Van Halen Balance CD

Van Halen: Sammy Hagar (vocals); Edward Van Halen (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Michael Anthony (bass, background vocals); Alex Van Halen (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: The Monks Of Gyuro Tantric University (vocals).
"The Seventh Seal" was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Personnel: Sammy Hagar (vocals, background vocals); Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Alex Van Halen (drums, percussion); Michael Anthony (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Mike Fraser.
Recording information: "Siso" Record Plant.
Photographers: Glenn Wexler; Randee Saint Nicholas.
Unknown Contributor Role: Van Halen.
Balance tries to open up the Van Hagar formula somewhat. Eddie Van Halen sincerely attempts to improve the group musically, by adding more subtle and assured ballads and more fearless rockers. No matter how hard he tries, he's weighed down by the most predictable rhythm section in all of rock & roll, which gives each number the same unvarying deadlocked pulse, completely obliterating Eddie's increased musical sensitivity. Of course, he isn't helped by Hagar, either. Hagar also tries to follow the social conscious that served him so well on "Right Now," as the first single "(Don't Tell Me What) Love Can Do." Unfortunately, he can't help himself and slips back to the raucous partying of "Amsterdam" -- you know, the place where they're allowed to smoke pot and stuff. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Balance tries to open up the Van Hagar formula somewhat. Eddie Van Halen sincerely attempts to improve the group musically, by adding more subtle and assured ballads and more fearless rockers. No matter how hard he tries, he's weighed down by the most predictable rhythm section in all of rock & roll, which gives each number the same unvarying deadlocked pulse, completely obliterating Eddie's increased musical sensitivity. Of course, he isn't helped by Sammy Hagar, either. With the first single, "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)," Hagar tries to follow the social conscious that served him so well on "Right Now." Unfortunately, he can't help himself and slips back to the raucous partying of "Amsterdam" -- you know, the place where they're allowed to smoke pot and stuff. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
What happens when rowdy rockers get older? Hopefully, if they're like Eddie, Sammy and the boys, they can achieve a BALANCE between the fire from their youth and the more serious demands of maturing rock stars.
The struggle for BALANCE is apparent in songs about strained relationships, drugs and greed. The topics of Sammy's lyrics range from personal turmoil ("I need a change, I need it quick before it makes me sick...I don't like what I've been told I'm feelin'") to apocalyptic doom ("Broken now I can't help but feel someone cracked the seventh seal"). However, the band still kicks when Sammy shouts about the virtues of drugs and avarice in "Amsterdam" and "Big Fat Money."
Supporting this are Eddie's familiar warm tones and Alex's big-footed stomp. Tune into "Amsterdam" to hear Eddie's goofy, bearded grin, and that good-feelin' Van Halen rock. Yet although they offer three instrumental tracks, they no longer flaunt unbridled talent just because it's there. Instead of using songs as mere vehicles for instrumental pyrotechnics, the Van Halen virtuosity has been balanced out to serve the song, and it's a fine BALANCE.Rolling Stone (3/23/95, p.122) - 3.5 Stars - Very Good - "...BALANCE is pro forma pomp rock--but with VH in top form, power aplenty remains in their slick machine....Gleefully, [Sammy Hagar] surfs Eddie's guitar waves, apparently getting as much kick as any fan does when they crash and tumble the studio walls--and that's a kick indeed..."