When It's Love - Van Halen (1988) 11/4/23

The words "power ballad" and "Van Halen" didn't usually come to mind, but a "Great Song" from their 8th studio album:1988's "OU812" changed all that.

"When It's Love" was written by the entire group--including Sammy Hagar, who was ;lead singer at the time.

The song became a big hit: topping Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, and reaching #5 on the Hot 100.

Later on, VH-1 ranked it at #24 on their list of the Greatest Power ballads of All Time!

Interestingly, Sammy was always uncomfortable in front of the camera for music videos--he thought lip-syncing 'looked "fake," so he belted out "When It's Love" live, full volume--and blew out his voice so badly, he couldn't sing at all at a Van Halen concert scheduled the next day. Oops.

Now THAT'S putting the "Power" in Power Ballad. :-)

"When It's Love" by Van Halen: a "Great Song of 1988!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZGXRCI-JzQ

Tomorrow: Rod goes country. Sort of.