Van Halen

Van Halen III

Ugh! What is this stuff?!

Review Score:

(4/10)
After listening to this album more than enough times in the hopes that I may require a taste for it, I have found that it just simply does not do it for me. Many of the songs lack anything exciting. No interesting musical twists or sounds, and not much variety. The songs are WAY too progressive and boring. If I have trouble sleeping at night, I should just pop this CD into my player. If they must make progressive music, they should at least add some musical variation. The songs just drag on and on, and I feel absolutely relieved when the album is finished. I love Van Halen. I grew up with "Jump" from the "1984" album as a child in the early 80's. It was among my favorite songs that I loved to play on my record player. Van Halen was great clear up until their "OU812" album. After that, in the 90's, things started to wind down a bit. Now this! Oh man! Okay, I admit it does have some good parts. Songs like "Without You," "Dirty Water Dog" "One I Want," and "From Afar" are passable I guess. Those are about the only songs that at least have a bit of a spark and some interesting aspects. I suppose you can also include "Ballot Or The Bullet," although like most of the songs, it can be dull, boring, and draggy. It is very hard for me to describe this album, because nothing about it really sticks out. I guess in a nutshell it's an album chock full of moderinzed and powerful rock 'n roll without the spark that grabs you and pulls you in like a true rock masterpiece would do. I do have to credit Eddie for doing a great job with his guitar as usual, however. All these years, Eddie has never slowed down. Also, I have to say that Gary Cherone does have a great rock voice, and really knows how to throw those rough lyrics at you. But I think there is so much more that could have been done with the whole package. It leaves a lot to be desired. I recommend this album to only the serious Van Halen fans.

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