5 Underrated Van Halen Deep Cuts from the David Lee Roth Era You Forgot About

Van Halen’s classic lineup with David Lee Roth gave rock fans some of the most memorable songs of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Tracks like “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Panama” still get plenty of airplay today. But buried deep in their early albums are songs that don’t get the same attention. These lesser-known tracks show a different side of Van Halen—more melodic, more experimental, and just as creative. Here are five deep cuts from the David Lee Roth era that are worth revisiting.

“Little Guitars” – Diver Down (1982)

“Little Guitars” stands out on Diver Down thanks to its bright, punchy riff and the mini Les Paul guitar Eddie used to record it. The intro features a classical-style fingerpicking section that’s fast and clean, then the band slides into a bouncing rhythm that supports Roth’s laid-back vocals. He sings about a woman he admires, and the lyrics are filled with playful charm.

What makes the song memorable is how light it feels compared to the rest of their catalog. It’s not loud or aggressive, but it’s still very much a Van Halen song. Eddie’s guitar sounds like more than one person is playing, which shows how layered and creative his approach was—even in a poppier track like this one.

“Little Dreamer” – Van Halen (1978)

“Little Dreamer” appears on Van Halen’s 1978 debut album, which was packed with hits like “Eruption” and “You Really Got Me.” Because of that, this mid-tempo song often gets overlooked. It doesn’t have the flashy guitar solos or wild screams you might expect from the band’s early sound, but that’s part of what makes it stand out. David Lee Roth dials back his usual wild vocal style and instead delivers a more controlled and emotional performance.

The lyrics seem to focus on someone who’s been doubted or misunderstood, and Roth brings out that feeling with unexpected sensitivity. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing is subtle but powerful, supporting Roth’s vocals without overpowering them. The band’s chemistry is strong here, and it shows how they could shift gears and still sound tight. “Little Dreamer” proves that Van Halen could do more than just party anthems and loud rock riffs.

“Intruder” – Diver Down (1982)

“Diver Down” opens with “Intruder,” an eerie instrumental that leads into the band’s cover of Roy Orbison’s “(Oh) Pretty Woman.” The track wasn’t part of the original plan—Van Halen made it after realizing their video for “Pretty Woman” was too long. Instead of cutting the video, they decided to create a song to match the length. The result was one of the band’s most haunting instrumentals.

Alex Van Halen’s heavy beat drives the song forward, while Eddie creates feedback effects using a can of Schlitz Malt Liquor scraped across the guitar strings. Roth added the dark synth line on the spot, giving it a mysterious feel. “Intruder” shows the band’s willingness to play around with sound and atmosphere—something rarely heard in their better-known songs.

“Take Your Whiskey Home” – Women and Children First (1980)

This track starts off with Eddie Van Halen playing a bluesy acoustic riff before the full band comes crashing in. The contrast between the quiet intro and the heavy groove that follows is what gives the song its impact. The guitar has a raw, live sound that’s helped by how it’s mixed—mostly to one side, making it feel like you’re in the room with the band.

Roth sings about someone who’s clearly headed for trouble, and his voice fits the song’s laid-back yet tough mood. There’s a swing to the rhythm section that gives it a loose, barroom feel, and the lyrics paint a picture of a rough night out. While it’s not a radio hit, “Take Your Whiskey Home” is a fan favorite for those who appreciate Van Halen’s early blues roots.

“One Foot Out the Door” – Fair Warning (1981)

Closing out the Fair Warning album, “One Foot Out the Door” is a short but intense track built around a buzzing synthesizer line. Eddie Van Halen was already experimenting with keyboard sounds at this point, and this song shows how those experiments were starting to shape the band’s music. The synth adds a nervous energy, setting the mood before the guitar kicks in.

The track barely passes the two-minute mark, but it still feels full. Roth’s lyrics match the anxious vibe, singing about someone ready to make a fast exit. Although the song may seem like a strange closer, it hints at the direction the band would soon take with keyboard-driven hits like “Jump.” It’s a good example of Van Halen trying something different without losing their edge.