By 1981, Van Halen were the biggest rock band on the planet. The high octane energy, mixed with heavy rock, musical technicality, revolutionary guitar playing and appealing song writing made them the dominant band on the planet. The first three albums: ‘VHI, ‘II’ and ‘Women and Children First’ have now become cornerstones in rock folklore. But it was the fourth album, ‘Fair Warning’ that gave Van Halen the edge that sustained their hardcore fanbase for years to come.
The albums opener, ‘Mean Streets’ makes the statement immediately. Eddie’s finger hammer intro became a signature segment of his extended solo as the years went on. But it’s the groove and main riff that gives the song its darker tone. All the while keeping it fun and funky. And if that wasn’t enough, the follow up, ‘Dirty Movies,’ takes it to another level. The dirty, West Coast street vibe captures the timing of the Sunset Strip movement perfectly. Resulting in a sick, down and dirty track that’s sure to remove panties around the world. ‘Sinner’s Swing’ is the prime example of David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen coming together in heavy metal vaudeville. Which is a part of the DLR schtick. And it worked well at the time.
The classics keep rolling out with ‘Hear About It Later.’ Another five out of five star track. Which the album is loaded with. An iconic chorus. An iconic intro riff. It’s all there. As it is with the follow up ‘Unchained.’ One of the most prolific Van Halen songs in the bands storied career. A signature concert staple from the DLR era. It fell by the wayside during the Sammy years. But was revived when Gary Cherone took over in the late 90’s. ‘Push Comes To Shove’ shows the band trying to blend in with the current dance/funk craze that was massive at the time. Unfortunately, David Lee Roth’s hokey schtick shines through too much.
The album closes with the swinging ‘So This Love?’ And the two short tracks ‘Sunday Afternoon in the Park’ and ‘One Foot Out The Door.’ The latter of which really display the direction that Eddie Van Halen wanted to take the band. The keys, the bass heavy ambient groove. It was a sound that would take prevalence as Van Halen matured. With Eddie starting to favor keyboards in addition to guitar. It all starts with the final two ‘Fair Warning’ tracks.
Upon it’s release on April 29th, 1981, ‘Fair Warning’ was met with a luke warm reception from the masses. However, its darker tone had a massive welcoming from the hard core fan base. The album was a clear step forward. And while it didn’t seem to do as well as the previous three albums. It still did remarkably well. Climbing all the way to number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Sending the Van Halen on yet another arena/stadium tour. The David Lee Roth era would never quite top itself after ‘Fair Warning.’ Making it one of the most legendary in the grand scheme of Van Halen’s discography. Crank it, live it, love it. Celebrate Van Halen’s ‘Fair Warning.’
