In a recent feature with Consequence, Kirk Hammett, the legendary guitarist of Metallica, highlighted an album that he believes everyone in the world should own. This sentiment stems from his deep-rooted passion for music and the significant impact certain records had on his journey to mastering the guitar. Hammett shared a curated list of 11 influential albums from his youth, showcasing his diverse musical influences, which included iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and UFO. However, one standout album caught his attention above all others.

Hammett emphatically stated, “Everyone in the world should own Van Halen,” referring specifically to the band’s groundbreaking 1978 self-titled debut album. His assertion speaks volumes about the album’s significance in the rock genre and its lasting legacy. The tracks on this record encapsulate the exuberance of good-time party music, a style that the band, particularly influenced by Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar riffs, mastered beautifully. Hammett elaborated on how Van Halen’s music evokes a wide range of emotions and feelings, showcasing the band’s versatility and emotional depth.

In his praise for the album, Hammett highlighted the unparalleled talent of Eddie Van Halen as a guitarist. He pointed out that no other musicians have successfully matched his technique of playing with both hands on the guitar neck, a skill that has forever transformed the world of rock guitar. Hammett expressed his admiration for Van Halen’s incredible ability to craft mesmerizing tapping licks and intricate harmonic patterns that have become synonymous with his style. “He was the king of all that stuff,” Hammett declared, underscoring the profound influence Van Halen had on aspiring guitarists everywhere. He further emphasized that it would require a complete reinvention of the guitar for anyone to surpass Van Halen’s innovative contributions, likening his impact to that of Jimi Hendrix.

The Van Halen album features some of the band’s most celebrated tracks, including the electrifying “Runnin’ With the Devil,” their dynamic cover of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” the powerful “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and the iconic guitar solo “Eruption.” Upon its release, the album soared to No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart and marked the beginning of a remarkable series of commercially successful albums for the band, solidifying their status in the annals of rock history.