[Simon]

Originally Posted by SexxAtraxxion

There wouldn't be Bon Jovi without Van Halen. They changed the Rock scene.

Sure. Lol.

Besides, didn't Jon once say they chose Richie because from all the guitarists they had auditioned, he was the only one that did not copy Eddie Van Halen?

[SexxAtraxxion]

I know Bruce was his biggest inspiration, but his 80s records are part of a scene that Van Halen mostly inspired.

Songs like YGLABN and Bad Medicine are not heartland rock exactly. You won't find songs like that in Bruce/Tom Petty discographies.

[Simon]

I've been listening to a lot of the early VH albums these days, and honestly, "Tattoo" ain't much different, if not better than some of those tracks. It's got a similar sense of humor.

[steel_horse75]

A lot of the new Van Halen album is songs they wrote 27 years ago and didnt use. Thats why Tattoo sounds so dated.

[Simon]

Ok, I got the album today, and it kicks ass! Haven't heard a (comeback) album that sounds so fresh and juvenile in quite some time. Songwriting wise, not every song is a "hit" on the first listen, but what prevails is the pure joy of playing. Wow!

[C'monFeet]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Sounds like Dave has lost whatever voice he had

What this song needs is Gary Cherone.

[life_of_agony]

The album absolutely rips. Very, very impressed. And "Tattoo" has grown on me.
Still prefer Hagar though.

[dcj28]

Originally Posted by steel_horse75

A lot of the new Van Halen album is songs they wrote 27 years ago and didnt use. Thats why Tattoo sounds so dated.

Not heard any of the album yet but Panama is 27 years old and the first VH album is 33 years old and they,ve stood the test of time.
Made me look forward to it even more now!

[steel_horse75]

Its not a bad album.
1 or 2 fillers but some great guitar work in there from EVH.
Sambora - take note!

[Avantasian]

Originally Posted by life_of_agony

The album absolutely rips. Very, very impressed. And "Tattoo" has grown on me.
Still prefer Hagar though.

This.

I would have never expected such a strong album after all the tension that was and is in this band. There's so much energy throughout the album and the Van Halens just kick everyone's ass

Can't believe Shanks was involved in the recording process of this album as it sounds pretty transparent AND old school... pretty much the contrary to BJs Shanks-produced albums.
On the other hand there's no mention of which parts of the Shanks or Russ Hogarth sessions were used.

Well all that counts in the end: It's a fantastic album. Period.