Van Halen is the debut studio album by American rock band Van Halen, released in February 1978.
Recorded in 1977, Van Halen sold over 10 million copies in the US alone, becoming one of the most successful debuts by a rock band. Along with 1984, it gives Van Halen two original albums with Diamond status in sales. The album cover was shot at the Whisky a Go Go. The guitar pictured on the cover of the album is Edward Van Halen's famous Frankenstrat Guitar, made from a neck purchased from Boogie Bodies and a Stratocaster style body custom made by Wayne Charvel in California and assembled in Edward's parents' garage.In 2003, the album was ranked number 415 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
In 2006, Guitar World readers ranked it 7th on a list of the Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time.
In the band's licensed game, Guitar Hero: Van Halen, nine of the eleven tracks of this album are available for play; only "Little Dreamer" and "On Fire" do not appear in the game.All songs written and composed by Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth except where noted.
Track Listing:
Runnin' with the Devil
Eruption
You Really Got Me
Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love
I'm The One
Jamie's Cryin'
Atomic Punk
Feel Your Love Tonight
Little Dreamer
Ice Cream Man
On Fire
Band members:
- David Lee Roth – lead vocals, acoustic guitar on "Ice Cream Man" (credited as David Roth)
- Eddie Van Halen – guitar, backing vocals
- Michael Anthony – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Alex Van Halen – drums
Production:
- Producer: Ted Templeman
- Engineers: Donn Landee, Peggy McCreary, Kent Nebergall, Logan Jervis
- Project coordinator: Jo Motta
- Art direction: Dave Bhang
- Design: Dave Bhang
- Photography: Elliot Gilbert
- Typesetting: Jodi Cohen
