1984

Van Halen’s 1984 is a landmark album, both in the band's career and in the broader rock landscape of the 1980s. Released on this day in, well, 1984, it was the band’s sixth studio album and one of their most commercially successful. The album marked a pivotal moment for Van Halen, not only because of its massive success but also because at the time, it was the last album to feature the band’s original lineup before David Lee Roth's departure in 1985. 1984 is also notable for showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s growing interest in synthesizers, which added a fresh sound to the band's hard rock style.

The album was recorded at Eddie Van Halen’s own 5150 Studios in Studio City, California. The studio, which he built in 1983, gave him a sense of creative freedom that he hadn’t experienced in previous albums, as it allowed him to experiment with new sounds, particularly on the synthesizer-heavy "Jump." The album was produced by longtime Van Halen collaborator Ted Templeman, and it reflected mostly Eddie’s desire to push their music in a more pop-oriented direction without abandoning their hard rock roots.

Upon its release, 1984 was a massive commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 charts, only held back from the top spot by Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The album eventually sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. Its lead single, "Jump," became Van Halen’s first and only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, largely thanks to its catchy synth riff and infectious energy. Other favorites include “Panama” and “Hot For Teacher” as well as the underrated “Top Jimmy”. The album also received critical praise for its fusion of rock and pop elements, helping to solidify Van Halen’s status as one of the biggest rock bands of the decade.

However, 1984 also represented the beginning of the end for the band’s original lineup. Tensions between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth had been growing. The creative differences, combined with personality clashes, culminated in Roth’s departure from the band the following year. Despite this internal conflict, 1984 remains one of Van Halen’s most beloved albums, a defining work that bridged the gap between hard rock and mainstream pop while leaving a lasting influence on rock music in the 1980s.