Sophomore Album Syndrome is one of those overused descriptors that those who opine on rock music tend to lean on when tasked with evaluating the much anticipated follow up release from artists who knocked it out of the park with their debut. Upon first spin, the prospective listener may feel that Van Halen II is a bit more restrained in tone when compared to the heart-pounding pyrotechnics that poured from the speaker grills throughout their first effort. Further investigation reveals a concise, impeccably rendered set with subtle charms sprinkled amongst the heavier fare.
Fresh off their first world tour, the musicians were in top form when they trooped into the studio to commit these songs to tape. Completed in a mere three weeks, much of what you hear is the result of first-take magic, without overthinking. That spontaneity is what makes these tracks sound so compelling forty years on.
Easing into side one, "You're No Good" kicks off on an understated note. As the lone cover tune here it is a far cry from the ostentatious opener that "Running With the Devil" provided on Van Halen. A bold move in that they don't attempt to tear your head off from the drop of the needle, yet it really doesn't feel as if the players are fully into this one. Far more successful is "Dance the Night Away" which proves to be melodic, catchy and reveals them to be adept at turning out a perfect pop single without a hint of contrivance. It sounds as if it could have been recorded last week and made a stuck landing on radio playlists. Hard rock swagger with a twist of fun returns with the scorching intro of "Somebody Get Me a Doctor". This one bears all of the hallmarks of "live off the floor" excitement, with Alex Van Halen putting on a masterclass in precision playing. Listen to his ride cymbal work during Ed's solo. Roth rides the wave with a wink and a gun delivery, brilliantly supported by the harmony vocals of Michael Anthony. The laughs continue with "Bottom's Up" and that vocal breakdown where the lads get a case of the giggles on the mic. Anthony pulls off some tasty jazz chops on "Outta Love Again", whereas the Van Halen brothers simply shred and burn right into the run out grooves. Flipping over to the second side, "Light Up the Sky" and "DOA" offer hyper-adrenalized riffing that would make any metal head eternally happy. Multi-faceted in their approach, there is something for everyone in this action packed thirty minutes and change.
The biggest knuckle ball delivered on VH II? Lasting a scant sixty seconds, "Spanish Fly" offers tapped harmonics with a roller coaster run up and down the fret board of Eddie’s Ovation nylon-stringed guitar. All of the doubters who wrote off his finger tapping technique as the product of stomp-box manipulation and studio trickery were silenced in one fell swoop by this stunning display of virtuosity.
Take that!
Similarly, the crystal-clear, water droplet harmonics that herald "Women in Love" are sonic perfection. If asked to summarize the genius of EVH in a quick clip, this is exactly what I would queue up. No exceptions.
Closing strong with the groovy "Beautiful Girls", you've got a drink in your hand, toes in the sand and Van Halen II cranked. What more could you ask for?
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