Van Halen II

Van Halen became a hit due to strong word of mouth, constant touring, and support from AOR radio. Within three months, the album had gone gold, and five months later it went platinum. It would eventually sell over six million copies, thanks to the album rock staples "You Really Got Me," "Jamie's Cryin'," and "Runnin' with the Devil." Van Halen II, released in 1979, continued the band's success, as "Dance the Night Away" became their first Top 20 single. Women and Children First (1980) didn't have any charting singles, but was a success on the album charts, reaching number six. The band supported the album with their first headlining, international arena tour, and were quickly on their way to being superstars. Released in 1981, Fair Warning wasn't quite as popular as their previous records, yet it still peaked at number six. Diver Down, released in 1982, was a huge hit, spawning a number 12 cover of Roy Orbison's "(Oh) Pretty Woman" and reaching number three. While all of their previous albums were successful, Van Halen didn't become superstars until 1984, when their album 1984 became an across-the-board smash. Released on New Year's Day, 1984 rocketed to number two on the strength of the number one single "Jump." Like many songs on the album, "Jump" was driven by Eddie's new synthesizer, and while Roth was initially reluctant to use electronics, the expansion of the group's sound was widely praised.

Women and Children First Is Loaded with 'Works of High-Volume Art' and Eddie Van Halen's Six-String Pyrotechnics: Includes "And the Cradle Will Rock…" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" Mobile Fidelity's Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD of 1980 Album Plays with Explosive Dynamics, Incredible Detail, and Lively Sound.

Women and Children First Is Loaded with 'Works of High-Volume Art' and Eddie Van Halen's Six-String Pyrotechnics: Includes "And the Cradle Will Rock…" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" Mobile Fidelity's Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD of 1980 Album Plays with Explosive Dynamics, Incredible Detail, and Lively Sound.

Women and Children First Is Loaded with 'Works of High-Volume Art' and Eddie Van Halen's Six-String Pyrotechnics: Includes "And the Cradle Will Rock…" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" Mobile Fidelity's Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD of 1980 Album Plays with Explosive Dynamics, Incredible Detail, and Lively Sound.

Women and Children First Is Loaded with 'Works of High-Volume Art' and Eddie Van Halen's Six-String Pyrotechnics: Includes "And the Cradle Will Rock…" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" Mobile Fidelity's Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD of 1980 Album Plays with Explosive Dynamics, Incredible Detail, and Lively Sound.

Learn what it takes to play guitar for Van Halen!

Learn what it takes to play guitar for Van Halen!