Van Halen
Balance

THE REVIEW

Balance is the tenth studio album by Van Halen. Released in 1995, it had moderate success, selling more than 3 million copies worldwide to date. It follows the successful and beautiful F.U.C.K. (although it must be said that apart from Diver Down, Van Halen has never missed a beat), which also brought a Grammy Award to the group. Balance is also the last album featuring Sammy Hagar on vocals, as he would be expelled from the group shortly after. Definitely the darkest, gloomiest, and most mature album the group has ever written.

The album opens with "The Seventh Seal" featuring a chant by monks. A beautiful track, accompanied by a powerful riff masterfully executed by Eddie, in top form as always. Great start. It is followed by the semi-ballad, very catchy and commercial "Can't Stop Lovin' You." However, the result is pleasing, and the track is one of the best of the lot. Right after, though, we find the masterpiece of the album. "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)" is a stunning track. A menacing, almost hypnotic riff accompanies the piece, and the lyrics are beautiful. The solo is one of the most beautiful our good old Eddie has ever written. "Amsterdam" flows by without leaving a mark. "Big Fat Money" raises the bar again. A fast and well-paced track, to be cranked up on the stereo. "Not Enough" is introduced to us by the instrumental "Strung Out." The piano opens the ballad of the album, "Not Enough," indeed. Beautiful, to be listened to over and over again. "Aftershock" is another great track that you listen to with pleasure. The second instrumental of the album is a drum solo naturally by Alex Van Halen, which serves to open the last instrumental track of the album "Baluchiterium." The piece appears only in the CD version; in fact, it is not present on the vinyl. "Take Me Back (Deja Vù)" is a very beautiful track with lyrics that anyone could resonate with. Going back, perhaps to the best period of our lives, would be everyone's dream. The album closes with what is my all-time favorite song by the group, "Feelin'." The arpeggio that opens (and closes the track) is beautiful, the chorus is lovely, and the solo that Eddie gives us is amazing. In my opinion, this track would have become a live show highlight if Hagar had remained with the group.

Balance is the worthy successor to F.U.C.K. and another great album by the group, to be listened to over and over again in the car, at home, on the iPod, anywhere. A round of applause also to the great Michael Anthony, extraordinary as always, unmatched in the harmonies.