It's what really set them apart at the time. They've always referred to it as the "secret Sauce". It made them sound accessible to mainstream radio listeners while allowing them to blast out the EVH guitar licks over the heavy bass and drums.
Totally agree. Not only did Mike become-coincidentally-their longest tenured vocalist, even Eddie, despite hating him, had to admit he had the “range from hell.”
Did not go unnoticed by me and many. As a musician all my life and in many bands, we could never get the right sound when playing VH songs. And it all had to do with Michael’s harmonies
@joelsmith5938 I don't think Ed's "vocal range from Hell" quote is a compliment towards Mikey. Especially since in the interview where that was said, the next thing Ed says is, "I have more soul in my voice than he does. People talk about Mike's voice on Van Halen songs, but it's a blend of Mike's voice and my voice. It's not just him."
I was 8 when this came out. My 16 year old brother brought it home, went in his room, listened to it, came out and pulled me into his room (Where I was NOT allowed) slapped an oversized set of headphones on me( they nearly swallowed my head) and said listen to this. I still have his album today. R.I.P. Brother.
Same story here, I was 13 and my 15 year old brother brought it home. Prior to this I loved KC and The Sunshine Band (still do). Van Halen changed my life. My brother passed 2 years ago. Every time I hear this album, the memories flood over me.
Great story. Similar one: I was senior in college when VH debut dropped. Drove a VW Rabbit that I put Alpine cassette player, power amp and back speakers in. Came home and played it for my sister who was a senior in HS. She begged me to let her take the car (with VH tape) to a party. Coolest kid at the party. Came home with a big smile.
My step-dad won me over at an early age by introducing me to The Beatles, The Who, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. etc. Then, one day when I was 12 yrs old, he brings home the vinyl of the Van Halen debut album. As I'm unwrapping it, I ask him, who is Van Halen? He replies, I don't know, really, this is their first album and I hope you'll like it. Thanks, dad, I liked it- it was in fact, life changing. Life changing to point I've seen VH in concert 3 times with David Lee Roth and 4 times with Sammy Hagar. VH are a certified legendary band.
And, it contains a musical phrase that pretty much contains U2’s guitar sound of the first half of the decade. It is crazy how Eddie created a whole band’s sound before they did, as just a phrase in one song, then never returns to that sound again.
This was something never heard before. I remember listening to this with friends and we were befuddled but with huge smiles on our faces. What an incredible first album, and Edward Van Halen changed rock guitar playing forever.
The ferocity and precision by King Edward on I'm the One blows my mind every time I hear it. Doug, you HAVE to listen to the isolated guitar tracks for these songs to truly appreciate and savor EVHs majesty.
I'm 38 and played guitar for 24 years. Big part of it was because of this album. Timeless. There's certain albums I am still obsessed with and still blast on rotation on morning commutes. Im still obsessed with the sound of this style. It's this album, the extremist from Joe Satriani and a few others, iron maiden is among them. Idk how obvious my influences are in my playing, im self taught and execute things my own ways flawed or not. Judge yourself if ya want, I have 5 or so videos on my channel and I think. Loving this dissection on my favorites here! Great channel here
That intro to "I'm The One" still remains one of my favorites of all-time. Pure Rock N Roll. Also, the intro to their song "D.O.A." is right up there too. They both make the hair on my arms stand up!
There are some albums that represent a new step in musical evolution. This is one of them. That intro riff to Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is one of the greatest, most iconic hard rock riffs of all time 😙👌
Honestly, when me and my friends put that record on in the 70s, we thought it was music from another planet !!! Eddie was definitely sent here from somewhere else !!
I feel fortunate to say I saw them live eight times starting in 1980, all with Roth. I’m still so sad that Ed is gone. He brought so much happiness to my life. I do like Hendrix but EVH is my number one rock guitarist of all time
Backing Vocals, Eddie and Mike are a big reason VH harmonies work. Mike takes the very high end and Eddie plays of DLR so well. They meshed so well vocally.
I listened to this album a million times over when I was in Jr. High/High School. I couldn't possibly count the number of times I listened to this album. Must have worn out at least a dozen or more audio cassettes. Such great times. Learning to play these songs on my guitar. THIS was the music of my era .. I miss the 70's and 80's so much. Best times of life !!!
I've listened to this song countless times... Never knew about the sitar... But now I will notice it every time I hear it. Thanks for that interesting detail!
This album dropped like a nuclear bomb. Just the sound of van halen guitars have filled millions of pages on forums and videos on UA-cam, the brown sound.
First time I heard this I was 10 years old riding in the back of my older brother's Nova (3 on the column). He had the 8-track wired into an upgraded sound system, windows down, cranking at high volume on the way to the beach. That affected my life forever. I became obsessed with guitar and did pretty well with it for a while. Listening to this at low volume is simply criminal.
You pretty much nailed it. Back in the day it was just mind-blowing. Never heard anything like it, and there was a lot of good music back then already. But I'd never heard anything like this album in 1978. Like you said, even now it sounds new.
The year I started playing guitar. Can you imagine hearing VH1 and Dire Straits first albums? I am amazed I carried on. Then, Live and Dangerous, less than a year later Strangers In The Night by UFO.
Terrific reaction. And hats off to you: I've listened to Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love hundreds (maybe thousands?) of times and never heard the sitar in the solo. Now, I can't unhear it!
Almost makes you want to cry at how special the music is after fact Eddie is now no longer with us! But his legacy will most definitely live on with his iconic solos.
What an amazing band.... Unparalleled, even after all these years ! One thing I wanted to insist on though, is how incredible the song 'I'm the one' is. Runnin with the D.' and 'Ain't talking about love' are both pretty cool songs, don't get me wrong, but, man, 'I'm the one' is just way up there. That groove, that intensity.... The people who don't really know VH are impressed with his two-hand tapping, his technique and all his incredible gimmicks, but what they don't realize is that he was one of the very best rhythm guitarists out there. The guy simply put out pure badassery for years in a row. Saying that he is sorely missed is a huge understatement !
You really can't imagine what it was like hearing this for the first time in 1978. I was 11. Much like Boston's debut 2 yrs before and Queen's Night at the Opera the year befor that. It changed everything for me.
One of the best rock albums of all time. Easily one of the best debut albums of all time. One of the best album covers, to me, of all time too. It's simple but speaks volumes.
In summer 1978 I had not yet turned fourteen. My older cousins (16, 18 and 19) took me to see a concert featuring the Rolling Stones and the Doobie Brothers. I liked both bands, so I was stoked about going to this concert. Outside the Superdome, we heard people talking about a third act that was going to open the show, some dude named "Van Haven." We didn't know who "he" was, and I guessed "he" might be a cross between Van Morrison and RIchie Havens. Holy Cow, when Van Halen hit the stage it was like a tidal wave that sucks all the water from the shoreline, out to sea, then sends a killer wave back at you! They opened with "On Fire," followed up quickly with "I'm The One." The sound, the energy, the songs! DLR with the flying splits! Ed, Mike and Al with the super-energized ,music! Toward the end of the set, David Lee Roth introduced the portion of the show that featured "the premiere guitarist of the Nineteen-Eighties, Mister Edward Van Halen..." Edward did his solo, with all the trilling and two-handed hammer-ons and pull-offs (God, I hate that term "tapping!") and straightforward picking scales. It was clear even to my 13 year old brain that this dude was a cut or three above the guys I thought were great guitar players, Ted Nugent, Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, even Ritchie Blackmore. 'Got the album within a week! After earning some lawn mowing money.
I was a 14 year old teenager Rock dude (Zeppelin etc.) in Los Angeles when this came out and I remember to this day, seared in my brain, the first time I heard this album. Long story short my head exploded. It changed my life in that it made me want to pick up a guitar and to this day I'm still playing. RIP Eddie. You changed music and made the world a better and more beautiful place.
EVH mastered so many aspects of guitar. Everyone talks about the tapping and shredding, but his sense of groove was also impeccable, and I think above all else his control of dynamics was *exceptional*, even with everything turned up to 11. You can really hear it in Runnin' With the Devil and especially five years later in the breakdown of Panama. I haven't heard that kind of control in many other guitarists, of any era really
Great reaction Doug!! Indeed, such a landmark album. High energy - impeccable drumming, bass, vocals & of course King Edward on guitar! I wasn't around yet when this came out (born in '78), but my sister (13 years my senior) introduced it to me when I was 4 or 5 - I was hooked!! The amount of times I've replayed just the opening of Ain't Talkin' is ridiculous - just the tone of that riff is worth the price of admission! Can't wait for Side 2! Cheers.
I still have my ticket stub from that show, Aug 29... was $10. I was fifteen years old and it was the second concert I went to. This album had just been released....
I still remember dropping the needle for the first time on my freshly unsealed vinyl copy of this album. Age 16. Recued the needle on track one and opened my bedroom windows so neighbors could enjoy as well. 😁 Always thought it would have been great to hear an AC/DC cover of Ain't Talkin bout Love with Bon on vocals.
Another fun fact...the song I'm The One was initially called Show Your Love. It was a song they played heavily in their club days, and of course you hear both titles in the chorus "I'm the one, the one you love. C'mon baby, show your love." Templeman made them change the name of the song for the debut album, because they already had Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love and Feel Your Love Tonight on the album. He didn't want a THIRD song with "love" in the title. I believe something happened on the Fair Warning album as well. The song Sinner's Swing was initially title Get Out and Push in Dave's handwritten lyrics for the song...and again, you hear "G-g-g-g get out and push!" in the chorus of this song. But the band had the slower "When Push Comes To Shove" later in the album, so they renamed Get Out And Push to Sinner's Swing, which Dave says in the intro "Alright you sinners, swing!"
As a child of the 80s, I recall hearing this at my buddy's house thanks to his older brother's record collection... It hit me right away! I couldn't get enough of their music and it has pretty much continued to this day... There was a hicup in there when Van Hagar came out and I grew a resentment for a time because my favorite showman had left the band. However, come to find out, as I matured I learned to appreciate Hagar-led VH, as well. It is ALL worthy!
It’s funny when I think how much Van Halen has influenced and shaped my life. They were the greatest. Being from the UK I only got to see them live once, on the Carnal Knowledge tour with Sammy. Ed was and always will be the King.
The sound this 3 piece band makes is incredible. I enjoy these videos because I can usually learn something i didn't know or understand about a song which makes me like it more and I also enjoy watching someone react positively (usually) to something I really like and often experience something amazing for the first time.
I saw the Fair Warning tour 1981...17th row on the floor at Madison Square Garden. Everyone was standing on the chairs. My ears were ringing for days afterwards. Great show, great band.
You were blessed, I only saw them with Sammie Hagar for the FUCK Tour at The Meadowlands!!! Brendan Byrne arena. EVH must had been drinking that day, because I was shocked how sloppy his playing was. Alice In Chains opened for them, and they were amazing
Yep, that would be my only complaint when I saw Van Halen: hearing damage, literally and permanently. There was actually two of their shows (around mid 80's) that were so loud you couldn't even make out what song it was until a minute in. I get the tendency for those times, each band trying to blow out the next one, but there is a point when it is reckless and over the line. I'm fairly certain this band and a couple others are directly the cause of my severe tinnitus now. Back then 'protecting' your hearing was just not discussed, even when we were target shooting. Fun times, but also stupid in some regards.
@@vinceedwards3978 ya. Sadly I saw a video on YT here by Sammy talking about that tour and how much drugs n alcohol had taken over Eddie at that point and he was starting different songs out of order or forgetting to play starring off into space and them all trying to help move the song along. Sad. Glad I got to see him sober in 2015 Reunion tour
I was in high school when this album came out and from what I can recall, every single song on it got air play....I don't know if any other band could say that. There was nothing else like it then, and there still isn't!! RIP EVH...you are truly missed!
"I'm the One" is quintessential Van Halen and really shows what an amazing rhythm player Eddie was. The opening riff is really hard to get right in terms of feel, Eddie had a swing and swagger to his rhythm playing that's tough to mimic. Then he throws in all those killer licks between riffs on top of it along with some of his most blazing solos ever, RIP King Edward.
David Lee Roth is a singer who elevates the musical base of the other band members with his powerful and crystalline voice, giving it a guiding thread or a coalescence of the entire song that they all do so well with Ted Templeman's fantastic production. Also worthy of praise is Eddie Van Halen's switch from drums to his brother Alex, who was the guitarist before they released their first and subsequent albums. There are things from the old lady's arc.
I was 11 when this album came out. The spoiled, rich, unemployed, 19-year-old kid next door played this first song from his upstairs bedroom on a Saturday morning while I was still in bed. My first-floor bedroom window was maybe 25 feet from his and was closed. It was common for me to hear him playing his music from my room or backyard, but not so common at that time of day. I heard that descending sound at the beginning followed by the bass and then the guitar. I liked the song so much that I was not angry about him playing it so early in the morning. At some point later I learned of the band Van Halen and that it was one of their songs. That guy next door was a real bum snd caused his parents a lot of grief. His dad was the top real estate agent in the company and his mother came from money. He was an only child. His father eventually died, and he and his mom continued to live in that big house. Sometime in the 90's he started hanging out with young people, and he got in trouble with the law. He had a trial coming up--I suppose he was out on bail--and he went on a drinking binge at home and drank himself to death. His mother found him in his room. Police and medics were called. My dad went over to find out what was going on. The police were tight-lipped about it, but my dad protested, saying "Look, I've lived next door here for 20 years," and he asked, "Is it Joe?" and the cop said, "Yes."
Eddie's ability to fuse different styles of music together in rock songs is astounding. I know he was a fan of Black Sabbath and I wonder if they influenced him in this regard, or it was just inherent in him from his upbringing in music.
Now you'll need to react to Summer Nights or Me Wise Magic when Eddie's composing matured a bit and he used a transtrem to change the guitar tunings mid song
I've been listening to this since '78. My all-time favorite band. And I never knew about the sitar in ATBL...no wonder I couldn't find that sound on my guitar! Lol. Thanks for the enlightenment!
I love that the first ever notes we hear from Eddie on a record is a backwards rake on the strings above the nut. Man I wish I could have been around in 79 when this was released.
I was 11 years old in 1978 when my older brother came home with VH1on record. He said we all had to listen to the hottest new band and described it as "Blues Rock." He was always playing Progressive Rock on his hi-fi so this was a somewhat different, harder-edge sound. Definitely a lot of excitement around it at the time and they just blew up from there. Van Halen had a big band swing feel (as heard on I'm The One here) that other metal bands didn't have at the time. That was the influence of their father Jan Van Halen a Dutch jazz pianist, clarinetist, and saxophonist.
These first two Van Halen albums literally changed everything for me and my friends in the same way Nirvana's "Nevermind" would about 13 years later. It added a hard metal/pop edge to our tastes and got us into some studio polished harder stuff. Most people don't know it, but Def Leppard came out with their debut album "On through the Night" just one year after Van Halen 1. A great time to be a rock fan.
"I'm the One" is my favorite VH song. Eddie's not only playing warp speed, but it sounds so clean & clear. I can't tell where the rhythm ends and the solo begins. It sounds to me like the solo acts _AS_ the rhythm.🎸
I’m old enough to remember the day I heard this album as a very young teenager absolutely mind blown by what I was hearing. I’ll never forget that moment
Ain't Talkin Bout Love has become my #1 song the last 10 yrs or so. It was Unchained which is now #2 That semi good looking is my fave line! I use it a lot 😂 These dudes were around 23 when this came out. What was I doing at 23..not this 🤷🤦 I'm the One is so underrated. It is just fast paced and jumpy. Love the bop bop shuby de whop or however it's spelt 😂
No autotune, no time align to a grid and no digital trickery, just a band that was dialed in. I started playing guitar because of EVH and as much as everyone gives him kuddos for his solos, his rhythm playing is even better. Go listen to Fair Warning, it's mind blowing. Also, Eddie, Alex & Mike are in the pocket all the time. Guess that's what happens when you play the bar scene for that long. Their music swings. Put on I'm the One, start walking and see if you're not bouncing!
Edward and Alex Van Halen, both from my country, David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony were a match in heaven. VH 1 is an amazing classic. Rust in vrede, Edward.
The " do-wop" break in 'I'm the one' epitomizes the fearlessness of the DLR era of Van Halen. They were not afraid to try anything. One of my favorite moments on the 1st album, along with 'Ice Cream Man'. It creates a vibe that few bands have ever captured.
I saw VH back in 1981 on the Fair Warning tour and then for the 1984 tour. I also saw the Sam & Dave 2002 debacle and was at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield MA where Dave had a meltdown and most of the audience walked out during his set which they ended up canceling the next two (last 2 shows of the tour)
thanks so much Doug I never realized that was a sitar solo in aint talkin bout love but makes total sense upon hearing. Cant wait till you get to side 2. Ice cream man is hands down my favorite track on this album....enjoy!
One of the greatest bands ever and as they progressed the more you will hear Eddie's classical training in his playing. You should really watch the extended live version of Eruption. About 13 minutes of EVH showing his prowess on guitar. Truly amazing!!!
I was 8 or 9 when my older brother bought it. I can remember their excitement! I became a fan after that and ended up getting to meet the band in 86’ (Sammy days). I love your enthusiasm!
I was 14 the guy across the the street was 17. He was a drummer I was a budding guitarist. 1n 1976 when I was 12 he introduced me to Rush 2112. In 1978 he handed me an 8-track of this album told me to put my headphones on and turn it up all the wa. Running order on the 8-track was different than the record. So the first song i heard was Eruption into You Really Got Me then Running with the Devil. My mind was blown and it has been ever since.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Michael Anthony and his harmony vocals: The Van Halen unheralded secret ingredient.
It's what really set them apart at the time. They've always referred to it as the "secret Sauce". It made them sound accessible to mainstream radio listeners while allowing them to blast out the EVH guitar licks over the heavy bass and drums.
FACT!
Totally agree. Not only did Mike become-coincidentally-their longest tenured vocalist, even Eddie, despite hating him, had to admit he had the “range from hell.”
Did not go unnoticed by me and many. As a musician all my life and in many bands, we could never get the right sound when playing VH songs. And it all had to do with Michael’s harmonies
@joelsmith5938 I don't think Ed's "vocal range from Hell" quote is a compliment towards Mikey.
Especially since in the interview where that was said, the next thing Ed says is, "I have more soul in my voice than he does. People talk about Mike's voice on Van Halen songs, but it's a blend of Mike's voice and my voice. It's not just him."
I was 8 when this came out. My 16 year old brother brought it home, went in his room, listened to it, came out and pulled me into his room (Where I was NOT allowed) slapped an oversized set of headphones on me( they nearly swallowed my head) and said listen to this. I still have his album today. R.I.P. Brother.
Same story here, I was 13 and my 15 year old brother brought it home. Prior to this I loved KC and The Sunshine Band (still do). Van Halen changed my life. My brother passed 2 years ago. Every time I hear this album, the memories flood over me.
Great story. Similar one:
I was senior in college when VH debut dropped. Drove a VW Rabbit that I put Alpine cassette player, power amp and back speakers in.
Came home and played it for my sister who was a senior in HS. She begged me to let her take the car (with VH tape) to a party.
Coolest kid at the party. Came home with a big smile.
I was 12 or 13 when I found my brothers' AC/DC Back in Black tape listened to it until I knew it by heart. RIP brother.
🤣😂🤣😂
Great story. Sorry about your brother, no disrespect meant.
The isolated guitar on '' I'm The One '' is a work of art in its own right
One of the greatest debut albums by any band anywhere.
Love the Diamond Dave era of Van Halen
_There can be only ONE!_
onlyone era
I really love Sammy but not in VH, it's Dave all day long baby!
I am the one is the ultimate swing song. Nobody swings like the king while exploding on the guitar.
" I'm the one" is Van Helen's ultimate swing track.
The entire song is a guitar solo…my favorite tune.
If theres two Van Halen songs I'd love to play on guitar from start to finish its I'm the One and Atomic Punk.
Their greatest song , just incredible!!!!!!!!
My all-time favorite Van Halen song. 🎸🎸🎸
Michael Anthony's harmony vocals are Van Halen's secret sauce.
A game changer. One of the best debut albums in history.
My step-dad won me over at an early age by introducing me to The Beatles, The Who, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. etc. Then, one day when I was 12 yrs old, he brings home the vinyl of the Van Halen debut album. As I'm unwrapping it, I ask him, who is Van Halen? He replies, I don't know, really, this is their first album and I hope you'll like it. Thanks, dad, I liked it- it was in fact, life changing. Life changing to point I've seen VH in concert 3 times with David Lee Roth and 4 times with Sammy Hagar. VH are a certified legendary band.
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is my favorite VanHalen song. This album still rocks!
And, it contains a musical phrase that pretty much contains U2’s guitar sound of the first half of the decade. It is crazy how Eddie created a whole band’s sound before they did, as just a phrase in one song, then never returns to that sound again.
This was something never heard before. I remember listening to this with friends and we were befuddled but with huge smiles on our faces. What an incredible first album, and Edward Van Halen changed rock guitar playing forever.
Van Halen's background vocals always sparkled. Awesome, and instatntly recognizable.
The ferocity and precision by King Edward on I'm the One blows my mind every time I hear it.
Doug, you HAVE to listen to the isolated guitar tracks for these songs to truly appreciate and savor EVHs majesty.
I'm 38 and played guitar for 24 years. Big part of it was because of this album. Timeless. There's certain albums I am still obsessed with and still blast on rotation on morning commutes. Im still obsessed with the sound of this style. It's this album, the extremist from Joe Satriani and a few others, iron maiden is among them. Idk how obvious my influences are in my playing, im self taught and execute things my own ways flawed or not. Judge yourself if ya want, I have 5 or so videos on my channel and I think. Loving this dissection on my favorites here! Great channel here
That entire album is just a rock masterpiece..
That intro to "I'm The One" still remains one of my favorites of all-time. Pure Rock N Roll. Also, the intro to their song "D.O.A." is right up there too. They both make the hair on my arms stand up!
VH I & II, both mind -blowing albums.
There are some albums that represent a new step in musical evolution. This is one of them.
That intro riff to Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love is one of the greatest, most iconic hard rock riffs of all time 😙👌
Honestly, when me and my friends put that record on in the 70s, we thought it was music from another planet !!! Eddie was definitely sent here from somewhere else !!
This is the first album (on vinyl) that changed my life. I was eleven when it came out. This and RUSH's 2112 changed and formed my musical love.
I feel fortunate to say I saw them live eight times starting in 1980, all with Roth. I’m still so sad that Ed is gone. He brought so much happiness to my life. I do like Hendrix but EVH is my number one rock guitarist of all time
Backing Vocals, Eddie and Mike are a big reason VH harmonies work. Mike takes the very high end and Eddie plays of DLR so well. They meshed so well vocally.
I listened to this album a million times over when I was in Jr. High/High School. I couldn't possibly count the number of times I listened to this album. Must have worn out at least a dozen or more audio cassettes. Such great times. Learning to play these songs on my guitar. THIS was the music of my era .. I miss the 70's and 80's so much. Best times of life !!!
I hear ya Brother
Same here.
Still sounds as fresh and good as it did over 40 years ago
LOVE "I'm the one" - and of course the entire album. This is my life at 14 / 15 years old and pissing of my parents with VH on 11.
I'M THE ONE and ROMEO DELIGHT are, for my $$$, the two songs you play when someone says "what's so special and great about VH?" Absolute fire.🔥🔥
Feel that heartbeat.
This album came up on 1978 and defines the sound of the 80s. Totally ahead of time
I've listened to this song countless times... Never knew about the sitar... But now I will notice it every time I hear it. Thanks for that interesting detail!
This album dropped like a nuclear bomb. Just the sound of van halen guitars have filled millions of pages on forums and videos on UA-cam, the brown sound.
Love Alex's bell work on his ride. Not straight forward, he varies attack and where he hits, riding up and down the bell. fn cool
I’m The One is one of the most fun, energetic, rockinest songs ever recorded. Van Halen was so great.
Their epic opus!!!!!!!
First time I heard this I was 10 years old riding in the back of my older brother's Nova (3 on the column). He had the 8-track wired into an upgraded sound system, windows down, cranking at high volume on the way to the beach. That affected my life forever. I became obsessed with guitar and did pretty well with it for a while. Listening to this at low volume is simply criminal.
You pretty much nailed it. Back in the day it was just mind-blowing. Never heard anything like it, and there was a lot of good music back then already. But I'd never heard anything like this album in 1978. Like you said, even now it sounds new.
I can’t even imagine hearing Eddie for the first time in the 70s. It must have felt like a new age had just dawned or new worlds had opened up.
The year I started playing guitar. Can you imagine hearing VH1 and Dire Straits first albums? I am amazed I carried on. Then, Live and Dangerous, less than a year later Strangers In The Night by UFO.
One of the best albums ever ❤
Perhaps the greatest debut album ever
100%!!!
Terrific reaction. And hats off to you: I've listened to Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love hundreds (maybe thousands?) of times and never heard the sitar in the solo. Now, I can't unhear it!
Almost makes you want to cry at how special the music is after fact Eddie is now no longer with us! But his legacy will most definitely live on with his iconic solos.
What an amazing band.... Unparalleled, even after all these years ! One thing I wanted to insist on though, is how incredible the song 'I'm the one' is. Runnin with the D.' and 'Ain't talking about love' are both pretty cool songs, don't get me wrong, but, man, 'I'm the one' is just way up there. That groove, that intensity.... The people who don't really know VH are impressed with his two-hand tapping, his technique and all his incredible gimmicks, but what they don't realize is that he was one of the very best rhythm guitarists out there. The guy simply put out pure badassery for years in a row. Saying that he is sorely missed is a huge understatement !
You really can't imagine what it was like hearing this for the first time in 1978. I was 11. Much like Boston's debut 2 yrs before and Queen's Night at the Opera the year befor that. It changed everything for me.
Ditto. Saved me from disco.
Doug lives his life like there's no tomorrow 👺😎🎸🍺👻☠️
_At least he don't need to beg or borrow_
🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Best debut album of any band ever
Boston:The f#$% you say?!
Their debut album ranks up there with Abbey Road, Paul's Boutique, Dark Side of the Moon, and Axis: Bold as Love.
Listened to it for the first time at my friend's house in his room. We played this album all day and night.
One of the best rock albums of all time. Easily one of the best debut albums of all time. One of the best album covers, to me, of all time too. It's simple but speaks volumes.
That “VH” logo immediately began appearing on notebooks and jean jackets at high schools all over America. Simple, bold, and awesome logo.
In summer 1978 I had not yet turned fourteen. My older cousins (16, 18 and 19) took me to see a concert featuring the Rolling Stones and the Doobie Brothers. I liked both bands, so I was stoked about going to this concert.
Outside the Superdome, we heard people talking about a third act that was going to open the show, some dude named "Van Haven." We didn't know who "he" was, and I guessed "he" might be a cross between Van Morrison and RIchie Havens.
Holy Cow, when Van Halen hit the stage it was like a tidal wave that sucks all the water from the shoreline, out to sea, then sends a killer wave back at you! They opened with "On Fire," followed up quickly with "I'm The One." The sound, the energy, the songs! DLR with the flying splits! Ed, Mike and Al with the super-energized ,music!
Toward the end of the set, David Lee Roth introduced the portion of the show that featured "the premiere guitarist of the Nineteen-Eighties, Mister Edward Van Halen..." Edward did his solo, with all the trilling and two-handed hammer-ons and pull-offs (God, I hate that term "tapping!") and straightforward picking scales. It was clear even to my 13 year old brain that this dude was a cut or three above the guys I thought were great guitar players, Ted Nugent, Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, even Ritchie Blackmore.
'Got the album within a week! After earning some lawn mowing money.
1st concert I ever saw. Van Halen opened for Black Sabbath in 1978 at the Richfield Colosseum.
this album changed my life forever in 1978. My career in music started the day I heard this Album.
Great album debut. A classic!
Michael's harmonies are the glue that makes Van Halen. He's just so ...
I was a 14 year old teenager Rock dude (Zeppelin etc.) in Los Angeles when this came out and I remember to this day, seared in my brain, the first time I heard this album. Long story short my head exploded. It changed my life in that it made me want to pick up a guitar and to this day I'm still playing.
RIP Eddie. You changed music and made the world a better and more beautiful place.
"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" and "Little Dreamer" are my favorite songs from this album.
Same for Ain't Talkin bout love, Unchained and I'm the One.
Oh and Girl you really got me after the Eruption solo. Heck the whole album!😂
The 1st CD that I heard at a party on full volume man it was crazy.
EVH mastered so many aspects of guitar. Everyone talks about the tapping and shredding, but his sense of groove was also impeccable, and I think above all else his control of dynamics was *exceptional*, even with everything turned up to 11. You can really hear it in Runnin' With the Devil and especially five years later in the breakdown of Panama. I haven't heard that kind of control in many other guitarists, of any era really
That Do-Wop style is found throughout the Dave era. He was highly influenced by Motown and early Rock'n'Roll. Definitely some of my favorites.
Great reaction Doug!! Indeed, such a landmark album. High energy - impeccable drumming, bass, vocals & of course King Edward on guitar! I wasn't around yet when this came out (born in '78), but my sister (13 years my senior) introduced it to me when I was 4 or 5 - I was hooked!! The amount of times I've replayed just the opening of Ain't Talkin' is ridiculous - just the tone of that riff is worth the price of admission!
Can't wait for Side 2! Cheers.
Saw them open up for Black Sabbath in Philly in 78 . One hellova night.
Definitely a concert I wish I had seen. Ozzy has stated many times and Iommi that they didn't want to go out play after VH they were so good
DANG!! I'M JEALOUS!!
I still have my ticket stub from that show, Aug 29... was $10. I was fifteen years old and it was the second concert I went to. This album had just been released....
I still remember dropping the needle for the first time on my freshly unsealed vinyl copy of this album. Age 16. Recued the needle on track one and opened my bedroom windows so neighbors could enjoy as well. 😁
Always thought it would have been great to hear an AC/DC cover of Ain't Talkin bout Love with Bon on vocals.
Another fun fact...the song I'm The One was initially called Show Your Love. It was a song they played heavily in their club days, and of course you hear both titles in the chorus "I'm the one, the one you love. C'mon baby, show your love." Templeman made them change the name of the song for the debut album, because they already had Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love and Feel Your Love Tonight on the album. He didn't want a THIRD song with "love" in the title. I believe something happened on the Fair Warning album as well. The song Sinner's Swing was initially title Get Out and Push in Dave's handwritten lyrics for the song...and again, you hear "G-g-g-g get out and push!" in the chorus of this song. But the band had the slower "When Push Comes To Shove" later in the album, so they renamed Get Out And Push to Sinner's Swing, which Dave says in the intro "Alright you sinners, swing!"
Yeah, I have an early bootleg where it's listed as "Show Your Love".
Badass! As a huge VH fan that is new to me!❤
Thanks for that
thanks for the great info.
As a child of the 80s, I recall hearing this at my buddy's house thanks to his older brother's record collection... It hit me right away! I couldn't get enough of their music and it has pretty much continued to this day... There was a hicup in there when Van Hagar came out and I grew a resentment for a time because my favorite showman had left the band. However, come to find out, as I matured I learned to appreciate Hagar-led VH, as well. It is ALL worthy!
It’s funny when I think how much Van Halen has influenced and shaped my life. They were the greatest. Being from the UK I only got to see them live once, on the Carnal Knowledge tour with Sammy. Ed was and always will be the King.
The sound this 3 piece band makes is incredible. I enjoy these videos because I can usually learn something i didn't know or understand about a song which makes me like it more and I also enjoy watching someone react positively (usually) to something I really like and often experience something amazing for the first time.
I saw the Fair Warning tour 1981...17th row on the floor at Madison Square Garden. Everyone was standing on the chairs. My ears were ringing for days afterwards. Great show, great band.
You were blessed, I only saw them with Sammie Hagar for the FUCK Tour at The Meadowlands!!! Brendan Byrne arena. EVH must had been drinking that day, because I was shocked how sloppy his playing was. Alice In Chains opened for them, and they were amazing
Yep, that would be my only complaint when I saw Van Halen: hearing damage, literally and permanently. There was actually two of their shows (around mid 80's) that were so loud you couldn't even make out what song it was until a minute in. I get the tendency for those times, each band trying to blow out the next one, but there is a point when it is reckless and over the line. I'm fairly certain this band and a couple others are directly the cause of my severe tinnitus now. Back then 'protecting' your hearing was just not discussed, even when we were target shooting. Fun times, but also stupid in some regards.
@@d4mdcykey Loudest shows that I have been to were my own band, Dinosaur JR, an old KISS show, and crazy enough...the first Evening with Rush show!
@@vinceedwards3978 ya. Sadly I saw a video on YT here by Sammy talking about that tour and how much drugs n alcohol had taken over Eddie at that point and he was starting different songs out of order or forgetting to play starring off into space and them all trying to help move the song along. Sad. Glad I got to see him sober in 2015 Reunion tour
That was a guitar driven album. All my guitarist friends prefer that one over all the other VH albums
I was in high school when this album came out and from what I can recall, every single song on it got air play....I don't know if any other band could say that. There was nothing else like it then, and there still isn't!! RIP EVH...you are truly missed!
"I'm the One" is quintessential Van Halen and really shows what an amazing rhythm player Eddie was. The opening riff is really hard to get right in terms of feel, Eddie had a swing and swagger to his rhythm playing that's tough to mimic. Then he throws in all those killer licks between riffs on top of it along with some of his most blazing solos ever, RIP King Edward.
The isolated guitar on 'I'm the One' is amazing
David Lee Roth is a singer who elevates the musical base of the other band members with his powerful and crystalline voice, giving it a guiding thread or a coalescence of the entire song that they all do so well with Ted Templeman's fantastic production.
Also worthy of praise is Eddie Van Halen's switch from drums to his brother Alex, who was the guitarist before they released their first and subsequent albums.
There are things from the old lady's arc.
I was 11 when this album came out. The spoiled, rich, unemployed, 19-year-old kid next door played this first song from his upstairs bedroom on a Saturday morning while I was still in bed. My first-floor bedroom window was maybe 25 feet from his and was closed. It was common for me to hear him playing his music from my room or backyard, but not so common at that time of day. I heard that descending sound at the beginning followed by the bass and then the guitar. I liked the song so much that I was not angry about him playing it so early in the morning. At some point later I learned of the band Van Halen and that it was one of their songs. That guy next door was a real bum snd caused his parents a lot of grief. His dad was the top real estate agent in the company and his mother came from money. He was an only child. His father eventually died, and he and his mom continued to live in that big house. Sometime in the 90's he started hanging out with young people, and he got in trouble with the law. He had a trial coming up--I suppose he was out on bail--and he went on a drinking binge at home and drank himself to death. His mother found him in his room. Police and medics were called. My dad went over to find out what was going on. The police were tight-lipped about it, but my dad protested, saying "Look, I've lived next door here for 20 years," and he asked, "Is it Joe?" and the cop said, "Yes."
Eddie's ability to fuse different styles of music together in rock songs is astounding. I know he was a fan of Black Sabbath and I wonder if they influenced him in this regard, or it was just inherent in him from his upbringing in music.
I remember when Van Halen 1 came out ,it changed everything .
That VH1 guitar sound still holds up. Just massive.
Now you'll need to react to Summer Nights or Me Wise Magic when Eddie's composing matured a bit and he used a transtrem to change the guitar tunings mid song
I had this album in about 1981, and followed VH career until OU812, collecting all their vinyl. Nothing ever topped their debut
How could you not know these songs?!
I could listen to both you and VH all day! A fun watch.
Hearing Ed on this track you'd think that guitar and his fingers are blazing flames!
I've been listening to this since '78. My all-time favorite band. And I never knew about the sitar in ATBL...no wonder I couldn't find that sound on my guitar! Lol. Thanks for the enlightenment!
Absolutely bananas that this was released in the 70’s ! 🤘🏻👍🏼
I just realized in I'm the One... Alex is playing the same drum beat as he does in Hot for Teacher. Fun revisit listen Doug. Thanks
I love that the first ever notes we hear from Eddie on a record is a backwards rake on the strings above the nut. Man I wish I could have been around in 79 when this was released.
I was 11 years old in 1978 when my older brother came home with VH1on record. He said we all had to listen to the hottest new band and described it as "Blues Rock." He was always playing Progressive Rock on his hi-fi so this was a somewhat different, harder-edge sound. Definitely a lot of excitement around it at the time and they just blew up from there. Van Halen had a big band swing feel (as heard on I'm The One here) that other metal bands didn't have at the time. That was the influence of their father Jan Van Halen a Dutch jazz pianist, clarinetist, and saxophonist.
These first two Van Halen albums literally changed everything for me and my friends in the same way Nirvana's "Nevermind" would about 13 years later. It added a hard metal/pop edge to our tastes and got us into some studio polished harder stuff. Most people don't know it, but Def Leppard came out with their debut album "On through the Night" just one year after Van Halen 1. A great time to be a rock fan.
"I'm the One" is my favorite VH song. Eddie's not only playing warp speed, but it sounds so clean & clear. I can't tell where the rhythm ends and the solo begins. It sounds to me like the solo acts _AS_ the rhythm.🎸
I’m old enough to remember the day I heard this album as a very young teenager absolutely mind blown by what I was hearing. I’ll never forget that moment
I saw VH on the 1978 tour opening for Black Sabbath. It was awesome.
And these songs were all recorded live in the studio (with very few overdubs, RWTD solo is an exception). This band was tighter than tight.
Ain't Talkin Bout Love has become my #1 song the last 10 yrs or so. It was Unchained which is now #2
That semi good looking is my fave line! I use it a lot 😂
These dudes were around 23 when this came out. What was I doing at 23..not this 🤷🤦
I'm the One is so underrated. It is just fast paced and jumpy. Love the bop bop shuby de whop or however it's spelt 😂
No autotune, no time align to a grid and no digital trickery, just a band that was dialed in. I started playing guitar because of EVH and as much as everyone gives him kuddos for his solos, his rhythm playing is even better. Go listen to Fair Warning, it's mind blowing. Also, Eddie, Alex & Mike are in the pocket all the time. Guess that's what happens when you play the bar scene for that long. Their music swings. Put on I'm the One, start walking and see if you're not bouncing!
I remember hearing it for the first time VERY WELL ... and you are right, we were BLOWN AWAY !!!
I was 21 and on my first hitch in the Air Force.
Edward and Alex Van Halen, both from my country, David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony were a match in heaven. VH 1 is an amazing classic. Rust in vrede, Edward.
Nothing boosts my mood like Van Halen. There's no other band that exudes so much joy!
The " do-wop" break in 'I'm the one' epitomizes the fearlessness of the DLR era of Van Halen. They were not afraid to try anything. One of my favorite moments on the 1st album, along with 'Ice Cream Man'. It creates a vibe that few bands have ever captured.
What a debut album!
Great reaction Doug.. I remember listening to this is album for the first time when it came out... Epic!
I saw VH back in 1981 on the Fair Warning tour and then for the 1984 tour. I also saw the Sam & Dave 2002 debacle and was at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield MA where Dave had a meltdown and most of the audience walked out during his set which they ended up canceling the next two (last 2 shows of the tour)
thanks so much Doug I never realized that was a sitar solo in aint talkin bout love but makes total sense upon hearing. Cant wait till you get to side 2. Ice cream man is hands down my favorite track on this album....enjoy!
One of the greatest bands ever and as they progressed the more you will hear Eddie's classical training in his playing. You should really watch the extended live version of Eruption. About 13 minutes of EVH showing his prowess on guitar. Truly amazing!!!
I was 8 or 9 when my older brother bought it. I can remember their excitement! I became a fan after that and ended up getting to meet the band in 86’ (Sammy days). I love your enthusiasm!
Wow… wow… wow what a heavy rock band, their first and their best album Thank you Edward van Halen RIP🙏🏻🙏🏻
One of your best reaction🤘 and what a great debutalbum that is! Theres a big rocker in you Doug🥳🤘
Great review. This stuff is timeless and never gets old. Always sounds relevant.
I was 14 the guy across the the street was 17. He was a drummer I was a budding guitarist. 1n 1976 when I was 12 he introduced me to Rush 2112. In 1978 he handed me an 8-track of this album told me to put my headphones on and turn it up all the wa. Running order on the 8-track was different than the record. So the first song i heard was Eruption into You Really Got Me then Running with the Devil. My mind was blown and it has been ever since.
Couldn't agree more. Sounds new after 40 years!!!
Its very cool that so many people can remember the time and place and what they were doing when they heard VH for the first time.