Van Halen Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Source Of InfectionVan Halen36rank/position

Van Halen – Source Of Infection

A high-energy number from the 1988 album OU812.

Its up-tempo feel and guitar work are reminiscent of the classic Hot for Teacher.

While many tracks on the album prominently feature synthesizers, this song finds Eddie Van Halen unleashing his virtuosity on guitar—complete with three appearances by a blistering guitar solo.

Spanish FlyVan Halen37rank/position

Spanish Fly (2015 Remaster)

A short piece featuring a solo performance by Edward Van Halen, included on the second album, Van Halen II.

It can be considered a gut-string guitar version of Eruption, the instrumental on the previous album Van Halen that stunned the world.

Blending flamenco-style playing with Eddie’s signature tapping technique, it becomes a uniquely nationality-defying instrumental.

In Van Halen’s live shows, there’s a dedicated guitar solo section for Eddie, and this track is also used as one part of that expansive solo segment.

TattooVan Halen38rank/position

Van Halen – Tattoo

Tattoo, the first track on the album A Different Kind Of Truth, which was released about 14 years after 1998’s Van Halen III.

With a slower tempo, it delivers a hard-hitting sound.

The guitar solo is dramatic and cool!

The Seventh SealVan Halen39rank/position

The Seventh Seal

The number that opens the album “Balance.” After a somewhat mysterious sound effect, it suddenly shifts as a driving guitar riff bursts out with a crisp, clear tone.

Although 1991—the year the album was released—was the heyday of grunge, marked by the massive success of Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” it sounds as if they’re making a statement of intent not to be swept up by the times by deliberately blasting out classic American rock.

UnchainedVan Halen40rank/position

Van Halen – Unchained (HD)

A track released as a single from their fourth album, Martial Law.

Its song and arrangement embody classic American hard rock, a style that would later be echoed in big hits like “Jump.” At the time, this exhilarating vibe felt refreshingly new.

When It’s LoveVan Halen41rank/position

Van Halen – When It’s Love (HQ)

A powerful ballad from the second album by the new Van Halen, OU812.

At the time, the synth-focused arrangement and the ‘singing guitar’ that deliberately avoided overplaying felt fresh.

The song reached No.

5 on the U.

S.

charts, and the album hit No.

1.

Why Can’t This Be LoveVan Halen42rank/position

Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love

In 1985, vocalist David Lee Roth left the band, and they welcomed new vocalist Sammy Hagar, releasing the album 5150.

The lead single from the album reached No.

3 on the U.

S.

charts, and the album itself held the No.

1 spot in the U.

S.

for three consecutive weeks.

Van Halen became known not only among hard rock fans but also to a wide range of music listeners.