Ten years after Van Halen’s debut album, Dave released his second full length solo album. It still T’s me off that Dave left VH, as that was the perfect band for me. I’m not sure what advice he was being fed that led up to the decisions made, but I guess bait happens for a reason. After the success of Eat Em And Smile, the pressure was on for this follow up that’s for sure. This is a lot slicker and a much more polished album – the rough edges have been smoothed out.
Just Like Paradise was the big single off the record with its big hook and chorus, and layered harmonies over the top – it was definitely a winner chart wise. A definitely different vibe to this record as well, as the uptempo rockers like Knucklebones, The Bottom Line (with its Hot For Teacher feel), and Hot Dog And A Shake, are where new things are tried. Just like the title track which feels like something that Steve Vai would do with his solo material, and Hina with its Asian feel. I always thought that Stand Up was a better choice for a single as I love the groove and chill feel – plus Vai’s playing is superb on this track.
I think it’s a worthy follow up to its predecessor, and a great record with variety in the tunes.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
