Van Halen

Van Halen III

What's different? The background vocals

Review Score:

(8/10)
After 200 some-odd reviews (Amazon.com could release "The Reviews of 3" as a book), I have yet to see any comment on one of the absolute trademarks of the "classic" Van Halen sound: the background vocals. On "3" I hear plenty of the "brown" sound, but not enough of the "background" sound. You know what I mean - that sound always present in the DLR era and continuing in the Van Hagar era on such tracks as "Summer Nights" and "Top of the World." These vocals are gone in "3": You almost hear them in "One I Want" though it sounds like the fellas are singing through Saran wrap. And I do not know who had the terrible idea of bringing back Madonna's "Material Girl" chorus for the closing of "Without You" - a great song if you delete the last full minute. So why 4 stars? Because much of the songwriting remains strong: "One I Want" and "From Afar" are very true to Eddie's signature guitar sound; and "Once," "Josephina" and "Year to the Day" are very well crafted songs. I just miss those "Happy Trails" vocals - Michael Anthony's high notes, particularly. Whoever produces VH's next effort must remember that what makes the band great goes beyond the respective sounds of the lead singer and guitarist.

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