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 (21–30)

AmsterdamVan Halen

Van Halen Amsterdam “Naughty Version”

AmsterdamVan Halen

This track is from their tenth album, Balance, released in 1995.

It has a hard rock sound, but thanks to the straightforward vocals, listening to it leaves you feeling bright and uplifted.

It’s perfect for listening outdoors.

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And The Cradle Will RockVan Halen

Van Halen – And The Cradle Will Rock

And The Cradle Will RockVan Halen

A track released as a single from their third album, “Rules of Darkness,” which came out in 1980.

The song was given the Japanese title “Rock ’n’ Roll Baby.” From this album onward, all the tracks were their own originals, and compared to the previous two albums, which had a strong party-rock vibe, this one is notable for its more serious atmosphere.

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[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (31–40)

Good EnoughVan Halen

Van Halen – Good Enough

Good EnoughVan Halen

The number that opens the album 5150.

Following new vocalist Sammy Hagar’s greeting-like shout of “Hello, baby~!”, the guitar roars into an intro that flaunted the birth of a new Van Halen to the world.

With its driving, hard-edged feel that amps up the listener’s excitement, it’s a quintessential track for them.

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The Seventh SealVan Halen

The Seventh Seal

The Seventh SealVan Halen

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.

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Finish What Ya StartedVan Halen

Van Halen – Finish What Ya Started (Music Video)

Finish What Ya StartedVan Halen

The clean-tone guitar sound is so pleasing to the ear.

It’s a track from the 1988 album OU812, which reached number one on the Billboard 200.

It’s a masterpiece that doesn’t feel dated at all.

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Best Of Volume 1Van Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

Best Of Volume 1Van Halen

Van Halen’s Best Of – Volume I is a perfect album for diving into Western rock.

You can enjoy their distinctive fusion of hard rock and heavy metal, and if you’re especially attuned to guitar riffs, the tapping on Eruption will blow you away.

Their music is fiery and energetic, instantly stirring a surge of adrenaline.

Another draw is that you can savor both Sammy Hagar’s and David Lee Roth’s vocal styles on a single record.

Though released in 1996, its quality delivers a freshness that transcends time.

It’s a powerhouse classic that can turn even newcomers into instant fans.

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Get UpVan Halen

Van Halen – Get Up (Live)

Get UpVan Halen

While the album 5150, featuring their new vocalist, may give the impression of slightly restrained guitar parts compared to their earlier work, this third track on the album showcases razor-sharp guitar playing from start to finish.

Enjoy a live version that captures the brilliance of Eddie Van Halen tearing through mind-blowing guitar lines with a big smile, perfectly matching the up-tempo feel!

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