Happy 35th Anniversary 1984!

[JustDave]

VAN HALEN IS WATCHING YOU!

Thirty-five years ago on this day Van Halen unleashed a monster into this world that has been tearin’ up the planet ever since. The band’s sixth album, “1984” made VH the biggest band in the land spawning four hard rock staples (“Jump,” “I’ll Wait,” “Panama” and “Hot For Teacher”) that have never left the airwaves. Unfortunately, it was to be the original line-up’s final album…or is it? Will the Mighty rise again and conquer the way they have in the past? As a wise man once said: “Got the feelin’, power steering, pistons poppin’, AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ NOW!” #VH1984reunion

~Dave & Dave

[VH1988]

Objectively their best album.

Something for everyone on this one.

[Dave's Dreidel]

Objectively their best album.

Something for everyone on this one.

Agreed. Not my favorite, but it is their big tent album. A little something for everyone.

[Jedi McFly]

This album definitely has something special, especially those first six tracks. This was pinnacle VH for sure.

While I enjoy the Hagar era I do wonder what another Templeman-produced VH album with Roth would've been like.

[I Coulda Hada VH]

I absoutely love 1984. All of it. Even Jump and I'll Wait.

[mike zack]

After reading Noel Monk's book there was a chance for this album never to happen due to the in fighting of the band but thank God it did!

[japeape]

This album definitely has something special, especially those first six tracks. This was pinnacle VH for sure.

While I enjoy the Hagar era I do wonder what another Templeman-produced VH album with Roth would've been like.

It would have been great.

[Raldo]

Great.....fucking.....album.

[japeape]

Objectively, i'd still give the edge to the debut over 1984.

What i love about 1984, though, is Ed being at that crossroads of Gunslinger
and more commercially based song ideas.

There are kinda two Ed's on there, with one of the Ed's really expanding his
guitar playing in a more fusion based direction.
I might be over stating it, but he was stretching at least.

It's taken for granted now, but at the time, HFT was just mind blowing.

Everyone i knew, was like "HOLY....SHIT."

Just the build up, the off the cuff Dave-isms, the insane musicality, and just
the fact it was a GREAT song...my God, that outro....

It was VH blazing with their A game.

[Jedi McFly]

Objectively, i'd still give the edge to the debut over 1984.

What i love about 1984, though, is Ed being at that crossroads of Gunslinger
and more commercially based song ideas.

There are kinda two Ed's on there, with one of the Ed's really expanding his
guitar playing in a more fusion based direction.
I might be over stating it, but he was stretching at least.

It's taken for granted now, but at the time, HFT was just mind blowing.

Everyone i knew, was like "HOLY....SHIT."

Just the build up, the off the cuff Dave-isms, the insane musicality, and just
the fact it was a GREAT song...my God, that outro....

It was VH blazing with their A game.

You're right about Ed stretching his playing. The inventiveness of his leads waned heavily after '84. Fair Warning and 1984 captured Ed's leading playing at the peak of his experimental years.

And HFT just oozes VH attitude. It might not be their quintessential song, but it's for damn sure one of their best. HFT is more than a song - I'm not sure what to call it, but it's something more.

[James in New York]

[japeape]

You're right about Ed stretching his playing. The inventiveness of his leads waned heavily after '84. Fair Warning and 1984 captured Ed's leading playing at the peak of his experimental years.

And HFT just oozes VH attitude. It might not be their quintessential song, but it's for damn sure one of their best. HFT is more than a song - I'm not sure what to call it, but it's something more.

I remember hearing it the vey first time on the radio, and literally thought it was fingers drumming on
a microphone!

I'm like, Cool!

Then it builds & builds, and i'm like, This ain't Jump!

Just a monster track.

Everyone was blown away by how good that boogie was.

Those were the days when new music was released & you'd be blown away:

Back in Black, Moving Pictures, Signals, Ghost in the machine, Synchronicity, 1984, Screaming
for Vengeance, etc.

You'd hear the new stuff, then couldn't wait to experience it at the concert.

[Jedi McFly]

I addressed '84 having some of Ed's peak lead playing, but I slept on his rhythm playing in that post.

As discussed, HFT's shuffle just feels so damn good. But, it's fairly straightforward.

Drop Dead Legs and Top Jimmy though? Holy crap. Those riffs are incredible. Top Jimmy's use of the Ripley, different tunings, and lower gain sound for Ed are super unique within the VH catalog. And Drop Dead Legs - what a monster riff and groove. The way Ed weaves between heavy riffage and mid-range fills to connect passages is incredible. And the ending just grooves so hard with some of that experimental lead work as the cherry on top.

This album really is the greatest VH album.

[VH1988]

Eddie was truly peaking as an all encompassing musician at this time. His songwriting matched with his ability were unstoppable.

Personally I believe the best Ed ever was was 1984-1986.

1984/5150 back to back is just amazing.

[DFVH5150]

And HFT just oozes VH attitude. It might not be their quintessential song, but it's for damn sure one of their best. HFT is more than a song - I'm not sure what to call it, but it's something more.

I think I've agreed with every post I've ever seen you make, Jedi, except I think HFT is THE quintessential Van Halen song. My reasons? All of these. It includes:

1. VH party/sexual attitude to a "T"
2. Eddie's tapping at its best
3. One of Eddie's best riffs (happy song, yet mean riff/boogie)
4. One of Eddie's best solos
5. Dave's melodic hooks at their best
6. Dave's comedic lyrics at their best
7. At least two of Dave's patented high-pitched screams
8. Alex's finest drumming
9. Mike's background vocals at their finest
10. As great of an ending of a song as they have ever one and arguably their best

I think people don't think of it as a go-to as "the one song that sums VH up" because it's an overplayed hit. But it's got everything. "Unchained" would be a runner-up but not enough tapping and "Panama" as well but not enough background vocals. But HFT? "Nothing's missing."