Album of the Day

On this day in 1995, Van Halen's BALANCE topped the U.S. album chart. From the chanting monks of the mystical opener “The Seventh Seal,” it was clear the foursome wanted to broaden their sonic palette, and they succeeded with an appealing balance of poppy singles (“Can't Stop Lovin' You”), bonehead party rock (“Amsterdam,”), instrumental workouts (“Strung Out”) and ballads (“Not Enough”). Well produced by Bruce Fairbairn – Eddie Van Halen's guitar sounds stronger and more distinct than it has in years – BALANCE is also a bit darker in tone. That may reflect tensions within the group; the triple-platinum collection would prove to be the final one with Sammy Hagar at the microphone. Whatever its backstory, the underrated BALANCE brings the second chapter of one of America's greatest hard rock bands to a graceful close.