Band reunions are great for fans, giving them a second chance to see an artist who seemed gone for good. While the tour is always a treat, new albums sometimes are not, as the energy that made the band great during its prime sometimes is no longer there.
Van Halen fans don’t need to worry about that.
Following a reunion and tours with singer David Lee Roth, fans began to speculate about new music from the re-energized quartet. This hit a fever pitch last fall and after a few months of whispering, the band confirmed the rumors were true with “A Different Kind of Truth” hitting shelves last week. Although it has been nearly 30 years since Van Halen recorded an album with Roth, the band makes it sound as though that break never happened.
The streamlined locomotive gracing the cover is the perfect imagery for a band whose heyday may be well behind but still is worthy of respect. After a slow start with “Tattoo,” Van Halen pushes the throttle forward and quickly hits full speed with “She’s the Woman.” After just a few tracks, it becomes apparent that the long hiatus hasn’t negatively affected Van Halen’s ability to make great music. Radio-friendly anthems like “You and Your Blues” are interspersed with blistering tracks like “China Town” and “Bullethead,” showcasing everything the band does well.
Any album from Van Halen wouldn’t be complete without some controversy. Former bandmates decried the use of demos and unfinished tracks and passing them off as “new,” but even if that is the case, the band makes everything sound brand new — with a healthy dose of California attitude.
Van Halen has built a time machine of sorts with “A Different Kind of Truth.” The music is fresh and fun, and would sound at home in any one of five different decades that the band’s career has spanned. It may not be Van Halen’s greatest work, but it’s definitely worth a listen.
Rating: W W W 1/2
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