Album Description & Collectors information:
DIVER DOWN is the fifth studio album by American rock band Van Halen, released in April 1982. It features a mix of covers and original tracks, and marked a departure from the band's previous hard rock sound towards a more diverse and eclectic style. In this web-page, we will explore the background, musical style, and critical reception of the album.
Background
Following the success of their previous album, FAIR WARNING, Van Halen began working on new material in 1981. However, they were unable to come up with enough original songs to fill an entire album, and decided to include several cover songs on the album instead. The band recorded the album at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California, and it was produced by the band members themselves.
Musical Style
DIVER DOWN represents a departure from Van Halen's previous hard rock sound, and instead features a mix of covers and original tracks in a diverse range of styles. The album includes covers of classic rock songs such as "Dancing in the Street" and "Where Have All the Good Times Gone," as well as the band's own take on the traditional blues song "Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)." The album's original tracks range from the heavy metal-influenced "Hang 'Em High" to the acoustic ballad "Little Guitars."
Critical Reception
DIVER DOWN received mixed reviews upon its release, with many critics criticizing the album's reliance on cover songs and lack of original material. Rolling Stone's Kurt Loder wrote that "most of DIVER DOWN sounds like filler," while AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that "it's hard not to feel a little cheated by an album that consists largely of covers." However, the album's commercial success was undeniable, with the lead single "Oh, Pretty Woman" reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This album "VAN HALEN - Diver Down" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
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