn't actually think this song would make it this high in the overall rankings. This is just a really beautifully constructed song, has heaps going on musically and that transition into the guitar solo is just magic to my ears.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 19, 2022, 05:02:58 PM
I'm one of the few who rated Can't Get This Stuff No More much higher than Me Wise Magic on release and still do now.  I felt it had that traditional VH swagger in the riff and the vocal melodies were much more suited to where DLR's voice was at the time.  Either way it was awesome to have the classic line up back in place for those couple of songs after years of hanging around VH forums digging through all the (mostly) bullshit reunion rumours.

Anyway - I had Can't Get This Stuff No More #41..................Me Wise Magic was #66 which is still very much within the range of songs I like.


For the 3 new songs:


Dance The Night Away #8   - My love for this song wavered at times but all things considered (including it being a favourite video of mine too - a very rare high quality capture of VH live in their prime) it had to make Top 10


I'm The One  #11 - another classic off VH1 and just a ridiculous guitar track

Right Now I had #71 - pretty much anything within my top 100 is a song I like and I did like Right Now.  Great atmospheric intro and overall solid song , but I think over time it became the symbol for me of "serious Sammy" where he tried a bit too hard to make the song some sort of highly intellectual political commentary and it got a bit too earnest for me.  So yeah - very solid song and I do like it quite a bit.  It actually feels weird ranking a lot of these Sammy songs so low , because if I was to divide the eras into Van Halen and Van Hagar .............Van Halen is my #1 band of all time and Van Hagar would probably be top 10.  That has resulted in a lot of songs I really like not making my Top 50.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 19, 2022, 06:58:51 PM
Dance the Night Away didn't rank for me.  Yeah, not my thing.

I'm the One was at number 10 so pretty on point.

Right Now was at 30, nice song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 20, 2022, 01:33:11 AM
Had DanceTNA #49 and Right Now at #13. 

Not sure if already said but after the excellence of OU812 I wasn't sold on F.U.C.K off the bat but eventually warmed to it after falling in love with Judgement Day and being battered constantly with Right Now on music TV and radio :)

Sidenote those piano chords during the intro to Right Now's always reminded me of Alan Parsons' Sirius which I thought was cool but like most these things that was probably just me  ;D

Wonderful stuff!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2022, 05:06:51 AM
Top 5 is coming this weekend, but first things first, numbers 8 through 6...

08 Panama
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (Stadler)


I probably docked this a bit because it is so overplayed, putting it at 15, but it could easily be number 1.  Major classic, and this is actually the VH song I hear the most now whenever the classic rock station is on at work.  Just a great, great song.


07 5150
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Puppies_On_Acid)

I had this at 5, and was pleasantly surprised to see how much support this one got.  I didn't think it would be a top 10 tune here, but here it is at 7.  Well done, DTF. Well done.


06 Light Up the Sky
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (TAC, bl5150)


I was a bit disheartened early on when a few of the first lists didn't have this on there at all (wtf?), but the surge came soon thereafter.  This was my number 3 song.  To me, this feels like one of those "how can you be a fan of Van Halen and not love this song?" kinda songs. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 20, 2022, 05:09:53 AM
  I'm the One is just meh.

WUT?? I can't believe you just said that!
He's right.  Meh at best.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 20, 2022, 05:41:54 AM
  I'm the One is just meh.

WUT?? I can't believe you just said that!
He's right.  Meh at best.

So..

mehgnificent
Tremehndous
loved by mehny
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2022, 06:06:56 AM
  I'm the One is just meh.

WUT?? I can't believe you just said that!

, says the guy who doesn't like Panama. :P

(I obviously agree that I'm the One is great)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 20, 2022, 06:22:04 AM
5150 is a well done and crafted song, but that intro and chorus... they always make me feel a bit nostalgic and sad (I must admit that I'm ignoring the lyrics).
Light Up the Sky is far from being a "meh" song, but I like better (from VH2): You're No Good, Somebody Get Me a Doctor, Bottoms Up!, Outta Love Again and DOA, that made my Top 50.
Panama (#12) - Always loved this one  from the start (as Jump and Pretty Woman from the videoclips), even when I wasn't a VH's fan.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 20, 2022, 07:03:59 AM
Panama came in at 34 for me. It’s a definite classic, even if I might personally be a bit tired of it.

Light Up The Sky is cool, just not my preferred flavor of VH.

5151 was my number 10. That opening riff is so great, and I adore Alex’s drumming on this track. Easily my favorite of the rockier songs on 5150. One of those songs that has a sound that puts you in a certain frame of mind. That pre-chorus especially is so great.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 20, 2022, 07:14:53 AM
Top 5 is coming this weekend, but first things first, numbers 8 through 6...

08 Panama
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (Stadler)


I probably docked this a bit because it is so overplayed, putting it at 15, but it could easily be number 1.  Major classic, and this is actually the VH song I hear the most now whenever the classic rock station is on at work.  Just a great, great song.


07 5150
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Puppies_On_Acid)

I had this at 5, and was pleasantly surprised to see how much support this one got.  I didn't think it would be a top 10 tune here, but here it is at 7.  Well done, DTF. Well done.


06 Light Up the Sky
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (TAC, bl5150)


I was a bit disheartened early on when a few of the first lists didn't have this on there at all (wtf?), but the surge came soon thereafter.  This was my number 3 song.  To me, this feels like one of those "how can you be a fan of Van Halen and not love this song?" kinda songs.


Panama :  I had this #33..........good song but on reflection probably a bit higher in my list than it should be. 


5150:  At #29 in my list.........my 2nd highest Sammy track and great song.  If I could forget the studio version and use the live version on Live Without A Net it would be Top 10 , maybe Top 5.  I played that VHS and that song in particular to death.


Light Up The Sky:   Tim :hifive:    Could easily have been my #1 on any given day.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 20, 2022, 07:58:56 AM
8. Panama - I had this at #2.   I don't know why this song is questionable to some.  I generally am very tolerant of people's likes and dislikes, but I can't imagine liking Van Halen and not liking this.

7. 5150 - I had this at #35.   What a great chorus.

6. Light Up The Sky - I had this at #15
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 20, 2022, 08:33:26 AM
8. Panama - I had this at #2.   I don't know why this song is questionable to some.  I generally am very tolerant of people's likes and dislikes, but I can't imagine liking Van Halen and not liking this.
I agree.  I didn't have it at # 2, but this is such a great song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 20, 2022, 09:21:46 AM
8. Panama - I had this at #2.   I don't know why this song is questionable to some.  I generally am very tolerant of people's likes and dislikes, but I can't imagine liking Van Halen and not liking this.



Panameh.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 20, 2022, 10:04:40 AM
8. Panama - I had this at #2.   I don't know why this song is questionable to some.  I generally am very tolerant of people's likes and dislikes, but I can't imagine liking Van Halen and not liking this.



Panameh.

StadRanger   :lol :lol :lol

 And Panameh, indeed (although I like it better than I used to).

Light up the Sky is classic VH and really showcases how valuable Michael Anthony was to the band.  The worst thing about it is that it's so short.

5150 at #7?  It's a fine song.  I don't really care for the verses, but the chorus is catchy.  The thing that always bugged me (which is unusual for me) is the title of the song makes no sense.  It's like someone said, "hey...we REALLY need a title track," and someone said, "well...why don't we just change the name of 'Always Wanting More' to '5150'?"
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 20, 2022, 10:05:28 AM
semi catching up

15 (t) Runnin' with the Devil (#7)
14 Why Can't This Be Love? (#14) at least I nailed one :D
13 Atomic Punk (#40)
12 Love Walks In (#9)
11 Dance the Night Away (#30)

simply put, I liked them all
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 20, 2022, 10:27:03 AM
8. Panama - I had this at #2.   I don't know why this song is questionable to some.  I generally am very tolerant of people's likes and dislikes, but I can't imagine liking Van Halen and not liking this.



Panameh.

StadRanger   :lol :lol :lol

 And Panameh, indeed (although I like it better than I used to).

Light up the Sky is classic VH and really showcases how valuable Michael Anthony was to the band.  The worst thing about it is that it's so short.

5150 at #7?  It's a fine song.  I don't really care for the verses, but the chorus is catchy.  The thing that always bugged me (which is unusual for me) is the title of the song makes no sense.  It's like someone said, "hey...we REALLY need a title track," and someone said, "well...why don't we just change the name of 'Always Wanting More' to '5150'?"

Yeah, well I love Night Ranger, so there's that!   :) :)

(I get the reference :))

I always took the 5150 reference to be a tongue-in-cheek one to crazy girlfriends.  5150 is the police code for a psychiatric hold (thus the inner picture of the band in straight jackets) and the song is clearly about a woman who won't compromise (meet you half the way), who can't be pleased and who is selfish.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 20, 2022, 12:40:40 PM
10 I'm the One (#24)

09 Right Now (#3)

08 Panama (#27)

07 5150 (NR) another one of those near misses

06 Light Up the Sky (#38)



Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 20, 2022, 01:42:17 PM
Light Up The Sky  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 20, 2022, 03:40:48 PM
08 Panama
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (Stadler)



07 5150
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Puppies_On_Acid)

06 Light Up the Sky
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (TAC, bl5150)


I had Panama as Not Rated.

I had 5150 at #25. The song has aged really well. The songs in 5150 the album have stood the test of time, but the album still kind of sounds dated. I hate the electronic drums on this.

I had Light Up The Sky at #2! Another great song. Glad to see it got some love. Alex flies a bit under the radar here, but he knocks it out.!




Light Up The Sky:   Tim :hifive:    Could easily have been my #1 on any given day.

:hifive:
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 20, 2022, 04:25:38 PM

08 Panama
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 2 (Stadler)


07 5150
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Puppies_On_Acid)

06 Light Up the Sky
Appeared on 12 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (TAC, bl5150)



Panama - my rank 7, missed by 1. Just really not sure how this song isn't in everyone's top 50. A classic VH song.

5150 - my rank 27. Great song but never been one of my favourites. I really didn't think this song which rank so high overall and was thinking my placing was about right. So a bit surprised at the love for this one.

Light Up The Sky - my rank 25. Great song.

5 songs to go, 4 of which are in my top 10 and my number 1 song is still in play.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 20, 2022, 05:03:56 PM
Panama I had at 18.  That's a great song even though it's pretty overplayed.

5150 came in at 32.  Great chorus.

Light up the Sky for me was number 4.  I seriously can't fathom 5 people ranking at least 50 songs higher than it.  I know I'm not a die hard VH fan by any stretch but that's crazy if you ask me.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 07:02:06 AM
Okay, we kick off the top 5!!

05 Mean Street
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 3 (WilliamMunny)


I thought this had a very strong chance to finish at number 1, but 5 is still pretty damn good.  I was a bit shocked that no one had this ranked at 1 or 2 on their lists. I had it at 4.


04 Hot for Teacher
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (The Realm)


I was also a little surprised that this one finished this high.  I had it at 21, and figured I'd be pretty close to its final finish, but here it is at 4.  I think it's easily the best video the band ever made, and the song really does kick ass.


03 Unchained
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 2 (hefdaddy42, devieira73)


I had this at 10, but figured it was a lock for the top 5 overall, and, yep, it lands at number 3.  EVH had much more awesome riffs that you can shake a stick at, but this is one of his best.  Even though I wish more songs from Fair Warning had made the top 50, I love the fact that it is the only album to have two songs in the top 5.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 07:08:53 AM
Also, here is the breakdown of songs that made the top 50 by album:

Top 50:
Van Halen – 11
Van Halen II – 5
Women and Children First – 4
Fair Warning – 3
Diver Down - 1
1984 - 7
5150 - 7
OU812 - 3
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge - 5
Balance - 3
Van Halen III - 0
A Different Kind of View - 0
Non-album Roth – 0
Non-album Hagar - 1

31 songs total for the Roth era, 19 for the Hagar era.  Nada for Cherone.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 07:09:16 AM
05 Mean Street
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 3 (WilliamMunny)


04 Hot for Teacher
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (The Realm)


03 Unchained
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 2 (hefdaddy42, devieira73)


I had Mean Street at #16

I had Hot For Teacher at #14

I had Unchained at #17

I had all three in my Top 20! All great classic tunes!




  Even though I wish more songs from Fair Warning had made the top 50, I love the fact that it is the only album to have two songs in the top 5.


I put a Fair Warning track in my Top 5 and it didn't even make the Top 50 countdown!!! :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 21, 2022, 07:14:44 AM
Okay, we kick off the top 5!!

05 Mean Street
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 3 (WilliamMunny)


I thought this had a very strong chance to finish at number 1, but 5 is still pretty damn good.  I was a bit shocked that no one had this ranked at 1 or 2 on their lists. I had it at 4.


04 Hot for Teacher
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (The Realm)


I was also a little surprised that this one finished this high.  I had it at 21, and figured I'd be pretty close to its final finish, but here it is at 4.  I think it's easily the best video the band ever made, and the song really does kick ass.


03 Unchained
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 2 (hefdaddy42, devieira73)


I had this at 10, but figured it was a lock for the top 5 overall, and, yep, it lands at number 3.  EVH had much more awesome riffs that you can shake a stick at, but this is one of his best.  Even though I wish more songs from Fair Warning had made the top 50, I love the fact that it is the only album to have two songs in the top 5.

My rankings:

Mean Street #12

Hot For Teacher #32

Unchained #21


All very cool songs that I rate highly.


I put a Fair Warning track in my Top 5 and it didn't even make the Top 50 countdown!!! :lol

Ditto
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 07:20:12 AM
bl5150, you were literally the only person to have One Foot out the Door in your top 50. :P :lol

TAC, I thought So This Is Love? had a slim chance at the top 50, but 67 isn't a bad finish. 

I am still a little peeved that neither Sinner's Swing! nor Dirty Movies made the top 50. :censored :censored
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 07:31:56 AM
My rankings:

Mean Street #12
Hot For Teacher #32
Unchained #21

All very cool songs that I rate highly.


I put a Fair Warning track in my Top 5 and it didn't even make the Top 50 countdown!!! :lol

Ditto

Yay, another fan of Sunday Afternoon In The Park! :metal :lol :lol

Actually, I had So This Is Love? at #5. I love the drums/bass intro to that song.


I am still a little peeved that neither Sinner's Swing! nor Dirty Movies made the top 50. :censored :censored

I had Sinners Swing! at #24, but I've never loved Dirty Movies so I didn't rank it. If it were just DLR songs, it would've found its way into the Top 50 though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 07:33:46 AM
I know the Top 2 songs!!! One made my Top 10 at #9, and the other I had at #15.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 21, 2022, 07:42:36 AM
bl5150, you were literally the only person to have One Foot out the Door in your top 50. :P :lol




One of the songs in my Top 10 is the same - might not have even made anyone's Top 50.  :biggrin:

I called it  :lol

I had So This Is Love at #19 , Dirty Movies #25   :tup

Sinners Swing was just outside the 50.



Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 21, 2022, 07:43:02 AM
Mean Street #34
Unchained #17
Panama #16
5150 #5

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 21, 2022, 07:54:56 AM
There is one song left on my own list that hasn’t been revealed as top 50 and isn’t on the list of songs receiving votes. I have a very hard time believing this song is top 2, even though I like it. I guess we’ll find out if other people really like it or if it was just omitted from the also ran list.

I’m the only non-Mean Street ranker (surprise!). I know it’s loved. It’s a cool song for sure, finished at 63 on my ranker run though I think. I even listened to it again before I finalized my rankings to be sure. Just like other stuff more.

Hot For Teacher was at 38. I used to really like it, always found the lyrics to be funny as a kid but not so much as an adult. Definitely been played a lot, and it’s one I probably don’t need to ever hear again. But I’ll always listen to the drum intro at least. Alex makes the song, and it’s really one of his trademark moments so I had to rank it.

Unchained was 28 and is actually my second highest ranked DLR track. I do really love the riff, and the pre-chorus and chorus are great. A very hooky but heavy song.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 08:04:03 AM

Unchained was 28 and is actually my second highest ranked DLR track.

WUT?

Sammy? Is that you??
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 21, 2022, 08:14:05 AM

Unchained was 28 and is actually my second highest ranked DLR track.

WUT?

Sammy? Is that you??

 :lol :lol Finally found out HOF's true identity! Some solid evidence to back it up . . .
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 12:31:26 PM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 21, 2022, 12:57:09 PM
05 Mean Street (#7) - Killer groove both in the guitar riff and the drumming. Maybe the only example of VH composing something funky? I don't know, it isn't really funky, but the end result is amazing!

04 Hot for Teacher (#4) - The drum intro is one of the greatest in Rock history (as all the drumming in the song, in fact) and all the song is built around a truly savage guitar riff. And what to say about the guitar/bass/drums interaction during the solo? :hefdaddy

03 Unchained (#2) - We talk a lot about Eddie's amazing/great guitar riffs, but the one here is quite something else... it's his unmatched riff: immensely killer and kind of makes you want to dance, jump and bang your head, all of this at same time! I also love that syncopated part before the chorus.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 21, 2022, 01:01:21 PM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

Everyone else is missing out!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 21, 2022, 01:38:46 PM
05 Mean Street (#42)

04 Hot For Teacher (#36)  well, my wife taught for 30 years.  There were more than a few odd looks from some of the hundred or so gathered at her retirement party when this was included on my mix tape.  And, ‘yep, I’m still hot for her’  :tup :D

03 Unchained (NR) on my best of Van Roth, but I didn’t rank it here

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 21, 2022, 02:55:59 PM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

Everyone else is missing out!

I assume you were a big fan of Cherone before VHIII came out?
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 21, 2022, 03:15:55 PM
I’m also one of the few here that truly likes a lot from VHIII, but I still think Gary never mashed well with the VH sound, even live. He’s a good vocalist, but in VH he sounded like an annoying version of Sammy Hagar.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 21, 2022, 03:52:13 PM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

Everyone else is missing out!

I assume you were a big fan of Cherone before VHIII came out?

Not really. I knew and liked a few of their hits at the time, but that was all. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge Extreme fan now either, though I do think Cherone is a great singer and III Sides is an excellent album.

VH III just came out at the right time for me really. 1998 was kind of a big year of music discovery for me, and I spun it a ton that summer. Along with Balance, it was really one of the first VH albums I really got into. I was really excited about the more experimental nature of III, and I was really disappointed that VH kind of disappeared afterwards.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on May 21, 2022, 03:52:55 PM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

Everyone else is missing out!

I assume you were a big fan of Cherone before VHIII came out?
To be fair, the problem with VHIII isn't Cherone. I like Cherone in Extreme. It's just unfortunate that Van Halen decided to suck for their only album with Cherone.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 21, 2022, 04:40:21 PM

05 Mean Street
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 3 (WilliamMunny)


04 Hot for Teacher
Appeared on 15 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (The Realm)


03 Unchained
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 2 (hefdaddy42, devieira73)



Three great songs today.

Mean Streets - number 21 for me. Could easily have been higher so not surprised it ranked where it did.

Hot For Teacher - this is my number 1 but it actually isn't my favourite VH song. The 2 songs still to be revealed (which I ranked 3 and 4) are my favourite VH songs. I ranked Eruption at number 2 because of its significance in guitar history and I ranked Hot For Teacher at 1 because I actually think this song is the absolute peak of Roth era VH. The performances of Eddie, Alex and Mike are awesome on this track and Dave's tongue in cheek lyrics and swagger is on full display. I didn't think this song would rank so high overall but happy to see it make it to number 4.

Unchained - number 8 for me. Classic.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 21, 2022, 04:56:50 PM
I think I know what one of the last two songs is, but I really am not sure about the other.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 21, 2022, 05:14:12 PM
Hot For Teacher - this is my number 1 but it actually isn't my favourite VH song.

 ???
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 21, 2022, 05:35:34 PM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 21, 2022, 06:13:56 PM
I think I know what one of the last two songs is, but I really am not sure about the other.

I know one for sure, but totally blanking on the other.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 21, 2022, 06:22:16 PM
I think I know what one of the last two songs is, but I really am not sure about the other.

I know one for sure, but totally blanking on the other.

There are two notable songs left, one which I’m pretty sure is number 1. The other would really surprise me but maybe I’m missing something else.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2022, 06:25:07 PM
Mean Street was 37 for me.  Maybe I need to check it out again since it's rated so high.

Hot For Teacher was number 6 and Unchained was number 3.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 21, 2022, 06:26:17 PM

Unchained was 28 and is actually my second highest ranked DLR track.

WUT?

Sammy? Is that you??

 :rollin

Yeah one of the last will please me but can't think what the other is just yet.

Like said earlier, my Top5 could've and would've been switched about any other day of the week so can appreciate those that have shuffled things around themselves maybe their epitome VH over their personal #1 etc...

Wasn't easy and both keen and dreading trying to sort a Maiden list  ;)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2022, 06:27:32 PM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

I think you are doing this wrong.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 21, 2022, 07:51:39 PM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

I think you are doing this wrong.

Each to their own but I really don't think it is fair to say I am doing it wrong. At the end of the day if I 'did it right' I would of had Hot For Teacher at number 4 and then probably would have nailed the top 2 songs. I'm not sure that would of made any difference to the final countdown. I was just explaining my thinking, sorry if you disagree. With Van Halen, I just don't have a definitive number 1 song, so I chose Hot For Teacher as that song, with Rush I do and with Iron Maiden (coming up next) I do.

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2022, 07:54:22 PM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

I think you are doing this wrong.

Each to their own but I really don't think it is fair to say I am doing it wrong. At the end of the day if I 'did it right' I would of had Hot For Teacher at number 4 and then probably would have nailed the top 2 songs. I'm not sure that would of made any difference to the final countdown. I was just explaining my thinking, sorry if you disagree. With Van Halen, I just don't have a definitive number 1 song, so I chose Hot For Teacher as that song, with Rush I do and with Iron Maiden (coming up next) I do.

I was just being tongue in cheek, I actually don't give a fuck how anyone ranks their lists.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 07:59:56 PM
I do.

I should have stuck to my guns and disqualified any list that didn't have Outta Space.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 08:02:02 PM
Could've just renamed the thread Kev's VH Top 50 List.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 08:10:48 PM
What's really funny is that I pointed out the other day that the number 1 song was my number 1 song, and I overlooked the fact that the number 2 was also my number 2 song.  :lol :lol :lol :lol

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2022, 08:20:28 PM
(https://cdn.theatlantic.com/thumbor/GUCqfhq5cNEog2VhcIj_fZh5uZs=/media/img/posts/2016/04/giphy_6/original.gif)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2022, 08:23:48 PM
Top 2 coming early tomorrow!

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/l0CPbjYU8276ahvLa/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e473cwo9v5oel27hzxt7q6diw7hjclug3chize67h0q&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on May 21, 2022, 09:35:19 PM
I know they are my #4 and #25, so I guess I'm ready ;)
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 21, 2022, 10:24:21 PM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

I think you are doing this wrong.

Each to their own but I really don't think it is fair to say I am doing it wrong. At the end of the day if I 'did it right' I would of had Hot For Teacher at number 4 and then probably would have nailed the top 2 songs. I'm not sure that would of made any difference to the final countdown. I was just explaining my thinking, sorry if you disagree. With Van Halen, I just don't have a definitive number 1 song, so I chose Hot For Teacher as that song, with Rush I do and with Iron Maiden (coming up next) I do.

I was just being tongue in cheek, I actually don't give a fuck how anyone ranks their lists.

All good. Hard to read humour in the written word sometimes…
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 21, 2022, 10:50:12 PM
I started it so I apologize, I read your post quickly as I was on the go, and I do appreciate your response. I had assumed everyone was ranking songs based on their personal preferences, not where they thought a song deserved to be. But the different perspectives are what makes these threads great! 

Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 22, 2022, 03:30:50 AM
Well, I did try to explain why I ranked Hot For Teacher number 1, I just think this is the song that represents VH the best at the peak of their powers - awesome musicianship, combined with cheek and swagger. I mean, I have seen a few VH cover bands over the years and rarely have I seen this song performed perfectly. Even though it isn't my very favourite, it deserves a number 1 ranking, so from me - it got it!

As for the 2 songs left, no spoilers are allowed but if anyone isn't sure then upon reveal they should be fairly obvious.

I think you are doing this wrong.

Each to their own but I really don't think it is fair to say I am doing it wrong. At the end of the day if I 'did it right' I would of had Hot For Teacher at number 4 and then probably would have nailed the top 2 songs. I'm not sure that would of made any difference to the final countdown. I was just explaining my thinking, sorry if you disagree. With Van Halen, I just don't have a definitive number 1 song, so I chose Hot For Teacher as that song, with Rush I do and with Iron Maiden (coming up next) I do.

I was just being tongue in cheek, I actually don't give a fuck how anyone ranks their lists.

All good. Hard to read humour in the written word sometimes…

All good.  I can totally see how it looked like I was serious.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 22, 2022, 04:53:22 AM
At least the Top 10 was dominated by Roth, as it should be.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 22, 2022, 06:40:30 AM
Time for the top 2.  Kinda funny that the top 2 were both track 4 on the first album with each of the two main singers (sorry, Cherone).

02 Dreams
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 1 (hefdaddy42, FreezingPoint, Puppies_On_Acid, bl5150, wolfking)


Seems hard to believe that this wasn't number 1 given that five people had it at number 1 and it was in the top 10 on 10 lists, but it was left off altogether on three, which resulted in finishing just a little bit behind number 1.  Great song, and I do think it is the best song they did with Sammy.  I had it at number 2.


01 Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)


Unlike other favorites, I don't really have a "set in stone" number 1 song with VH, as my top 7-8 could really bounce around based on my mood, but when I did the rankings engine, it just always felt like this song was better than everything else.  Despite being number 1 on only 1 list (mine) and being on three less top 10s than Dreams, it finished at 1.  It was left off only one list, and no one of the 16 (who ranked it) had it lower than 26, so it was ranked pretty high by almost everyone. Great song, and most deserving of number 1.  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 22, 2022, 06:52:43 AM
I'm a bit surprised with the #1 but yeah..............great song that barely made it on to the debut album according to Ed (remembering a long lost interview )

I had it at #7 and I had Dreams at #1.   Any of my top 3-4 could've been the #1 in my countdown but Dreams deserves it and I have been pretty tough on Sammy era stuff in my Top 50 so that helped tip it over the line.  In the end I doubt I have listened to a VH song more often than Dreams over my life , despite favouring DLR era as a whole.   It's interesting that my reasons for loving most Van Halen songs are heavy guitars, humour, attitude etc....and Dreams is really none of those things.  Just a damn great song with an equally great vocal.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2022, 07:33:10 AM
02 Dreams
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 1 (hefdaddy42, FreezingPoint, Puppies_On_Acid, bl5150, wolfking)


01 Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)


I had Dreams at #9.
The only Sammy track in that made my Top 20. Great tune.

  It's interesting that my reasons for loving most Van Halen songs are heavy guitars, humour, attitude etc....and Dreams is really none of those things.  Just a damn great song with an equally great vocal.
Interesting take. You're right.



I had Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love at #15.

Another iconic track you really can't go wrong with. Not my fave, but it's a song I love that still stands up. Legit choice for #1.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 22, 2022, 07:51:43 AM
Dreams (#22) - Beautiful song with outstanding melodies all the way through, with goosebumps everytime on the "And get higher and higher..." part. But I'm little shocked that this song is so loved by many here, since I see it in the same vein as Love Walks In, that I like even more.

Ain't Talk About Love (#3) - A quintenssensial VH song without a guitar solo?!  Definitive proof of its greatness.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 22, 2022, 08:20:19 AM
Wow, Dreams did make it to number 2! I knew it was missing from both lists, but I really didn’t think it was this beloved. Or at least I assumed that the DLR crowd would have knocked it down. I had it at 15 and think it’s great, but it might be the most syrupy of the Sammy era hits. It’s aged a little less well than some of the other stuff just because the keys are so twinkly. The guitar solos are tremendous though, and it’s a heck of a vocal performance by Sammy. Great drumming too. A worthy track, just wasn’t expecting that!

Did not rank Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love. Just never really liked this song at all. The opening riff is cool though.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2022, 08:22:19 AM
Thank you Kev for doing this! It is really appreciated.

It was great to relive so many of these great tunes. Van Halen is truly underrated, but IMO, it's really their own fault. Eddie was basically AWOL many years.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 22, 2022, 08:45:45 AM
Thanks, it was fun!

And thanks to everyone who submitted a list and/or participated in this thread.

Time to take a breather before the next monster countdown... :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 22, 2022, 08:56:02 AM
Definitely many thanks to Kev for running another great list. Enjoy your well, deserved break!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 22, 2022, 08:57:36 AM
Total points tally:

01 Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love      624
02 Dreams            597
03 Unchained            539
04 Hot for Teacher         537
05 Mean Street         503
06 Light Up the Sky         470
07 5150                460
08 Panama             451
09 Right Now             427
10 I’m the One          389
11 Dance the Night Away      351
12 Love Walks In         335
13 Atomic Punk         332
14 Why Can’t This Be Love      329
15 (t)  Runnin’ With the Devil      314
15 (t) Romeo Delight         314
17 Poundcake            313
18 Jamie’s Cryin’         310
19 In a Simple Rhyme       308
20 Judgement Day         295
21 Eruption            294
22 On Fire            293
23 And the Cradle Will Rock…   290
24 The Seventh Seal         288
25 Hear About It Later      287
26 Summer Nights         278
27 Everybody Wants Some!!   277
28 Somebody Get Me a Doctor   274
29 Beautiful Girls         272
30 (t) Jump             270
30 (t) I’ll Wait            270
32 Top Jimmy            267
33 The Dream Is Over      265
34 D.O.A.            263
35 Top of the World         251
36 Best of Both Worlds      249
37 (t) Little Dreamer         248
37 (t) When It’s Love         248
39 You Really Got Me      243
40 Feelin’            237
41 Little Guitars         236
42 Humans Being         229
43 (t) Ice Cream Man         226
43 (t) Don’t Tell Me (What Love…)   226
45 Girl Gone Bad         212
46 Drop Dead Legs         211
47 Mine All Mine         210
48 Good Enough         208
49 Feels So Good         207
50 Feel Your Love Tonight      205

51 Sinner’s Swing!         203
52 Hang ‘Em High         191
53 Aftershock            189
54 Dirty Movies         173
55 Outta Love Again         170
56 Me Wise Magic         164
57 Can’t Stop Lovin’ You      155
58 Blood and Fire         155
59 Women in Love…         153
60 China Town            152
61 The Full Bug         150
62 Black and Blue         148
63 House of Pain         147
64 Loss of Control         144
65 Cabo Wabo            143
66 Get Up            138
67 So This Is Love?         136
68 (Oh) Pretty Woman      131
69 Outta Space         131
70 Take Your Whiskey Home   127
71 Not Enough            127
72 Pleasure Dome         124
73 Take Me Back (Déjà vu)   123
74 Fools                119
75 Runaround            115
76 Bottoms Up!         111
77 She’s the Woman         109
78 Source of Infection      107
79 Push Comes to Shove      106
80 Big River            99
81 Honeybabysweetiedoll      95
82 Sucker in a 3 Piece      89
83 Secrets             88
84 A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)   83
85 Without You         82
86 Crossing Over         76
87 Amsterdam            74
88 Bullethead            73
89 Finish What Ya Started      66
90 Baluchitherium         65
91 As Is               58
92 Once                57
93 316               55
94 Dirty Water Dog         52
95 Could This Be Magic?      50
96 One Foot out the Door      46
97 Learning to See         43
98 You’re No Good          39
99 In ‘n’ Out            39
100 From Afar            38
101 Stay Frosty            35
102 Can’t Get This Stuff No More   34
103 Year to the Day         34
104 Spanish Fly            32
105 Big Fat Money         31
106 Josephina            31
107 One I Want            29
108 Fire in a Hole         26
109 Spanked            23
110 Man on a Mission         22
111 It's About Time         16
112 You and Your Blues      16
113 The Trouble with Never      16
114 Ballot or the Bullet      10
115 Inside            8
116 Happy Trails         6
117 (t)  Dancing in the Street      5
117 (t) Little Guitars (intro)      5
119 Where Have all the Good…   4   
120 (t) Cathedral            3
120 (t) Doin’ Time             3
122 Neworld            2
123 How Many Say I         1
124 (t) Tora! Tora!            0
124 (t) Sunday Afternoon in the Park   0
124 (t) Intruder            0
124 (t) Big Bad Bill            0
124 (t) 1984               0
124 (t) A Apolitical Blues         0
124 (t) Strung Out            0
124 (t) Primary             0
124 (t) Up for Breakfast         0
124 (t) Tattoo             0
124 (t) Beats Workin’         0
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2022, 09:08:08 AM
131 points for Outta Space??  :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: devieira73 on May 22, 2022, 01:43:13 PM
Thanks, it was fun!

And thanks to everyone who submitted a list and/or participated in this thread.

Time to take a breather before the next monster countdown... :lol :lol
Thanks, Kev and everybody here, ideed very fun!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: wolfking on May 22, 2022, 02:49:44 PM
I honestly didn't think so many would rate Dreams at number 1.  Thought I'd be alone on that one.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: The Realm on May 22, 2022, 05:06:46 PM

02 Dreams
Appeared on 14 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 1 (hefdaddy42, FreezingPoint, Puppies_On_Acid, bl5150, wolfking)


01 Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Appeared on 16 of 17  entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)



Dreams number 3 for me and Ain't Talkin 'Bout Love number 4. Both classics and deserving of their places in the countdown. More than surprised, I am astonished Dreams was only on 14 lists but yes that is part of what makes these countdowns so great.

Thanks Kev for doing this and really looking forward to Iron Maiden next.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 22, 2022, 06:31:28 PM
131 points for Outta Space??  :lol

I know, right? It should have had twice as many!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on May 22, 2022, 06:34:30 PM
Man, this was so much fun! Thank you to everyone who got involved.

I'm probably gonna skip Maiden (my favorite album being Brave New World should probably disqualify me), but I'm excited to do this again. Honestly, I think Metallica would be a super interesting choice.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: pg1067 on May 22, 2022, 08:01:06 PM
Unchained is my favorite VH song.

Had I done this set of rankings, I think Ain't Talkin' wouldn't have made my top 10.

Although I only participated with an occasional comment, thanks again to Kev for doing these!
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 23, 2022, 07:40:09 AM

I put a Fair Warning track in my Top 5 and it didn't even make the Top 50 countdown!!! :lol

Ditto

Not Top 5, but I had TWO in my top 10 (Sinner's Swing at #7, Dirty Movies at #9).

5. Mean Street - I had this at #36
4. Hot for Teacher - I had this at #78   GREAT video, not really a great SONG. It's fun, it's Van Halen, but there are better SONGS.
3. Unchained - I had this at #21.  Just a classic VH song in every way.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 23, 2022, 07:42:31 AM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

He must be f-----' with us.   11 of my BOTTOM 14 songs were from III.   "Without You" is the only song I thought had ANY chance of making the cut.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 23, 2022, 07:47:35 AM
2. Dreams -  I had this at #62.   Good song, but I'm struggling to see how it's overall number 2. 
1. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love - I had it at #16, but I totally get this.  I'm totally fine with this at number 1.


Kev, amazing job, and a shit ton of fun all around.  I'm doing my "Maiden Listening Party" now, so I'll be all ready for that one!

(If you need help developing the song list, let me know; start thinking about the "covers" question, since Maiden has a bunch of b-sides that are technically covers - not written by the band -  but aren't really well-known songs and in fact in some cases were never actually released on others' albums).
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 23, 2022, 08:04:14 AM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

He must be f-----' with us.   11 of my BOTTOM 14 songs were from III.   "Without You" is the only song I thought had ANY chance of making the cut.

I've explained this several times in this thread. I love III, and it is probably my favorite VH album. It's at least the one I've listened to most in my lifetime. There are other albums with higher peaks (5150, For Unlawful), and Balance gives it a run in terms of consistency, but III is really strong all the way through. Yes, it's an unusual album from VH, but that's a big part of it's draw for me. I really connected with it from the time it came out, and I still love it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Stadler on May 23, 2022, 08:35:09 AM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

He must be f-----' with us.   11 of my BOTTOM 14 songs were from III.   "Without You" is the only song I thought had ANY chance of making the cut.

I've explained this several times in this thread. I love III, and it is probably my favorite VH album. It's at least the one I've listened to most in my lifetime. There are other albums with higher peaks (5150, For Unlawful), and Balance gives it a run in terms of consistency, but III is really strong all the way through. Yes, it's an unusual album from VH, but that's a big part of it's draw for me. I really connected with it from the time it came out, and I still love it.

I know; I'm just bustin' on ya.   That's one of the few albums in my collection where I agree with the notion of "they should have changed the name".  Knowing what I know of VH and Extreme (who I also love), that album is a disappointment.  I wish I could hear it, listen to it, without that baggage of knowing VH and Extreme, but I can't.   It doesn't have - for me - the hallmarks of what makes those bands great (with the exception of "Without You").
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 23, 2022, 09:02:50 AM
HOF is a good sport, so I am sure he won't mind me sharing this:

He had six songs from Van Halen III in his top 50 that no one else ranked in their top 50.

But hey, we all like what we like.  :tup :tup

He must be f-----' with us.   11 of my BOTTOM 14 songs were from III.   "Without You" is the only song I thought had ANY chance of making the cut.

I've explained this several times in this thread. I love III, and it is probably my favorite VH album. It's at least the one I've listened to most in my lifetime. There are other albums with higher peaks (5150, For Unlawful), and Balance gives it a run in terms of consistency, but III is really strong all the way through. Yes, it's an unusual album from VH, but that's a big part of it's draw for me. I really connected with it from the time it came out, and I still love it.

I know; I'm just bustin' on ya.   That's one of the few albums in my collection where I agree with the notion of "they should have changed the name".  Knowing what I know of VH and Extreme (who I also love), that album is a disappointment.  I wish I could hear it, listen to it, without that baggage of knowing VH and Extreme, but I can't.   It doesn't have - for me - the hallmarks of what makes those bands great (with the exception of "Without You").

I'm not one of those people who says a band has to constantly be reinventing themselves or exploring new styles, but I do admire when musicians are willing to branch out and try new things. I love that Eddie made a different album at this stage in his career. I just hate that it was basically the last new thing he ever made. I was 15 when this album came out and really getting into music for the first time, so I know that's one reason it had a bigger impact on me than most fans. I definitely knew lots of VH stuff at that point between the radio and my brother being a big fan, but this was something really interesting and different and exciting to me. And I think it holds up almost 25 years later (yikes, has it been that long?). I get not liking it because it doesn't sound like classic VH. I don't quite get not liking it on its own merits, because there is some really cool stuff there. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Dream Team on May 23, 2022, 12:07:09 PM
Eh, it's just one of those things - different times, different perspectives. We can't understand why you don't like the Roth stuff more, but certainly no need to keep beating on this horse I guess.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 23, 2022, 12:19:39 PM
Eh, it's just one of those things - different times, different perspectives. We can't understand why you don't like the Roth stuff more, but certainly no need to keep beating on this horse I guess.

Yeah, I realize I’m outside of the norm here. I can understand people who are Roth era fans first and foremost. I’m the same way with DT. I love their stuff through FII, a little bit less with SFAM and SDOIT, and then after that I just don’t really bother much. So I understand what it’s like being in on a band near the start and not feeling it once things start to drift in another direction. VH’s aesthetic did shift somewhat with Hagar, and then it’s even more different once you get to III. I’ve just always been more fond of the direction from Hagar on.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: KevShmev on May 23, 2022, 05:29:34 PM
Eh, it's just one of those things - different times, different perspectives. We can't understand why you don't like the Roth stuff more, but certainly no need to keep beating on this horse I guess.

Yeah, I realize I’m outside of the norm here. I can understand people who are Roth era fans first and foremost. I’m the same way with DT. I love their stuff through FII, a little bit less with SFAM and SDOIT, and then after that I just don’t really bother much. So I understand what it’s like being in on a band near the start and not feeling it once things start to drift in another direction. VH’s aesthetic did shift somewhat with Hagar, and then it’s even more different once you get to III. I’ve just always been more fond of the direction from Hagar on.

All good by me. I loved III when it came out and was convinced it was one of their best albums ever (the new car smell was strong with me at first :lol), but I wised up sooner rather than later.  I still don't think it's the disaster that many do, but I do think every VH album not named Diver Down is better than it.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: HOF on May 23, 2022, 06:46:18 PM
Eh, it's just one of those things - different times, different perspectives. We can't understand why you don't like the Roth stuff more, but certainly no need to keep beating on this horse I guess.

Yeah, I realize I’m outside of the norm here. I can understand people who are Roth era fans first and foremost. I’m the same way with DT. I love their stuff through FII, a little bit less with SFAM and SDOIT, and then after that I just don’t really bother much. So I understand what it’s like being in on a band near the start and not feeling it once things start to drift in another direction. VH’s aesthetic did shift somewhat with Hagar, and then it’s even more different once you get to III. I’ve just always been more fond of the direction from Hagar on.

All good by me. I loved III when it came out and was convinced it was one of their best albums ever (the new car smell was strong with me at first :lol), but I wised up sooner rather than later.  I still don't think it's the disaster that many do, but I do think every VH album not named Diver Down is better than it.

I mentioned this before, but the album that I gained the most new appreciation for doing this exercise is Diver Down.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2022, 06:55:33 PM
This exercise further solidified how sucky Diver Down is. :lol
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: bl5150 on May 23, 2022, 07:05:11 PM
This exercise further solidified how sucky Diver Down is. :lol

In context - an album that was reluctantly slapped together by the band over a few weeks to meet demands from Warner Bros for an album to support the unexpectedly successful Pretty Woman single - I think it was pretty damn good.  To be honest I was surprised songs like The Full Bug , Secrets and Hang Em High didn't do better.   All were well within my Top 50.

Anyway............thanks Kev for running the show.
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: WardySI on May 24, 2022, 05:10:42 AM
131 points for Outta Space??  :lol

I know, right? It should have had twice as many!

+1

Best song off ADKOT and absolutely should've made this 50  ;) otherwise chuffed with the final 2 results had Ain't Talkin at #11 and Dreams at #4 so no complaints here.

And completely on board regards III, even though after the lead single expected more was still a solid album just for long time fans it paled in comparison to both eras that came before it...

A most enjoyable run thanks Kev much appreciated \m/
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 24, 2022, 06:34:04 AM
This exercise further solidified how sucky Diver Down is. :lol
Diver Down is good.  A bit lazy, for sure, given the number of covers, but if you didn't know they were covers, it's mostly an album full of solid music. 
Title: Re: Official top 50 Van Halen songs thread!! (Countdown has begun!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on May 24, 2022, 08:39:49 PM
I had no idea what #1 would be, but am happy with the outcome, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is in my Top 5. Never would have pegged Dreams so high, easily the biggest shock for me in the Top 20.

Did any of our resident stat geeks calculate the points based on album?