Chunks of metal: heavy metal
Artist: Van Halen
Album: Van Halen
Year: 1978
Chronological posision: Debut album
Genre: Hard rock
Expectations before listening: Some good hard rock full of hooks
Uhm, well, I'm not sure whether this can really pass as metal, and we were aware when selecting it, but it'll have to do. Wikipedia and Unknown Soldier both say it's metal, anyway.
Either way, and even if it's not metal, it's a pretty damn good album. Some great, cheesy fun, and yes, it's full of hooks, which means my expectations were fulfilled. I can see lots of 80s' hair bands ripping this off, and based on the reviews I read, this was hugely influential (especially the guitars), so I'm sure they did. I have a feeling that “Running With the Devil” and “Ain't Talking 'Bout Love” both will be stuck in my head for the next week. Lastly, I'll just say that these guys' guitarist sure knows how to solo!
4.5/5