Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth (2012)
It is finally here! The album you have been waiting for since 1984…….. A Different Kind of Truth. It seems like I have been waiting for ages to hear David Lee Roth sing with Van Halen again. I enjoyed the tunes from the brief, but short-lived reunion in 1996, “Can’t Get This Stuff No More”, and “Me Wise Magic” . A Different Kind of Truth is exactly what I have been waiting for…… An album that sounds like classic Van Halen. While I enjoyed the Sammy Hagar years in Van Halen, I have always longed for Van Halen’s return to their classic sound. That is exactly what A Different Kind of Truth sounds like. Classic Van Halen! This album has a massive production, and will please most audiophiles out there.
I am sure there are many of you that would love to have an album that is on a par with Van Halen I. This album isn’t it. If you want a heavy Van Halen album, with tons of guitars and that fun party rock that Van Halen is known for, A Different Kind of Truth will put a big smile on your face.
I read where many folks were slamming the song “Tattoo”, and while I can understand other people’s opinions, I like the song. It kind of reminds me of David Lee Roth’s song “Sensible Shoes” from his 1991 album, A Little Ain’t Enough. It is a catchy song, but it is one of the lesser songs on this CD.
I have to admit that I like the original demo version of “She’s The Woman” better than this latest version. I miss Michael Anthony’s background vocals. This version is good, and if you haven’t the original unreleased version of this song, you will probably love it.
Alex Van Halen makes his presence felt on the song “China Town”. I have always though of Alex as an incredible drummer. He continues to show just how awesome he is by pulverizing his drum kit, with a super fast tempo, and pounding rhythms. This isn’t a song that would be used as a radio single, but it is one of those deep Van Halen tracks that long time fans of the band will appreciate.
“Blood and Fire” screams radio hit. This song isn’t super heavy, and this song could have easily worked in the Hagar years, but David Lee Roth owns this one.
“HoneybabySweetiedoll” has a strange intro, but this is the kind of aggressive VH tune I have been waiting to hear for years! I love this! “The Trouble With Never” is a catchy, heavy rocker that Van Halen should release as their second single. Those fans on the fence after hearing “Tattoo” will certainly jump on the Van Halen train, after hearing “The Trouble With Never”.
“Stay Frosty” has that same type of acoustic guitar style as the Van Halen classic “Ice Cream Man”, but nowhere near as good as that song (which is one of my Van Halen favorites). The song gets a little heavier towards the middle, but even with Eddie Van Halen’s awesome riffs, this song is still one the weaker tracks.
A Different Kind of Truth closes out in strong fashion with two heavy rockers back to back with “Big River” and “Beats Workin”. It often sounds like to be me that David Lee Roth is singing “Big Trouble” in “Big River”, but it is a cool song nonetheless. Eddie tears it up on “Beats Workin'” and rest assured, but the time this song ends, I am hitting repeat to listen to this CD again.
Thanks to the Van Halen clan and David Lee Roth for releasing the Van Halen album, I have been longing for. A Different Kind of Truth is a tremendous comeback album that I can’t stop listening to. All Van Halen fans should pick up immediately. Highly Recommended!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Tattoo
02. She’s The Woman
03. You and Your Blues
04. China Town
05. Blood and Fire
06. Bullethead
07. As Is
08. Honeybabysweetiedoll
09. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin’
Van Halen is:
Eddie Van Halen – Guitars
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Wolfgang Van Halen – Bass
David Lee Roth – Vocals
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U people can’t be serious…this album is awful. Re-worked old songs that never made it onto the old records…because they were bad then too. I know everyone is excited about new VH, but if this is all we get…please break up again.
long live the Mighty VH!! what a return!!!
Great Review, I have to admit, I was not prepared for this. This absolutely kicks-ass. I know Tattoo is the weakest track,but it’s still catchy after that though crank up the volume and enjoy. Ed’s playing is unreal and the best tone I’ve heard since Fair Warning, it also reminded me of why I started playing guitar. Alex is a monster and Wolfgang fits in nicely. I miss Michael’s hamonies, but it is what it is. Sure Dave isn’t what he once was, but it’s not really VH without him and you can hear him giving it his all. Why wouldn’t he I’m sure he’s waited a long time for this and so have I and I’m enjoying every freaking track of it!!!
I’ve been listening to it pretty much non-stop since yesterday, and I’m thrilled. As Morgan said, it ain’t perfect, but I’ll take it. There’s three or four tracks on there that I freaking LOVE, so I’m happy. Thanks, Dave and crew. Easily the most enjoyable disc I’ve heard in quite awhile.
Glad you like it Frank. HoneyBabySweetieDoll is a beast. Crank that one up in your car sometime…..Love it!
The CD kills. Thank God for the return of the mighty Van Halen. Great review, Rob!
Very Cool! I know this has nothing to do with the music, yet I am glad to see the vintage Van Halen logo is on the artwork. I know what you mean/agree with your mentioning Alex Van Halen, damn great drummer to my ears all these years. I’m looking forward to getting this CD… fabulous review that gets me psyched-out into that “old school zone”! 🙂
Wait until you hear it Stone…..you are going to be a happy man!
The CD is stronger than I expected. It ain’t perfect, but it sure brings back the Classic Van Halen vibe. Uncanny. The world is a better place when DLR and EVH join forces.
I agree Morgan. It isn’t perfect, but it is almost as if 1984, and the split never happened.
Thanks for the update. I heard Tattoo and then saw that single tracks were being released. I figured that when I get the CD is when I want to hear it all in one fell swoop, er, ah with no one bugging me! Can’t wait!