Van Halen III cover

Van Halen III

Van Halen · 1998

65 min · 12 tracks · hard rock · classic rock

A blend of melodic rock and introspective lyrics showcases Van Halen's shift towards a more mature sound.

Why this album works

'Van Halen III' was notable for its mixed critical reception, with some praising its ambition while others criticized the departure from the band's classic style. Despite this, it reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, showcasing that the band's legacy continued to draw attention even amid controversy over vocal changes.
Best for
long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys reflective and introspective moods
Context
Released in 1998, 'Van Halen III' marked the band's first album with vocalist Gary Cherone, following the departure of Sammy Hagar. This album came after a significant hiatus since their previous release 'Balance' in 1995, positioning it as a crucial moment for the band as they sought to redefine their sound amidst lineup changes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Neworld 1:45
  • 2 Without You Standout 6:30
  • 3 One I Want 5:30
  • 4 From Afar 5:24
  • 5 Dirty Water Dog Standout 5:27
  • 6 Once 7:42
  • 7 Fire in the Hole Standout 5:31
  • 8 Josephina 5:42
  • 9 Year to the Day 8:34
  • 10 Primary 1:27
  • 11 Ballot or the Bullet 5:42
  • 12 How Many Say I 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata