OU812

Sammy Hagar didn't just change Van Halen's vocal direction; he altered the band's attack on a molecular level. Sure, this album title is silly, but the songs herein are straightforward and serious, tight and furious (where the band had once been loose and free under the frontman shenanigans of David Lee Roth). The rhythm section of Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen ensures that everything sizzles with outsized flash. However, Eddie Van Halen's lead work becomes a more careful weave: not restrained, but always within context. Even the strangulated notes opening "A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)" set up the template for the remainder of the song. The synths of "When It's Love" and "Feels So Good" bring out the group's pop smarts and Anthony's integral role as backing vocalist. "Cabo Wabo" is Hagar establishing his hard rock presence with an extended jam. A cover of Little Feat's "A Apolitical Blues" is the most straightforward blues the band has ever performed.