Van Halen Songs: Ranking the 30 Best Tracks of All Time

Eddie Van Halen wasn’t just a guitarist; he was a revolution. In the late 70s and 80s, when virtuoso guitarists were abundant, Eddie rose above, becoming the most influential guitarist of a generation. But to define him solely by his guitar prowess would be an understatement. He was a complete musician – a gifted songwriter, a keyboardist, a studio innovator, and a crucial part of Van Halen’s signature four-part harmonies. His leadership steered Van Halen through significant changes, including the departure of iconic frontman David Lee Roth, and remarkably, led them to achieve four chart-topping albums with Sammy Hagar.

Ranking Van Halen’s top songs is no easy feat. Their discography is packed with hits and deep cuts that have shaped rock music. It was a truly challenging task to narrow down their extensive catalog, especially considering the sheer brilliance of their first six albums. This list attempts the near-impossible: ranking the top 30 Van Halen Songs that showcase their incredible talent and enduring legacy.

30. “Dirty Movies” – ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

One of Van Halen’s most underrated qualities is their funkiness. “Dirty Movies,” from the ‘Fair Warning’ album, exemplifies this. This track, telling the tale of a prom queen’s transition to the adult film industry, boasts a deep groove laid down by Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen. However, it’s Eddie’s evocative guitar leads and riffs, combined with David Lee Roth’s inimitable persona, that truly elevate this song and make it a standout amongst Van Halen songs.

29. “Happy Trails” – ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

Originally a song by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Van Halen transformed “Happy Trails” into a minute-long a cappella jam for their ‘Diver Down’ album. While initially considered a lighter track from a somewhat uneven album, its significance has deepened since Eddie Van Halen’s passing on October 6, 2020. In a modern Van Halen playlist, “Happy Trails” serves as a poignant closing track, carrying a new emotional weight. It also highlights the band members’ exceptional vocal harmonies, proving their skills extended beyond their instrumental talents, a testament to the versatility within Van Halen songs.

28. “Ice Cream Man” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

Like many hard rock bands of the 60s and 70s, blues music was a significant influence on Van Halen. “Ice Cream Man,” from their debut album ‘Van Halen,’ is a prime example of their bluesy side, but infused with their signature fun and energy. The song begins with David Lee Roth on acoustic guitar in a solo intro, before the full band explodes into action, with Eddie Van Halen unleashing one of his most electrifying guitar solos. The song culminates in a thrilling instrumental duel between Roth and Van Halen, showcasing the playful and dynamic nature of early Van Halen songs.

27. “Right Now” – ‘For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge’ (1991)

Evolving as a hard rock band is a challenge, but Van Halen navigated this transition gracefully, particularly with Sammy Hagar at the helm. “Right Now,” from ‘For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,’ demonstrates their maturity and songwriting evolution. This socially conscious song is built upon a beautiful piano riff composed by Eddie Van Halen, a departure from his guitar-centric work, yet it still features one of his signature, mind-blowing guitar solos. “Right Now” is a powerful example of how Van Halen songs could evolve and tackle broader themes while maintaining their musical intensity.

26. “Intruder/(Oh) Pretty Woman” – ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

Van Halen’s songwriting prowess is well-documented, but their talent as song interpreters is equally impressive. They famously launched their career with a high-octane rendition of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” but their unique take on Roy Orbison’s “(Oh) Pretty Woman,” featured on ‘Diver Down,’ is almost as iconic. Van Halen transformed this classic into a hard rock anthem, showcasing their ability to inject their own energy and style into existing songs, making it a standout cover within their catalog of Van Halen songs.

25. “Finish What Ya Started” – OU812 (1988)

The collaboration between Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar often produced magic, and “Finish What Ya Started,” from OU812, is a prime example. Reportedly developed by Eddie and Sammy working together on guitars in the early hours, this track possesses a unique sound within Van Halen’s discography. Eddie’s guitar playing, even without heavy distortion, is phenomenal, driving the song’s distinctive melody and demonstrating his versatility beyond high-gain rock in Van Halen songs.

24. “Little Dreamer” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

David Lee Roth showcases his vocal range in “Little Dreamer,” from the debut ‘Van Halen’ album, and his lyrics take on a more empathetic tone. Lines like, “And then they went and they voted you/Least likely to succeed/I had to tell them baby you were armed with/All you’d need,” reveal a softer side to his persona. While Eddie Van Halen was known for his flash, he demonstrates restraint here, his guitar work during the verses subtly complementing Roth’s storytelling. Of course, the song still provides ample space for Eddie to unleash a signature, wailing guitar solo, balancing melody with virtuosity in classic Van Halen songs style.

23. “Best Of Both Worlds” – ‘5150’ (1986)

‘5150,’ Van Halen’s inaugural album with Sammy Hagar, effectively silenced doubters and proved the band’s second era could rival their first. “Best Of Both Worlds” was instrumental to this success. Eddie lays down a monstrous guitar riff during the chorus, a signature of his powerful style, while his playing throughout the verses is fluid and melodic. Sammy Hagar delivers one of his strongest vocal performances on a VH track, making “Best Of Both Worlds” a definitive anthem from the Hagar era of Van Halen songs.

22. “Feel Your Love Tonight” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

“Feel Your Love Tonight,” from the debut ‘Van Halen’ album, is an anthem of teenage desire, delivered with Van Halen’s characteristic energy. As always, the instrumental work of Eddie, Alex, and Michael is exceptional, but the standout element is the interplay between their backing vocals and David Lee Roth’s lead vocals. Like “Happy Trails,” it hints at the band’s surprising vocal harmony skills, suggesting Van Halen could have excelled as a doo-wop group in another musical era, showcasing the hidden depths within Van Halen songs.

21. “Summer Nights” – ‘5150’ (1986)

With Sammy Hagar’s arrival, Van Halen broadened their stylistic palette, venturing beyond party anthems. However, they assured fans they wouldn’t abandon their fun-loving roots with tracks like “Summer Nights,” from ‘5150.’ Eddie Van Halen’s riff reservoir seemed inexhaustible, and “Summer Nights” is further proof, delivering a quintessential summer rock vibe and cementing its place amongst feel-good Van Halen songs.

20. “Atomic Punk” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

“I am the ruler of these nether worlds/The underground/On every wall and place my fearsome name is hear/Just look around, whoa yeee-ah!” These lyrics from “Atomic Punk,” featured on ‘Van Halen,’ evoke a dark, almost Black Sabbath-esque vibe, showcasing the band’s heavier side. The song’s opening, with Eddie’s guitar scratching reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile” and Alex’s cymbal work, is chillingly effective. Debating the best Eddie Van Halen solo is subjective, but the solo in “Atomic Punk” is undeniably “face-melting,” highlighting the raw power of early Van Halen songs.

19. “Dreams” – ‘5150’ (1986)

“Dreams,” another Hagar-era classic from ‘5150,’ exemplifies the stylistic shift in Van Halen’s music. This song, arguably impossible with the original lineup, foregrounds Sammy Hagar’s vocals, while Eddie’s keyboard work becomes the song’s driving force. Though the keyboards are prominent, Eddie inevitably steps away to deliver yet another breathtaking guitar solo. “Dreams” represents the more melodic and keyboard-driven direction Van Halen songs took with Hagar.

18. “So This Is Love?” – ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

“So This Is Love?” from ‘Fair Warning’ puts Michael Anthony’s bass playing in the spotlight. His performance is exceptionally funky, lending the song a speakeasy vibe, almost reminiscent of a jazz or blues tune from the Prohibition era. David Lee Roth’s snarky vocals further enhance this atmosphere. However, Eddie’s guitar and Alex’s drums inject the track with 80s rock energy, creating a unique blend of styles that remains timeless and a testament to the band’s musical breadth in Van Halen songs.

17. “Jamie’s Cryin’” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

Following “Little Dreamer,” David Lee Roth again displays empathy in “Jamie’s Cryin’,” from ‘Van Halen.’ Lyrics like, “Now Jamie’s been in love before/And she knows what love is for/It should mean, a little, a little more/Than one-night stands,” reveal a reflective side amidst Roth’s often overtly sexual lyrics. While many Van Halen songs celebrate fleeting encounters, “Jamie’s Cryin'” shows compassion for the emotional aftermath, adding depth to the themes explored in Van Halen songs.

16. “Dance The Night Away” – ‘Van Halen II’ (1979)

Van Halen’s ability to craft perfect pop songs set them apart from many of their hard rock contemporaries. “Dance The Night Away,” from ‘Van Halen II,’ is a prime example – a danceable rock anthem with broad appeal. Here, Eddie Van Halen again demonstrates his songwriting maturity by serving the song, not overpowering it with excessive guitar work, creating a balanced and catchy hit among Van Halen songs.

15. “Panama” – ‘1984’ (1984)

After the synth-heavy lead single “Jump” from ‘1984,’ some fans worried Van Halen was abandoning hard rock. “Panama” quickly dispelled those fears. This high-octane ode to fast cars is a guitar-driven masterpiece, reaffirming Van Halen’s hard rock foundation. “Panama” is a quintessential stadium anthem and a guitar-centric highlight within Van Halen songs, showcasing their enduring rock power.

14. “I’m The One” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

Even decades later, “I’m The One,” from ‘Van Halen,’ remains breathtakingly innovative. Parts of the song approach speed metal intensity, while others evoke a cabaret style. The band seamlessly transitions into doo-wop/a cappella sections, highlighting their incredible versatility. “I’m The One” is arguably one of the most underrated tracks in the Van Halen catalog, demonstrating the sheer range and inventiveness present in early Van Halen songs.

13. “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” – ‘Van Halen II’ (1979)

The “woo-woo!” at 1:24 in “Somebody Get Me A Doctor,” leading into Eddie’s solo, is pure Van Halen magic. Similarly, Eddie’s guitar fill at 2:09 is perfectly placed, enhancing the song’s infectious energy. You can hear the band’s unbridled fun throughout this track from ‘Van Halen II,’ making it one of the most enjoyable and energetic Van Halen songs.

12. “Hot For Teacher” – ‘1984’ (1984)

Alex Van Halen takes center stage in “Hot For Teacher,” from ‘1984.’ His drumming on this track is iconic and instantly recognizable, rivaling even Eddie’s legendary guitar work in terms of impact. Of course, Eddie’s guitar performance is also stellar. Despite being their last album with David Lee Roth for a significant period, the band was at their creative peak. The music video for “Hot For Teacher,” also their last with Roth for decades, is arguably their best, perfectly capturing the song’s playful and over-the-top energy within the realm of Van Halen songs.

11. “Everybody Wants Some!!” – ‘Women And Children First’ (1980)

While Alex Van Halen’s drumming in “Hot For Teacher” is lauded, his work on “Everybody Wants Some!!” from ‘Women and Children First’ deserves equal praise. Though not as frenetic as “Hot For Teacher,” the extended drum intro in “Everybody Wants Some!!” is equally captivating, as is the song’s anthemic chorus. This track exemplifies the powerful rhythm section that underpins many classic Van Halen songs.

10. “Little Guitars (Intro)/Little Guitars” – ‘Diver Down’ (1982)

‘Diver Down’ is often considered the weakest of Van Halen’s first six albums, yet it still contains gems like “Little Guitars.” The song features an acoustic intro even more intense than “Spanish Fly” from ‘Van Halen II.’ “Little Guitars” itself is one of the band’s most uplifting songs. Eddie’s riff seems to bounce and dance throughout the track, creating a joyful and energetic vibe that’s characteristic of upbeat Van Halen songs.

9. “1984/Jump” – ‘1984’ (1984)

Van Halen’s only number one hit, “Jump” from ‘1984,’ is famously synth-heavy, a surprising fact given their guitar-driven image. The irony of their biggest hit being keyboard-based is not lost on fans. “Jump” remains an iconic 80s anthem and a testament to Van Halen’s willingness to experiment and achieve mainstream success, even with a song that deviated from their typical guitar-heavy Van Halen songs formula.

8. “On Fire” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

Closing out Van Halen’s self-titled debut album, “On Fire” leaves listeners on a hard rock high. David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony’s wails of “I’m on fire!” are the perfect exclamation point. It’s the kind of album closer that immediately makes you want to restart the album from track one, eager for another ride. “On Fire” is a powerful and energetic end to a groundbreaking debut album, and a highlight among early Van Halen songs.

7. “Unchained” – ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

“Unchained,” from ‘Fair Warning,’ is pure arena rock perfection. From the chugging opening riff to the powerful group vocals on the chorus, it’s undeniably a rocker anthem. “Unchained” is tailor-made for massive stadium performances and embodies the raw energy and excitement of live Van Halen songs.

6. “You Really Got Me” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

Van Halen had a special talent for cover songs, particularly their knack for reinventing classics like “You Really Got Me.” Their rendition of The Kinks’ hit, featured on ‘Van Halen,’ is arguably their best cover and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the original. The blistering guitar intro “Eruption” leading directly into “You Really Got Me” certainly doesn’t hurt, creating an unforgettable opening sequence and establishing Van Halen’s signature hard rock style with a classic cover among Van Halen songs.

5. “Mean Street” – ‘Fair Warning’ (1981)

Opening Van Halen’s fourth studio album ‘Fair Warning,’ “Mean Street” is unique not just on the album, but in the band’s entire catalog. David Lee Roth, Eddie, Michael, and Alex all shine on this track, each contributing equally to its distinctive sound. “Mean Street” is a testament to the band’s collaborative brilliance and a standout example of innovative Van Halen songs.

4. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

The final single from Van Halen’s stellar debut album, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” remains a rock radio staple over four decades after its release. Its enduring popularity is easily understood: the brash chorus and memorable lines like “You know you’re semi-good lookin’/And on the streets again,” are instantly catchy. And of course, that iconic opening guitar riff is simply killer, cementing “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” as a cornerstone of Van Halen songs and rock history.

3. “And The Cradle Will Rock…” – ‘Women And Children First’ (1980)

“Have you seen Junior’s grades?” More than just tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “And the Cradle Will Rock…” from ‘Women and Children First’ famously gave fans their first taste of Eddie Van Halen experimenting with keyboards, without diminishing his guitar work. This foray into keyboards proved influential for Van Halen’s future sound and demonstrates their willingness to innovate within Van Halen songs.

2. “Eruption” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

In just 1:42, and as only the second track on Van Halen’s debut album, “Eruption” cemented Eddie Van Halen’s status as a guitar god, irrevocably changing the landscape of rock guitar. “Eruption” is so deeply ingrained in rock culture that it’s hard to imagine a time without it. This instrumental guitar solo inspired countless individuals to pick up the guitar and simultaneously left legions of guitarists in awe, trying to decipher Eddie’s groundbreaking techniques, making “Eruption” a legendary piece among Van Halen songs.

1. “Runnin’ With The Devil” – ‘Van Halen’ (1978)

From the outset, Van Halen made a powerful statement. Young, hungry, and with a mission statement like “Runnin’ With The Devil,” the opening track of their debut album declared exactly who they were. “Livin’ at a pace that kills” leaves no room for pleasantries. In discussions about the best opening tracks of debut albums, “Runnin’ With The Devil” is always a contender, and arguably the greatest. For this list, it is considered Van Halen’s best song ever. Simply put, this song is perfect, even when isolating David Lee Roth’s distinctive vocals. “Runnin’ With The Devil” is the ultimate Van Halen song, encapsulating their raw energy, attitude, and musical innovation.

Sign Up For Classic Rock Notes Newsletter

Get classic rock and entertainment news, Philly happenings, exclusive contests, and more, delivered to your inbox.

By clicking “Subscribe” I agree to the website’s terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.