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[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Classic and Popular Songs
Van Halen, the American hard rock band whose name shines brilliantly in the history of rock worldwide.
Their Dutch band name comes from the surname of the brothers: Alex on drums and Edward on guitar.
Since their 1978 debut, despite several lineup changes, they have rewritten rock history with high-quality songs and outstanding performances.
Among them, guitarist Edward—better known as “Eddie”—was a charismatic figure who repeatedly created innovative playing styles, influencing countless guitarists not only in the rock world but beyond.
The great guitarist “Eddie,” often mentioned alongside the guitar god Jimi Hendrix, passed away on October 7, 2020.
As we pray for his repose, let us look back on Van Halen’s many classics, focusing on tracks that feature Eddie’s captivating guitar.
[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (1–10)
EruptionVan Halen
With this instrumental—released in Japan under the title “Bombing in the Dark”—it’s no exaggeration to say rock guitar entered a new era.
Using the tapping technique, in which the right hand frets and releases notes on the fingerboard (a role normally handled by the left hand), it stunned the world.
The speed of the phrases and the dramatic leaps in pitch created a thrill unlike anything before.
While the piece isn’t especially difficult to play, its shift in perspective expanded the possibilities of guitar performance—a monumental classic that proclaims Eddie, the revolutionary, was here.
Can’t Stop Lovin’ YouVan Halen
A track included on their tenth studio album, Balance, released in 1991.
With its poppy melody and catchy chorus, the song climbed to No.
30 on the U.
S.
singles chart, and the album reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
Although vocalist Sammy Hagar left the band after this release, it stands as an all-out hit representing the band’s pop side.
JumpVan Halen
A dramatically unfolding guitar solo with a clear beginning, development, twist, and conclusion, packed into just eight bars and leaving a powerful impact.
This solo by Edward Van Halen—hailed by later generations as a “model”—adds even greater allure to the song, which boldly incorporates synthesizers and, with its catchier appeal, reached number one in the U.
S.
Featured on the album 1984, a turning point in the band’s musical direction, it’s a popular track often cited as one of Van Halen’s signature songs.
Aint Talkin’ Bout LoveVan Halen
A classic song distinguished by a riff built from arpeggios on a palm-muted guitar.
Many people who heard it in real time likely became fans of the band through this track.
The combination of a hard-hitting riff and a wistful melody can be called the quintessential style of hard rock in that era.
The same track, featured on their debut album, was also used in a Nissan commercial in 2010.
PanamaVan Halen
A single released from their sixth album, 1984.
In contrast to Jump, which is notable for its synthesizer-driven intro, this one opens with a guitar introduction and features an arrangement packed with captivating guitar work—from the signature guitar phrases and backing to a technical, dramatic solo.
UnchainedVan Halen
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.
Hot For TeacherVan Halen
This song, which kicks off with a driving, up-tempo drum beat and a thrilling call-and-response with the guitar, is one of their signature high-energy numbers.
Featured on their sixth album, “1984,” it’s a hugely popular classic that showcases jaw-dropping guitar work throughout.
The slightly risqué and comical music video is a lot of fun, too.