The first solo album from the former Van Halen singer, Eat 'em And Smile is undoubtedly the best (solo, I must clarify!) record of the legendary Diamond Dave!
For this initial effort, good old David surrounded himself with notable members: Billy Sheehan on bass, Greg Bissonette on drums, and (the incredible) Steve Vai on guitar. The result of this combination is an excellent album of genuine and playful hard rock (but at times vaguely decadent) like (unfortunately) hasn’t been made in the past ten years.
Vai on guitar is thrilling, he really pulls out all the stops and is never unpleasant (a great performance from him, after the dull one with Alcatrazz), he truly is the ideal counterpart to Lee Roth on guitar (after Eddie). Naturally, the others aren’t just along for the ride... Lee Roth is, as always, over the top; but we like him that way, right? The album, quite short, goes by quickly, very enjoyable and pleasant. Excellent Shy Boy, Goin' Crazy, Ladies' Nite In Buffalo (but all tracks are, for the most part, spot-on and hit the mark).
An album that every self-respecting hard-rocker should own.