After the success of the first album (if you read my review is definitely one of the best albums of all time), Warner Brothers wasted no time in getting the band back in the studio to record a follow up. Into Sunset Recorders they went, and 6 days later (yes you read that right) out popped baby number two. Again all killer and no filler!!! You are pretty much going to get the same review from me for the first six VH albums as they are genre defining albums.
Album opener is You’re No Good, a cover of a Linda Ronstadt tune (Dionne Warwick before her). What a killer opening tune with the phased bass, Dave’s screams, and Eddie’s killer guitar. Ladies and germs, we have a winner! The first single, Dance the Night Away, has that infectious, ear worm chorus. Then boom… Somebody Get Me A Doctor, with that irresistible riff and swagger. Bottoms Up – Dave’s tribute to all the ladies is almost a boogie. Outta Love Again closes Side 1, and another pop/rock masterpiece with a great chorus and melody.
Light Up The Sky gets things rolling on the flip side, and an absolute monster it is. Hell, the middle 8 and solo are worth the price of admission alone. Eddie’s acoustic showpiece Spanish Fly is next, a sort of Eruption for acoustic lovers. Then the downright dirty groove of D.O.A. blows us all away. Women in Love, and the other single from this album, Beautiful Girls, close things out – both loaded with melody and a sing-a-long chorus.
Just over 30 minutes in length, and every second is pure quality. Only when CDs came in is when albums went to 70 + minutes, and name me one that long where the quality goes all the way through?! Van Halen II is another one that every self respecting rocker should own.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
