Van Halen - Fair Warning
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Free Music Notes for Fair Warning
Free Music Review: VAN HALEN - UNLEASHED & UNCHAINED IN 1981
Hit: 5 Stars
God...has it REALLY been that long ago? This is a benchmark album (CD) for me because I bought this the day I graduated high school 23 years ago this month! I saw the band in concert at the Civic Arena is Pittsburgh in July of that same year and I remember the packed house going absolutely nuts for 2 solid hours! I recall the backdrops used during both "Mean Street" and "Unchained" and how the whole show (music, attitude and visuals) just opitomised rock n' roll! Van Halen was big and loud and flashy...(did I mention LOUD?). I rate the first VH album as a pure classic and still my favorite by far. But "Fair Warning" rocked more down and way dirtier than the three LP's the band released before. "Dirty Movies" and "Hear About It Later" are so raw and pure - and they haven't lost a bit of their edge in all the years since. "Unchained" is THE definative VH song to me. From that shattering and distorted lead guitar riff to the bombastic finish, it remains VH at the peak of their powers.
There isn't much more to be said that the other reviewers haven't stated so perfectly. I just wanted to chime in on an album that really marked an important moment in my life (much like KISS' "Destroyer" album did on my 13th birthday in 1976). There are always high points and memorable moments in everyone's life. And with my love of rock n' roll those most important moments are heard in my head and felt in my heart more than in any other way. "Fair Warning" has big teeth and is still just as good as it was the day I first heard it in 1981. And VH never (in my opinion) reached that creative height again...with DLR or Sammy Hagar.
EXCELLENT START TO FINISH!
Free Music Review: Dark side of VH
Hit: 5 Stars
This was acually the lowest selling roth era album, but many VH fans say it is by far their favorite. This album is more dominated by eddie and not dave (Women and Children & Diver Down) It is the heaviest and darkest VH album. The later albums were much more pop oriented. If Van Halen ever got to be a heavy metal band, this was the closest they got. IT'S A TRUE GEMFree Music Review: A classic.
Hit: 5 Stars
Many Van Halen fans call this their favourite Van Halen album. Is it the best? I think it's up there with Van Halen (S/T) and 1984. It may not be quite as good as those albums, but it's very, very good.Fair Warning is a bit dark when you compare it to the bright, happy party rock on the band's other albums. Obviously, Unchained is the "big" song on this album. Mean Street is another great song, its intro being part of Eddie's live guitar solo for years. Hear About It Later is one of Van Halen's most underrated songs. It has it all -- great guitar work, a hard rock vibe, and a great hook.
This album is unique in that it features some songs that are certainly odd for Van Halen. Not everyone will like them, but those willing to be open to different sounds from this band will be rewarded -- the groove of Dirty Movies is certainly different, and Push Comes To Shove has a laidback vibe that is just slow enough to not be too slow.
Fair Warning rocks. As an ALBUM it is one of their best. Some other albums have great singles but as an album are lacking and contain material that could just about be called filler -- but Fair Warning, I find, delivers from beginning to end.
If you're new to the band, check out Van Halen (S/T), 1984, Van Halen II, or perhaps Best Of Volume One. Fair Warning is for when you've been digging Van Halen for a while, although I'm sure pretty much anyone could love at least a few songs on this album. From Mean Street to Sinner's Swing to Hear About It Later to Unchained to So This Is Love, this album is a classic.
Free Music Review: Excellant Van Halen
Hit: 4 Stars
The album is a little progressive if you call it that and after a listen or two it sticks on you. In a nut shell, the album is worth purchasing. I like this album as well as VH II / and Woman and Children First. In an era where disco was king, VH continued to rock and roll.Free Music Review: Serious- And Seriously Good
Hit: 5 Stars
FAIR WARNING is the most serious album that Van Halen ever made- and it's one of the best. Every note seems to be a warning that if you screw up, you'll lose your health and your looks. It is essential listening for anyone who doesn't want to wind up on the street or in the hospital. It may not have the pop appeal of the debut, 1984, or 5150, but it's a great cautionary masterpiece that I've learned lots from.