Women And Children First 1980 Album

Van Halen

No discernible hit singles, but not to worry, because this is another great record. It’s the same basic party pop-metal sound, but the boys get a little more progressive with it here, with stunning results. “And the Cradle Will Rock” has the meatiest riff and best hook of the record, followed by the raucous rocker “Everybody Wants Some” which got its’ own Claymation scene in the cult movie “Better Off Dead”. “Fools”, “Romeo Delight”, and especially “Loss of Control” are simply unique little takes on hard rock with Eddie doing crazy and different things with riffs and other things I can’t even being to understand, yet are amazing to listen to. “Could This Be Magic” is one of those light-hearted, semi-acoustic exercises – like “Ice Cream Man” – which was second nature to these guys, and they pull it off with expertise. The last track, “In a Simple Rhyme”, even dabbles in psychedelic and progressive rock. Easily one of their best, and not to be missed.