Van Halen
A Different Kind Of Truth


3.5
great

Review

by DaveyBoy EMERITUS
February 6th, 2012 | 316 replies


Release Date: 2012 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Cynics will have to hold their “Van Kroeger” jokes for the time being.

‘Lead Single Syndrome’... It’s a theory that yours truly has concerning the first single from many albums being overly derided due to individuals not believing the track to be the best representation of its record. Labels are not foolish, however, and in most cases, a lead single will in fact be either the best or most accessible song from its release. As with every theory, there are exceptions, and one such case comes from ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’, the twelfth and comeback studio LP from Californian hard-rock icons Van Halen. Upon first listen to the naggingly catchy, but utterly silly, lead single (and album opener) ‘Tattoo’, reactions vary from groaning disappointment to hysterical embarrassment. Apart from an impressive guitar solo, it is the kind of dated, non-cohesive train-wreck which long-time fans were afraid would ruin the band’s legacy. But – in what may be the most unexpected pleasant surprise of 2012 – cynics will have to hold their “Van Kroeger” jokes for the time being, since ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ is ultimately an accomplished, hard-rocking record that somehow manages to not sound too dated.

Considering this is Van Halen’s first LP for fourteen years – and first with David Lee Roth for twenty-eight – it comes as no shock that the quartet struggle most here when briefly exploring their poppy glam-rock side. Thankfully, these forays are few and far between, with the ageless rockers wisely constructing many of these tunes by reworking unreleased demos and bits & pieces from their storied past. Many such tidbits date back to the mid-1970s, meaning ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ probably has more in common with an album like ‘Van Halen II’, than any other. Possibly the biggest surprise here is how ferociously up-tempo the LP is, since it would be a stretch calling any one of its thirteen tracks a power-ballad, while there’s hardly a keyboard to be heard. The rapid-fire ‘Bullethead’ speeds out of the gate and simply does not relent, while hard-rocking highlight ‘China Town’ is three minutes worth that would not be out of place amongst the best of the band’s discography!

Arguably most pleasing for long-suffering fans is the return to top form of lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who appears to have put all of his various ailments (including arthritic concerns) behind him. He opens the aforementioned ‘China Town’ by setting his fret-board alight, before following up with a tremendous crowd-pleasing solo - of which there are many during the album. He displays variety too... From the infectious buzzing riff of ‘As Is’ and the bluesy tones evident throughout, all the way through to the mild experimentation of ‘Honeybabysweetiedoll’ and ‘Outta Space’, which remind of another comeback shredder in Living Colour’s Vernon Reid. Far from being a one-man musical show, Eddie can also play the team game by successfully synching in with his drummer brother Alex and bassist son Wolfgang, the latter of whom holds his own capably following the controversial departure of Michael Anthony.

Finally, there is the much talked about return of the charismatic showman that is David Lee Roth. “Told you I was comin’ back”, he states with a snicker that jumps out of the speakers on ‘Blood and Fire’... And while time has unquestionably meant that Diamond Dave has lost some of his vocal strength, nothing could take away that trademark pizzazz. He gives life to otherwise dubious terms such as “garage-a-trois” and awkward lines like “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich was better, totally better”. Although, mentioning his "facebook page" doesn't quite ring true, while he too often falls back on spoken word segments, which is especially showcased on ‘Stay Frosty’; a shout-out to loyal fans that is practically ‘Ice Cream Man’ Part 2. Importantly, however, Roth’s experience also means that he knows when to show a measure of restraint, as evidenced on ‘Blood and Fire’ and ‘Big River’; two well-composed radio hard-rockers that nicely work into a groove and put many contemporaries to shame. In fact, it is on these two occasions where the band best come together as a cohesive whole.

In amongst the combination of surprise and excitement which the album draws out of listeners, it would be over the top to suggest that ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ is not a flawed release. In addition to the black sheep which is ‘Tattoo’, a lack of a standout pop-leaning hit does suggest a dearth of memorable choruses and the absence of Anthony’s much-vaunted backing vocals. Without anything truly ground-breaking, the album is also a couple of tracks too long. However, for a release where most felt the band was on a hiding to nothing, Van Halen have shown exactly why they were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If reports from the past are true, there may well be three men aged in their late 50s at each other’s throats behind the scenes... Yet, that could just be the fuel that flames the fire, since this amazingly consistent record is an especially inspired comeback. The extremely long wait has been rewarded. "As is" indeed.

Recommended Tracks: China Town, As Is, Blood and Fire & Big River.



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user ratings (418)
3.2
good


Comments:Add a Comment 
DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Well blow me down with a feather.



Not too far away from a 4. Just a few too many flaws (& 'Tattoo') when all is said & done.

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
February 6th 2012


32288 Comments


WELL, DIDN'T SEE THIS ONE COMING

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

For once Dev, I'm unsure if you're being sarcastic or serious...



Why does it keep ****'ing out the word "snigger"? Ohhhhhhh.

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I've changed "snigger" to "snicker" so as not to offend. I hope all the chocolates out there are ok with this.

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
February 6th 2012


32288 Comments


No, just the (admittedly, jokingly forced) frustration you kicked up when I mentioned that you should be the one to do the honors, when I knew you'd do it anyway. Especially seeing as how you ended up liking it as well

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Shhhh Dev, you're not supposed to mention that! Nah, seriously, my hopes were not high for this & the lead single had train-wreck written all over it. But I guess I should bow down to the great kiwi... You were right all along.





Nagrarok
February 6th 2012


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

So this is actually good huh? I guess a listen wouldn't hurt. Nicely done once again Davey.

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Nag, I'm going out on a limb & predicting you'll love this.

Nagrarok
February 6th 2012


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Nag, I'm going out on a limb & predicting you'll love this.




Really not too sure about that, but when have I ever (strongly) disagreed with you?

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

If Sonic can admit he likes this, then everyone can.



Trust me Nag, I was so dubious about this album, but it's solid as a rock. Track down 'China Town' if you want a taster.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
February 6th 2012


19009 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Excellent review.

Sounds really promising.

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Thanks man... I'm looking forward to your thoughts.



And those of Hans... Where the hell is Hans?

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
February 6th 2012


19009 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

I believe he has a new job. Probably busy at the moment...

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
February 6th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

No excuse... There's a new Van halen record to be heard! ;-)

KILL
February 6th 2012


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

gonna check

MO
February 6th 2012


24100 Comments


will listen eventually

KILL
February 6th 2012


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

hey all my comments were deleted thats not nice



anyway as i said yea the albums good, def the best since 1984 hard

TimeGoesOn
February 6th 2012


39 Comments


maybe since 86 hey where did all my comments go

KILL
February 6th 2012


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

5150 was psusy shit, this has balls

JamieTwort
February 6th 2012


26988 Comments


Still need to hear this.

Great review.



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