So I thought it might be time to try a new feature: the Half Bad Boy Blog Essential Albums. Every month or so I'll try to list an album that is part of any half bad boy's essential music collection. And if a month goes by and I don't post anything, feel free to just wait longer.
Artist: Van HalenAlbum: 1984
Best Song You've Probably Heard: Jump
Best Song You Might Not Have Heard: Panama
It probably comes as no surprise to readers of this blog that a Van Halen album would be the first selected Essential Album. But some might be wondering, why 1984?
Well, it isn't because it is my favorite Van Halen album, although it is right up there. It isn't because of album sales, although at ten times platinum, it is one of the best selling Van Halen albums of all time. In my opinion, 1984 is a landmark album for Van Halen because it was the first to show that they could be successful as a mainstream American band, not just as a hard rock band.
For all the talent that Eddie possesses, I think his biggest talent is amazing songwriting, not guitar virtuosity. "Jump" shows that in spades. It is upbeat enough that you might hear it in a grocery store, but it rocks hard enough that it tends to close out every Van Halen show. Play "Jump" with the volume turned up - you cannot help but smile. It is such a great song.
There are a slew of great songs on 1984. It is hard for me to envision that there is any living, hearing person, besides my own parents, who have not heard this album clear through a number of times. So selecting a "Best Song You Might Not Have Heard" from 1984 was tough. Odds are you've also heard "Panama," and just about every other song on this album. But just in case you haven't, check out "Panama" - it is a great time.
1984 peaked at number 2 on the charts, behind "Thriller," one of the top selling albums of all time. And now, it is the Half Bad Boy Blog's first ever Essential Album.
(Image Credit: amazon.com)
