Van Halen certainly knew how to create a memorable first impression in the music industry. Their approach to launching studio albums was always strategic, aiming to showcase their best work right from the start. Each opening track was crafted to not only captivate listeners but also to provide a sneak peek into the new and thrilling sound that awaited on each record.

12. “Neworld” / “Without You”
From: Van Halen III (1998)

Although it feels somewhat unfair to highlight the opening track from the often-criticized Van Halen III, it’s a necessary mention. This entry combines the instrumental “Neworld” with “Without You,” as they are intricately linked by a shared melody and are intended to be experienced together. While “Without You” showcases Eddie Van Halen’s signature dazzling guitar techniques, the song itself extends to nearly seven minutes, which leads to a loss of momentum before it can make a lasting impact.

11. “Tattoo”
From: A Different Kind of Truth (2012)

“Tattoo” is not a poor song by any means; it possesses a subtle charm that grows with each listen. However, it fell short of delivering the flashy excitement that fans anticipated during the long-awaited reunion of Van Halen with David Lee Roth. In a 2022 interview, Wolfgang Van Halen acknowledged the sentiments of fans, suggesting that the follow-up single “She’s the Woman” would have been a much stronger candidate for both the lead single and the opening track of the album.

10. “Mine All Mine”
From: OU812 (1988)

For the sake of variety, it’s important to note that all the songs in this list are commendable, but they exist in a highly competitive environment. The distorted keyboard introduction of “Mine All Mine” is a testament to Eddie Van Halen’s innovative genius, showcasing his impressive creativity. The remainder of the song sees the band exploring ambitious prog-rock territory, blending keyboards and guitars to create a soundscape that transcends typical love songs, delving into more complex themes.

9. “Where Have All the Good Times Gone!”
From: Diver Down (1982)

Amidst the pressure from their label for a swift album release, Van Halen filled Diver Down with a mix of instrumentals and covers, which was not the creative outlet they needed at that time. The group had a history of covering Kinks songs, as their rendition of “You Really Got Me” was pivotal in launching their career in 1978. They returned to the Davies brothers’ catalog yet again and delivered another standout track, “Where Have All the Good Times Gone!”, showcasing their ability to reinvent classic songs.

8. “Good Enough”
From: 5150 (1986)

Taking over from David Lee Roth was a daunting task, yet Sammy Hagar rose to the occasion with gusto. The opening seconds of “Good Enough” feature Hagar channeling the Big Bopper with an enthusiastic “Hellooo Babbbbbbbyyyyyy”, setting the stage for his debut as Van Halen’s lead singer. While there are many innovative tracks on 5150, this opening number effectively communicated to fans that the party was still alive, albeit with a new host.

7. “The Seventh Seal”
From: Balance (1995)

By the time they recorded their fourth and final album with Sammy Hagar as their lead vocalist, Van Halen was experiencing internal conflicts and pressures. Nevertheless, they managed to assemble a commendable collection of tracks for the 1995 release Balance, with “The Seventh Seal” standing out as a cinematic opener. Featuring chanting monks and a sophisticated, Eastern-influenced sound, the song retained the band’s signature energy despite its ambitious arrangements. Unfortunately, attempts to recreate this experience live didn’t always go as planned.

6. “Poundcake”
From: For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)

After a trio of albums that leaned toward more pop-oriented sounds, Van Halen sought to reaffirm their dominance in the hard rock realm with the straightforward For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. The lead single and opening track famously kicks off with Eddie Van Halen utilizing a power drill on his guitar, marking a bold return to their roots. “Poundcake” is complemented by the most polished production of the “Van Hagar” era, showcasing their ability to merge hard rock with innovative sounds.

5. “1984” / “Jump”
From: 1984 (1984)

Here, we find another instance of two interconnected tracks being highlighted together. After making significant changes, including the construction of his own recording studio, Eddie Van Halen took the reins and pushed the use of keyboards to the forefront of “Jump.” This bold move resulted in the band’s first and only chart-topping hit, elevating them to unprecedented fame and, for better or worse, encouraging countless other hard rock bands to incorporate keyboards into their own sound.

4. “You’re No Good”
From: Van Halen II (1979)

Even though Linda Ronstadt’s successful cover of “You’re No Good” in 1974 was highly acclaimed, Van Halen did not shy away from covering it five years later on their second album. “So what, man,” Ted Templeman recalls David Lee Roth saying in his book A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music. “We’ll scare people with ours.” With Eddie Van Halen’s menacing arrangement and dramatic guitar solo, they indeed made a significant impact, demonstrating that they were capable of delivering much more than just party anthems.

 Read More: David Lee Roth Albums Ranked Worst to Best

3. “And the Cradle Will Rock…”
From: Women and Children First (1980)

Before “Jump” introduced keyboards into the mix, “And the Cradle Will Rock…” had already paved the way as the lead single from Women and Children First. The electric piano riff was cleverly processed and amplified, giving it a guitar-like quality that was innovative for the time. This album marked a transition for Van Halen, as they started writing more complex and sophisticated songs while maintaining their signature sound and immediate appeal.

2. “Runnin’ With the Devil”
From: Van Halen (1978)

Choosing the top spot for this list is a challenge, as “Runnin’ With the Devil” could easily claim the number one position in a different context. This track serves as the quintessential introduction to the four members of Van Halen and their dynamic chemistry. The song begins with Michael Anthony’s thumping bass line, complemented by his crucial background vocals. Instead of overwhelming listeners with flashy displays of talent, Eddie Van Halen focuses on delivering a beautifully composed melodic refrain, setting the tone for the band’s signature sound.

1. “Mean Street”
From: Fair Warning (1981)

Eddie Van Halen’s mood during the recording of the band’s fourth album was reflective of his desire to resist being pushed towards a more commercial sound. He took greater control of Fair Warning by returning to the studio after the other members had left. The result was a darker and more aggressive album that many fans regard as one of their finest. “Mean Street” opens with a guitar solo that evokes imagery of a bull being released from a rodeo pen, setting the stage for the band to lock into a sinister, gritty groove that defines the track.