Van Halen Album Covers – In Order, Plus the VH Logo, Band, and Cover Art
Introduction
Van Halen album covers have always been a visual treat for fans. Whether through photography or illustrations, these covers have consistently brought artistic value to the table with each album release. This article will explore all 12 studio album covers, as well as the live and compilation album covers, in chronological order. Additionally, we’ll delve into the iconic VH logo and how it has been featured on six of the band’s sixteen total albums.
The Van Halen Logo
The VH winged logo has become instantly recognizable worldwide among fans of the band. Surprisingly, this logo is only featured on six out of the sixteen Van Halen albums, including their studio, live, and compilation releases. These albums are:
- Van Halen I
- Van Halen II
- 5150
- For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
- Tokyo Dome Live in Concert
- Best Of: Volume 1
The Van Halen Album Covers List
Now let’s explore each album cover in detail, from the studio albums to the live and compilation releases:
- Van Halen I (studio)
- Van Halen II (studio)
- Women and Children First (studio)
- Fair Warning (studio)
- Diver Down (studio)
- 1984 (studio)
- 5150 (studio)
- OU812 (studio)
- For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (studio)
- Balance (studio)
- Van Halen III (studio)
- A Different Kind of Truth (studio)
- Live: Right Here, Right Now (live)
- Tokyo Dome Live in Concert (live)
- Van Halen Best Of: Volume 1 (compilation)
The debut album, released in 1978, featured artwork by Dave Bhang and photographer Elliot Gilbert. The cover captured the band’s raw energy with a mix of blur, flaring lights, smoke, and stage magic. The iconic VH logo was prominently displayed in the center, symbolizing the band’s powerful presence.
Released in 1979, Van Halen II showcased a minimalist approach. The album cover primarily featured the VH winged logo, with the expansive Van Halen text taking up most of the space. This bold choice showcased the band’s confidence and brand equity.
In 1980, the album cover for “Women and Children First” took a more intimate approach. The band members were captured in a close-knit group pose, exuding a sense of camaraderie and joy. The focus shifted from the VH logo to the eruption of notes from Eddie Van Halen’s guitar.
Van Halen’s fourth studio album, released in 1981, featured artwork inspired by Kurelek’s “The Maze.” The cover visually represented the album’s darker and more aggressive tone. Various scenes from “The Maze” were incorporated, depicting themes of struggle, aggression, and isolation.
The album cover for “Diver Down,” released in 1982, showcased the usage of the diver down maritime signal flag as a safety warning for oncoming vessels. This simplistic yet eye-catching design reflected the band’s playful and adventurous spirit.
“1984,” released in, well, 1984, featured one of Van Halen’s most iconic album covers. The cover art depicted a cherubic angel smoking a cigarette, perfectly aligning with the album’s radio-friendly hits like “Jump,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Panama.” This cover symbolized Van Halen’s mischievous and party-loving image.
“5150,” released in 1986, marked a significant transition for Van Halen with the addition of Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist. The album cover featured a powerful image known as “Atlas,” portrayed by Rick Valente, a former bodybuilder and ESPN show host. This representation of strength and determination reflected the band’s state at the time.
In 1988, Van Halen released “OU812,” featuring a cover that left fans pondering its meaning. The artwork showcased a top-heavy composition, potentially hinting at the band’s internal dynamics. Some speculated that it foreshadowed Michael Anthony’s eventual departure from the band.
The cover of “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” released in 1991, featured a muted VH logo on a textured background, perhaps leather or vinyl. The album cover aligned with the album’s overall vibe, which delved into more mature and introspective themes.
Released in 1995, “Balance” had an album cover that truly embodied its title. Photographer Glen Wexler, at the request of drummer Alex Van Halen, explored the “duality of the human psyche” in the artwork. The cover prominently featured conjoined twins, subtly referencing the Van Halen logo. This visual representation perfectly mirrored the band’s state at the time, both musically and personally.
In 1998, Van Halen released “Van Halen III” with a cover that featured a cannonball hitting a man’s stomach. This bold imagery symbolized the band’s attempt to withstand the impact of change. Unfortunately, the album marked a less successful era for Van Halen, with Sammy Hagar departing shortly after its release.
“A Different Kind of Truth,” released in 2012, featured a forgettable album cover that consisted of the winged logo and a speeding vehicle. While lacking the visual impact of previous covers, it added variety to the band’s collection.
The album cover for “Live: Right Here, Right Now” is open to interpretation. It featured a figure known as Lawn Jesus, raising questions about its significance. Some speculated on its allegorical meaning, while others saw it as abstract 90s art.
The album cover for “Tokyo Dome Live in Concert,” released in 2015, featured a large boat. Its connection to the band’s performance in Tokyo remains unclear, and the cover lacked significant meaning or impact.
“Van Halen Best Of: Volume 1” had a simple, yet classy album cover. With a concise and perfect design, it showcased the band’s ability to distill their best hits into one compilation album. The cover served its purpose without overwhelming the visual impact.
Conclusion
Van Halen album covers have consistently brought artistic value to the band’s releases. Whether through the iconic VH logo or visually captivating artwork, these covers have become an integral part of the band’s legacy. Each album cover represents a unique chapter in Van Halen’s history, reflecting the band’s musical direction and personal journey. From the raw energy of their debut album to the more introspective and mature themes explored in later releases, these album covers have left a lasting impression on fans around the world.
