The List of Van Halen Albums in Order of Release
Van Halen Albums in Order: Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Pasadena, California, in 1973, this legendary American rock band, credited with restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene, needs no introduction.
Van Halen (/væn ˈheɪlɛn/ van HAY-len) emerged as an iconic American rock band from the vibrant music scene of Pasadena, California, in 1973. This legendary group played a pivotal role in reinvigorating hard rock, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and showcasing the unparalleled virtuosity of their guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. Their contributions to the world of rock music were duly recognized when they were inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
In the early years, from 1974 to 1985, the band’s classic lineup comprised Eddie Van Halen, his drummer brother Alex Van Halen, the charismatic lead vocalist David Lee Roth, and the talented bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony. Their eponymous debut album in 1978, marked by its dynamic sound, surged to No. 19 on the US Billboard pop music charts, ultimately attaining platinum status after selling over 10 million copies in the United States. Subsequent years saw a string of multi-platinum albums, including “Van Halen II,” “Women and Children First,” “Fair Warning,” and “Diver Down,” solidifying Van Halen’s status as one of the most successful rock acts of the early 1980s. The pinnacle of their commercial success came with the release of the album “1984,” featuring the chart-topping single “Jump.”
This period of triumph was followed by a significant shift in the band’s lineup in 1985 when David Lee Roth departed to pursue a solo career and was replaced by former Montrose lead vocalist Sammy Hagar. With Hagar, Van Halen continued to dominate the charts, releasing four consecutive U.S. number-one, multi-platinum albums over an 11-year span. Despite a brief and less successful collaboration with Gary Cherone, the band’s legacy endured through various lineup changes and reunions. As of March 2019, Van Halen stands as one of the best-selling artists in the United States, with a staggering 56 million albums sold in the country and over 80 million worldwide.
Their impact on rock music is immeasurable, and their enduring presence in the annals of music history remains undeniable. Tragically, the world bid farewell to Eddie Van Halen in 2020, but the indelible mark left by this extraordinary band lives on. So, if you are a die heart fan of Van Halen Albums then check out here we have list of Van Halen albums in order of release so far.
Van Halen Albums Available on: Apple Music
How many albums does Van Halen have?
The discography of Van Halen was an American hard rock band consists of 12 studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums, and 56 singles.
All Van Halen Albums in Order: Check Out The List of Van Halen Albums in Order of Release Here!
Here is the list of All Van Halen Album in Order of Release date:
- Van Halen — February 10, 1978
- Van Halen II — March 23, 1979
- Women and Children First — March 26, 1980
- Fair Warning — April 29, 1981
- Diver Down — April 14, 1982
- 1984 — January 9, 1984
- 5150 — March 24, 1986
- OU812 — May 24, 1988
- For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge — June 17, 1991
- Balance — January 24, 1995
- Van Halen III — March 17, 1998
- A Different Kind of Truth — February 7, 2012
All Van Halen Albums List in Order
1. Van Halen (1978)
Tracks
- Runnin’ with the Devil
- Eruption
- You Really Got Me
- Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love
- I’m the One
- Jamie’s Cryin’
- Atomic Punk
- Feel Your Love Tonight
- Little Dreamer
- Ice Cream Man
- On Fire
“Van Halen,” the eponymous debut studio album by the American rock band Van Halen, made its mark in rock history upon its release on February 10, 1978, through Warner Bros. Records. Revered as one of the greatest debut albums in rock, it soared to commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 and achieving diamond certification from the RIAA. With over 10 million copies sold in the United States, it ranks among the best-selling albums in the country. This iconic album boasts enduring classics such as “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and the legendary guitar solo “Eruption,” a masterpiece by guitarist Eddie Van Halen that revolutionized two-handed tapping techniques.
2. Van Halen II (1979)
Tracks
- You’re No Good
- Dance the Night Away
- Somebody Get Me a Doctor
- Bottoms Up!
- Outta Love Again
- Light Up the Sky
- Spanish Fly
- D.O.A.
- Women in Love…
- Beautiful Girls
Van Halen II, the American rock band’s second studio album, debuted on March 23, 1979, and swiftly climbed to number six on the Billboard 200 chart. Featuring hit singles like ‘Dance the Night Away’ and ‘Beautiful Girls,’ the album left an indelible mark. With nearly six million copies sold in the United States by 2004, it secured its place in music history. The Rolling Stone Album Guide lauded the album’s ‘feel-good, party atmosphere,’ contributing to its enduring positive critical reception. Van Halen II remains a pivotal release in the band’s catalog, embodying their dynamic and unforgettable rock sound.
3. Women and Children First (1980)
Tracks
- And the Cradle Will Rock…
- Everybody Wants Some!!
- Fools
- Romeo Delight
- Tora! Tora!
- Loss of Control
- Take Your Whiskey Home
- Could This Be Magic?
- In a Simple Rhyme
“Released on March 26, 1980, ‘Women and Children First’ marked a significant turning point for American rock band Van Halen. The third studio album, produced by Ted Templeman and engineered by Donn Landee, distinguished itself as the band’s first without any cover songs. Critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted the album’s shift towards a heavier sound, both sonically and thematically. It represented a pivotal moment in Van Halen’s evolution, showcasing their growing musical prowess and creativity. ‘Women and Children First’ remains a notable milestone in the band’s iconic discography, solidifying their status as influential figures in the rock music landscape.”
4. Fair Warning (1981)
Tracks
- Mean Street
- ‘Dirty Movies’
- Sinner’s Swing!
- Hear About It Later
- Unchained
- Push Comes to Shove
- So This Is Love?
- Sunday Afternoon in the Park
- One Foot Out the Door
“Fair Warning,” the fourth studio album by Van Halen, debuted on April 29, 1981. While it garnered over two million sales, it marked the band’s slowest-selling album during David Lee Roth’s tenure. Notably, despite commercial setbacks, the album earned critical acclaim. Esquire recognized its significance, listing “Fair Warning” among the “75 Albums Every Man Should Own.” This enduring work in Van Halen’s discography showcases the band’s artistic prowess and demonstrates that success isn’t solely measured by sales, but also by the lasting impact it leaves in the world of rock music.
5. Diver Down (1982)
Tracks
- Where Have All the Good Times Gone!
- Hang ‘Em High
- Cathedral
- Secrets
- Intruder
- (Oh) Pretty Woman
- Dancing in the Street
- Little Guitars (Intro)
- Little Guitars
- Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
- The Full Bug
- Happy Trails
“Diver Down,” the fifth studio album by the iconic American rock band Van Halen, made its debut on April 19, 1982. This chart-topping release showcased the enduring appeal of Van Halen, spending an impressive 65 weeks on the album chart in the United States. By 1998, it had garnered widespread acclaim, having sold an astounding four million copies in the United States alone. This album was yet another testament to the band’s musical prowess, adding to their legacy as one of rock music’s most influential and successful acts, further solidifying their enduring impact on the music industry.
6. 1984 (1984)
Tracks
- “1984”
- Jump
- Panama
- Top Jimmy
- Drop Dead Legs
- Hot for Teacher
- I’ll Wait
- Girl Gone Bad
- House of Pain
1984 (MCMLXXXIV), the sixth studio album by American rock band Van Halen, made its monumental debut on January 9, 1984. This record marked the culmination of an era, as it was the last to feature iconic frontman David Lee Roth until their 2012 reunion. With all four original members—Van Halen brothers, Roth, and Michael Anthony—it produced timeless classics. “Jump,” a chart-topping hit, led the pack, and the album went on to sell over 10 million copies. Critics praised it, ranking it among the top 100 albums of the 1980s. Despite Michael Jackson’s Thriller overshadowing it on the charts, 1984 remains a diamond-certified masterpiece.
7. 5150 (1986)
Tracks
- Good Enough
- Why Can’t This Be Love
- Get Up
- Dreams
- Summer Nights
- Best of Both Worlds
- Love Walks In
- “5150”
- Inside
“5150,” the seventh studio album by American rock band Van Halen, marked a significant transition in the band’s history. Released on March 24, 1986, under Warner Bros. Records, it was the inaugural effort featuring lead singer Sammy Hagar, who succeeded David Lee Roth. The album’s title, “5150,” derived from Eddie Van Halen’s home studio of the same name, which, in an intriguing twist, took its name from a California law enforcement code for a mentally disturbed individual (Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code). Notably, the album soared to the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, surpassing their previous effort, “1984,” which had peaked at number 2, thanks in part to Eddie’s guest appearance on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album.”
8. OU812 (1988)
Tracks
- Mine All Mine
- When It’s Love
- A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)
- Cabo Wabo
- Source of Infection
- Feels So Good
- Finish What Ya Started
- Black and Blue
- Sucker in a 3 Piece
OU812 is the eighth studio album by the renowned American rock band Van Halen, released in 1988. This marked the band’s second collaboration with vocalist Sammy Hagar. The album’s creation spanned from September 1987 to April 1988, culminating just a month before its launch. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, ‘5150,’ OU812 soared to the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the second of four consecutive number-one studio albums for Van Halen. Fueled by four Billboard Hot 100 top-40 singles, including ‘When It’s Love’ and ‘Finish What Ya Started,’ the album achieved sales of over 4 million copies.
9. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)
Tracks
- Poundcake
- Judgement Day
- Spanked
- Runaround
- Pleasure Dome
- In ‘n’ Out
- Man on a Mission
- The Dream Is Over
- Right Now
- “316”
- Top of the World
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (often abbreviated as F.U.C.K.) stands as the ninth studio album by American rock band Van Halen. Released on June 17, 1991, via Warner Bros. Records, it marked the third album featuring vocalist Sammy Hagar. Notably, the album debuted at the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 album chart, holding the number 1 spot for an impressive three consecutive weeks. This record-breaking achievement was underscored by the release of seven out of its eleven tracks as singles. Additionally, it was a reunion of sorts, as producer Ted Templeman, absent since 1984, returned to work with the band, having previously assisted with track sequencing for 5150 in 1986.
10. Balance (1995)
Tracks
- The Seventh Seal
- Can’t Stop Lovin’ You
- Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
- Amsterdam
- Big Fat Money
- Strung Out
- Not Enough
- Aftershock
- Doin’ Time
- Baluchitherium
- Take Me Back (Deja Vu)
- Feelin’
Released on January 24, 1995, ‘Balance’ stands as the tenth studio album by the iconic American rock band Van Halen, distributed by Warner Bros. Records. Marking the conclusion of an era, it serves as the band’s final studio effort to showcase Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist and bassist Michael Anthony in its entirety. This magnum opus ascended to the zenith of musical success, securing the coveted number 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 in February 1995. Demonstrating enduring popularity, it earned triple platinum status by May 12, 2004, having sold over three million copies in the United States. Notably, ‘The Seventh Seal’ received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.
11. Van Halen III (1998)
Tracks
- Neworld
- Without You
- One I Want
- From Afar
- Dirty Water Dog
- Once
- Fire in the Hole
- Josephina
- Year to the Day
- Primary
- Ballot or the Bullet
- How Many Say I
Van Halen III, the band’s eleventh studio album, marked a significant departure for the iconic American rock group. Released on March 17, 1998, after a three-year hiatus, this album was unique as it featured Gary Cherone, the lead vocalist of Extreme, in a one-time collaboration with the band. Notably, it was also the final appearance of bassist Michael Anthony, contributing to only three tracks, with Eddie Van Halen taking over bass duties elsewhere. Clocking in at over 65 minutes, it was their lengthiest album. While reaching No. 4 in the U.S. and earning Gold status, the album was a commercial and critical deviation from the band’s previous successes, ultimately influencing Cherone’s departure and a lengthy hiatus until their 2012 return with ‘A Different Kind of Truth.’
12. A Different Kind of Truth (2012)
Tracks
- Tattoo
- She’s the Woman
- You and Your Blues
- China Town
- Blood and Fire
- Bullethead
- As Is
- Honeybabysweetiedoll
- The Trouble with Never
- Outta Space
- Stay Frosty
- Big River
- Beats Workin’
“A Different Kind of Truth” stands as Van Halen’s twelfth and final studio album, marking a significant chapter in the band’s history. Released on February 7, 2012, via Interscope Records, it marked the return of lead singer David Lee Roth, absent since 1984, and the debut of Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, replacing bassist Michael Anthony. Recorded at Henson Recording Studios and 5150 Studios, the album comprises seven revamped songs from the late 1970s and early 1980s, receiving acclaim as a return to form. It achieved commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 411,000 copies in the U.S. in 2012. However, it was later removed from streaming platforms in October 2022.
Thanks for Visit!
