Album Review: Van Halen, "F.U.C.K."

Back again after a gap of some three years, VAN HALEN (or should that be Van Hagar) return to the fold with their latest album simply entitled "F-U-C-K." And once again, Sammy, Eddie, Alex, and Mike deliver the goods in true VH fashion. Volcanic guitar, soaring vocals that burn the air, wall-shattering drum patterns, and ballsy bass lines to break your teeth.

On first airing this album does tend to sound very one-dimensional, but repeated plays prove that a wealth of hidden treasures lie within its grooves. "Poundcake" smacks a powerful punch. "Judgment Day" thrashes and smashes. "Spanked" booms along, "Runaround" rollicks and roars. Then "Pleasure Dome," with its dramatic drumming and bombastic bass lines, explodes into action, "In'N'Out" soars the heights as Hagar roars into it, "Man On A Mission" stomps lower ground. Then the whole thing suddenly, at last, takes off when "The Dream is Over" rolls into gear with its infectious chorus. Then keyboardsville rears its ugly head as "Right Now" smacks you right in the heart, before Eddie's guitar intro "316" lulls into the spirited album closer "Top Of The World."

The most noticeable thing is the distinct lack of keyboards, a VH trademark that has prevailed since "Jump" rocketed them to superstar status back in 84. Indeed, F-U-C-K returns to a more guitar-orientated VH sound, more akin to their early albums.

Sammy Hagar may not have the overbearing presence of Diamond Dave, but does possess a set of lungs that inflame you with passion. What is lacking, though, is the VH humor, which managed to survive the change in the vox department with 5150 and OU812. F.U.C.K. merely picks up the musical threads and weaves them into shape.

Grade B+

Mark Crampton
August 1991
Riff Raff

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