Van Halen - Van Halen [180g Black Vinyl LP]

Released on February 10, 1978, Van Halen stands as one of rock's most groundbreaking debut albums, a record that simultaneously rewrote the rules of rock guitar and hard rock itself. Recorded in just three weeks at Sunset Sound Recorders with producer Ted Templeman, the album captures the raw energy of the band's live performances with minimal overdubs and a straightforward approach that lets the music speak for itself. This 180-gram vinyl reissue was remastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering Studios, cut directly from the original quarter-inch analog tapes to preserve the band's intended sound.

Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary guitar work takes center stage throughout the album's eleven tracks, redefining what the electric guitar could do with his self-taught two-handed tapping technique, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and wildly inventive effects. The iconic instrumental "Eruption" showcases Eddie's blazing finger-tapping in just under two minutes, leading seamlessly into the band's explosive cover of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me," which became their first hit single. "Runnin' with the Devil" opens the album with its signature car horn intro and driving rhythm, while "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" delivers one of rock's most recognizable riffs. David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals and performance art approach to metal singing match Eddie's technical prowess note for note, creating a chemistry that would define the band's sound.

This 180-gram pressing delivers the album's full sonic assault with clarity and punch, from the opening thump of the bass drum to the intricate details of Eddie's guitar tone. Bellman's remaster brings enhanced low-end authority, upfront vocals, and clear representation of the guitar work without the veiled echo present on earlier pressings. The LP includes a printed inner sleeve and captures the precision-tooled power of this Diamond-certified album, which has sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Eruption," "You Really Got Me," "Runnin' with the Devil"
• Pressing details: 180-gram vinyl, remastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering Studios, cut from original analog tapes, includes printed inner sleeve
• Genre/style: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Arena Rock
• UPC: 081227955250

Widely regarded as one of the greatest debut albums in rock history, Van Halen introduces a revolutionary sound that influenced generations of musicians. This remastered 180-gram pressing honors the legacy of Eddie Van Halen's transformative playing and the band's enduring impact on rock music.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Runnin' With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me
4. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
5. I'm The One

Side B:

1. Jamie's Cryin'
2. Atomic Punk
3. Feel Your Love Tonight
4. Little Dreamer
5. Ice Cream Man
6. On Fire