Van Halen - Album Ranking

Van Halen formed in 1972. Spanning their 48 year career they had 3 different frontmen and recorded 12 studio albums. Join me to countdown this legendary band’s catalogue.
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• Remembering Eddie Van ...
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[@blairwos1382]

Fair Warning needs to be way higher!!

[@drew.reviews]

Agreed. I spin it on vinyl all the time.

[@shawnstreeter236]

As a huge VH fan, I cannot put a single Hagar album in front of DLR. Van Halen = DLR.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Haha…to each his own. I guess it all has to do with when you first got into the band. I got into them during the Hagar era so I very much like him. I also grew up with David Lee Roth as a solo artist before finding out he was part of VH. But all that just means I like both guys in and out of VH.

[@shawnstreeter236]

@@BrendonSnyder Ya I totally get it. When they burst onto the scene I was a bit too young but caught up after the release of 1984. One of those tapes that I played so much I wore out the track listing on each side of the cassette. Anyway, I liked 5150 but after that I kind of lost track of the band. Anyway, keep up the great work. I enjoy the channel.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Your take on the Van Halen discography is well thought out and very unpredictable. Van Halen is my favorite band and I always love to hear what other fans think. This was a great presentation and I enjoyed it very much. Thank you and take care.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Melinda, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for the kind words! I too enjoy seeing how we each hear things differently and how one person’s favorite can be another’s worst. While I love VH’s big albums and their hits my go to album is Diver Down. It’s the first album I got on cassette from my older brother. So it also has lots of good mementoes attached to it. Things like that will always influence each of us and out sections. Have you done any ranking videos on your channel?

[@ericmiller5603]

@@BrendonSnyder As much as I love the first four albums, my go to is also “Diver Down.” I could never get into the Hagar material, though I appreciate Sammy very much.

[@stevendoherty5377]

Brendon u made me want to play all my van halen cds collection amazing band 👍

[@jc-mt8ot]

Keep them coming. Good stuff. You have really got me back into CDs.....and mostly revisting music that i missed or dismissed at the time. Todays fun find/revisit was Long Cold Winter (Cinderella). What an album! (although i streamed it while doing yardwork.). I gotta find that one on CD for my collection. I moved from that to an old favorite .....Slave to the Grind.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi JC! I’m glad to hear the channel is encouraging your to revisit different albums that were originally overlooked. Cinderella Long Cold Winter is a fantastic album for sure! And you can’t beat Skid Row! Enjoy!

[@42yearoldboy5]

Interesting ranking and I knew it would be! Your the man!!!!!!😊👍

[@calebytes]

I just ordered the Van Halen CD box set and can't wait for it to be delivered earlier. No related to this video though. Want to put a word of thanks for "re-introducing" me back to physical CDs, and the box set series. (1) I have been listening to pioneering British bands recently; i.e. Deep Purple, Iron Maiden & Judas Priest. They started making music even before I was born. I didn't pay attention to them as I am more an American rock music person before following your videos; and (2) I now own 3 box sets, i.e. Metallica; Deep Purple & Judas Priest! Thanks man! You ROCK!!!

[@JCStorm76]

Now you just need the Black Sabbath one

[@calebytes]

@@JCStorm76 Yes! The next one has to be the Black Sabbath set!!!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Caleb! Glad to be of service and helped to reignite your passions for physical media. There are lots of great British bands to be explored. If you like Deep Purple don’t forget about Whitesanke! Lots of really cool deluxe edition Boxsets from that band currently.

[@JCStorm76]

@@calebytes Uriah Heep is another one. Very underrated.

[@calebytes]

I have gotten my Black Sabbath box set and I have been listening to them. I am surprised by the fact that grunge music (i.e. Soundgarden; Pearl Jam and Nirvana, etc) uncannily sounded like Black Sabbath. I had always read that their influence was part Black Sabbath, but I didn't check it out back then. Strange that the music that I loved dearly, grunge, was not quite original. (Laughs)

[@kevinthonen8107]

Pretty solid on you ranking over all but for me personally I have Fair Warning and Women and Children First at 1 & 2. Keep the rankings coming.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Kevin! That’s been one of the most interesting things I’ve seen in the comments. So many people have those same two albums very high and or in the top spots. It’s making me look at those albums in a new light.

[@raymo6795]

…. My margins are slim in my rankings…I like all of the original line up almost evenly

[@neverleftthe80s29]

I would also like to add to the comments Brendon that you should consider doing a top 10 songs for each of these bands, once you have completed your album rankings for all the bands. Michael Anthony is the secret sauce for Van Halen, something that Sammy realised very quickly and used it to elevate their music. I have so much respect for him.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’ll consider the doing the song ranking but not sure how I’ll set it up. I’ll have to put some thought into it.

[@fvg6421]

Well done Brendon! Enjoyed your perspective on VH studio albums. I was 13 when VH1 came out - a magical time in R&R. Saw the last 3 DLR tours (in the 80s). The Dave and Sammy eras was 👍 from a hind sight perspective. I favor the David era - but admire the Sammy years. I consider it a maturing process that successful band endure. In the end, all VH are classic and continue to be in my listening rotation. Idea: continue the VH reviews by looking at the compilation and live albums - they’re oodles of interesting stuff there! Cheers now and continue to do the brilliant work!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Depending on how well this videos does, I’ll definitely consider exploring more videos around the band. Maybe a comparison of solo albums and side projects from the different frontmen. Or comparison of the two VH Live albums. I’ll have to give it some thought.

[@raymo6795]

...that is pretty much my view as well.I love all the VH albums, but there are some I love more, but the first 2 are special. We had not heard anything like this at that time.VH is legend.There will never be another band with their impact...most will single out Eddie, but he is only a part of the machine. They were great, we grew up in a good time for quality hard rock.

[@darrendcunha4667]

Great ranking Brendon. Your top 2 is exactly the same as mine, although sometimes I have them the other way round. I would also have 'Van Halen 3' in last place. Gary Cherone's vocals on this were powerful and excellent. It takes the last place for me , not because its poor but because I feel the material needed to be stronger. I still enjoy the album and I wish we could have had another album with Gary with better songs. Fire in the Hole would be one of my picks for this album.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I agree that VH3 is still a good album but it’s not as strong as the rest of the VH catalogue. But place it next to another artist’s catalogue and it might be at the top!

[@recordrabbit]

5150 on cassette was the first one I owned. Great album to play in the summer.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Utterly fantastic album…I still remember when I first got it walking around with my Walkman and listening to it over and over.

[@jaredl.8465]

Only time I saw VH was on the 5150 tour. Big Sammy fan and he was a great fit for the band. Too bad they couldn't keep it together after 'Balance.' Sammy's book (which I see behind you) tells why it all happened and I do believe his account. Your album ranking is spot on.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Sammy’s book was a surprisingly interesting insightful read not only on VH but also Sammy’s business dealings and how he made his fortunate beyond being a successful musician.

[@Davy.J.Y]

For me, the debut album is the best. Great band with a lot of talent ! Great Van Halen ranking video !

[@BrendonSnyder]

Super amazing mucho talent! There will never be another Van Halen!

[@briankessler3501]

Really like Fair Warning (their best of DLR era, imo) but think VH is best with Sammy Hagar fronting them, albeit sounds like a different band. These album ranking posts are cool to see also, Brendon as like to read the comment section afterwards. Thanks for the hard work you put in also. 💯

[@thomaswery3087]

great ranking Brendon.Saw them in 1979 great show.The only thing I would say about Van Halen 111 is personally think Gary didn't have much to work with as far as the songs go.I also love Diver Down love the cover of Pretty Woman.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I agree with you! For what the album is Gary did an excellent job. He was even better live in concert (better quality songs to work with). A few minor edits to VH III and it could have been much stronger. Omit the songs New World and How Many Say I. Remix the album to be more punchy and edit the running times on a couple of the longer songs like Without You that goes on too long. But that’s just my take.

[@odysseyb1ue]

Interesting and great take on their rankings, I largely agree apart from 'Woman and Children first' would be much higher one my list. Incidentally I have only ever owned the vinyl version of 'OU812', (plus Spotify version now) where the awesome 'Sucker in a 3 piece' is the last track, so never heard 'A Apolitical blues' previously, which on now reading is a bonus track for CD.

[@toddgregory897]

1-Fair Warning. 2-Van Halen. 3-1984. 4-VH ll 5-Different Kind of Truth. 6-Women and Children First. 7-Diver Down. 8-5150. 9-For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. 10-VH lll. 11-OU812. 12-Balance. VH will always be my favorite band. Obviously I strongly favor the Diamond albums but I really do love every album … except Balance. Thanks for your ranking.

[@cristianosorio2517]

Hi Brendon!! I discover VH back in 1984, so i was not a big shock to see them with Sammy, which i like also very much when he was leading the band..... unfortunately we never had the chance to see them live ($$) here....had tickets to see The Circle in early 2020, but you know what happened later!!! cheers and be well

[@BrendonSnyder]

I saw Van Halen on the Balance tour. Would have liked to see them with Roth but was not interested in the reunion tour based on reviews and the sound of Roth’s vocals especially once I heard the live album. Still I think the reunion album A Different Kind Of Truth is a great album.

[@domielakrabi3276]

Nice ranking. Thank you! As expected - VH III is on the bottom end. I purchased this album only some years ago and it has some really strong songs. I would say, it is more of an Eddie VH solo album than a VH album. Few "hits", longer songs, Eddie has played lot of bass parts and sang on one song. My No. 1 is definitely the debut!!! An absolute classic! Followed by Fair Warning and 5150. Not a big fan of OU812 and Diver Down (too much covers, the originals are o.k.).

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m with you and would say that’s exactly why VH3 is of a lesser quality. Eddie took full control and was allowed to do what he wanted which made it more of a solo album. Without really having a band environment, the give and take and compromise, the material didn’t develop as much as it could have like on other albums.

[@richards3862]

Mine is 1st 5150 all classics. 2nd fair warning. 3rd van Halen 2. Keep em coming those are mine

[@BrendonSnyder]

I too am a big fan of 5150, that was my second Van Halen album purchased after 1984.

[@jefferysteen1041]

Totally agree with your top 5!However I would rank A different kind of Truth at no.6!That was a really good comeback album!

[@JCStorm76]

I agree. I’d swap it with Diver Down

[@BrendonSnyder]

It was a great comeback album for sure. Id have ranked it higher except for Roth’s vocals. While white good for the album are a shadow of what they used to be.

[@markbunton9919]

Great vid. I’m a big fan of all eras of the band. Too bad that they left such a gap between III and A Different Kind of Truth. The world lost out on many potential albums of new material. Hoping that Wolf and Alex dig into the 5150 archives and put out some of the unreleased tracks

[@AndI0td763]

I wonder how much unreleased material they’re sitting on. A lot of times with these legacy bands/artists you later find out they have a ton of stuff locked away in some vault somewhere.

[@denisespainhower2153]

Cool list. Here’s mine: 1 Fair Warning 2 Van Halen debut 3 Women and Children First 4 1984 5 5150 6 2 7 Balance 8 A Different Kind Of Truth 9 For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 10 Diver Down 11 OU812 12 3

[@jockmctodger]

Interesting ranking, my favourite is Fair Warning, but that will probably change again lol

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Remember back in 78 being a Kiss/Rush fan and being upstairs while my brother was downstairs in his room and heard blasting through his speakers a guitar sound that blew Jimi and Page off the map. I ran downstairs and he said “get out what the f***k do you want?” I said who is that?? He said Eruption by a new band called Van Halen. “Now get out!” Didn’t care about him being an ass cause I just went upstairs and was blown away by the “new” guitar GOD!!!!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Haha…that’s a great story! And cool how experiences like those happen and shape our whole outtake on something.

[@jasonyoung2968]

I would put fair warning a little higher, and diver down a little lower. Otherwise I agree with the majority of your list. My first VH album was also 1984. So even though I like the debut better, I have a sentimental attachment to 1984. Great ranking as always Brendon!

[@BrendonSnyder]

It’s interesting as lots of people have been ranking Fair Warning higher. I’ll have to give it a closer listen with this in mind. For me it’s good but I never really connected with it the way I did others. But I didn’t grow up with the earlier albums. I started at 1984 and 5150.

[@jasonyoung2968]

@@BrendonSnyder yeah. I think it’s the rawness of Fair Warning that attracts a lot of listeners. It has a stripped down sound to it. I’m actually a bigger fan of Sammy as a vocalist and songwriter. Roth has a better stage presence, but his vocals are not great.

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

I would have put it way higher as in #1. Eddie's guitar work is amazing on Fair Warning. His guitar tone is incredible.

[@stevebubar6129]

Excellent ranking! 1984 was it for me! First concert and date too. However much welcomed Hagar era. He really elevated the band.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thank you Steve, I’m glad you enjoyed this episode.

[@stevekosak8624]

Cool Video! mine goes 1 Fair warning 2 van halen 3 woman and children first 4 Van halen 2 5 1984 6 diver down I'll keep my sammy opinions to myself ... again cool Video enjoyed!!

[@captainbeyond7469]

Hey Brendon really enjoying these ranking episodes. Speaking of VH are you familiar with a band called Tokyo Blade? Some serious EVH guitar stylings.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I know Tokyo Blade but don’t hear the EVH reference. I’ll have to listen again. Speaking of NWOBHM bands and relating them to big 80’s Rock bands, do you know Heavy Pettin’? Their 2nd album Rock Ain’t Dead is spot on Def Leppard circa 1983-1987. Check them out if you’ve never listened.

[@captainbeyond7469]

@@BrendonSnyder Will do sounds like right in my Wheelhouse. Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers my friend!!

[@bengalgangster]

@@captainbeyond7469 had to comment to you. there is a commentor on this video , called mel prophet. i ran across him on sot and asked " is that a wise guys reference?"he was kinda blown away that i knew that. remember you turned me on to that show. lol.small world sometimes

[@captainbeyond7469]

@@bengalgangster I do remember even the internet can seem like a small world sometimes. lol

[@MarcDurain]

Hi Brendon ! I really enjoy these ranking videos ! Sometimes you separate "your favorite album" and "the best album in your opinion", like "Fly on the wall" / "Back in black" or "Powerslave" VS "Fear of the dark". In which category do you put the ranking videos you did this week : personal favorites or objectively bests ? Have a nice day !

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Marc! Yeah I guess I’ve done that before. I’ll try and remember and do it more since you enjoy it. As for this one, my favorite VH album is Diver Down. It was the first cassette my older brother gave me. Plus I also like albums that have the lesser known material of the ones that don’t have the big overplayed hits. But I still love the hits and can’t deny the other albums like VH1 and 1984. I remember when I first listened to those albums and being blown away. 1984 was the first album of their’s that I bought followed by 5150. So these all hold a special place in my heart. But my go to album is Diver Down.

[@MarcDurain]

@@BrendonSnyder So I think your ranking videos could be more interesting if you'd give your "really personal" choice, especially if it is "non obvious" , like in this case "Diver Down" at number one. To me at least, this difference between "favorite" and "best" can be a little bit confusing. But anyway, keep going ! It's great to have new material every day ! I hope this is not too much work.

[@RobNY5150]

Great video. The only two albums I don’t own are VH3 and A Different Kind of Truth. I find VH3 almost unlistenable and A Different Kind of Truth is just ok but maybe I’ll eventually pick it up used on eBay.

[@chadhickes8563]

Great list. Interesting rankings. I have: 12) VH III 11) ADKOT 10) OU812 9) Fair Warning 8) WACF 7) VH II 6) Diver Down 5) 5150 4) Balance 3) 1984 2) F.U.C.K. 1) VH / Van Halen’s debut album saved rock n roll and help started the hair band era. To me Van Halen never had a bad album. VH 3 had a few good songs in Without You, Josephina (one of the best songs done by VH), Fire in the Hole and Once. That album was ok. I always hated when Sammy left the band because their four studio albums were amazing. Sammy who is a phenomenal singer helped keep VH relevant. the band plus Eddie evolved as musicians. Dave was historic with Van Halen in their first 6 albums but I’ve never seen an artists career tumble like his. ADKOT was very good but still lacked any great flow due to his well documented voice constraints. He was the ultimate frontman back during his first time as the lead singer of Van Halen. Historic! But the live Tokyo Dome album and their very last concert in 2015 was atrocious! The bands playing was fantastic and tight however Dave’s voice is so bad that I can’t even listen to it. Tokyo Dome is the worst live album I have ever heard which is so unfortunate because the fans had always wanted a live album with Dave back in the early years. That would have been amazing. Live without a net and Right Here, Right Now are mind blowing. To the point if Van Halen’s manager Ed Leffler never died then we would have had 3-5 more fantastic studio albums with Sammy as he never would have left the band. Eddie was unfortunately battling his demons heavily from 95 to 2009. Eddie is one of my childhood heroes along with Michael Jordan and Dan Marino. Van Halen is the best band ever and Eddie is the GOAT. But you could tell just like a genius he went a little crazy. Michael Anthony being kicked out of the band is telling in itself right there. One of the nicest guys on the planet and Eddie and Alex screwed him over. Eddie’s music and his influence on the music world will live on forever. EVH RIP

[@montanahalesbass]

I’m not a big fan of the Van Hagar albums even though there’s like 4 or 5 songs I like with Sammy. I love classic Van Halen with Diamond Dave. Here’s my ranking: 1. Van Halen (debut) (it’s my favorite album of all time) 2. Van Halen II 3. Women and Children First 4. Fair Warning 5. Diver Down 6. 1984 7. A Different Kind Of Truth 8. 5150 (I’d say it’s my favorite album with Sammy. I don’t hate but I understand that it has its fans out there ) 9. F.U.CK. 10. OU812 11. Balance 12. Van Halen III

[@SpaceAce2022]

Great ranking! Although VH3 is not a good album except Without You, the tour was incredible. Gary could sing both Roth and Hagar and the set list from this tour was one of my favorites. My Top 3: 1. Van Halen 1 2. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 3. A Different Kind of Truth ADKOT doesn’t get the love as the others in the VH catalog, and I think it’s because of nostalgia (album is too new and fans gravitate to what they grew up with) and no Mikie. I love all of VH’s albums, especially the initial 6 pack, but ADKOT is stellar. 🤘. Eddie has some of his best guitar playing on this album.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I agree that VH3 is a good album and Gary does a great job. But in comparison to the rest of the catalogue it falls short. And you’re right that A Different Kind Of Truth doesn’t get enough love. I couldn’t believe how the album was over looked when released. I thought it should have been huge. But same thing as VH3, it’s a good album but when compared to the rest it’s not as good mostly due to Roth’s aged vocals IMO.

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

Fair warning #9? You have to be kidding. I would put that at #1. I think Eddie's guitar work is the best on this album. His guitar tone is amazing.

[@trevorbullock9777]

Except for VH3, perfect catalogue! Every albums great! 1) Van Halen II 2) Fair Warning 3) Woman and Children First 4) Van Halen 5) Diver Down 6) 1984 7) A Different Kind of Truth 8) 5150 9) Balance 10) F.U.C.K. 11) OU812 12) Van Halen III

[@BrendonSnyder]

I agree…just the one stain from VH3. And the thing is it didn’t have to be. Bad production and Eddie never should have sang.

[@heikoflottmann8895]

Hi Brendon VH is one of my favourite Bands of all time ! I ranked the VH Albums one year ago on another You Tube music channel..... 12. VH III 11. Diver down 10. OU 812 09. A different kind of truth 08. 5150 07. Balance 06. F.U.C.K. 05. 1984 04. Fair Warning 03. VH II 02. VH I 01. Women and children first Have a nice day and greetings from Heiko

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Heiko! So I’m one year’s time, has your ranking chanced at all? I find mine can differ sometimes based on mood and what I’m currently listening to.

[@lucasbeer353]

My top 5 1. 1984 2. Van Halen 3. Diver Down 4. 5150 5. Van Halen II You probably need to relisten to Diver Down although you ranked it pretty high. It's an excellent record, the covers are better than originals, the instrumentals are fantastic. What a great underrated album.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Why would I need to relisten to it since I ranked it high? I also said it’s a great album despite the complaints from fans. Dude I’m in favor of the album. Also why would you think I haven’t been listening to these albums in order to do the ranking? Come on man!

[@lucasbeer353]

@@BrendonSnyder Chill out man I don't want to be preachy. I just always say that when I think the album should be ranked higher. But that's just me. Cheers.

[@BrendonSnyder]

It’s all cool man, but do think about what you’re saying. Sometimes it can be taken the wrong way. You and I often disagree on everything. Just thought it was strange when our top selections were so close yet you were telling me to relisten to an album. But I’m chill. Hope you are too.

[@seanoconnell1786]

Great job!!! Can't wait for a Tesla album ranking in the not too distant future.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thank you! Tesla is on the list and will be coming soon.

[@mansurkhan2764]

My listing of the Van Halen David Lee Roth era, as I grew up with it and just never got into the Sammy Hagar era, despite that I really like some of the songs from that era, but for that I've got a double best of CD, lol 1. Van Halen (I) 2. II 3. Fair Warning 4. 1984 5. Women and Children First 6. Diver Down [which I like to call "Diver Downer"]🤣

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

I’m not a huge Van Halen fan but I think I’ll enjoy this one. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hopefully it’s still interesting even for a casual fan.

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

@@BrendonSnyder yes Sir!!

[@Marvidsen1973]

Minimizing solos on Balance…. Please give Feelin’ an additional listen. In my book it belongs to the bands Top 5 best tracks 🙌🏻🫶🏻🇺🇸🎸

[@hotcinemagarbage]

really the same list I have, except I have Diver Down and Fair Warning switching spots. If you would've asked me in 1984, Women and Children first would've been my favorite!

[@BrendonSnyder]

If you asked me when I was younger I would have had 1984 in the top spot or 5150. But living with the catalogue has let it all grow on me to be this ranking.

[@trevorbullock292]

1) Van Halen II 2) Fair Warning 3) Van Halen 4) Diver Down 5) Women and Children First 6) 1984 7) A Different Kind of Truth 8) 5150 9) Balance 10) OU812 11) FUCK 12) Van Halen III

[@larsbonnet17]

Nice! I’d put WACF 1st and maybe FUCK 8th, but I agree otherwise. I don’t really like the Hagar albums or III at all.

[@JustFaithless]

Wasp album ranking next???

[@BrendonSnyder]

No…generally I have to be listening to the albums and “in the mood” to do the review properly. But it is on my list and I will do one for WASP. And if it’s not from you, I have been getting requests from others as well.

[@erickenyon4457]

Balance is a great album, but always ranks low…personally I rank higher.. keep the videos coming 😁

[@melprophet1936]

Fair Warning is my favorite VH album, followed by VH II...I like all the Roth era albums but those are the two standouts for me. With Hagar, I wasn't able to get into them much and I can't explain exactly why. I like some of Sammy's solo work, but I guess he just never clicked with me with VH.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Another one with Fair Warning at the top! It’s cool to see the differences in how each of us hear things.

[@melprophet1936]

@@BrendonSnyder It is cool, and interesting to see the differences. Fair Warning is one of those albums that, when it came out, wasn't as well received compared to the debut and II but it has gained in popularity over the years I think.

[@bengalgangster]

@@melprophet1936 hey wise guy lol, for along time fair warning was my fav, the 1st 5 songs blew me away, but i think the album nosedives on side 2 after unchained. Which i find vh 1 with no flaws at all, and vh 2 close , so fair warning 3rd now. i saw that tour pretty wild. i do like the sammy albums , yes its a different sound , but the talent still there, it just in a bit of a different direction.

[@melprophet1936]

@@bengalgangster I've been using Mel Prophet online for about 15 years and you're I think only the fourth person to ever get that connection to Wiseguy. LOL. --- VH 1 is great of course, but for me VH II holds more memories and I like it a bit more. -- I was a big fan of Sammy when he did Standing Hampton and one other solo so I was excited when he joined VH...just never liked it though. Go figure.

[@Metalcomedienne]

I have a list of Van Halen albums to buy on vinyl including the Hager era.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Do you know which you’re going to start with first? Personally I’d recommend 5150 of the Hagar Era.

[@Metalcomedienne]

@@BrendonSnyder From the first VH album to the final album Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.

[@mansurkhan2764]

Brendon, I couldn't agree more with you on the 1st album, a timeless classic, but I'm surprised that Diver Down, which I like to call "Diver Downer",🤣 beat Women and Children First 😉

[@j.j.guerrieri8121]

The Hagar albums badly need to be remastered.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes they sure do!

[@timholt9948]

First album is my favorite

[@BrendonSnyder]

My favorite Roth era album is actually Diver Down.

[@timholt9948]

@@BrendonSnyder alot of vanhalen fans I know hate diver down one reason I didn't buy it so I can't judge it

[@raymo6795]

My order is best to worse: VH1,VH2,Fair Warning, 1984,Women and Children First,Diver Down, 5150....then they start sounding the same.. but still good, but a different band than with DLR... I liked VH3, but , again, a different sound but still alright.I listened to the Wolfgang stuff out of loyalty, but the magic had been long gone. I am , however rooting for Wolfgang's solo career.... which sounds nothing like VH, but I will keep an opened mind....Still sad about Eddie's passing, there will never be another like EVH..RIP Eddie

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m hoping the same for Wolfgang. I just wish he had made a name on his own without having been in VH. Still as I mentioned he was the one who got his dad recording again. Wolfgang will probably be the one who manages his dad’s archive and because of him we will get to hear some great stuff down the road.

[@Kinnakeeter]

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is my favorite Van Halen album. That was when I really became a fan. Actually the album was originally going to be called F*CK, but the label wouldn't let them use that title so the band decided to spell it all out. 😉😅🤣😂

[@luizagape2388]

David Lee Roth ✌

[@jonathonm2562]

Fair warning is probably my favourite, but each to their own

[@bengalgangster]

fair warning was for me for a long time, but i like the consistency oh vh 1.Side 2 of fair warning i find a little weak, tho side 1 is masterful.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Throughout the comments I’ve seen lots of love for Fair Warning. So I’ll definitely be revisiting it with new ears.

[@edvigil3440]

I preferred VH with DLR over Sammy Hagar but when it came to their solo stuff I like Sammy over DLR. If that makes any sense.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Oh yes that makes sense. Im a fan of both in VH and as solo artists. Probably actually liking Roth era solo better. Only because Sammy has changed his sound so many times over the years.

[@martinbgelundarvidsen6261]

Balance should be placed higher on the list. Perhaps a bit darker but it rocks hard. Feelin’ alone makes it a Top 5 in my book 🙌🏻🎸

[@BrendonSnyder]

It comes down to VH having too many good albums to fit them all in the Top 5.

[@bengalgangster]

van halen 1 for sure. im not real big on 1984 and am big on fair warning, . for unlawful carnel knowledge is my favorite sammy album. van halen 3 last for sure , tho it has grown on me over time, but i am a big extreme fan tho, so that might factor in

[@BrendonSnyder]

Lots of people are in agreement with you on Fair Warning. Interesting to see all the love for it. It’s causing me to re-evaluate it.

[@bengalgangster]

@@BrendonSnyder i think 1st 5 songs on fair warning are all great but the album , i think, after that does take a nose dive.

[@raffyvalky4527]

A Apolitical blues was a bonus track and wasn't even on the original cassette. That was a rejected song. I also think that 1 SONG (especially at the end of an album, easily skippable) should not make the entire album fall down a few places.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

5150 is their finest album, then Van Halen, F.U.C.K, Van Halen II & then OU812 & 1984. 1984 is a little overrated to me, love Panama and Hot For Teacher, but front to back it is not as solid as I used to think. I cannot put A Different Kind Of Truth in front of Balance Brendon. DLR did Van Halen a service by leaving in 85. As Eddie said back then, he did not want to be world's biggest cover band, but for me 5150 has so much energy. Thanks as always Brendon, cheers.

[@gourabshow3993]

👍

[@Kinnakeeter]

RIP Eddie Van Halen. Another legendary icon gone way too soon

[@michaelperillo6616]

I know David left the band in 84 after the album 1984 was it because of the music direction the band put the 1984 album. VH got a lot mixed reviews about the album 1984 do to the music styles like the song (JUMP)

[@BrendonSnyder]

I know there have been a lot of different accounts. But I think it had to do with Roth’s ego and I know he liked doing covers. He released his ep Crazy From The Heat and had big success with California Girls and Just A Gigalo. So I think he thought he could go out and be just as successful as a solo artists without the band. For a short time and with Steve Vai in the band he was able to do just that. But as music styles changed, Roth did not and I think that hurt him as he eventually fell out of favor with music audiences.

[@michaelperillo6616]

I am not a big fan of Roth's solo career.

[@michaelperillo6616]

I love VH no matter who signs but,I think in terms of singing Sammy Hagar is just a little better but,David had a better stage presents. I got got into VH with Sammy Hagar then went back to David albums. They both have a different way of presenting a subject.

[@BrendonSnyder]

They’re almost two completely different bands between Roth and Hagar. Initially I found it hard to rank the albums due to the differences when they changed singers.

[@thaoandtony]

I remember the day why can’t this be love came out - it was shocking cause so radically different from the Roth era. I like everything Van Halen , period. I love fair warning while at same time the song 5150 is an explosion of happiness . All of it is good but VH iii was simply an anomaly to me

[@BrendonSnyder]

I think many would agree with you.

[@WallyBoots]

I knew this list was going to be good when you started off with Van Halen III

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’ve yet to see anyone put VH III higher than last place. But their must be that person out there who loves that album! Haha. It’s not a bad album but in comparison to the rest of the VH catalogue, it’s at the bottom.

[@kitoyobeni1]

For me, the first 4 albums are locked together as installments of one huge album, with any of them #1 on any given day. Diver Down would be a bonus disc of sorts (covers and some new tracks), slotting at #5. 1984 is 6, 5150 is 7, ADKOT 8, F.U.C.K. 9, OU812 10, Balance 11, and 3 last at 12. I like em all, but prefer the classic Roth era obviously. I had high hopes for Cherone, but that album is a confusing mess. Eddie really got strange with his songwriting.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I would agree other that as so many of those songs are from their club days just spread out over the releases. This particular ranking was a much harder one for me. With the exception of knowing VH III would be last, the others are all great in my book. I had to work really hard to find fault as to why one would out rank another. But it was a fun exercise.

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@BrendonSnyder They also were fairly consistent in sound and production on the first 5, as well as the songwriting. 1984 started a shift, which really took effect in the Hagar era. Have seen them 3 times with Hagar and twice since ADKOT, enjoy them both. The rankings aren't wide in spread other than VH3.

[@joepepitone2391]

Women and children first should rank much higher,and it should definitely rank higher than diver down.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Haha…we all have our favorites don’t we!

[@qdaveq6597]

1. II 2. Fair Warning 3. I 4. Diver Down 5. 1984 6. 5150 7. OU812 8. Women & Children

[@alessandrozannettino918]

my van halen album ranked: 1 - van halen 2 - 1984 3 - 5150 4 - ou812 5 - balance 6 - for unlawful carnal knowledge 7 - diver down 8 - van halen 2 9 - women and children first 10 - fair warning

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

I strongly disagree with your rankings, however, I can appreciate your rankings because, there are just so many layers to Van Halen that allow for so many different views of the band. Some people like DLR, some people like Sammy, some people like the songs that were radio/billboard popular like Jump or Right Now or Dance The Night Away, others like the band for their heavier rock tracks like Mean Streets and Light Up the Sky and Hang Em High. I myself am more of the latter, preferring the faster, heavier tunes, but, also an oddball in that due to my age, I didn't really get into Van Halen until the F.U.C.K. album, but eventually preferring the DLR albums. I was lucky enough to see Van Halen live 7 times, and while my journey started with Sam, I didn't really love his time in the band, and I much prefer him as a solo artist. For awhile I blamed Sam for the more pop sound of things like Dreams and When It's Love and Right now...but I've heard in interviews that a lot of the more poppy sound was actually Ed's doing. I don't hate any album, but for me, OU812 is way down the list next to VH III, and albums like WACF and Fair Warning are much higher. My list would probably start with VH I, WACF, Fair Warning, 5150, and then VH II or Diver Down.

[@BrendonSnyder]

To each his own. I love both the Roth and Hagar eras of the band. And yes it was Eddie who was into the pop songs like Jump, Why Can’t This Be Love, Right Now.

[@matthewg666]

12. III 11. A Different Kind Of Truth 10. Balance 09. OU812 08. Diver Down 07. Fair Warning 06. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 05. I 04. 5150 03. 1984 02. II 01. Women And Children First

[@BrendonSnyder]

Good list!

[@AdamLB]

We all know that van halen 3 is their best lol

[@BrendonSnyder]

That’s why I start with it 😉

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

Van Halen 0 ( Zero ) - The Gene Simmons produced Demo was Obviously their Best. It was All Downhill From There Adam....lol.... but Your Right VH 3 is Hard to beat...lol...

[@kevinbrown1893]

1. Van Halen 1 2. Fair Warning 3. Women and Children First 4. 1984 5. Van Halen II 6. Diver Down 7. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 8. A Different Kind of Truth 9. 5150 10. Balance 11. OU812 12. Van Halen 3

[@BrendonSnyder]

Good list! 👍

[@user-el6ds6il8m]

12 - Van Halen 3 11 - F.U.C.K. 10 - OU812 09 - Balance 08 - A Different Kind Of Truth 07 - Diver Down 06 - Fair Warning 05 - Women And Children First 04 - 5150 03 - 1984 02 - Van Halen 2 01 - Van Halen 1

[@Gladijajator]

Can you led Zepelin?

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes they’re on my list for one of these as well.

[@GLHS592]

My list from best to worst: Van Halen Van Halen 2 Fair Warning 1984 For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Women and Children First A Different Kind of Truth Diver Down Balance 5150 OU812 Van Halen 3 Ask me next week and the order might be different. The quality of the first 4 is very close and it's hard to rank them. The first four are in a league of their own. I've never understood why people think 5150 and OU812 are so great. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is WAY better and is almost comparable to 1984 with the number of hits. Balance is the Sammy era version of Fair Warning. The guitar is great on that album. OU812 is barely better than Van Halen 3. I rarely listen to those two. I love the first 8 on my list. I really like Balance. I like 5150. I can take OU812 or leave it and Van Halen 3 should have never been recorded. 1984 gets a bad rap because of Jump (I never have to hear Jump again), but Panama and the whole side 2 are as good as anything VH ever recorded. The funny thing is I've seen them with all 3 singers (Right Here, Right Now, Van Halen 3, and A Different Kind of Truth) and I enjoyed the Cherone version most. Gary could sing all three eras well. He's a weird dude and the album stunk, but he was great in concert.

[@ArtGuglielmo]

Great list…. BTW back in the day Apolitical Blues was a bonus track, it wasn’t on the first runs of OU812, it was a B-side, to I believe Black and Blue (Could be wrong on the single)

[@BrendonSnyder]

Oh that’s interesting! I wish they left it as a bonus track and labeled it as such so I wouldn’t attribute so much weight to it. I wonder now if it was on the cassette edition I had as a kid or not. But it’s on the CD and it’s bugged me for the last 30 years…haha!

[@qdaveq6597]

@@BrendonSnyder Yes, that track's not on the vinyl release. At least it's the last track, so easy to skip!

[@ArtGuglielmo]

@@BrendonSnyder yeah, it was on the CD, but not the album or cassette. That was right around when CD’s were starting to become more mainstream, but the albums and cassettes were the versions most people were getting

[@matsetizar65]

VH was a weird one for me back in the day where i got albums based on the cover. Always expected them to be a hard rock band, like really heavy but when i got women & children (rockin cover) i got thrown off. Some songs from them you just cant escape during the radio days and I consider myself an arms length fan. Only have 3 albums, balance, OU812 and fuck and loved them all once i get the type of band they are. Need to give a dlr album a chance. Once gave the debut a listen and just can’t get into it despite its classic status.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Then you should at least own the 4 Sammy Hagar albums: 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, & Balance. Maybe Roth ans his antics just aren’t for you.

[@topographic1973ify]

I liked Fair Warning because it sounded a little more raw. I lost interest over time because I thought they were deteriorating over time. I think I felt the breakup coming. I didn't mind Hagar with them even though his vocal approach is radically different than Roth. At least his voice has has held up well, I think Roth is pretty sad these days. It's too bad those brothers liked badmouthing everyone who left the band and even Wolfgang ended up quitting at one point. I'll agree with #1 but it seems weird nothing ever came up to it.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’ve seen several comments yo that effect about Fair Warning. For me the album never connected, but it’s interesting to see all the love for it and how we all hear things differently.

[@utvf68]

1. Van Halen 2. 1984 3. Women and Children First 4. VH II 5. Fair Warning 6. 5150 7. Balance 8. F.U.C.K 9. A Different Kind of Truth 10. OU812 11. VH III

[@duh50360]

1. VHI 2. VHII 3. 5150 4. 1984 5. Fair Warning 6. Women And Children First 7. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 8. ADKOT 9.Balance 10. Diver Down 11. OU812 12. VH III

[@michaelsitton6459]

Wolfgang?!?

[@BrendonSnyder]

Please write a full sentence so that I know what you’re asking.

[@michaelsitton6459]

@@BrendonSnyder The word Wolfgang actually makes sense.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Actually nothing you say makes sense.

[@michaelsitton6459]

@@BrendonSnyder I make sense. You don't have a clue.

[@mcarlkv53]

12. 111 11. Balance 10.differs kind of truth 9.for unlawful knowledge 8. Ou812 7.diver down 6.5150 5.1984 4.van Halen 1 3.Van Halen 11 2.women children first 1.fair warning

[@BrendonSnyder]

Great to see lots of love for Fair Warning.

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

1- Women & Children First 2 - Van Halen S/T 3 - Fair Warning 4 - VH 2 5 - 1984 Are there Any More???? lol..... Diver Down = ( EP )

[@patavium7646]

Ahaha, same to me. No Diamond Dave, no VH! But Sammy is a good singer anyway.

[@bengalgangster]

i agree with you sorta................... lol

[@davidcottone2700]

12 diver down 11 van Halen 3 10 ou812 9 different kind of truth 8 5150 7 1984 6 balance 5 for unlawful carnal knowledge 4 fair warning 3 van Halen 2 2 women and children first 1 van Halen

[@BrendonSnyder]

Wow Diver Down is lower than VH3? You’re the only person so far to not have VH3 in last place. Kudos to you!

[@davidcottone2700]

@@BrendonSnyder I tried with diver down the problem I had was those covers were bad with exception of where have all the good times gone

[@MichaelCharles2011]

My top 12 1. F.U.C.K. 2. Van Halen 3. 5150 4. Van Halen 2 5. Balance 6. Fair Warning 7. 1984 8. OU812 9. Women and Children First 10. Diver Down 11. A Different Kind Of Truth 12. Van Halen 3

[@chivesarchives]

1. Fair Warning 2. Van Halen 3. Van Halen II 4. Women & Children First 5. 1984 6. Different Kind Of Truth 7.5150 8. Balance 9. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 10 Diver Down 11 OU812 12 Van Halen III Roth's Eat Em & Smile is better than any Sammy era release IMO..Seen the tour for that album at the garden, incredible show. I like the Sammy era but none of it compares to the Roth era. Edit: I didn't realize that I originally posted my ranking onto other sub's comment so I deleted that one & reposted here.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I love Roth’s solo albums and the first 2 are quite good. Especially the lead singles from each album like Yankee Rose and Just Like Paradise. Those to me hold up to any of the Roth era VH material. But the rest of the songs on those albums just aren’t on par with VH no matter who is signing. Eddie Van Halen’s playing is a world unto itself even in post Roth years. But I’m also a fan of the Sammy Hagar era so of course this is just my opinion.

[@chivesarchives]

@@BrendonSnyder maybe a cheap trick ranking sometime in the future? 🤞

[@cezarmaatubang8236]

1. Van Halen 2. Fair Warning 3. Women And Children First 4. Van Halen II ]5. 1984 6. A Different Kind Of Truth 7. Diver Down 8. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 9. 5150 10. 0U812 11. Balance 12. Van Halen III

[@bengalgangster]

my ranking would be very close to yours. Im not as huge on 1984 as most people are.I also agree with f***being the highest sammy album.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I can see you’re a Roth fan over Hagar…haha

[@cezarmaatubang8236]

@@BrendonSnyder Definitely .I like Sammy's solo work and the other projects (Montrose,Chickenfoot,The Circle,HSAS) more than his VH stuff

[@nimzyzamzam431]

You lost me at Fair Warning.

[@BrendonSnyder]

That’s how I roll 👍

[@rolltide9547]

Just proves DLR beats Sammy.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Why does one have to beat the other? Can’t we like them both?

[@jmgmarcus808]

Fair Warning way too low..

[@barbaracona4963]

Fair warning I turn you off!

[@BrendonSnyder]

😂

[@the_motherfucker]

1. Balance 2. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 3. 5150 4. OU812 5. 1984 6. A Different Kind of Truth 7. Fair Warning 8. Van Halen 3 9. Women and Children First 10. Van Halen 2 11. Van Halen 1 12. Diver Down

[@BrendonSnyder]

Wow, bold statement placing Balance as number one. 👍

[@jake6887]

1: 5150 2: Van Halen 3: Fair Warning 4: F. U. C. K. 5: 1984 6: Balance 7: II 8: Women and children First 9: OU812 10: Diver Down 11: A Different Kind of Truth 12: III

[@bengalgangster]

wow low for van halen 2

[@BrendonSnyder]

Interesting list. I’ve yet to see anyone put VH III higher than last place. Spots one through eleven is a diff entry story. We all have our favorite.

[@dimebag6384]

The best 6 are the first 6 after that who cares!¡???

[@BrendonSnyder]

This guy and a whole bunch of others!

[@dimebag6384]

@@BrendonSnyder sorry but van hagar is not van halen you should rate van hagar separate because van hagar suck and van halen rule

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m sorry you’re sorry 😂😂😂

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

For the Record..Sammy is A better "All Around Musician". better singer & Guitarist. But No Dave, No VH for me.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Van Hagar all the way!!! Haha

[@phrankzinatra]

The DLR years are my favorite, but I also like the Hagar years, even though I liked his solo stuff better. Your top three are my top three (and among my top albums of all time), and the rest of VH catalog generally falls in the same order, but I'd probably put "Fair Warning" over "Women and Children First." Of the Sammy years, I think it's a virtual tie between "5150" and "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" (the latter well-produced by Andy Johns).

[@BrendonSnyder]

I agree the production is great on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge but we have to also credit Ted Templeman returning too. Balance could have been so much better if some editing had taken place.