UAWIL #276: Van Halen - 5150
Sammy's 1st with Van Halen meant that David Lee Roth was out and America was forced to choose sides! Which side were you on?? Is this Sammy's best with VH? Is it top 5 VH albums?
In 1986 we lived in a divided country. People who were once good friends now found themselves on opposite sides of one of the most charged debates in the history of mankind. You had to choose - Van Halen or Van Hagar?!?!
After their diamond seller 1984 ruled the world that summer, charismatic frontman David Lee Roth was looking at other opportunities. In 1985 he released his covers EP, Crazy from the Heat, fans hoped that it was just a side project. But once the boys announced that Sammy Hagar, former solo artist and frontman of Montrose, had joined the band for their March, 1986 album 5150.
Recorded in Eddie's 5150 Studio, their first without producer Ted Templeman, the album ushered in a new era for the band. Sammy brought a broader perspective to their lyrics and Eddie wrote on both his guitar and keyboards. To some, they feared their guitar god was going soft and playing with his synths too much. And big hits like Love Walks' In, Why Can't This Be Love and Dreams all features keyboards but Eddie still delivers plenty of Eddie Van Halen magic.
Inextricably tied by most Van Halen fans to the Live Without A Net home video, the boys reminisced about why they didn't get into it immediately but eventually came to appreciate the album thanks to the VHS.
Is this the best of all the Sammy records? Is it in the Top 5 Van Halen albums? Higher?
Tell us what you think!
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