Lovely Western music

[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Classic and Popular Songs

Live Spot LugHiroyasu Hirata
I’m Hiroyasu Hirata from Live Spot RAG. When I was 15, I was blown away by how cool music—especially rock—was, and I started playing guitar and formed a band. I’m from Kochi Prefecture, where there weren’t many live houses or concert venues, so there were few opportunities to experience live music. Back then, our sources of information were magazines, CDs, and even VHS tapes (!?). Still, I was captivated by the sparkle of music, and I spent my days enjoying guitar and music, mostly neglecting my studies. I moved to Kyoto for university and “graduated” from the light music club, so to speak (laugh). Until then, I mainly listened to Japanese rock and Western hard rock, but thanks to seniors and peers I learned there was so much more music in the world. Now I listen to anything that strikes me as good, regardless of genre. After graduating, I joined RAG. After about six years in the office and about ten years in the music studio, I now work at the long-established Live Spot RAG, which has been around for 39 years, mainly handling promotions. Being exposed to the “real music” performed by Japan’s top musicians and delivering it to our audience lets me feel the brilliance of music anew every day. I still play guitar and keep a band going casually, and in recent years I’ve even started singing—better late than never. I’ve fully become an old guy by now, but I hope we can continue to chase “what lies beyond the dreams I painted with music back then” together.

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)

Why Can’t This Be LoveVan Halen

Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love

Why Can't This Be LoveVan Halen

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.

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DreamsVan Halen

Van Halen – Dreams

DreamsVan Halen

The second single from the album 5150.

It’s a track marked by a beautiful synthesizer intro and a catchy chorus.

Showcasing the full individuality of the new vocalist, Sammy Hagar, this song can be called a classic that presented the world with a new side of Van Halen, distinct from the era with former vocalist Dave.

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Right nowVan Halen

Van Halen – Right Now

Right nowVan Halen

A power ballad included on the album “F@U#C%K.” While the album mostly features guitar-driven arrangements, this track is unusual in that it’s arranged with keyboards prominently at the forefront.

In songs like this, Sammy Hagar’s vocals really stand out with a commanding presence.

It’s a bit short, but the dramatic guitar solo is also a highlight.

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[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (11–20)

When It’s LoveVan Halen

Van Halen – When It’s Love (HQ)

When It's LoveVan Halen

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.

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Judgement DayVan Halen

Van Halen – Judgement Day

Judgement DayVan Halen

A heavy number featured as the second track on the 1991 album “F@U#C%K.” Its grinding guitar riff and relentlessly driving feel showcase Van Halen’s prowess as a hard rock band.

It’s a hot track where you can fully enjoy Eddie Van Halen’s phenomenal guitar work.

In this song, Eddie’s solo is even more entertaining thanks to a visually tricky move—fretting from over the top of the neck with his left hand.

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You Really Got MeVan Halen

Van Halen – You Really Got Me (Official Music Video)

You Really Got MeVan Halen

Their debut single, released in January 1978.

The song is a cover of a signature track by the British rock band The Kinks, but it features a much harder arrangement.

In particular, guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s two-handed tapping technique shocked aspiring guitarists around the world.

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(Oh) Pretty WomanVan Halen

Van Halen – (Oh) Pretty Woman (Official Music Video)

(Oh) Pretty WomanVan Halen

A cover of Roy Orbison’s huge hit, also famous as the theme song for the film of the same name.

True to their style, the track opens with a dreamy sound featuring Eddie Van Halen’s guitar.

Along with a drama-style music video in which the members dress up as samurai and cowboys, the song became a major hit in the U.

S.

, reaching No.

12 on the charts.

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