Retro Reviews: Van Halen: Van Halen II

        I decided to launch a new series to imagine myself as a critic at the end of the 70s and start of the 80s, and to rectify certain reviews from Rolling Stone magazine and Creem. This not meant to be contrarian, but to offer a more balanced perspective. All the albums reviewed are indeed classic albums. 

Van Halen II (1979)

****

Producer: Ted Templeman,

Musicians: Edward Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Alex Van Halen

Songs and Music: You’re No Good, Dance The Night Away, Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Bottoms Up!, Outta Love Again, Light Up The Sky, Spanish Fly, D.O.A., Women In Love, Beautiful Girls

Reviewed By Matthew Anthony Allair

    Van Halen’s debut was such a significant release in the field of modern rock music, some of my peers have been reluctant to admit it. Much of this is similar with the backlash against Lex Zeppelin in 1969, even though most people privately admitted that that band would define music for the next decade. It is safe to say that Van Halen will define the next decade. Edward’s guitar work is unique and exceptional; the Anthony and Van Halen rhythm section is solid and steady once again. Roth’s vocal, while not perfect, are just full of charisma and he manages to carry the mantle well as a frontman. Ted Templeman has returned and the sound is pretty identical to the prior album, then again, if a formula is working, why change it? While no one could claim this hard rock band has any relation to the Punk scene, it did share similar spirits, keep it short, focused, direct, and give the songs punch, something that the band does in spades.

    The album opener is the sole cover – the Dee Dee Warwick song, written by Clint Ballard Jr. “You’re No Good”, the song had been a hit single for Linda Ronstadt a few years earlier. Michael’s flanged bass solo eases into a grove with Eddie’s guitar swells. Roth plays with the body of the song, Edward displays his dazzling technique with a touch of guitar harmony at the end. It’s not much of a surprise that “Dance the Night Away” is the single, it has an infectious feel along with some nice guitar embellishments. The more muscular “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” has an appealing refrain, and flamingo change, it also demonstrates with the solo that Edward has some real compositional craft. “Bottom’s Up!” opens with a bluesy refrain before a shuffle shifts gears, and Roth has a good call and response with Eddie. “Outta Love Again” opens with buzzsaw guitar feedback on par with Hendrix, Alex’s shuffle work just brings home how good he is, overall, a good dose of swagger. 

    The second half opener “Light Up The Sky” opens with some playful guitar and bass counter point, before moving into a dramatic groove. The instrumental “Spanish Fly” acts as the acoustic companion to “Eruption”, very brief and informal. “D.O.A” is probably one of the more ominous numbers on the album. Roth’s vocal nearly channels Jim Morrison. Things take a lighter turn with “Women In Love..”, Ed’s delay and thick chorus sets up some brighter playing, before it shifts into a melodic tempo, and this is probably another single The album closer “Beautiful Girls” ends the proceedings with an up sentiment, and likely another single, it offers some whimsy and swagger. Yes, I admit, the album art feels like a corporate brand by now, but it’s no different than Queen’s logo or The Beatles drum riser brand, this aspect of rock music has always existed. 

    Peers like Lester Bangs have been dismissive of the band for pandering too much towards its audience, but I don’t read any pretense with Van Halen, it doesn’t feel self-conscious and the band seems to know exactly who they are. The band is designed to appeal with rural and urban kids, it’s designed to have fans play their albums on cassette or eight track, while cruising the weekend streets. Not everything has to be a profound statement. The kids need something to follow or believe in; the critical adults seem to forget that.