(Used) VAN HALEN cd collection 5150 Diver Down Fair Warning For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Live: Right Here, Right Now
Van Halen were an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California. Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar playing, Alex Van Halen’s powerful drumming, Michael Anthony’s backing vocals and the charisma of singers David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar created one of rock’s most recognisable sounds.
Heavy yet melodic, technically brilliant but always entertaining, Van Halen influenced generations of guitarists and became one of America’s biggest rock bands.
1. 5150
Released in 1986, 5150 was the first Van Halen album with Sammy Hagar replacing David Lee Roth.
“Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Dreams,” “Best of Both Worlds” and “Love Walks In” introduced a more polished, keyboard-friendly sound while retaining Eddie’s guitar identity. The album successfully opened a new chapter and became the band’s first US number-one album.
2. Diver Down
Released in 1982, Diver Down is a short, energetic mixture of original songs, instrumentals and covers.
Their version of “(Oh) Pretty Woman” became a major hit, while “Little Guitars,” “Secrets” and “The Full Bug” capture the classic line-up’s humour and spontaneity. Eddie’s “Cathedral” demonstrates his ability to make a guitar sound completely unfamiliar.
3. Fair Warning
Released in 1981, Fair Warning is often considered Van Halen’s darkest and heaviest album.
“Mean Street” begins with an extraordinary guitar introduction, while “Unchained,” “Sinner’s Swing!,” “Hear About It Later” and “So This Is Love?” combine hard riffs with the band’s familiar swagger.
Less commercial than the surrounding albums, it became a favourite among serious Van Halen fans.
4. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
Released in 1991, this album returned the Sammy Hagar line-up to a heavier, guitar-driven sound.
“Poundcake,” “Judgement Day,” “Runaround,” “Top of the World” and “Right Now” combine muscular riffs with huge arena-rock choruses. It is one of the strongest Hagar-era albums and an excellent example of polished early-1990s hard rock.
5. Live: Right Here, Right Now (DIGIPAK)
Recorded during the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge tour and released in 1993, this live album captures Van Halen operating as a major arena act.
The set draws from the Hagar era while also revisiting earlier favourites, with highlights including “Poundcake,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Dreams,” “Right Now,” “Panama,” “Jump” and “You Really Got Me.”
A powerful concert document featuring extended performances, Eddie’s guitar showcase and the energy of the full band.
6. Van Halen
Van Halen’s self-titled 1978 debut is one of hard rock’s defining albums.
“Runnin’ with the Devil” introduced their power and attitude, while Eddie’s instrumental “Eruption” changed expectations of rock guitar. “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” “Atomic Punk” and their version of “You Really Got Me” remain essential.
If you are buying only one Van Halen album, this is the natural place to begin.