Ou812
Having proven its Sammy Hagar-led lineup a success with5150, Van Halen followed that effort withOU812, an album that, despite its cheesy title, is every bit its predecessor's equal, burning with balls-to-the-walls hard rock that never leaves its pop sensibility far behind. From the sweeping power ballad "When It's Love" and the full-on rocker "Finish What Ya Started," to the stringbending showcases "A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)" and "Cabo Wabo" and even an uncharacteristic cover (of Little Feat's "A Apolitical Blues"), Eddie, Alex, Michael, and Sammy play with abandon and a palpable sense of fun.--Daniel Durchholz