Why are the tracks to Van Halen’s "Diver Down" shown out of order?
Analysis of Track Order in Van Halen’s “Diver Down”
Van Halen’s fifth studio album, “Diver Down,” released on April 19, 1982, is known for its unique track listing that deviates from the conventional approach of sequencing songs on an album. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the unconventional track order of “Diver Down” and shed light on the band’s decision-making process.
The “Diver Down” Album
“Diver Down” features a total of twelve tracks, encompassing a mix of cover songs and original compositions. The album cover prominently displays the “diver down” flag, which is a signal used in the diving community to indicate that a SCUBA diver is currently submerged in the area. This visual representation ties in with the adventurous and exploratory spirit of the band.
Cover Songs and Original Compositions
A notable aspect of “Diver Down” is the inclusion of cover songs. Out of the twelve tracks, five are covers, with the most well-known being the band’s rendition of Roy Orbison’s “(Oh) Pretty Woman.” The decision to incorporate a significant number of cover songs was met with mixed reactions from the band members. Eddie Van Halen, the band’s lead guitarist, expressed a preference for showcasing his original music rather than being predominantly recognized as a cover band.
In addition to the cover songs, “Diver Down” also features three short instrumental tracks: “Cathedral,” “Intruder,” and the “Little Guitars” intro. These instrumentals serve as interludes within the album, providing a sonic variety and showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s exceptional guitar skills.
The remaining four tracks on the album are original compositions by Van Halen. These songs represent the band’s signature sound and demonstrate their ability to create captivating and energetic rock music.
The Decision-Making Process
The track order of “Diver Down” was a result of various factors and circumstances surrounding its creation. The album was recorded under rushed conditions, as the band had initially planned to take a break after their previous tour. However, to buy some time, they decided to release a cover song and music video, which eventually led to the inclusion of more cover songs on the album.
The rush to complete the album and the emphasis on cover songs might have influenced the decision to arrange the tracks in a non-traditional manner. While the specific reasons behind the track order remain unclear, it can be speculated that the band aimed to create a diverse listening experience by interspersing cover songs, instrumentals, and original compositions throughout the album.
Conclusion
Van Halen’s “Diver Down” stands out for its unconventional track order, incorporating cover songs, instrumentals, and original compositions. The decision to include a significant number of cover songs and the rushed circumstances surrounding the album’s creation likely influenced the track sequencing. Despite mixed reactions from the band members, “Diver Down” remains a unique addition to Van Halen’s discography, showcasing their versatility and musicianship.
Sources:
- “Diver Down” – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diver_Down)
- Van Halen’s ‘Diver Down’: A Track-By-Track Guide – Ultimate Classic Rock (https://ultimateclassicrock.com/van-halen-diver-down-track-by-track/)
- Creem Magazine Album Review for Diver Down 1982 – Metropoulos Forum (http://forum.metropoulos.net/viewtopic.php?t=37581)
FAQs
Why are the tracks on Van Halen’s “Diver Down” album shown out of order?
The specific reasons behind the unconventional track order in “Diver Down” are not explicitly stated. However, it can be speculated that the band aimed to create a diverse listening experience by interspersing cover songs, instrumentals, and original compositions throughout the album.
How many cover songs are included in “Diver Down”?
“Diver Down” features a total of five cover songs out of the twelve tracks on the album. The most popular cover song on the album is the band’s rendition of Roy Orbison’s “(Oh) Pretty Woman.”
What is the significance of the “diver down” flag on the album cover?
The “diver down” flag is a visual representation on the album cover of “Diver Down.” This flag is commonly used in the diving community to indicate that a SCUBA diver is currently submerged in the area. It aligns with the adventurous and exploratory spirit of the band.
Are there any instrumental tracks on “Diver Down”?
Yes, “Diver Down” includes three instrumental tracks: “Cathedral,” “Intruder,” and the “Little Guitars” intro. These instrumentals serve as interludes within the album, providing a sonic variety and showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s exceptional guitar skills.
How did the band members react to the inclusion of cover songs on the album?
The band members had mixed reactions to the decision to include cover songs on “Diver Down.” Eddie Van Halen, the band’s lead guitarist, expressed a preference for showcasing his original music rather than being predominantly recognized as a cover band.
Was the recording process of “Diver Down” rushed?
Yes, the recording of “Diver Down” was done under rushed circumstances. The band had initially planned to take a break after their previous tour but decided to release a cover song and music video to buy some time. This rush to complete the album may have influenced certain decisions, including the track order.
How many original songs are on “Diver Down”?
“Diver Down” contains four original songs composed by Van Halen. These tracks showcase the band’s signature sound and demonstrate their ability to create captivating and energetic rock music.
Does the unconventional track order affect the overall listening experience of “Diver Down”?
The unconventional track order in “Diver Down” provides a unique listening experience by offering a mix of cover songs, instrumentals, and original compositions throughout the album. While it may deviate from the traditional sequencing approach, it adds diversity to the overall album and highlights the band’s versatility.