CLASSICROCK - Van Halen, ‘Tattoo’ – Song Review

[tater1977]

Van Halen, ‘Tattoo’ – Song Review

by: Matthew Wilkening
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/van-halen-tattoo/

January 9, 2012


Van Halen‘s new single ‘Tattoo’ has arrived, and it’s a blend of old and new styles that’s sure to stir some fan debate and heighten curiosity about the band’s upcoming album ‘A Different Kind of Truth.’
The first song to emerge from the new record, ‘She’s the Woman,’ as debuted at the band’s New York City club show last week, was taken nearly intact from the band’s original 1976 demo tapes. ‘Tattoo’ has a clear link to an old unreleased VH track as well, sharing the main riff and basic verse structure with ‘Down in Flames,’ which according to the Van Halen Encyclopedia, was performed several times on the band’s 1978 tour.

The 2012 version, ‘Tattoo,’ has brand new lyrics, a fresh chorus and some more modern touches. To be clear, that’s “more modern,” not “modern.” The whole song has a bit of a laid-back ZZ Top vibe, although the light backing keyboard bed and super-clean production puts us more in the territory of 1990′s ‘Recycler’ than, say, 1979′s ‘Deguello.’ The effects on Roth’s vocal intro and chorus sound more like something off a late-era Cars record.

(Can’t believe we went this far without mentioning: Eddie sounds typically fantastic throughout, of course, with a classic and very traditional “in case you forgot…” solo highlighting the song’s back half.)

Overall, the song seems a slightly odd, relaxed choice for the first single and lead-off track on such a momentous album, although there’s a definite “grower” appeal that comes up on repeated plays. Some of us old-school fans were undoubtedly hoping for something a bit more aggressive and raw sounding, but this is after all the single so hopefully (and presumably) we’ll get those kicks on other tracks.

[G.I.Jim]

Great review, and I can't WAIT to hear the whole song, as well as the new album!! Keeping my fingers crossed like hell on this one.

[Argus]

Great review, and I can't WAIT to hear the whole song, as well as the new album!! Keeping my fingers crossed like hell on this one.

Video Link http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-hot/van-halen-tattoo-20120110 BTW great hook

[livin2do]

I'm giving the song a subdued thumbs up. It's got enough VH trademarks to whet my appetite for the rest of the album.

[JohnH]

Im digging the song a lot. Apparently most of this album is refried old demo songs and this one used to be called down in flames. Its 14 years since a new VH album, ( I cant believe it ! ) I think the fact that they had to redo 35 year old demos proves Eddie is finished as a songwriter. 

[jestor92]

Im digging the song a lot. Apparently most of this album is refried old demo songs and this one used to be called down in flames. Its 14 years since a new VH album, ( I cant believe it ! ) I think the fact that they had to redo 35 year old demos proves Eddie is finished as a songwriter. 

It's a grower of a song. First time I heard it I didn't really care for it, but it's grown on me. I think the song could really use MA's backing vocals on it because Ed, Wolf, and DLR doing backing vocals has the backing vox sounding a little flat and dull. It kind of reminds me of a mixture of Can't Get This Stuff No More and something off the DLR Band album.

[cittadeeno23]

Not impressed. Chickenfoot's lead single "Big Foot" is a way better song in every way. Better lead vocals, better backing vocals and Joe's guitar playing is every bit as good as Eddie's. Sorry Ed and Alex, but Mikey and Sammy win!

[No Surprize]

Not impressed. Chickenfoot's lead single "Big Foot" is a way better song in every way. Better lead vocals, better backing vocals and Joe's guitar playing is every bit as good as Eddie's. Sorry Ed and Alex, but Mikey and Sammy win!

The dumbest statement I have ever read. Joe wish's he was Eddie and you fucking KNOW little sammy boy wants to be like Diamond Dave. This destroy's chicken shit all day long, seven days a week. Eddie Van Halen is a fucking legend. Don't even mentioned satriani in the same breath.

[cittadeeno23]

Ed. Joe. Same Breath. Deal with it.

[G.I.Jim]

While I would have like a song a little more in your face, I really like it! I've probably listened to it 30 times now ( ), and I freaking love it. It definitely brings me back to the old VH days, and I think this album is going to be amazing! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some kick ass tunes.

[jestor92]

To me it reminds me of a mixture of "Can't Get This Stuff No More" and for some reason "Weekend with the Babysitter" from the DLR band.

[Andrew]

Im digging the song a lot. Apparently most of this album is refried old demo songs and this one used to be called down in flames. Its 14 years since a new VH album, ( I cant believe it ! ) I think the fact that they had to redo 35 year old demos proves Eddie is finished as a songwriter. 

Only 3 old rehashed tracks apparently.

[Eyeof]

yes...Joe, Eddie, Joe, Eddie...

Now don't ever mention fat boy Wolfie in the same breath as MA....

And yeah, multi-successfull on ever level Sammy Hagar wants to be DLR! That's a joke....did you see these guys on tour together...Roth was embarrassed...and he should have been...talent level is not EVEN CLOSE!

Yes, Sammy and MA win again!

long live Van Hagar!

[No Surprize]

yes...Joe, Eddie, Joe, Eddie...

Now don't ever mention fat boy Wolfie in the same breath as MA....

And yeah, multi-successfull on ever level Sammy Hagar wants to be DLR! That's a joke....did you see these guys on tour together...Roth was embarrassed...and he should have been...talent level is not EVEN CLOSE!

Yes, Sammy and MA win again!

long live Van Hagar!

Can you say "TATTOO". Spammy hagar the wannabe is dead. DEAL with it! LOL! VAN HALEN is back like it should be. ALL is right with the world!

[Carlitto H@kk]

Starting to really dig this song, and really think VH missed a great opportunity here
with the lazy, half-assed video they put to it.

After many listens it really has a classic feel to it. In fact, close your eyes, picture in your mind
what the band looked and acted like cicra 1984, and then envision one of those over-the-top and whakky videos
the band and DLR were famous for back then... You may just start to really dig this track

i know, very weird way of looking at things, but I have always been a little weird!

[JohnH]

Im digging the song a lot. Apparently most of this album is refried old demo songs and this one used to be called down in flames. Its 14 years since a new VH album, ( I cant believe it ! ) I think the fact that they had to redo 35 year old demos proves Eddie is finished as a songwriter. 

Only 3 old rehashed tracks apparently.

Thanks for the heads up, that's good news.

[The_Noble_Cause]

It's a grower. Great tune.

[Franky]

It rocks for me! Gets even better after 3-4 times ....

[Bobby Van Halen]

First of all i love Van Halen.

I've been a major fan for years...Love the hagar and roth era.

But this is plain bad.The music kicks off and i'm thinking wow.

But the chorus is boring,The singing is dreadful and the melody..well what melody??

I hope the cd is a lot better.

I just think people are talking with there hearts not there heads because this is GARBAGE

[jestor92]

the new clip of Blood and Fire sounds pretty shitty as well.