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On the discography listing below you will find VAN HALEN ( Hard Rock , USA ) vinyl records released during the 1970s and 1980s. For each record you will have the record companie's catalognr, album title, year and country of release. Complete information for each record can be viewed by selecting the corresponding links. Albums have been ordered in ascending alphabetical order of the album titles.
Van Halen was one of the most popular and influential rock bands of the 1980s. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the band consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, his brother Alex Van Halen on drums, Michael Anthony on bass guitar, and David Lee Roth as the lead vocalist. The band's sound was a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop, and they were known for their high-energy live performances and flamboyant stage presence.
In the early 1980s, Van Halen was at the height of their fame. They had released several successful albums, including "Van Halen" (1978), "Van Halen II" (1979), "Women and Children First" (1980), "Fair Warning" (1981), and "Diver Down" (1982). These albums contained some of the band's most popular and enduring songs, such as "Runnin' With the Devil," "Jamie's Cryin'," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "And the Cradle Will Rock...," "Unchained," and "Jump."
Perhaps the most iconic song of Van Halen's career, "Jump" was released in 1984 on the album "1984." The song was a departure from the band's typical hard rock sound, featuring synthesizers and a catchy pop melody. It quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the band their first Grammy nomination.
Van Halen's success in the 1980s can be attributed not only to their catchy songs and high-energy performances but also to their distinctive visual style. David Lee Roth, in particular, was known for his flamboyant stage costumes, acrobatic jumps, and microphone twirls. His larger-than-life persona made him one of the most memorable frontmen in rock history.
Despite their success, Van Halen was not without their struggles during the 1980s. The band's drug and alcohol use, particularly that of Roth, was well-known, and tensions between the members often boiled over. In 1985, Roth left the band to pursue a solo career, and Van Halen replaced him with Sammy Hagar, who had previously fronted the band Montrose. With Hagar, the band released four more albums, including "5150" (1986), "OU812" (1988), "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" (1991), and "Balance" (1995).
While the band's sound evolved with the addition of Hagar, their popularity began to wane in the early 1990s. Hagar left the band in 1996, and Roth briefly rejoined for a reunion tour in 1996 and 1997. The band continued to tour and release albums with various lead singers throughout the 2000s and 2010s, but their glory days were in the 1980s.
Van Halen's 1984 is a landmark album in the band's discography, marking a significant shift in their musical style and showcasing their versatility and willingness to experiment with new sounds.
- 1984 (France) - 1984 ( Club Edition ) - 1984 (Germany)
5150 is a strong album that marks a new chapter in Van Halen's history. The band's transition to a new lead singer could have been a risky move, but Hagar's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence helped to solidify the band's status
5150 12" Vinyl LP
Diver Down may not be considered one of Van Halen's strongest albums, but it still showcases the band's musical talent and willingness to experiment with different styles
Diver Down 12" Vinyl LP
Darker and almost thematic in contrast to the preceding three albums, the writing and recording of "Fair Warning" was affected by the increasing tensions between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth.
Fair Warning 12" Vinyl LP
The title OU812 is a phonetic play on the phrase "Oh, you ate one too," which is a humorous way of saying "me too." The band members of Van Halen chose the title as a joke, and it reflects the band's playful sense of humor
OU812 12" Vinyl LP
One of hard rock's most iconic anthems, Van Halen's "Panama" exploded onto the scene in 1984. Featured on their groundbreaking album "1984", the song became an instant classic and the third single released from the record.
Panama 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
Van Halen's self-titled debut album remains a landmark in the history of hard rock music. The album's unique blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop sensibilities, coupled with the band's explosive energy and musicianship
Van Halen's second album, Van Halen II, remains a classic in the world of hard rock music. The album showcased the band's continued growth and evolution, with Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing reaching new heights and David Lee Roth'
“Women and Children First” is the 1980 and third official full-length studio album by the American Hard Rock band “Van Halen”. It was recorded from December 1979 until February 1980 at the “Sunset Sound” in Los Angeles
- Women and Children First (1980, Germany) - Women and Children First (1980, Netherlands)