Feature Photo: Photographer: AnonymousPublisher: Billboard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Van Halen’s meteoric rise from Pasadena, California, transformed the face of rock music and set a new standard for guitar-driven rock in the late 1970s and 1980s. Formed in 1972 by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, the band first made a name for themselves on the Southern California club circuit, where Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar techniques—such as tapping—quickly drew attention. Originally called Genesis before adopting the Van Halen name, the band solidified its lineup with the addition of charismatic frontman David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Their relentless touring and dynamic live shows eventually caught the eye of Warner Bros. Records, leading to a contract that would launch one of the most successful rock careers in history.
The band’s self-titled debut album Van Halen, released in 1978, was an immediate success and is now considered one of rock’s most influential albums. Anchored by iconic tracks such as “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love,” and Eddie’s revolutionary instrumental “Eruption,” the album introduced a unique blend of hard rock, pop sensibilities, and virtuosic musicianship. The debut went on to sell over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. The group followed this with a string of successful albums, including Van Halen II (1979), Women and Children First (1980), Fair Warning (1981), and Diver Down (1982), each contributing to their reputation as one of rock’s most exciting acts.
Van Halen’s commercial peak arrived with the release of 1984, an album that marked a shift toward a more keyboard-infused sound while retaining their signature rock energy. Featuring the chart-topping hit “Jump,” along with “Panama” and “Hot for Teacher,” 1984 became a multi-platinum smash and their first album to reach No. 2 on the Billboard 200. However, the success of 1984 was followed by significant internal tensions, leading to the departure of David Lee Roth in 1985. The band quickly regrouped, bringing in Sammy Hagar as lead vocalist, a move that ushered in what fans call the “Van Hagar” era.
With Hagar on board, Van Halen released 5150 in 1986, their first album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The album produced major hits such as “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Dreams,” showcasing a more polished and melodic sound. This success continued with subsequent albums OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995), all of which reached No. 1. During this period, the band’s sound evolved to include more synth-driven and ballad-style tracks, broadening their appeal beyond hard rock fans. The band’s ability to adapt to changing musical tastes while maintaining their core identity helped them remain relevant well into the 1990s.
In total, Van Halen released twelve studio albums, including Van Halen III (1998) with vocalist Gary Cherone and their final studio album, A Different Kind of Truth (2012), which marked a return to form with Roth back on vocals. Over their career, the band sold more than 80 million records worldwide and charted numerous hit singles, including “Dance the Night Away,” “Love Walks In,” “When It’s Love,” and “Right Now.” Van Halen earned widespread recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal in 1992 for For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, as well as multiple American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
Beyond their musical achievements, Van Halen’s influence on rock guitar playing is impossible to overstate. Eddie Van Halen’s innovative techniques, particularly two-handed tapping, redefined the electric guitar’s role in rock music. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including being widely cited as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Eddie also collaborated with other artists, famously playing the guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” which further expanded his influence beyond rock into pop music.
Outside of music, members of Van Halen engaged in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts. Sammy Hagar, in particular, became known for his entrepreneurial success, including launching the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand and opening a chain of nightclubs and restaurants. Eddie Van Halen contributed to charities focused on music education and provided instruments to underprivileged children. The band’s members also participated in benefit concerts over the years, supporting causes ranging from disaster relief to cancer research, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the community.
Van Halen’s legacy is not only defined by their record-breaking sales and chart success but also by their lasting impact on rock music. Their combination of raw power, technical mastery, and infectious melodies won them a loyal fan base that spans generations. Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, the core of Van Halen’s appeal remained constant: electrifying performances, unmatched guitar work, and a catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences around the world. The death of Eddie Van Halen in 2020 marked the end of an era, but the band’s music continues to inspire countless musicians and fans, ensuring that the name Van Halen will live on for years to come.
Complete List Of Van Halen Songs From A to Z
- 1984 – 1984 – 1984
- 316 – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- 5150 – 5150 – 1986
- A Apolitical Blues – OU812 – 1988
- A.F.U. (Naturally Wired) – OU812 – 1988
- Aftershock – Balance – 1995
- Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love – Van Halen – 1978
- Amsterdam – Balance – 1995
- And the Cradle Will Rock… – Women and Children First – 1980
- As Is – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Atomic Punk – Van Halen – 1978
- Ballot or the Bullet – Van Halen III – 1998
- Baluchitherium – Balance – 1995
- Beautiful Girls – Van Halen II – 1979
- Beats Workin’ – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Best of Both Worlds – 5150 – 1986
- Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) – Diver Down – 1982
- Big Fat Money – Balance – 1995
- Big River – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Black and Blue – OU812 – 1988
- Blood and Fire – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Bottoms Up! – Van Halen II – 1979
- Bullethead – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Cabo Wabo – OU812 – 1988
- Can’t Get This Stuff No More – Best Of – Volume I – 1996
- Can’t Stop Lovin’ You – Balance – 1995
- Cathedral – Diver Down – 1982
- China Town – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Could This Be Magic? – Women and Children First – 1980
- Crossing Over – Balance – 1995
- D.O.A. – Van Halen II – 1979
- Dance the Night Away – Van Halen II – 1979
- Dancing in the Street – Diver Down – 1982
- “Dirty Movies” – Fair Warning – 1981
- Dirty Water Dog – Van Halen III – 1998
- Doin’ Time – Balance – 1995
- Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do) – Balance – 1995
- Dreams – 5150 – 1986
- Drop Dead Legs – 1984 – 1984
- Eruption – Van Halen – 1978
- Everybody Wants Some!! – Women and Children First – 1980
- Feelin’ – Balance – 1995
- Feels So Good – OU812 – 1988
- Feel Your Love Tonight – Van Halen – 1978
- Finish What Ya Started – OU812 – 1988
- Fire in the Hole – Van Halen III – 1998
- Fools – Women and Children First – 1980
- From Afar – Van Halen III – 1998
- Get Up – 5150 – 1986
- Girl Gone Bad – 1984 – 1984
- Good Enough – 5150 – 1986
- Growth – Women and Children First – 1980
- Hang ‘Em High – Diver Down – 1982
- Happy Trails – Diver Down – 1982
- Hear About It Later – Fair Warning – 1981
- Honeybabysweetiedoll – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Hot for Teacher – 1984 – 1984
- House of Pain – 1984 – 1984
- How Many Say I – Van Halen III – 1998
- Humans Being – Twister soundtrack/Best Of – Volume I – 1996
- I’ll Wait – 1984 – 1984
- Ice Cream Man – Van Halen – 1978
- I’m the One – Van Halen – 1978
- In a Simple Rhyme – Women and Children First – 1980
- In ‘n’ Out – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Inside – 5150 – 1986
- Intruder – Diver Down – 1982
- It’s About Time – The Best of Both Worlds – 2004
- Jamie’s Cryin’ – Van Halen – 1978
- Josephina – Van Halen III – 1998
- Judgement Day – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Jump – 1984 – 1984
- Learning to See – The Best of Both Worlds – 2004
- Light Up the Sky – Van Halen II – 1979
- Little Dreamer – Van Halen – 1978
- Little Guitars – Diver Down – 1982
- Little Guitars (Intro) – Diver Down – 1982
- Loss of Control – Women and Children First – 1980
- Love Walks In – 5150 – 1986
- Man on a Mission – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Me Wise Magic – Best Of – Volume I – 1996
- Mean Street – Fair Warning – 1981
- Mine All Mine – OU812 – 1988
- Neworld – Van Halen III – 1998
- Not Enough – Balance – 1995
- (Oh) Pretty Woman – Diver Down – 1982
- On Fire – Van Halen – 1978
- Once – Van Halen III – 1998
- One Foot Out the Door – Fair Warning – 1981
- One I Want – Van Halen III – 1998
- Outta Love Again – Van Halen II – 1979
- Outta Space – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Panama – 1984 – 1984
- Pleasure Dome – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Poundcake – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Primary – Van Halen III – 1998
- Push Comes to Shove – Fair Warning – 1981
- Right Now – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Romeo Delight – Women and Children First – 1980
- Runaround – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Runnin’ with the Devil – Van Halen – 1978
- Secrets – Diver Down – 1982
- She’s the Woman – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Sinner’s Swing! – Fair Warning – 1981
- So This Is Love? – Fair Warning – 1981
- Somebody Get Me a Doctor – Van Halen II – 1979
- Source of Infection – OU812 – 1988
- Spanked – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Spanish Fly – Van Halen II – 1979
- Stay Frosty – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Strung Out – Balance – 1995
- Sucker in a 3 Piece – OU812 – 1988
- Summer Nights – 5150 – 1986
- Sunday Afternoon in the Park – Fair Warning – 1981
- Take Me Back (Deja Vu) – Balance – 1995
- Take Your Whiskey Home – Women and Children First – 1980
- Tattoo – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- The Dream Is Over – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- The Full Bug – Diver Down – 1982
- The Seventh Seal – Balance – 1995
- The Trouble with Never – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- Top Jimmy – 1984 – 1984
- Top of the World – For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge – 1991
- Tora! Tora! – Women and Children First – 1980
- Unchained – Fair Warning – 1981
- Up for Breakfast – The Best of Both Worlds – 2004
- When It’s Love – OU812 – 1988 f
- Where Have All the Good Times Gone! – Diver Down – 1982
- Why Can’t This Be Love – 5150 – 1986
- Without You – Van Halen III – 1998
- Women in Love… – Van Halen II – 1979
- Year to the Day – Van Halen III – 1998
- You and Your Blues – A Different Kind of Truth – 2012
- You Really Got Me – Van Halen – 1978
- You’re No Good – Van Halen II – 1979
Album Song Count
Van Halen (1978): 11 songs
Van Halen II (1979): 10 songs
Women and Children First (1980): 10 songs
Fair Warning (1981): 9 songs
Diver Down (1982): 12 songs
1984 (1984): 9 songs
5150 (1986): 9 songs
OU812 (1988): 10 songs
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991): 11 songs
Balance (1995): 13 songs
Best Of – Volume I (1996): 3 new songs
Van Halen III (1998): 12 songs
The Best of Both Worlds (2004): 3 new songs
A Different Kind of Truth (2012): 13 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Van Halen articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
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Complete List Of Van Halen Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
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