Music from the work in question was even used as the theme of a soap opera; success was not repeated in other countries
THE Van Halen is a rare case of a rock band with two diamond records in the United States. Both his eponymous debut work, from 1978, and 1984 (1984), surpassed the mark of 10 million copies sold each in the country. In Brazil, the only one of its new records to obtain some certification — in this case, gold, for the 40 thousand units sold — was Balance (1995), not so popular abroad.
Released on January 24, 1995, the tenth studio album by the American hard rock band features a more serious approach, with reflective lyrics and slightly dark melodies. A huge contrast compared to the party sound presented in their most popular materials.
In all, Balance sold 3 million copies in the United States, being surpassed by six of Van Halen’s other 11 studio albums. Two other records are tied in numbers. Only Fair Warning (1981), Van Halen III (1998) and A Different Kind of Truth (2012) had fewer units sold in the group’s home country.
The 1995 album was far from a fiasco in terms of repercussion. It reached the top of the American chart and the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, among others. On the other hand, it was not a time of high popularity, so much so that VH had to open shows in Bon Jovi during the period to continue performing in large venues. So, what made this record achieve such success in Brazil?
The answer lies in the song “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You”. Second single (work song) by Balancethis affable ballad was included in the soap opera’s soundtrack Love Storydisplayed by TV Globo also in 1995. It served as the theme of Bruno (Claudio Lins), a bon vivant character in love with Joyce (Carla Marins).
The success of the track in question in Brazil became so great that it became one of the references when talking about Van Halen among local fans. In American territory, other hits tend to be remembered first.
Van Halen and Balance
Also owner of songs like “Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)”, “Amsterdam” and the ballad “Not Enough”, Balance represents the last breath of the Van Halen while a “normal” band (via Igor Miranda website). After this work, the notoriously dysfunctional group — which would lose its lead singer Sammy Hagar in 1996 — would lose stability and never be the same again.
A more general look at the discography shows that VH’s tenth studio album promotes a sudden sonic break. On the other hand, a closer analysis shows that the record in question was just the beginning of a transition — which could have evolved better in subsequent works if it weren’t for internal problems.
Balanceit is known, was conceived amid internal problems. Interestingly, according to the guitarist Eddie Van Halenit all started when he stopped drinking in October 1994. That’s when he reported noticing that other people were in control of his life — and he did his best to push them away.
The decisions made were supported by his brother, the drummer Alex Van Halenbut they didn’t please Sammy Hagar. Before that, however, there was time to work on the album. As a result, there is a certain tension in the material at the same time that there are reflections of Eddie’s newfound sobriety and the current moment in the music industry, with its eyes more focused on alternative rock. A satisfactory result, almost experimental by VH standards.
It wouldn’t be long before chaos took over Van Halen, almost definitively. In a very summarized way, the following chronology has reserved for us: the departure of Sammy Hagar, the lightning return of David Lee Roththe input of Gary Cherone (vocalist of Extreme) to record the inconsistent Van Halen III (1998), Hagar’s hiatus and return for a catastrophic tour until, finally, Roth resumed the position once and for all — but without the bassist michael anthonydismissed in a criticized way for Wolfgang Van HalenEddie’s son, takes his place.
In almost two decades of activity after Balanceonly two studio albums were made. The group’s last show took place in 2015, five years before Eddie Van Halen’s death, at the age of 65.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
