Why Van Hagar Pales In Comparison

[ZahZoo]

I agree.

I said it earlier in this thread. For whatever reason, Ed got very lazy post-1984.

5150 the song is probably the only standout riff from that album. Otherwise its just wankery and not up the same standard Ed had delivered on the six pack.

Roth has mentioned the tension that existed and drove him and the Van Halens... I believe that catalyst was lost when they parted ways post 84. For the most part, I think that element had worn out Ed by that point. He needed a break from it.

Working with Hagar lowered the creative bar in many ways for the band. His simpleton song writing structures were easy to please Ed and didn't challenge him to adapt to complex melody based compositions.

Also throw in the loss of Templeman producing... Another element was a combination of the success of Jump and their fame bought Ed a broader creative freedom with keys and pop influences. Roth wasn't very supportive of that range of musical compositions... Hager helped fuel it.