11 Underrated Van Halen Songs: Beyond the Hits

Hey there, fellow music lovers and DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, and I’m super excited to share something special with you today. As a passionate DJ and a die-hard music fan, I’ve always been captivated by the electrifying tunes of Van Halen.

But let’s be real – while their hits have rocked the charts, there are some incredible gems in their discography that haven’t received the spotlight they deserve.

That’s why I’ve decided to dive deep and curate a list of 11 underrated Van Halen songs. These tracks are not just foot-tapping numbers; they embody the essence of rock and the genius of Eddie Van Halen and the gang.

From the intricate guitar solos to the pulsating rhythms, each song is a testament to their musical prowess.

So, whether you’re spinning the decks or just looking for some killer tunes to jazz up your playlist, this list is going to be a game-changer. Let’s rock this journey together and explore the lesser-known, yet equally awe-inspiring side of Van Halen!

Here are the Underrated Van Halen songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Van Halen Songs

Underrated Van Halen songs in a list format:

“Atomic Punk” from ‘Van Halen’ (1978, Warner Bros. Records)

“Atomic Punk” is a stellar track from Van Halen’s debut album, released in 1978 under Warner Bros. Records. This song showcases Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar techniques, creating a sound that’s both futuristic and raw. The driving rhythms from Alex Van Halen on drums and Michael Anthony’s solid bass line, combined with David Lee Roth’s unique vocal style, create a high-energy track that’s underrated yet emblematic of Van Halen’s early sound. The song’s aggressive tone and innovative use of phaser effects on the guitar set it apart. It’s a true display of the band’s early experimentation and musical prowess.

“Secrets” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982, Warner Bros. Records)

From their 1982 album “Diver Down,” released by Warner Bros. Records, “Secrets” is a hidden gem. This track stands out with its melodic approach, showcasing a softer, more introspective side of Van Halen. Eddie’s guitar work is nuanced and lyrical, complementing Roth’s smooth vocals. The song’s relaxed tempo and harmonious backing vocals provide a contrast to the band’s typically high-octane tracks. “Secrets” is a testament to Van Halen’s versatility and ability to craft songs that resonate on a deeper, more emotional level.

“Little Guitars” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982, Warner Bros. Records)

Another track from “Diver Down,” “Little Guitars” is a testament to Eddie Van Halen’s innovation as a guitarist. The song features a unique intro played on a miniature guitar, blending flamenco influences with rock. The main riff is catchy and showcases Eddie’s signature tapping technique. David Lee Roth delivers a lively vocal performance, making this song a vibrant and upbeat number. The blend of different musical styles and the technical prowess displayed make “Little Guitars” a standout track that deserves more recognition.

“I’ll Wait” from ‘1984’ (1984, Warner Bros. Records)

“I’ll Wait,” from the iconic ‘1984’ album, is a Van Halen song that seamlessly blends rock with synth-pop elements. This track is notable for its heavy use of synthesizers, a departure from the band’s usual guitar-driven sound, showcasing Eddie’s versatility. Roth’s vocals are powerful yet emotive, perfectly complementing the synth-driven melody. The song’s catchy chorus and the blend of genres make it an underrated but significant track in Van Halen’s catalog, reflecting their ability to adapt and evolve with the musical landscape of the 1980s.

“Drop Dead Legs” from ‘1984’ (1984, Warner Bros. Records)

“Drop Dead Legs,” also from the ‘1984’ album, is a quintessential Van Halen track with a groovy, hard-rock edge. Eddie’s guitar riffs are both smooth and powerful, creating a sultry backdrop for Roth’s charismatic vocal delivery. The song’s seductive groove and catchy chorus showcase the band’s ability to create rock anthems that are both energetic and melodically engaging. This track is often overshadowed by the album’s more famous songs but is a standout due to its classic Van Halen sound and infectious rhythm.

“Hang ‘Em High” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982, Warner Bros. Records)

“Hang ‘Em High,” from ‘Diver Down,’ is a high-energy track that encapsulates Van Halen’s hard rock essence. The song features some of Eddie’s most aggressive and fast-paced guitar work, combined with Alex’s thunderous drumming. Roth’s vocals are intense and commanding, adding to the track’s dynamic energy. The song’s relentless pace and raw power make it an underrated highlight of the album, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver hard-hitting rock tunes that are both technically impressive and immensely enjoyable.

“Romeo Delight” from ‘Women and Children First’ (1980, Warner Bros. Records)

“Romeo Delight” from the 1980 album ‘Women and Children First’ is a high-octane track that exemplifies Van Halen’s hard rock prowess. The song features a blistering guitar riff from Eddie, combined with Roth’s aggressive and spirited vocal style. The fast tempo and raw energy of the track make it a standout in Van Halen’s catalog. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable chorus showcase the band’s ability to create powerful rock anthems that are both energetic and technically impressive.

“Mean Street” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981, Warner Bros. Records)

“Mean Street,” the opening track from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981), is a showcase of Eddie’s innovative guitar technique, particularly the intro’s tapping riff. The song features a gritty, hard-edged sound, with Roth’s vocals adding a sense of raw aggression. The tight rhythm section, with Alex on drums and Michael Anthony on bass, anchors the song’s dynamic energy. “Mean Street” represents the band’s venture into a darker, more intense sound, and remains an underrated piece of their musical legacy.

“Dirty Movies” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981, Warner Bros. Records)

Another track from ‘Fair Warning,’ “Dirty Movies” highlights Van Halen’s ability to blend humor with hard rock. The song features a catchy, bluesy riff and Roth’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics, delivering a playful yet edgy track. The solid groove set by the rhythm section adds to the song’s infectious quality. This track stands out for its blend of humor and rock, showcasing the band’s versatile approach to songwriting and their ability to infuse their music with a unique personality.

“Push Comes to Shove” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981, Warner Bros. Records)

“Push Comes to Shove,” from ‘Fair Warning,’ is a track that showcases Van Halen’s funkier side. The song features a laid-back groove, with Eddie’s guitar work providing a smooth, melodic backdrop. Roth’s vocals are more subdued yet soulful, adding a different texture to the band’s sound. The song’s relaxed tempo and funky rhythm section make it a unique and underrated track in Van Halen’s discography, highlighting their ability to explore different musical styles while maintaining their signature sound.

“In a Simple Rhyme” from ‘Women and Children First’ (1980, Warner Bros. Records)

“In a Simple Rhyme,” from the ‘Women and Children First’ album, is a track that combines melodic sensibilities with rock energy. The song features one of Eddie’s more lyrical guitar performances, complemented by Roth’s heartfelt vocals. The track’s melodic chorus and harmonious backing vocals give it a sing-along quality. This song is a hidden gem in Van Halen’s catalog, showcasing their ability to craft songs that are not only powerful but also melodically rich and emotionally resonant.

Fun Facts: Underrated Van Halen Songs

“Atomic Punk” from ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

• The Sound of a Bomb: The unique sound in “Atomic Punk” that mimics a bomb falling was created using a phase shifter, showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar techniques.
• Roth’s Inspiration: David Lee Roth was inspired by the punk movement and the post-apocalyptic themes popular in the late ’70s, which is reflected in the song’s lyrics and title.

“Secrets” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

• A Softer Side: “Secrets” is one of the few Van Halen songs that highlights their softer, more melodic side, diverging from their typical hard rock sound.
• Spontaneous Lyrics: David Lee Roth reportedly improvised the lyrics in the studio, capturing a more spontaneous and organic feel in the song.

“Little Guitars” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

• Miniature Guitar Innovation: Eddie Van Halen used a miniature guitar to record the intro, blending his love for innovation with traditional flamenco techniques.
• Tribute to a Legend: The song was partially inspired by Eddie’s admiration for guitarist Carlos Montoya, a renowned flamenco guitarist.

“I’ll Wait” from ‘1984’ (1984)

• Synth-Pop Experimentation: “I’ll Wait” marked one of the band’s earliest experiments with synth-pop, a departure from their usual guitar-driven rock.
• Collaboration with Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald: This track is one of the rare instances where Van Halen collaborated with an outside artist, as Michael McDonald co-wrote the lyrics.

“Drop Dead Legs” from ‘1984’ (1984)

• Iconic Riff Creation: The main riff in “Drop Dead Legs” was created by Eddie playing around in the studio, showcasing his ability to create iconic riffs spontaneously.
• Album Opener: Although not a single, “Drop Dead Legs” was often used to open their concerts during the ‘1984’ tour, highlighting its energy and popularity with fans.

“Hang ‘Em High” from ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

• Western Movie Influence: The song’s title and theme are inspired by western movies, particularly the Clint Eastwood film “Hang ‘Em High.”
• Revisited Material: “Hang ‘Em High” was a reworked version of an earlier song titled “Last Night,” which the band played before they were signed.

“Romeo Delight” from ‘Women and Children First’ (1980)

• Energetic Live Favorite: “Romeo Delight” became a fan favorite in live performances, known for its high energy and being one of Roth’s preferred songs to perform.
• Representing the Band’s Ethos: The song encapsulates the band’s ethos of high-energy performances and rock-and-roll lifestyle.

“Mean Street” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

• Innovative Guitar Intro: The intro to “Mean Street” features Eddie’s unique tapping technique, which became a hallmark of his guitar style.
• Darker Tone: The song’s darker tone and aggressive sound were reflective of the band’s mood during the recording of ‘Fair Warning,’ which was a tumultuous period for them.

“Dirty Movies” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

• Humorous Take on Hollywood: The song’s lyrics humorously and cynically comment on the Hollywood scene, particularly the shift of a “homecoming queen” to a movie star.
• Blues Influence: “Dirty Movies” showcases the band’s ability to infuse blues elements into their hard rock sound.

“Push Comes to Shove” from ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

• Funky Experimentation: This track stands out in Van Halen’s catalog for its funky rhythm and laid-back groove, showing the band’s versatility.
• Bass Highlight: Michael Anthony’s bass playing is particularly notable in this song, providing a groovy and solid foundation.

“In a Simple Rhyme” from ‘Women and Children First’ (1980)

• Heartfelt Songwriting: The song is one of Van Halen’s more heartfelt and melodic compositions, showcasing their range beyond hard rock.
• Hidden Track: “In a Simple Rhyme” contains a hidden track titled “Growth” at the end, which was meant to lead into the next album, a concept that was never fully realized.

And there you have it, rock enthusiasts! From the raw energy of “Atomic Punk” to the funky grooves of “Push Comes to Shove,” Van Halen’s musical journey is full of underrated treasures. These tracks are a testament to their versatility and enduring impact on rock music. Keep on rocking!

Thanks for reading.

TBone