Lovely Western music

[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Classic and Popular Songs

Live Spot LugHirata Hiroyasu
I’m Hiroyasu Hirata from Live Spot RAG. When I was 15, I was blown away by how cool music—especially rock—was, and I started playing guitar and formed a band. I’m from Kochi Prefecture, where there weren’t many live houses or concert venues, so there were few opportunities to experience live music. Back then, our sources of information were magazines, CDs, and even VHS tapes (!?). Still, I was captivated by the sparkle of music, and I spent my days enjoying guitar and music, mostly neglecting my studies. I moved to Kyoto for university and “graduated” from the light music club, so to speak (laugh). Until then, I mainly listened to Japanese rock and Western hard rock, but thanks to seniors and peers I learned there was so much more music in the world. Now I listen to anything that strikes me as good, regardless of genre. After graduating, I joined RAG. After about six years in the office and about ten years in the music studio, I now work at the long-established Live Spot RAG, which has been around for 39 years, mainly handling promotions. Being exposed to the “real music” performed by Japan’s top musicians and delivering it to our audience lets me feel the brilliance of music anew every day. I still play guitar and keep a band going casually, and in recent years I’ve even started singing—better late than never. I’ve fully become an old guy by now, but I hope we can continue to chase “what lies beyond the dreams I painted with music back then” together.

Van Halen, the American hard rock band whose name shines brilliantly in the history of rock worldwide.

Their Dutch band name comes from the surname of the brothers: Alex on drums and Edward on guitar.

Since their 1978 debut, despite several lineup changes, they have rewritten rock history with high-quality songs and outstanding performances.

Among them, guitarist Edward—better known as “Eddie”—was a charismatic figure who repeatedly created innovative playing styles, influencing countless guitarists not only in the rock world but beyond.

The great guitarist “Eddie,” often mentioned alongside the guitar god Jimi Hendrix, passed away on October 7, 2020.

As we pray for his repose, let us look back on Van Halen’s many classics, focusing on tracks that feature Eddie’s captivating guitar.

[Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (41–50)

Hot For The TeacherVan Halen

Van Halen – Hot For Teacher (Official Music Video)

Hot For The TeacherVan Halen

“Hot for Teacher” is a track included on Van Halen’s smash-hit album 1984.

The album also features “Jump,” one of the defining songs of the 1980s, and capturing the band’s momentum from that era, Eddie Van Halen’s blisteringly fast guitar work explodes on this track as well.

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Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix)Van Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix) [Official Audio]

Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix)Van Halen

Armin Van Buuren, a DJ who represents the Dutch trance music scene, has remixed a classic by Van Halen.

The original song is Jump, which is included on Van Halen’s 1984 album released in 1984.

Many of you have probably heard its famous synthesizer riff.

The remix version has a different kind of energy from the original, and it feels like something that could boost your spirits if you listen to it in the morning!

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Jump (Audien Remix)Van Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Audien Remix)

Jump (Audien Remix)Van Halen

This is a remix version of “Jump,” one of the signature songs by the American hard rock band Van Halen.

It’s a track that’s often used in TV dramas and sports programs, so many of you probably know it.

It’s an upbeat number that would be perfect for any scene at a school festival.

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Not EnoughVan Halen

Van Halen – Not Enough

Not EnoughVan Halen

Included on the 1995 album Balance.

A four-piece rock band from California formed in 1972.

This is a number from the era when Sammy Hagar was the vocalist.

The contrast between the slow-tempo rhythm and the interplay of soft piano tones with the hardness of electric guitar highlights the character of the song nicely.

The soulful vocals are great, too.

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JosephinaVan Halen

Van Halen – Josephina

JosephinaVan Halen

An acoustic number included on the album created by the genius guitarist Eddie Van Halen—who revolutionized guitar playing—featuring former Extreme member Gary Cherone as the vocalist.

The duet with Eddie feels wonderfully soothing.

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Love Walks InVan Halen

Van Halen – Love Walks In

Love Walks InVan Halen

Included on the 1986 album 5150.

A four-piece rock band from California that debuted in 1978.

The album title 5150 comes from police slang derived from a California statute that sets out involuntary commitment procedures for mentally ill individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.

This track features Sammy Hagar on vocals, and it’s a number brimming with a different kind of appeal from Dave’s.

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In conclusion

Throughout their long career, Van Halen consistently delivered high-quality rock that struck a superb balance between mass appeal and artistry, all while responding keenly to the sounds each era demanded. When discussing the band, the contrasting styles of the two frontmen—vocalists David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar—are often highlighted (there was also a brief period with Gary Cherone from Extreme). Yet across every era, Eddie’s contributions—his backing work and solos alike, suffused with dazzling sensibility, technique, and innovation—were immeasurable. He is a guitarist for whom the title “eternal guitar hero” could not be more fitting.