We’re at the height of summertime now. It’s as hot as it’ll be for the rest of the year (hopefully). And we’ve only got another couple of months before the season is over. It would be best to celebrate the time in the sunshine that we have left. If you’ve got a barbecue planned or just want to build the perfect playlist for the season, why not add these killer Van Halen tracks to the mix?
Videos by American Songwriter
“Dancing In The Street”
We just had to kick off this list with this 1982 Diver Down favorite, “Dancing In The Street”. It’s wild to think that the band was dealing with so many internal issues at the time of this album’s making. This particular song is such a delight. The synths are a fine 80s touch, and this track has a ton of energy that makes it perfect for a summer playlist.
Fun fact: This song is a cover of a Martha And The Vandellas song.
“Feel Your Love Tonight”
David Lee Roth has always had an abundance of charisma, and that much is true on the 1978 Van Halen hit, “Feel Your Love Tonight”. I’d be bold enough to say that this song is perfect for a date, as the lyrics dive into the good and the bad of a summertime affair. Those harmonies are gorgeous, too.
“Beautiful Girls”
This one’s a classic that I just couldn’t leave off this list. “Beautiful Girls” is a 1979 gem from Van Halen II that is quite summer-appropriate, considering it’s a beach anthem of sorts. It’s also on the more humorous side of Van Halen’s music, and we could all use a good laugh nowadays, right?
“Feels So Good”
This song, and OU812 as a whole, leans more toward the pop-rock side of Van Halen. Not everyone was a fan, but without the context of Van Halen’s previous tracks and albums, “Feels So Good” is a solid pop-rock song. Sammy Hagar’s vocal track is fantastic on this one.
“Secrets”
I personally think “Secrets” is on the underrated side of Van Halen tracks, at least in the context of the 1982 album Diver Down. The ambiance of this track is quite stunning, and Roth’s lyrics and vocals are a balm for the soul.
Photo by Ross Marino/Rock Negatives
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