Van Halen

Best Of Volume 1

Best of Both Worlds

Review Score:

(10/10)
From their explosive introduction in the late seventies with their outstanding debut album Van Halen I , through such highlights as 1984 and 5150 Van Halen have inspired and influenced countless acts since. This their first retrospective, it contains hits from both Dave Lee Roth in the early years and later Sammy Hagar, both styles are distintive with Hagar giving the more polished vocal performances, however Dave's showmanship and egotistical style is timeless. The Album itself contains all the band's big hits, however notable exceptions are 'Hot For Teacher' 'Mean Street' and 'Best of Both Worlds'. The cynic may well argue that the inclusion of the much anticpated two new songs from Dave lee Roth was merely an attempt to get the hardcore fans to buy the album, but both songs are worthy inclusions (especially 'Me Wise Magic') and re-kindle the original Van Halen spirit, despite this it is true there is little beyond these two to satisfy the hardcore fans other than to complete the collection. However as a newcomer you should look no further. And to original fans it serves as a reminder to the band's dominace of rock 'n' roll throughout the eighties.

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