Van Halen Songs Ranked

Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony. The band went on to become major stars, and by the early 1980s they were one of the most successful rock acts of the time. 1984 was their most successful album. The lead single, “Jump”, became an international hit and their only single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Here is Van Halen’s best songs of all time ranked.

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20. Beautiful Girls (Van Halen II, 1979)

“Really catchy song that really puts you in a positive mood. Van Halen for the win! This song is energizing and fun. The guitar work on this one is some of Eddies best”

19. And the Cradle Will Rock… (Women and Children First, 1980)

“This is my personal favorite, albeit maybe not the best, but I love the hard rock sound. Definitely their hardest and fastest song.”

18. Love Walks In (5150, 1986)

“This is the song that got me into Van Halen, and rock music in general! A wonderfully dark rocker which showcased the mature side of Van Hagar in the late 90s and put Eddie’s intense guitar wizardry center-stage once again.”

17. (Oh) Pretty Woman (Diver Down, 1982)

“More than a solid cover. To me, it’s better than the original. I love the intro. And how could we forget that amazing music video? What a catchy tune.”

See more: Van Halen Albums Ranked

16. When It’s Love (OU812, 1988)

“This song is amazing, not their best but easily in the top 5’s… The tittle and the synth intro make you think it’s going to be a ballad, but after the intro you hear those kickass guitar chords that you can “headbang” to.”

15. Dance the Night Away (Van Halen II, 1979)

“Eddie’s guitar sounds better that it ever has on this song. It has a different more sophisticated feel to it and its hands down the best song on the best Van Halen album.”

14. Right Now (Live: Right Here, Right Now, 1993)

“Beautiful song that makes you think about all that happens while we are busy doing something else… Not their best from the musical perspective but sure shows their talent with lyrics.”

13. I’ll Wait (1984, 1984)

“It’s my favorite song from Van Halen, the rhythm is so catchy and really gets me in a good mood that it’s impossible not to sing it. It’s just great.”

12. Mean Street (Fair Warning, 1981)

“This is beyond me that any true fan who can really appreciate the best guitar playing of eddie van halen can not realize how “mean Streets” was Eddie at his peak. Mean Streets is the best song of fair warning and fair warning is the least in the top 3 of van halen’s best albums so how on earth can it be ranked at 15.”

11. Jamie’s Cryin’ (Van Halen, 1978)

“Obviously not the best Van Halen song but it definitely deserves more recognition than it gets. Just listen to the first minute and you’ll see what I mean.”

10. You Really Got Me (Van Halen, 1978)

“My favorite Van Halen song. Starts off with absolutely ripping guitar and DLR is at his finest on vocals and lyrics. Love the opening on this song. One of my true all-time favorites.”

9. Unchained (Fair Warning, 1981)

“Great Riff, best of the album, this band does not get credit, and gets branded as a pop band. This song ain’t pop. Most powerful guitar riff ever makes you wanna scream along with the vocals.”

8. Why Cant This Be Love (5150, 1986)

“This is a very nice (also pretty catchy) song from Van Halen. Even though I love all their other songs as well, I always find myself coming back to this song.”

See more: Mercyful Fate Albums Ranked

7. Dreams (5150, 1986)

“Has everything: screaming innovative Eddie signature guitar work, gorgeous melody, killer Mike bass, excellent synthesizer, superb Sammy singing, profound meaningful lyrics which are extremely upbeat to the point of being spiritual and inspiring without being overly religious or dogmatic or pretentious, great hook with ‘higher and higher'”

6. Eruption (Van Halen, 1978)

“This song really shows what Eddie Van Halen is capable of doing… This guitar solo is pure magic One of the greatest guitar solos by Eddie Van Halen, Eddie’s skills with the guitar are amazing.”

5. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (Van Halen, 1978)

“This song made me fall in love with Van Halen (they are still my favorite band ever). I was OBSESSED with it for months! The guitar intro blew me away, the riff gave me goosebumps, and the lyrics made me feel like a badass for listening to them!”

4. Runnin’ With the Devil (Van Halen, 1978)

“First Van Halen song I heard, which got me into VH. That riff is just mesmerizing. The vocals and lyrics, the short solos.. Everything’s just so good. Just love this song. No reason for it.”

3. Panama (1984, 1984)

“Such a fun one to play on guitar. Hot For Teacher (which is probably my second favourite by them) and Jump are great songs. But come on if this doesn’t get you playing air guitar what does. Eddie’s pick sliding, shredding and signature tapping are all here in this song. Don’t forget about David Lee Roth (Van Halen’s best singer). His vocals are out of this world”

2. Hot for Teacher (Van Halen, 1984)

“The boyish naivety of lines like ” I think of all the education that I missed, but yet my homework was never quite like this” just prove what van halen is all about, kickass guitars, charismatic vocals, unbelievably underrated harmonies, crazy drums, and all in the name of having a good time.”

1. Jump (Van Halen, 1984)

“This song always invoked an amazing feeling of grounded optimism for me. Without the ego. High energy and just fun. Best song ever.”