The Real Five: Van Halen
Today is Eddie Van Halen's birthday. He's "around 60". You see when VH started, David Lee Roth had everyone lie about their age, so no nobody seems to know if the guys are a year or two older or younger. Anyways, in honor of his birthday, I have the Top Five Van Halen tracks (and I found them a little surprising, especially number 1.
The "Real Five" is the top five most played tracks at rock radio. I'm sure they'd be different if you asked classic rock radio, but that format isn't tracked. So at stations like FMX in Lubbock, KEYJ in Abilene or the rock stations in Florida, Michigan or wherever, these are the Top Five Tracks.
Since this is pretty big band, let's do the runners up first!
10. Jump
9. Everbody Wants Some
8. Jamies Cryin'
7. And The Cradle Will Rock
6. Unchained
- 5
Ain't Talking 'Bout Love
Coming to you from the bands iconic 1978 debut album, "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" was the third single released from the album. This would have to be my favorite track featuring David Lee Roth. Even though it is my favorite, I would have expected "Jamie's Cryin' to appear ahead of this one on the list.
- 4
Eruption/You Really Got Me
This was the initial blast from Van Halen. When you think about it, choosing this as a first single may be the most ballsy thing ever. I can't even imagine a pitch to a record exec that you're going to release a single that starts with 90 seconds of guitar solo, then goes into a cover song.
- 3
Runnin' With The Devil
This was the second release from the bands initial release. I like to think that every band has their own "Stairway To Heaven", one song that is so closely tied with the band that it would be etched on their collective tombstones. For Van Halen, I think this is the song.
- 2
Panama
Who can forget the out of control antics of that cop car in "Superbad"? Sure the song was one of the highlights of the 1984 album, but the second wind didn't hurt the track. The video is pretty iconic too.
- 1
Hot For Teacher
Wow. We all know the video and the track are a standout, but I sure didn't expect this to be the number one track (and by quite a bit). Hot For Teacher was the fourth track issued from "1984". "Jump" and "I'll Wait" were the first two released form the album and "Panama" was third.