End Of Album Songs: Van Halen

It’s only fitting that today I do a Van Halen article. Eddie Van Halen was a force to be reckoned with on guitar. The impact he had on rock music as well as his influence over the years is astounding. His style of playing and music will most definitely live on forever. While thinking about his legacy yesterday and today as well as listening to a ton of Van Halen albums, I thought why not showcase their end of album songs. Some of these aren’t the best songs the band has but, they were chosen to end the albums for a reason. So let’s get this party started.

On Fire (from Van Halen I):

Beautiful Girls (from Van Halen II):

In A Simple Rhyme (from Women and Children First):

One Foot Out The Door (from Fair Warning):

Happy Trails (from Diver Down):

House Of Pain (from 1984):

Inside (from 5150):

Sucker In A 3 Piece (from OU812):

Top Of The World (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge):

Feelin (from Balance):

How Many Say I (from Van Halen III):

Beats Workin (from A Different Kind Of Truth):

Cover Song: John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Van Halen Covers

A couple weeks back during John 5’s tour stop in Los Angeles at the Whisky A Go Go, John brought out Slipknot/Stone Sour singer Corey Taylor, former Van Halen bassist (and the band’s secret weapon) Michael Anthony, and former Cinderella drummer now film/tv composer Fred Coury to play a couple Van Halen songs. They ripped through “Running With The Devil” as well as Van Halen’s version of The Kinks classic “You Really Got Me” and in prime fashion too.

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Running With The Devil:

 

 

 

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- You Really Got Me:

 

That Was A Bad Idea: Van Halen with Gary Cherone

I remember this story very well actually. I was completely taken aback by the news of this story. On the heels of Sammy Hagar and Van Halen parting ways, it was announced that the band had a new singer, Gary Cherone formerly of Extreme. You remember them, they had that really annoying power ballad “More Than Words.” This move certainly sparked many questions and debates about the state of Van Halen, the band. By the time the band released Van Halen III, it marked a real departure of the band’s sound and focused more on ballad type songs than rock. Not only did the fans not like the album, critics panned the album as well.

There are some theories on why this album is so bad and the decision to hire Gary. It’s thought that this album was a sort of Eddie Van Halen solo album. It was disclosed that Eddie had played a majority of bass and drums on the album, as well as taking a couple songs himself to sing lead vocals on. It should also be noted that around this time is when Eddie was dealing with a serious addiction problem. So we know he wasn’t thinking straight. I really want to know whose idea it was to bring Gary Cherone into the band. Not to completely rip Gary to shreds, as he does have a good rock voice, he shouldn’t have even been thought of for this role. This was a bad idea all around and it leaves a bit of a stain on the band’s discography.

 

Van Halen- Van Halen III: