With their 1978 eponymous debut, Van Halen simultaneously rewrote the rules of rock guitar and hard rock in general. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen redefined what electric guitar could do, developing a blindingly fast technique with a variety of self-taught two-handed tapping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and effects that mimicked the sounds of machines and animals. It was wildly inventive and over the top, equaled only by vocalist David Lee Roth, who brought the role of a metal singer to near-performance art standards. Roth wasn't blessed with great technique, unlike Eddie, but he had a flair for showmanship that was derived as much from lounge performers as Robert Plant. Together, they made Van Halen into the most popular American rock & roll band of the late '70s and early '80s, and in the process set the template for hard rock and heavy metal for the '80s. Throughout the '80s, it was impossible not to hear Van Halen's instrumental technique on records that ranged from the heaviest metal to soft pop. Furthermore, Roth's irony-drenched antics were copied by singers who took everything literally. One of these was Sammy Hagar, an arena rock veteran from the '70s who replaced Roth after the vocalist had a falling out with Van Halen in 1985. Hagar stayed with the band longer than Roth, helping the group top the charts through the late '80s and early '90s.

The smirking title indicates the true nature of For unlawful carnal knowledge, Van Halen's third album with Sammy Hagar. Backing away from the diversity of OU812, the band turns in some of the most basic, straightforward rock & roll of their career. Steve Lukather, long time friends with Eddie and Alex, did some background vocals on Top of the world. He's not credited for that on the album sleeve, but he still did the job. Lukather: "They are NOT great at giving individual credits, but I always get a special thanks at least. Hahaha!"

1 Poundcake (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 2 Judgement day (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 3 Spanked (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 4 Runaround (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 5 Pleasure dome (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 6 In 'n' out (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 7 Man on a mission (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 8 The dream is over (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 9 Right now (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 10 316 (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) 11 Top of the world (Anthony/Hagar/VanHalen/VanHalen) Musicians: Sammy Hagar - vocals Eddie Van Halen - guitar, keyboards, vocals Alex Van Halen - percussion, drums, vocals Michael Anthony - bass, vocals Steve Lukather - background vocals (11) Balance Best of both worlds

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