Van Halen

Best of Both Worlds

Missed Opportunity becomes cheap promotion for tour

Review Score:

(6/10)
First let me state the obvious: This 2cd set undeniably contains some great music. Setting the DLR vs Sammy battle aside for a moment, it can't be denied that both periods in VH's history (and for Van Hagar, let's say 86-92 or so)produced some amazing hard rock/pop metal. What strikes the listener immediately is of course first and foremost Eddie's dynamite guitar playing that revolutionized hard rock yet remained indelibly VH and only VH. But what set these LA boys apart was their keen ear for melody- the TUNE. While DLR's party/get the girl/ frat rock lyrics differed from Hagar's more love/motivational style of writing, it would seem almost a natural development as the band grew older. What didn't change from 1978 to the early 90's was the band's ability to produce durable melodious tunes.

The original Van Halen was a tight 3 piece with an entertaining natural frontman with a whisky voice. Hagar came to the band with a lot of experience as singer and guitarist under his belt going back to the early 70s with Montrose. Very professional, but lacking in showmanship, swagger, humor and soul. It always seemed more forced with Sammy somehow.

Hagar's classic tenure in the band differed also from DLR's in its larger reliance on synths, a trend already being made evident on DLR's last album with the band, 1984. Personally I enjoy the textures Eddie's synth lines give the latter hits. And Van Hagar had some amazing songs! Black and Blue and Best of Both Worlds have great riffs, Dreams still has me thinking of the majestic Blue Angels, Love Comes Walking In is as good as a rocking love song gets, Why Can't This Be Love proved that VH could change singers and still evolve viably and commercially.

Another strength of the band through both periods that is not to be understated is the sensational backing vocals, anchored by Michael Anthony. At times Beatlesque in their grandeur, they were key to the VH sound in both periods. Just listen to Jamie's Cryin, Dance the Night Away, When It's Love, and a slew of others. It almost brings tears to the eyes. In fact, I personally vote When It's Love as one of the best songs of all time, any genre, any artist.

Where this compilation disappoints in a big way is the following:
1) No chronological or thematic order. The songs are all over the place, with Sammy and DLR songs alternating. On the surface an interesting idea, the eternal sparring of the singers, but in practice, a sonic failure, as opposing VH eras jar the ears. It's the difference in production, eras, voices- you name it, it just doesn't work
2) The new and newer material. The new songs really are not good, and lack melodies. Bad idea, guys. Some of the songs from the late Hagar period don't cut the mustard either and they show up at very inopportune times, ruining flow.
3) The inclusion of live VH tracks with Hagar singing DLR songs! It's just revolting, man. A cheap plug for the summer tour. And doesn't help that there is a really dumb Hagar monologue in there that is a poor imitation of DLR.
4) And lastly it should be mentioned that Finish What You Started, a rarity in its stripped-down approach during the Hagar big-sound era, jars the listener with a cut-off ending that is embarrassing in that it was allowed to go to the presses! Come on, you guys who cut this album!

All in all, a missed opportunity. Create your own best of VH from the material, I have!

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