Van Halen

This record changed my life. I’m still blown away all these decades later. Just the most fiery intensity and skilled musicianship. If you are not familiar with VH - the ENTIRE catalog stands up to the test of time…. But there’s still something uniquely special and unforgettable about the debut record.

Fantastic. It was awesome seeing them live the summer of ‘78 in Peoria.

I was sitting in history class at Hubbard High Scholl on the south side of Chicago in Feb of '78 and in walks Mary Scott, we were sophomores ....she sits down at her desk right in front of me, turns around and smiles at me, then reaches into her purse and slaps down a cassette on my desk and says "here Marc, I know you like the heavy stuff, these guys are new, from L.A. ....I really like the song Jamie's Cryin'" ....I pick up the tape and slowly read ....Van .....Halen ....she then says "you can keep that one, I have two" .....the rest was American hard rock history ....I wore that tape out until it fell apart in my car once day as a junior or senior ....little did I know they were only a few weeks away from playing their very first live show on their very first tour at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on 3-3-78 .....and when I realized I had missed them live, it was the ultimate kick in the butt ....not to mention Montrose was on the bill too !!!

Classic Van Halen is the best version of the band. 6 solid albums, but this one is the best of them.

Van Halen’s debut album began a new epoch in rock history. It’s for good reason that this album is considered one of the greatest in rock ‘n roll. You’ve heard the hits and are rightfully impressed but, like all Van Halen offerings, it’s the mind-blowing “deep cuts” that will brand one a lifelong fan. Van Halen fans debate which era—DLR or Sammy—was the greatest, however, one thing is NOT up for debate: Edward Van Halen was the greatest rock guitarist of his generation, bar none. There’s not even a close second, in this fan’s estimation. Eddie could shred. No doubt about that. He invented a type of guitar playing. Yes. I argue he’s the best because no one has matched the significance of his originality, melodic artistry, ethereal interludes—which always complemented and enhanced the core of the arrangements—and rhythmic beauty. Humanity will not see the likes of EVH for, perhaps, one hundred years or more. May God rest his soul.

Ed’s the reason I picked up guitar. now I use his techniques whenever I can (which is probably why I got fourth at rockvilles 30secs to shred). I’m 12!

Best debut album in rock history with the greatest musician of the 20th century.

When this album was released the guitar world was shook to its core.It changed the face of rock in one sweeping blow. R.I.P. EVH

Has to be the best debut album in hard rock history! And just like Eddie was inspired by Eric “Slowhand” Clapton, Eddie has already inspired millions and will continue to inspire new generations of musicians as they try to learn the best techniques. I remember my friend Jason in my sophomore year in high school in Kona, Hi. learned to play “Eruption” and almost all of VH ‘78 the album perfectly, because he believed that if he was going to play guitar🎸he may as well learn from the best. I miss those days of yesteryear, and I agree with another reviewer, I hate 2020, F@*K Trump, F@*K COVID-19😷, and F@*K every kind of Cancer. Too many good people have died, and too many more will die. Hopefully 🙏 him and all his enablers will be voted out on Tuesday November 3rd.

Ahead of it’s time. Rock music like no one ever heard before. Lightning in a bottle! No one can ever replace EVH.