1984 Middletown NY

1984

Van Halen

Warner Brothers Records, 1983

REVIEW BY: Jeff Clutterbuck

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/18/2004

I was born in 1985, a year after this album was released. It'sbeen 18 long years, but now I finally know what I missed.

I'm embarrassed to admit 1984 is my one and only Van Halen album. It wasn't untilrecently I was able to appreciate how talented Eddie Van Halenwas/is. So when faced with the decision of what Van Halen album Ishould buy, I made the logical choice. 1984 was the album that sent Van Halen into thestratosphere. The band had hit big with their debut, but this discwas their Back in Black, or their Dark Side of the Moon. It would eventually sell in excess of10 million copies, and would give the band their first number onesingle "Jump."

What made 1984 so incredibly popular? There are various reasons as towhy, but to me there is one reason that surpasses the others. EddieVan Halen's ability to write hooks and riffs is almostunparalleled. Every single song on this disc, with the exception ofthe title track, has something anyone can grab onto. On "Jump" itmight be the synthesizers. It could be the outstanding percussionopening on "Hot for Teacher." Again, with the exception of thetitle track, there is not a dull moment on the album.

Few records capture the stage energy of a band. 1984 is one those few. The band is hitting on all cylindershere. The normally average rhythm section turns in some greatperformances. "Diamond" David Lee Roth wails away, exudingcharisma. However, it is the guitar work of Eddie Van Halen thatmakes this album what it is. Simply put, Eddie Van Halen is one ofthe top five guitarists of all time. His ability to play withblistering speed yet keep the melody is something very fewguitarists have had the capacity to carry out. Just listen to thesolo on "Hot for Teacher," and try picturing how fast the man'sfingers must be going. It's mind-boggling.