Van Halen wrote a ton of all-time classics such as “Runnin’ With the Devil,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Unchained” and “Jump.” However, some of their best known songs are covers of classic songs as well as more obscure tunes. Below is a list of all 10 songs covered on Van Halen albums.
“You Really Got Me” from the LP Van Halen (1978)
Written by Ray Davies
Originally Performed by the Kinks released as a non-album single (1964) and later on their debut album Kinks
The original song was a huge success in the UK as well as the US
“Ice Cream Man” from the LP Van Halen (1978)
Written by John Brim
Originally Performed by John Brim
Brim was a blues singer and guitarist. He released the song “Ice Cream Man” in 1969.
“You’re No Good” from the LP Van Halen II (1979)
Written by Clint Ballard, Jr.
Originally Performed by Dee Dee Warwick (1964) as well as Betty Everett (1963), The Swinging Blue Jeans (1964) and Linda Ronstadt (1974)
Ronstadt’s version from the LP Heart Like a Wheel went to #1 on the US Billboard charts in 1974.
“Where Have All the Good Times Gone” from the LP Diver Down (1982)
Written by Ray Davies
Originally Performed by the Kinks from their LP The Kink Kontroversy (1965)
“(Oh) Pretty Woman” from the LP Diver Down (1982)
Written by William Dees and Roy Orbison
Originally Performed by Roy Orbison released as a non-album single (1964)
Van Halen’s version would become the band’s biggest hit to date in the US, peaking at #12 on the Hot 100. The single was also a #5 hit in Canada.
Orbison’s version was a #1 hit in the US and UK.
“Dancing in the Street” from the LP Diver Down (1982)
Written by Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter
Originally Performed by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas from the LP Dance Party (1964) and later recorded by The Kinks (1965), The Mamas and the Papas (1966) Tages (1967), Little Richard (1971), The Grateful Dead on their LP Terrapin Station (1977) and David Bowie and Mick Jagger (1985)
The original song was a huge success in the US, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Van Halen’s version peaked at #38 in the US. The Bowie/Jagger version went to #1 on the UK singles chart and #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)” from the LP Diver Down (1982)
Written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen
Originally Performed by Billy Murray (1924)
The song has been covered several times including versions by Peggy Lee from her LP Sugar ‘n’ Spice (1962), Merle Haggard from his live LP I Love Dixie Blues (1973), Ry Cooder from his LP Jazz (1978) and Leon Redbone from his LP Champagne Charlie (1978)
“Happy Trails” from the LP Diver Down (1982)
Written by Dale Evans
Originally Performed by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans as a single (1952)
The song has also been covered by Quicksilver Messenger Service on their LP Happy Trails (1969) and Randy Travis as a duet with Roy Rogers on his LP Heroes & Friends (1990)
“A Apolitical Blues” from the LP OU812 (1978)
Written by Lowell George
Originally Performed by Little Feat on their LP Sailin’ Shoes (1972)
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” from the LP Live: Right Here, Right Now (1993)
Written by Pete Townshend
Originally Performed by The Who on their LP Who’s Next (1971)
The original version by The Who was a success on the UK singles chart (#9) and the US Billboard Hot 100 (#15)
The song has also been covered by Labelle on their LP Moon Shadow (1972), Richie Havens on his LP Nobody Left To Crown (2008), German metal guitarist Axel Rudi Pell on his LP Diamonds Unlocked (2007) and bluegrass band Hayseed Dixie from their LP Killer Grass (2010).
