1984 [Remastered] - Van Halen > Reviews > 1984 - Out With a Bang!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	One of Van Halen's best  -  a true classic !
Disadvantages:	Arguably too commercial

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Van Halen, if you haven't heard of them you are either too young or are in a perpetual state of deafness. As one of the biggest rock quartets of the eighties to have graced our fine earth, Van Halen never fail to impress and are definitely up there with the best of them. The self-titled debut became an instant hit. With one of the finest rock guitarists and one of the most charismatic frontmen a band could afford, Van Halen rocketed to the top of their genre and mainstream charts.

1984 is seen as the final chapter in the great days of the bands success as the last album before David Lee Roth departed as frontman. 1984 was their biggest selling album to date and arguably their best ever. Die-hard Van Halen fans sometimes find it too commercial but it should be noted that there is a fine line between commerciality and being enjoyed by everyone. The use of synthesizers should not put anyone off buying this album as they only add to its charm and only heard in two of the songs, 'Jump' and 'I'll wait'.

The track listing is as follows:

1. 1984

An instrumental introduction. Sets the pace for the rest of the album.

2. Jump

One of the biggest hits Van Halen ever had. A fast-paced rock track with an wealth of synthesizers, make this track probably the most commercial, although one of the most catchy.

3. Panama

Another big hit and one of the most memorable, with a sensational guitar solo and brilliant vocals can't be faulted. A top track.

4. Top Jimmy

Equally as enjoyable, Top Jimmy combines great riffs with catchy lyrics.

5. Drop Dead Legs

Slower-paced than the other tracks but not to be ignored. This song reeks cool eighties charm. The solo towards the end brings the song into its own.

6. Hot For Teacher

Back to fast-paced rock and one of the best songs on the album, pumping drums, bass lines and catchy riffs make this track stand out. Hot For Teacher doesn't fail to impress. Excellent!

7. I'll Wait

Another synthesizer song but a hit nonetheless. Slower-paced than the other tracks but a catchy chorus and beautiful solo make up for its lack of tempo.

8. Girl Gone Bad

A personal favourite on the album, Girl Gone Bad is excellent. From its dark introduction, to its furious hard-rocking melodies, this song is from a different genre altogether and is seriously underrated.

9. House of Pain

A brilliant closing song and one of the best tracks on the album. Fast-paced with brilliant solos, House of Pain certainly delivers.

One of the catchiest 'feel-good' albums around with a combination of amazing guitar riffs from Eddie and screaming vocals from Roth make this album one of the rock greats. There are certainly tracks in this album that will appeal to everyone. If you don't already have this record, then it is definitely one for the collection!