By Nick Ruble - After nearly three decades and 80 million record sales, Van Halen went back into the studio with original lead vocalist David Lee Roth to record the new critically acclaimed album A Different Kind of Truth, which is something I’m sure most loyal fans of the group were thrilled about to say the least. Not to say that Halen wasn’t making great tunes during the Sammy Hagar years, but I think we can all agree that Roth fits the style and genre much better. In addition to David Roth’s return, this album is the group’s first studio recording with Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang on the bass.
When I first heard Van Halen was releasing a new album after practically 15 years of downtime, I half expected it to turn out like Metallica’s St. Anger, which wasn’t a bad album, but a huge change from their previous material, in turn costing them some longtime fans. Well I can gladly say that the album delivers the same original style and attitude as the earlier work such as their self-titled album and 1984.
A Different Kind of Truth starts out with a nostalgic little number entitled “Tattoo,” including vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of older Queen tracks like Galileo and Bicycle, but instrumental characteristics that are definitely classic Van Halen. Eddie’s infamous guitar leads as well as drummer Alex Van Halen’s up-tempo double bass and talking cymbals are best demonstrated on the track China Town, which starts out with a little finger-tapping solo that quickly morphs into a heavy, yet cheerful compilation of raspy vocals, scorching leads, hammering percussion, and vivacious bass lines to tie it all together.
The vast majority of tracks on A Different Kind of Truth are re-written songs from the early years of Van Halen that never quite made it to any albums, but I can assure you that this album is loaded with brand new and original material that will stick in your head for days. The overall sound and mood of the album, like I mentioned earlier, is nothing short of classic Van Halen at it’s finest, enjoyable for the older folks that have grown up listening to it, as well as the younger generation of kids who appreciate classic hard rock and blues.
Van Halen’s 2012 Tour kicks off in Louisville, Kentucky on the 18th of February and will continue on throughout the spring and early summer. This is quite possibly one of the more prominent tours of the year for rock music, considering it’s the first time in ages that the group will be performing all new material with David Lee Roth. Tickets are selling out left and right, so make sure to get some while you still can!
For more information on Van Halen’s A Different Kind of Truth and their 2012 tour, head over to Van-Halen.com.
Reviewer Nick Ruble is a music enthusiast, blogger, and optimist, going to school at Full Sail University for Music Production.
VAN HALEN – A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH
Written and Produced by: Van Halen/John Shanks
Label: Interscope
Release Date: 02/07/2011
Copyright: 2012 The Three Twins, LLC and Diamond Dave Enterprises
Total Length: 49:58
Genres: Arena Rock, Metal, Pop, Hard Rock
From this review it sounds like this is the best kind of reunion album. What could be better then remembering that old, classic sound, but with the thrill of the discovery of new tunes? Can’t wait to experience it.
I well remember those days of “California Girls” and “Hot for Teacher” when David Lee Roth was on continuously whenever you happened to turn to that MTV channel. Even for the old folks, the music got into their heads.
I like Van Halen’s old stuff, but I do not care for anything new. I believe these old guys need to just quit already, because they have already reached their peak. I am sure their big fans will appreciate this, though.