vinylfanatics.com

**Van Halen - Women And Children First**
★★★★☆

By 1980, Van Halen had already conquered the world twice over. Their 1978 self-titled debut had redefined what rock guitar could sound like, while 1979's *Van Halen II* proved they weren't just another flash-in-the-pan hard rock outfit. But with *Women And Children First*, the Pasadena party kings faced their first real creative crossroads. Could they maintain their momentum without simply rehashing the magic formula that had made them superstars?

The album emerged during a period of intense productivity and growing confidence. Fresh off their triumphant *World Vacation Tour*, the band retreated to Sunset Sound Recorders with producer Ted Templeman, determined to push their sound into uncharted territory. Eddie Van Halen, already being hailed as the most innovative guitarist since Hendrix, was experimenting with new techniques and tones, while David Lee Roth's theatrical persona was reaching full bloom. The rhythm section of Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen had locked into an almost telepathic groove, providing the bedrock for increasingly adventurous musical explorations.

What strikes you immediately about *Women And Children First* is how it balances familiar Van Halen swagger with genuine artistic growth. The opening salvo of "And The Cradle Will Rock..." announces their intentions with a seismic keyboard riff – yes, keyboard – that sounds like industrial machinery having an argument with a disco ball. Eddie's use of the Wurlitzer electric piano creates an entirely new sonic palette for the band, proving he was far more than just a guitar virtuoso. It's a bold statement that sets the tone for an album unafraid to color outside the lines.

The album's crown jewel is undoubtedly "Everybody Wants Some!!", a swaggering anthem that distills Van Halen's essence into four minutes of pure, unadulterated rock and roll hedonism. Roth's vocals drip with sleazy charisma while Eddie unleashes one of his most memorable riffs – a churning, hypnotic groove that burrows into your brain and sets up camp. It's the sound of a band operating at peak confidence, every element perfectly calibrated for maximum impact.

"Loss Of Control" finds the band exploring darker, more aggressive territory, with Eddie's guitar work taking on an almost sinister edge. The song's stuttering rhythms and angular riffs suggest influences beyond their usual blues-rock foundation, hinting at the new wave sounds permeating the airwaves. Meanwhile, "Take Your Whiskey Home" strips things back to basics with a country-tinged rocker that showcases their versatility without sacrificing their essential Van Halen-ness.

The album's most polarizing moment comes with "In A Simple Rhyme," a gentle, almost folky interlude that features Eddie on acoustic guitar. While some fans balked at this departure from their high-octane norm, it demonstrates a band willing to explore emotional territory beyond party-time excess. Roth's vocals are surprisingly tender, suggesting depths beneath his cartoon rock god persona.

Musically, *Women And Children First* represents Van Halen at their most experimental within the hard rock framework. Eddie's guitar tone has evolved from the raw power of their debut toward something more refined yet equally devastating. His use of harmonics, tapping techniques, and effects processing was years ahead of the competition, influencing countless guitarists who are still trying to decode his secrets. The production, while maintaining the band's trademark punch, allows more space for musical details and textures.

Four decades later, *Women And Children First* stands as perhaps Van Halen's most underrated achievement. While it lacks the revolutionary impact of their debut or the commercial juggernaut status of *1984*, it captures a band at a fascinating creative juncture. The album's influence can be heard in everyone from Def Leppard to Queens of the Stone Age, artists who learned that true innovation comes from fearless experimentation rather than playing it safe.

The record's legacy lies in its demonstration that even the most successful bands can continue evolving without losing their essential identity. In an era when many hard rock acts were content to repeat their formulas ad nauseam, Van Halen chose the more challenging path of artistic growth. *Women And Children First* may not have spawned as many classic rock radio staples as its predecessors, but it remains a vital chapter in the story of America's greatest rock and roll band, a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when