In 1979, the band comprised of Alex Van Halen (Drums), Eddie Van Halen (Guitar, backing vocals), David Lee Roth (Vocals), and Michael Anthony (Bass and backing vocals) released their second self-titled album, named “Van Halen II”, a year after their debut album. This demonstrated that they were a different band with much ground to cover, introducing a series of things that previous bands had not discovered, particularly a range of impressive techniques that would forever change the course of modern electric guitar.
“Van Halen II” is seen as an album where the band lowered its revolutions to give way to a more centered continuation of their career. It wasn’t necessary to present all the fast and heavy songs to showcase their virtuosity. Instead, they aimed for a more interesting balance to express their art.
What can we hear?
An economically timed album that gets straight to the point with its proposal. Throughout 32 minutes, we hear an excellent hard rock album. The band solidified a distinctive sound that no other band had, even to this day:
On one hand, we have guitars by the acclaimed Eddie Van Halen, full of proposal and virtuosity. His very interesting use of the “Tapping” technique playing notes on the guitar directly on the neck percussively is noteworthy. Additionally, he introduced a series of techniques that hadn’t been heard before, such as the use of harmonics, among other things. We could write paragraphs about the incredible performance of this tremendous guitarist who came to break norms.
On the other hand, there’s the distinctive vocal mark of David Lee Roth. Alongside Michael Anthony and Eddie Van Halen, they proposed exquisite vocal arrangements in the choirs, making the band musically much more complete.
The rhythmic base is also purposeful, with Alex Van Halen innovating in the sound of his drum kit, presenting a sharper sound in the toms. He stands out with his solo in the song “Light Up The Sky,” with a discreet sound that, when listened to carefully, presents many musically rich arrangements. He’s supported by Michael Anthony on the bass to anchor the song’s foundation.
One of the most acclaimed guitarists in rock
Eddie Van Halen was a completely disruptive guitarist. He was even called by Michael Jackson to record on his album “Thriller” three years later. In “Van Halen II,” we hear things that were very distinctive in terms of guitar playing. For example, the intro of “Women In Love,” where we hear a series of natural harmonics in a clean electric guitar execution, with some hints of classical guitar. Or the intro of “Spanish Fly,” where we hear a guitar executed more towards the percussive side, with impressive speed on acoustic guitar. These are just a few songs among many.
Speaking about the album in general, something that stands out is its presentation “from less to more.” It opens with “You’re No Good,” a slow blues rock-influenced song that passively introduces us to what will come later. It’s not until the third song, “Somebody Get Me a Doctor,” where we start to hear speed and heaviness simultaneously a different way of choosing the order of songs that makes this work unique.
The mysterious participation of Gene Simmons
The album closes with “Beautiful Girls,” a song very much in the style of their first album, with a guitar approached through a very rich groove. Although it’s not credited, nor is there more information, at 3:36, we hear a couple of phrases that sound very much like Gene Simmons‘ voice, making the song more fun. As the reader possibly knows, Gene Simmons is one of those responsible for Van Halen’s acquired fame, as he was among the first to give them a vote of confidence.
“Van Halen II” is a very pure Hard Rock album that sets the band’s direction towards future works while simultaneously consolidating the roots of their style.
What’s your favorite standout moment or technique from Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing on the ‘Van Halen II’ album? Share in the comments!
