5 Greatest David Lee Roth Era Songs

In hard rock, bands with a “guitar hero” often end up defined by their lead guitarist. But Van Halen broke that mold: with David Lee Roth’s charismatic presence and clever lyrics, he matched Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar skills. Together, they created six unforgettable albums full of energy and style. Here are the top five David Lee Roth-era songs with Van Halen:

5. “Unchained”
By the time Fair Warning, the band’s fourth album, came out, Van Halen had a solid reputation and a relentless touring schedule. Roth’s voice had gained a rougher edge, and although Fair Warning wasn’t a big commercial success, “Unchained” remains a standout with its raw power.

4. “Dance the Night Away”
The hit single from Van Halen II made its way into the Top 20, marking the band’s first mainstream success. Unlike other tracks on the album, which the band had performed in clubs, “Dance the Night Away” was created during the recording sessions. It’s a polished, catchy tune that showcases Roth’s showmanship.

3. “Panama”
Surprisingly, this fan favorite is about a car, not the country! Many listeners assumed otherwise, which only proves Roth’s gift for captivating storytelling. With roaring guitars and that signature swagger, it’s a classic Van Halen anthem.

2. “Jump”
This iconic track became the band’s only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks largely to Eddie’s unforgettable synthesizer riff. Though he skipped the guitar here, Eddie’s work on the keys made it a massive hit, and Roth’s lyrics made it unforgettable.

1. “Hot for Teacher”
With its energetic beat and playful lyrics, this track became an 80s classic and set the standard for music videos. Roth’s on-camera persona shines, making it a quintessential piece of both his career and Van Halen’s.

Each of these songs captures the unique magic of Van Halen’s Roth era, where rock met theatrics and innovation.