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""For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" joins the closed circle of the essential US Hard albums and finally legitimizes Sammy Hagar in the eyes of Van Halen fans."
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4/5
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The two previous Van Halen albums, with Sammy Hagar on vocals, left the fans divided. It is true that it is never easy to succeed to a frontman as charismatic as David Lee Roth, especially since the band took advantage of it to direct its musical style towards something more commercial. For this third opus with its new singer, Van Halen decided to come back to more direct and energetic compositions, and took the opportunity to work again with his favorite producer: Ted Templeman.
The result is particularly successful with an album in which the group finds an energy and a communicative enthusiasm. The beginning is immediate with a 'Poundcake' with the legendary intro played with a drill by Eddie but also with a strong riff supported by a pachydermic bass. The tone is set and the pressure won't throughout the eleven tracks of this "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" nicknamed "F.U.C.K." because of its initials. It should be noted that Eddie wanted to give him this title directly but Alex blocked his brother, not being able to get used to this idea.
There is no slackening in this album apart from the acoustic instrumental break of '316'. The atmosphere is rather cheerful, the choruses are for the most part immediate and unforgettable and the production is dynamic. Michael Anthony's bass ensures the riff on the heavy-funk of the surprising 'Spanked', this after having propelled an irresistible and punchy 'Judgement Day'. Eddie always gratifies us with a unique technique that never harms the musicality of the whole. Alex proves that he is far from being a limited drummer as some would suggest. He is the unshakeable foundation on which Van Halen can build his unique style and deceptively simplistic compositions, multiplying improbable and effective breaks. Finally, Sammy Hagar seems to be finally integrated in the band and gives off communicative cheerfulness.
The titles are of a great variety and none is duplicated. The quartet leads us in generally joyous atmospheres with direct and effective titles like 'Runaround' or 'Top Of The World'. The energy is always present on more groovy ('Man On A Mission') or melodic ('The Dream Is Over') tracks and we even have the right to a darker track with 'Pleasure Dome' in which Alex proposes an alternation of spoken and vocal passages and a haunting chorus on almost 7 minutes. This principle is also present on the catchy 'In'N'Out' with a great chorus and vocal-guitar passages ed in the middle of dynamic parts played by the whole band. Finally, we will not forget the hit 'Right Now', the only track to benefit from keyboards much more discreet than on the previous albums of the group.
It is thus a successful return in force by Van Halen which proves that it can still make excellent albums with its new line-up. "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" joins the closed circle of the hard US albums, and finally legitimizes Sammy Hagar in the eyes of the band's fans. The tour that will follow will be essentially based on this opus and will allow Van Halen to confirm its return to the top. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Poundcake - 5:21
02. Judgement Day - 4:38
03. Spanked - 4:53
04. Runaround - 4:20
05. Pleasure Dome - 6:58
06. In 'N' Out - 6:04
07. Man On A Mission - 5:03
08. The Dream Is Over - 3:59
09. Right Now - 5:21
10. 316 - 1:29
11. Top Of The World - 3:54
LINEUP:
Alex Van Halen: Batterie
Edward Van Halen: Guitares / Claviers
Michael Anthony: Basse
Sammy Hagar: Chant
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(2) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
3.5/5 (6 view(s))
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STAFF:
3/5 (7 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH VAN HALEN
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT VAN HALEN
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