Van Halen II [Remaster]

Performer: Van Halen
Engineer: Donn Landee; Corey Bailey; Jim Fitzpatrick
Producer: Ted Templeman
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Van Halen: David Lee Roth (vocals); Eddie Van Halen (guitar); Michael Anthony (bass); Alex Van Halen (drums). Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, California in 1979. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel: David Lee Roth (vocals); Eddie Van Halen (guitar); Michael Anthony (bass guitar); Alex Van Halen (drums). Audio Remasterer: Gregg Geller. Recording information: Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA. Photographers: Neil Zlozower; Elliot Gilbert. While it's tough to follow up a classic, VAN HALEN II comes close to matching the brilliance of the band's debut. Once again, the record begins with a fat bass line from Michael Anthony, and his piercing background vocals are featured on "You're No Good," an explosive cover of the Linda Ronstadt tune. While the group's early material was slightly too heavy for Top 40 airplay, here they take a commercial stab with the brilliant "Dance the Night Away" and "Beautiful Girls." "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" features the trademark wails of David Lee Roth, and Eddie Van Halen's magical soloing. Alex Van Halen's playing takes a slightly complex turn on "Outta Love Again" with some funky drum fills. Eddie shows his versatility with the gorgeous, flamenco-styled solo "Spanish Fly." The band kicks it full throttle once again on "D.O.A.," which accelerates to a mighty finish. "Women in Love" features lessons from Mr. Roth on dealing with female fickleness. VAN HALEN II would go on to be a huge success, reaching the U.S. Top 10. This remastered album leaves the band sounding better than ever.

Q (1/01, p.131) - 3 out of 5 stars - "...[It] was no Van Halen I, but it has its moments. That and Alex Van Halen on the back cover with his drumsticks on fire..."

Van Halen rode the crest of 1970s riff-rock into 1980s abandon. Always able to produce a smile and a killer hook, their songs captured a West Coast attitude that combined Eddie Van Halen's guitar gymnastics and the high-energy antics of vocalist David Lee Roth with solid backing by bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen. Following Roth's less-than-amicable departure, the band signed up reckless driver Sammy Hagar, and their success continued into the '90s. When Hagar left after several albums, the band's fate seemed uncertain, but they soon found a temporary replacement in ex-Extreme frontman Gary Cherone.

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