Review Summary: A top notch rock album that rivals their first album.
Van Halen formed in 1972 in Pasadena, California. They played in local LA clubs for the next few years until they got signed to Warner Brothers in 1977. In 1978, they released their debut that changed rock and roll. This was mainly due to Eddie Van Halen's two-hand-tapping technique which was very new in the eyes of all of the guitarists at the time, famous or not. Their popularity continued into the early '80s, with it slipping slightly with "Fair Warning", but revamping with 1982's "Diver Down". "1984" is probably their second album, but this is mainly because beating out their first album is a nearly impossible feat to achieve. It showed that Van Halen could be commercial band as well as rock hard and write stellar songs. At this time, the band's lineup was David Lee Roth (Vocals), Eddie Van Halen (Guitar and Synthesizers), Alex Van Halen (Drums), and Michael Anthony (Bass). Here's a track by track review of the album:
1. 1984 - This is the synthesizer opening of the album. It indicates one of the major qualities that "1984" possesses, and that's the heavy focus on synthesizers. While this isn't a bad thing, they seem overused sometimes, especially on a track like this where the entire thing is synthesizer. The good thing is that it's only about 1 minute long, and the synth sounds good and leads very well into the next track. Even though this song is really short, I'll rate it anyway. 3/5
2. Jump - The first legitimate song on the album, and also Van Halen's first and last #1 single. This song is very centered around synthesizers and only features guitar sporadically throughout the song, aside from the solo, which is more than adequate. It comes equipped with a catchy chorus, an even catchier pre-chorus, and solid verses. Despite this, it's extremely poppy, making it not surprising at all why this was as big of a hit as it is. This is arguably Van Halen's best known song, but it gives a sort-of false sense on what the band is all about, due to its poppiness. 4/5
3. Panama - My personal favorite song on the album, this was another substantial hit. This may even be my favorite Van Halen song of all time. In short, it has the catchiness of "Jump", but it's much rockier with a heavy guitar riff, louder verses, and an anthemic chorus. Best of all, it has absolutely no synth after two songs that are filled with it. It even comes with a spoken interlude after the facemelting guitar solo, which, like the rest of the song, is about a car, but also about sex at the same time. It is yet another Van Halen song that most people have heard at one time or another. 5/5
4. Top Jimmy - Probably the weakest legitimate track on the album, it has no keyboard in it, but it feels very light and poppy, even more-so than "Jump" and just doesn't feel like Van Halen. It starts with a quiet guitar riff that isn't that impressive or interesting, similar to the verses and chorus, and even the guitar solo is nothing to write home about. This song wasn't a single, and for a good reason. 3/5
5. Drop Dead Legs - Featuring one of the best riffs on the album, it's also one of the heaviest songs. The chorus isn't that strong, with the lyrics being almost secondary, but the verses are rock solid. The first guitar solo isn't really that amazing, but the ending solo is phenomenal. While it is a little long and it kind of drags, for the most part it's a great addition to the song and provides a strong finish. 4.5/5
6. Hot for Teacher - In my opinion, this song is a close second for best song on the album (behind "Panama"). It starts with a 30-second rolling drum solo, courtesy of Alex Van Halen, and then erupts into an insane two-hand-tapping guitar intro. This song is mainly about the guitar and other instrumentals, and the vocals are almost secondary. Nevertheless, Diamond Dave provides some of the most interesting lyrics yet, with the song pretty much being about what you would think it's about. The guitar solo after the second chorus is fantastic, definitely one of the best on the entire album. Combine the quality of the song with a unique music video, and was poised for being a hit. 5/5
7. I'll Wait - If you dislike synths in Van Halen songs, you may have trouble getting into this song. It is literally entirely keyboard with the exception of the guitar solo, which by the way is very emotional and well done. Featuring a 45-second synth intro, it slowly builds into the main tempo of the song. In a way, it's kind of a ballad, but a heavier one. Even with the keyboard and the slow-ish tempo, it still rocks and has a killer chorus. Another plus is that these are some of David Lee Roth's most audible lyrics ever. 5/5
8. Girl Gone Bad - While some may disagree with the following statement, this song is pretty much the same thing as "Drop Dead Legs". It focuses mainly on the guitar with one of the most frantic solos on the album, but it actually has a pretty good chorus. It's basically a standard Van Halen sex-driven song, there really isn't anything special about it, but it sure does rock, which is why it deserves a high rating. 4.5/5
9. House of Pain - The epic conclusion of an epic album. This song isn't long, clocking in a just over 3 minutes, but half of it is a raging guitar solo, which shows Eddie at his best. This is by far the heaviest song on the album, bordering on metal, and is actually an old song from their club days. After two verses/choruses, the solo ushers in. While it is a minute and a half long, it doesn't get old and is able to hold the listener's attention through the entire thing. I find it to be sort of similar to "Double Talkin' Jive" by Guns N' Roses, with the flawless solo concluding it. 5/5
As you can see, this album is a must-buy. I would recommend this to pretty much anyone, whether they like rock or not, as long as they keep an open mind. Even if you don't like synthesizers in rock music, it's only in three of the nine songs, so it really isn't that bad. There isn't a single bad song on the album, while "Top Jimmy" may be a little underwhelming. Anyway, this is a great album and definitely one of my favorites.
