VAN HALEN – Diver Down (1982)
Reviewed By: Georgina Strilakos
Review score: 10
This album is a cherished keepsake for any Van Halen fan, me included. Released on April 14, 1982, Diver Down stands as Van Halen’s fifth studio album, and its impact on both the band’s trajectory and the landscape of rock music is undeniable. At a mere 31 minutes long, Diver Down is notably shorter than many of its contemporaries, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in energy and diversity. The album is an eclectic mix of hard rock anthems, covers of classic songs, and fast-paced, high-energy tracks that are quintessentially Van Halen.
Following the massive commercial success of Women and Children First (1980), Diver Down reflects the band’s rise to superstardom and their growing fame. However, it also captures the subtle undercurrents of tension within the group. The band was navigating the pressures of fame, internal struggles, and the demands of constant touring, yet despite this, the record exhibits an unmatched sense of musical chemistry. Diver Down showcases Van Halen’s extraordinary versatility, as it blends hard rock with elements of pop, jazz, and even surf music, marking a departure from their previous, more straightforward sound.
Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar work remains front and center, his virtuosic playing and innovative techniques on tracks like “Little Guitars” and the instrumental “Intruder” continue to awe listeners. David Lee Roth’s signature flamboyance and larger-than-life persona shine through in his energetic vocal performances, adding a layer of charisma and showmanship to the album. Meanwhile, the rhythm section—comprised of Michael Anthony’s melodic bass lines and Alex Van Halen’s precise, thunderous drumming—anchors the album with a tight, solid foundation.
Though Diver Down may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessors, it has undeniably become a noteworthy and important chapter in Van Halen‘s discography. Over time, the album has been appreciated for its raw energy, its experimentation with various styles, and its representation of a band at the height of its creative powers, despite the challenges they faced. For fans like me, Diver Down is a quintessential part of the Van Halen legacy, a snapshot of a band that was both at the peak of their fame and grappled with the complexities of being rock icons. It’s an album that continues to resonate, decades after its release, as a testament to the enduring brilliance of Van Halen.
We begin with Van Halen’s take on The Kinks classic “Where Have All the Good Times Gone” it injects high-energy, hard-rock intensity into the original’s nostalgic reflection on lost youth. The band breathes new life into the melancholic tune, turning it into a driving anthem. Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar work, with its sharp riffs and intricate solos, adds layers of complexity, while David Lee Roth’s energetic and playful vocals give the track a fresh, youthful vigor. Brilliant harmonizing and thoughtful guitar lines ensure it’s more than just a cover; it’s a full transformation that proves the band’s ability to make the song entirely their own.
One of the album’s original compositions, “Hang ‘Em High”, offers a solid but somewhat underwhelming hard rock experience. The song features a Western-inspired rhythm, underscoring its gritty, atmospheric vibe. Roth’s bold vocal delivery suits the song’s intensity, though it doesn’t quite reach the creative heights of some of Van Halen’s other originals. Despite this, Eddie’s rapid-fire guitar licks and signature harmonics shine through, making it an enjoyable listen for fans of the band’s hard-rock style. Lots of fun!
“Cathedral”, a purely instrumental track, serves as a masterclass in Eddie Van Halen’s virtuosity. He was one of my favorite guitarists! Opening with a haunting, almost church-like atmosphere, it features Eddie’s innovative finger-tapping technique, which creates a lush and eerie soundscape unlike anything else in the band’s catalog. This track stands as one of the album’s most ambitious moments, showcasing Eddie’s ability to experiment with delicate musical textures, far removed from his usual hard-rock riffing. It’s a moment of pure artistry that many listeners didn’t know they needed until they heard it.
In contrast, “Secrets” takes a more melodic and polished approach. Straying from the hard-rock sound that defined the band’s early years, the song has a smoother, more refined feel, with a prominent keyboard line that complements the subtle, sophisticated guitar work. Roth’s vocals are surprisingly restrained, allowing the melody to take center stage. While it lacks the intensity of some of the album’s other tracks, “Secrets” highlights the band’s versatility and willingness to explore softer, more introspective sounds.
Moving right along the eerie instrumental “Intruder” acts as a brief but atmospheric lead-in to (Oh)” Pretty Woman”. With its dark, dissonant guitar notes and menacing vibe, it builds tension and sets the stage for the contrast that follows. This track isn’t a standalone piece but rather a cinematic transition that heightens the dramatic shift in mood to the upbeat nature of the next song.
Van Halen’s cover of Roy Orbison’s (Oh)” Pretty Woman” is easily one of the most iconic tracks on Diver Down and one of the band’s most commercially successful songs. The band transforms the pop classic into a high-energy rock anthem, with Eddie’s searing guitar riffs and Roth’s playful, charismatic vocals. The infectious energy and catchy chorus made the song a massive hit, and it stands as a prime example of Van Halen’s ability to take a well-known tune and make it their own by blending their hard-rock sensibility with the original’s hooky charm.
“Dancing in the Street”, originally a hit for Martha and the Vandellas, receives a high-octane, rock-infused makeover. Van Halen injects the joyous, danceable tune with their signature energy, turning it into an electrifying rock anthem. Roth’s exuberant vocals and the band’s trademark groove breathe new life into the song, making it a fun, celebratory moment within the album. While not as groundbreaking as some of their other originals, it highlights Van Halen’s ability to bring their hard-rock flair to almost any genre.
A brief but beautiful instrumental, “Little Guitars” (Intro) showcases Eddie’s delicate touch on the guitar. His intricate fingerpicking and classical-inspired style provide a sharp contrast to the album’s more energetic moments. Serving as a warm-up for the following track (by the same name), it demonstrates the band’s ability to seamlessly blend classical influences with their rock sensibilities. The follow-up builds on the melodic and intricate guitar work of its predecessor. With a catchy riff and a light, almost bouncy rhythm, the track has a playful, upbeat vibe. Roth’s vocals match the song’s energy, delivering a performance that’s as infectious as the melody. The track stands out for its blend of hard rock with more melodic, almost pop-like elements, making it one of the album’s most accessible and enjoyable songs.
“Big Bad Bill” (Is Sweet William Now), a cover of a 1920s jazz song popularized by Margaret Young, is a delightful surprise. Van Halen’s version brings a whimsical, swing-inspired vibe that departs from their usual hard-rock sound. Eddie’s guitar playing adopts a jazzy, almost vaudevillian quality, while Roth’s charismatic and humorous vocal performance adds to the song’s playful tone. It’s an unexpected gem, and one of the album’s most lighthearted moments.
One of the few tracks on Diver Down that fully embraces Van Halen’s hard-rock roots and one of my all-time favorites, ”The Full Bug”. It’s raw, frantic, and filled with the band’s trademark energy. With its catchy chorus, blazing guitar solos, and driving rhythm section, the song is a fast-paced, high-octane anthem. The track has a loose, spontaneous feel to it, allowing the band to let loose and fully indulge in their rock sensibilities. Though it may not be as iconic as some of their bigger hits, it’s still a fan favorite for its energy and attitude.
The album closes with “Happy Trails”, a light-hearted and humorous cover of a classic country song by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Van Halen’s playful rendition has a tongue-in-cheek cowboy vibe, providing a quirky and unexpected conclusion to Diver Down. The song showcases the band’s wide-ranging musical influences and proves that even when they’re not rocking out, they can still entertain. It’s a whimsical way to close the album, leaving listeners with a smile. 😊 It definitely does that to me!
Diver Down is a fascinating and eclectic album in Van Halen‘s discography. While the covers dominate the track list, the band’s unique take on these songs, along with their original compositions, showcase their creative versatility. From the hard-hitting rock of “The Full Bug” to the delicate “Cathedral,” the album offers something for every fan, even if it isn’t as cohesive as some of their earlier works. Nonetheless, it’s an album that highlights Van Halen’s ability to turn a compromise into a masterpiece. Big love energy here from me!
Tracklist
Where Have All the Good Times Gone!
Hang ‘Em High
Cathedral
Secrets
Intruder
(Oh) Pretty Woman
Dancing In the Street
Little Guitars w (Intro)
Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
The Full Bug
Happy Trails