Keven's Music Review: VAN HALEN – A Different Kind of Truth

David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen have awakened. I don't know how they managed to pull it off, but the duo have somehow risen to the challenge and crafted something that not only doesn't suck, but they've produced one hell of a fun rock and roll record.

The first time I heard 'A Different Kind of Truth's single 'Tattoo', I laughed, brushed it off as crap then forgot about Van Halen being relevant in 2012. The second time I heard 'Tattoo', I ate my words and found myself listening to this rock cheese and enjoying it quite a bit. The third time, fourth time, fifth time, I couldn't get it out of my head. Van Halen have created something that's either the musical equivalent to the rage virus from 28 Days Later, or they've resurrected infectious 80's rock.

Having Roth on vocals for the first time since 1984 is crazy. Having the band not kill each other before recording 'A Different Kind of Truth' is even crazier. It's only a matter of time before Eddie wants to smash Roth in the back of the head with his guitar, so enjoy the Van Halen reunion now while it lasts. While former Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar is without a doubt the better singer now all these years later, there's just something about Roth's bluesier vocal qualities that jive better with the band.

Like it or not, the new Van Halen album is better than Chickenfoot. It's a collective effort though to achieve this victory as Eddie's guitar is not only back, but its back with a vengeance. The solos are nuts and the songs are sometimes chaotic, but all the elements gel well together making 'A Different Kind of Truth' the effort that Axl Rose only dreamed of when crafting his epic disaster 'Chinese Democracy'.

Van Halen have proven that you can achieve greatness even if the odds are stacked immensely against you. 'A Different Kind of Truth' isn't a masterpiece by any means, but it's fun, it's rock solid and songs like 'Tattoo', 'Beats Workin' and album stand-out 'Stay Frosty' are just too good to pass up.

1. "Tattoo"
2. "She's the Woman"
3. "You and Your Blues"
4. "China Town"
5. "Blood and Fire"
6. "Bullethead"
7. "As Is"
8. "Honeybabysweetiedoll"
9. "The Trouble with Never"
10. "Outta Space"
11. "Stay Frosty"
12. "Big River"
13. "Beats Workin'"