# The best Van Halen songs

From "Runnin’ with the Devil" to "Jump": the Van Halen songs that Goldmine, Collider and classic rock rankings put on top, from both the Roth and the Hagar eras.

- 12 votes · 15 items
- Dec 2, 2025 · remo_kinogaenger
- https://even.best/en/l/3965/the-best-van-halen-songs

## Top 15

1. **Panama** (2 · ▲2 ▼0) — 1984. According to Vulture, the strongest pure riff in the catalogue.
2. **Hot for Teacher** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1984. The band's most dynamic and animated track.
3. **Jump** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1984. The synth riff everyone knows.
4. **Eruption** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1978. Eddie's tapping solo that changed the guitar.
5. **Unchained** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1981. Heavy and irresistible.
6. **And the Cradle Will Rock...** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1980. Metal stomp with a pop touch.
7. **Dreams** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1986. An anthem with Hagar.
8. **Right Now** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1991. Piano and a message.
9. **Beautiful Girls** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — 1979. Pure party mood.
10. **Jamie's Cryin'** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — 1978. One of their most compelling riffs.
11. **Dance the Night Away** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — 1979. Summery rock pop.
12. **Why Can't This Be Love** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — 1986. Top of the Hagar era.
13. **You Really Got Me** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — 1978. The Kinks cover where it all began.
14. **Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love** (-1 · ▲0 ▼1) — 1978. Perhaps their greatest riff.
15. **Runnin' with the Devil** (-1 · ▲0 ▼1) — 1978. VH1's ninth greatest hard rock song of all time.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.