Album of the Day

Driven by axeman Eddie Van Halen's startling virtuosity and frontman David Lee Roth's irresistible swagger, Van Halen's self-titled debut is among the greatest hard rock albums of all time. With such memorable originals as “Runnin' with the Devil,” “Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love” and “Jamie's Cryin',” the 1978 collection was an instant hit and eventually went on to R.I.A.A. Diamond status. “[Producer] Ted Templeman wanted to make a big, powerful guitar record, and he had all he needed in what Eddie was doing,” noted bassist Michael Anthony, and while EVH's two-handed tapping has often been imitated, it has never been surpassed. The legendary guitarist passed away on this day in 2020, and we'll crank up VAN HALEN now in his memory.