The 20 Greatest Van Halen Songs

Van Halen redefined rock with electrifying guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and anthems that still ignite crowds today. From blistering solos to unforgettable choruses, their music remains a staple of classic rock playlists. Their influence spans generations, proving that great rock never fades.

With Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking technique and the band’s ever-evolving sound, they delivered some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Whether it was the raw energy of their early years or the polished hits of later albums, each era brought something unforgettable. Their catalog is packed with tracks that still demand to be played loud.

Some songs made history with their technical brilliance, while others became instant sing-along classics. No matter the style, Van Halen had a way of turning every track into a rock ‘n’ roll masterpiece. Here are the 20 greatest Van Halen songs that continue to define their legacy.

1. “You Really Got Me” (1978)

Van Halen’s version of The Kinks’ classic, released on their debut album in 1978, catapulted them to fame. Eddie Van Halen’s distinctive guitar work infused the song with his unique personal touch, setting the stage for his groundbreaking contributions to rock music.

The song was a popular radio hit and helped jump-start the band’s career. Eddie considered it an “updated” version of the original, featuring his own “histrionic” guitar playing and David Lee Roth’s “vocal shenanigans”. It is often played on the radio with “Eruption”, the instrumental that precedes it on the album, as an intro.

Eric Carr of KISS included Van Halen’s cover of “You Really Got Me” in his audition tape, which led to him becoming the band’s new drummer. Van Halen gave so much life to pre-existing songs and gave songs with potential exactly what they needed to be the best they could be.

2. “Eruption” (1978)

“Eruption,” an instrumental guitar solo by Eddie, is featured on their self-titled debut album. In just one minute and 42 seconds, the late legendary guitarist changed what a guitar solo could do. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, showcasing Eddie’s innovative tapping technique.

This “Eruption” solo popularized the tapping style of guitar playing, and in doing so revolutionized the sound of rock. The guitarist had been mixing his distinctive solo into the Van Halen live show, but he’d never considered recording it for their album. The placement of “Eruption” on the Van Halen track list, in between future hits “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “You Really Got Me,” would normally be unheard of for a solo instrumental track, but “Eruption” was different.

The song was not even intended to be released. “Eruption” remains one of the most famous guitar solos in history, and has taken on a kind of mythological standing since Van Halen’s death in 2019.

3. “Runnin’ With The Devil” (1978)

Released as the second single from Van Halen, “Runnin’ with the Devil” is considered the song that launched the band into stardom. The lyrics were inspired by the Ohio Players’ 1974 song “Runnin’ from the Devil”. It remains a staple track of classic rock radio and Van Halen’s discography.

Alex Van Halen stated that this song best epitomizes why Eddie was such a genius. The song begins with a collection of car horns sounding. These horns were taken from the band’s own cars mounted in a box and powered by two car batteries, with a foot switch.

VH1 named “Runnin’ with the Devil” the 9th greatest hard rock song of all time. The song also features a four-measure guitar solo after the second and third chorus.

4. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” (1978)

“Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” another track off Van Halen’s debut album, is one of the band’s most enduring classics. Eddie wrote the music as a parody of the punk rock ethos of the late ’70s, using a simple chord structure. Despite not being initially favored by Eddie, the song became a breakthrough hit.

David Lee Roth’s lyrics are written from the perspective of a rock star who wants to make sure the groupies he met didn’t get too attached. Roth begins with I heard the news, baby, all about your disease, seeming to reference a sickness of the heart. The song’s fury is enhanced by Eddie’s guitar solo, which features an electric sitar, and the rhythm section of Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen.

The song transformed itself via the fury of the music, including an indelible intro, Eddie’s guitar solo in which he doubled up by playing an electric sitar, and the blistering rhythmic pulse of Michael Anthony on bass and Alex Van Halen on drums. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” with a twist or two, could easily have been another good-time party anthem4. Instead, it showed off a serious, dangerous side of Van Halen that only further proved their hard rock legitimacy.

5. “Dance The Night Away” (1979)

“Dance the Night Away,” the second song from Van Halen II (1979), was Van Halen’s first top 20 hit. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” the song was conceived during the album’s recording sessions. It was possibly the only song written during the recording sessions for the album.

Eddie purposely omitted a guitar solo, opting for a riff of tap harmonics instead. David Lee Roth originally wanted to call the song “Dance, Lolita, Dance,” but Eddie Van Halen convinced him that “Dance the Night Away” was more suitable.

Roth has claimed the song is a tribute to an intoxicated woman he saw evading police. While the rest of the songs from this album had existed in various forms since their days doing demos and playing clubs, this song was possibly the only song written during the recording sessions for the album.

6. “And The Cradle Will Rock…” (1980)

Featured on the 1980 album Women and Children First, “And the Cradle Will Rock…” was released as a single and marked Eddie Van Halen’s first use of keyboards. The song begins with what sounds like a guitar, but is, in fact, a flanger-effected Wurlitzer electric piano played through Eddie Van Halen’s 1960s model 100-watt Marshall Plexi amplifier. During live performances on the 1980 tour, Michael Anthony would play the keyboards.

Cash Box called the song a “tongue-in-cheek anthem,” praising David Lee Roth’s vocals and Eddie Van Halen’s “sonic lead guitar blasts”. Chuck Klosterman ranked it the 50th-best Van Halen song.

Eric Carr of KISS played “And the Cradle Will Rock…” along with Van Halen’s cover of “You Really Got Me” as part of his audition tape, which successfully led to his becoming the new drummer for KISS.

7. “Romeo Delight” (1980)

“Romeo Delight” is the fourth track on Women and Children First. The intro features Eddie creating bouncing electron-like sounds by tapping harmonics on the guitar neck. According to bassist Michael Anthony, the album’s vicious sound was due to the band’s punishing tour-record-tour schedule.

The interplay between Eddie and Michael Anthony during the guitar solo is similar to bebop players improvising. One of the song’s lines originated from “Get the Show on the Road,” a song from their 1977 Warner Bros. demo. During the verses and breakdown, a heartbeat sound is heard.

Annihilator, a Canadian thrash metal band, covered “Romeo Delight.” Jeff Waters, Annihilator’s founder, said the song heavily influenced his guitar playing. Waters also noted that, while now considered a party rock song, “Romeo Delight” was considered heavy and aggressive in 1980, influencing him towards bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.

8. “Everybody Wants Some!!” (1980)

“Everybody Wants Some!!” is another standout track from Women and Children First, released in 1980. The song quickly became a staple in their live performances during the band’s early years with David Lee Roth, showcasing their energetic stage presence and musical innovation. It embodies the band’s party-rock image, with its raucous energy and playful lyrics.

The track is known for its experimental and tribal elements, including a jungle-like drum intro, a distinctive Tarzan-esque vocal performance by Roth, and Eddie’s innovative guitar techniques, highlighting his virtuosity and creativity. These elements combine to create a unique and memorable sound that deviates from more conventional rock structures.

A memorable component of the song is the improvised drum and vocal interlude, which features Roth’s ad-libbed conversational lines and witty banter. During live performances, this section often became an interactive moment with the audience, with Roth engaging in call-and-response exchanges, making each rendition unique and captivating.

9. “Unchained” (1981)

“Unchained” appears on Van Halen’s fourth studio album, Fair Warning, which came out in 1981. Despite the album receiving positive reviews from specialized critics, it is often regarded as one of the band’s lower-selling records. Nevertheless, “Unchained” has endured as a powerful and well-loved song among fans, showcasing the band’s raw energy and musical prowess.

The song was released as a single in various countries, including Germany, Spain, and Japan, further expanding its reach and solidifying its status as a standout track from the Fair Warning album. While it may not have achieved the same commercial success as some of their other singles, “Unchained” remains a significant part of Van Halen’s discography and is celebrated for its distinctive sound.

“Unchained” is particularly noted for its powerful energy and Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar riff, which contributes significantly to its status as a fan favorite. The song’s aggressive tone and driving rhythm make it a memorable and influential piece in Van Halen’s catalog, often praised for its intensity and Eddie’s innovative guitar work, which continues to inspire guitarists.

10. “Mean Street” (1981)

“Mean Street” holds the distinction of being the opening track on Fair Warning, immediately setting the tone with its innovative sound. The song begins with a slow fade-in featuring Eddie’s tapping technique on the guitar, creating an atmosphere of anticipation before the full force of the song kicks in.

Interestingly, “Mean Street” evolved from an earlier demo titled “Voodoo Queen,” which had entirely different lyrics. This transformation highlights the band’s creative process and their ability to refine and reimagine their music into something entirely new.

Lyrically, the song vividly portrays urban life, depicting the grittiness and struggles of people living on “Mean Street.” The imagery in the lyrics captures the challenges and realities of everyday life, adding depth and substance to the music. This narrative aspect, combined with the band’s powerful performance, makes “Mean Street” a compelling and memorable track that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.

11. “Where Have All The Good Times Gone?” (1982)

“Where Have All The Good Times Gone?” is a cover of The Kinks’ classic song, featured on Van Halen’s Diver Down album. This rendition gave Van Halen a chance to showcase their versatility by interpreting a song from another influential band. Eddie’s guitar solo incorporates elements from an earlier, unreleased Van Halen song called “Young and Wild,” adding a unique touch and a nod to their own musical history.

Eddie employed creative techniques to produce unique sounds in his guitar solo. He ran the edge of his guitar pick up and down the strings and used his Echoplex, an echo and tape delay unit, to add depth and texture to the sound. These techniques allowed him to create innovative and distinctive sounds that set his playing apart.

Van Halen’s version infused their signature high-energy style into the song, transforming it into a lively and engaging cover. This rendition demonstrated their ability to take a well-known song and make it their own. Their energetic performance and Eddie’s inventive guitar work made it a popular track and a notable addition to their repertoire.

12. “Jump” (1984)

“Jump” was the lead single from Van Halen’s acclaimed 1984 album and achieved remarkable success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This accomplishment solidified the band’s place in music history. The song’s catchy melody and energetic delivery made it a hit across various demographics, showcasing Van Halen’s broad appeal.

What set “Jump” apart from Van Halen’s earlier work was its prominent keyboard riff, deviating from their usual guitar-driven sound, though it still features a guitar solo. This incorporation of the keyboard added a new dimension to their music.

Roth dedicated “Jump” to martial artist Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, with whom he was training at the time. This dedication offers insight into the personal influences and relationships that shaped the song’s creation. It adds a layer of depth to the track, linking it to the dynamic and multifaceted persona of the band’s frontman.

13. “Panama” (1984)

“Panama” is a high-energy track featured on the iconic 1984, known for its catchy guitar riffs and lively tempo. The song encapsulates the band’s signature sound. It is celebrated for its infectious rhythm and dynamic instrumentation, which made it a favorite among fans and a staple at concerts.

Reportedly, the inspiration for “Panama” came from a car Roth spotted at a drag race, called the Panama Express. This anecdote highlights the band’s ability to find inspiration in unexpected places, transforming a simple observation into a memorable song.

The lyrics of “Panama” are filled with double entendres, utilizing car racing imagery as a metaphor for more suggestive themes. This lyrical playfulness adds to the song’s appeal, inviting listeners to interpret the lyrics on different levels. The clever use of innuendo, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo, makes “Panama” a quintessential Van Halen anthem.

14. “Hot for Teacher” (1984)

“Hot for Teacher” is another standout track from the album 1984, showcasing Van Halen’s signature blend of rock energy and playful lyrics. The song is celebrated for its high-octane performance and humorous take on youthful infatuation, capturing the band’s vibrant spirit. Its release marked the end of an era, being the last single before a significant shift in the band’s lineup.

The song opens with an extended instrumental section, beginning with a 30-second drum solo by Alex Van Halen, followed by a 30-second instrumental introduction. This is unusual for a single release and sets the stage for the song’s energetic and over-the-top nature. The extended intro highlights the band’s instrumental prowess and their willingness to break conventional song structures.

The ending of “Hot for Teacher” incorporates elements from a studio demo from the band’s early club days, originally entitled “Voodoo Queen.” This incorporation adds a nostalgic touch, linking the song back to Van Halen’s roots and early musical explorations.

15. “Why Can’t This Be Love” (1986)

“Why Can’t This Be Love” holds the distinction of being the first single with new frontman Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist for Van Halen, marking a new chapter for the band after David Lee Roth’s departure. The song’s release was highly anticipated, and it served as an introduction to a new sound and direction for Van Halen.

The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a major hit. This success demonstrated the band’s ability to adapt and remain relevant with a new frontman, proving that Van Halen could continue to produce chart-topping music.

“Why Can’t This Be Love” signaled a noticeable shift towards a more pop-metal sound, influenced by Hagar’s musical sensibilities. This change reflected a broader trend in the music industry at the time, as bands increasingly incorporated elements of pop music into their hard rock sound.

16. “Dreams” (1986)

“Dreams” was the second single from the album 5150, continuing the momentum of Van Halen’s new era with Hagar. The song further cemented Hagar’s role in the band and showcased the group’s ability to create powerful and uplifting anthems.

The song experienced renewed popularity after being featured in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, introducing Van Halen to a new generation of listeners. This exposure helped the band reach a younger audience.

Hagar has expressed that “Dreams,” along with “Right Now,” are his personal favorite Van Halen songs, with “Dreams” holding the top spot. This endorsement from Hagar himself highlights the song’s significance. It captures the essence of the band’s sound during his tenure.

17. “When It’s Love” (1988)

“When It’s Love” is a memorable power ballad featured on the album OU812. The song provides a softer, more melodic side to Van Halen’s typically high-energy rock sound. Its heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals connected with a broad audience, earning it a special place in the band’s catalog.

Eddie revealed that his guitar solo in “When It’s Love” was crafted as a tribute to Eric Clapton, one of his musical heroes. The solo adds depth and emotion to the song.

The song achieved significant chart success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It cemented Van Halen’s popularity with Sammy Hagar. This success demonstrated the band’s versatility.

18. “Right Now” (1991)

“Right Now” is a standout track from the album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, known for its powerful message and memorable piano intro. The song encourages listeners to seize the moment and make a positive impact on the world as its themes of empowerment and social consciousness resonate with audiences.

The song’s lyrics promote the importance of living in the present and embracing change, urging listeners to take action and make a difference. This positive message sets “Right Now” apart from many other rock anthems, giving it a unique and meaningful quality.

An early instrumental version of “Right Now” was featured in the movie The Wild Life, showcasing the song’s potential even in its early stages. The inclusion in the film provided a glimpse into the song’s evolution and highlighted the band’s ability to create compelling music for different contexts. The early exposure helped build anticipation for the official release.

19. “Can’t Stop Loving You” (1995)

“Can’t Stop Loving You” was released as the third single from the album Balance, adding a softer, more melodic dimension to the record. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus made it a radio-friendly hit, further showcasing the band’s ability to evolve and remain relevant in a changing musical landscape.

The song’s creation reflected producer Bruce Fairbairn’s influence, who encouraged the band to explore more pop-oriented sounds. This direction aimed to broaden the band’s appeal and ensure their music resonated with a wider audience. The collaboration with Fairbairn helped refine their sound.

Additionally, “Can’t Stop Loving You” is considered an homage to Ray Charles’ iconic song of the same name. This connection to a legendary artist adds depth to the song, highlighting Van Halen’s appreciation for diverse musical styles.

20. “Tattoo” (2012)

“Tattoo” marked a significant moment in Van Halen’s history as the first single and music video from the album A Different Kind of Truth. The album itself was highly anticipated, signaling a return to the band’s classic sound and energy. The release of “Tattoo” generated excitement among long-time fans and introduced the band to a new generation of listeners.

The album represented the return of David Lee Roth to the band, reuniting with Eddie Van Halen and the rest of the group after a long hiatus. Roth’s presence brought back the classic Van Halen dynamic, revitalizing their signature sound and stage presence.

The lineup for this era included Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, on bass, replacing Michael Anthony. This change brought fresh energy to the group, with Wolfgang’s youthful enthusiasm complementing the seasoned experience of the other members.