As one of the most popular rock bands in rock & roll history, Van Halen has released some of the biggest songs that are still famous today. New generations grew up listening to the favored band and now many can recognize their distinct sound anywhere.
The band, as a whole, is known for giving the hard rock genre an impactful, positive spotlight, with tunes like “Dreams” and “Jamie’s Cryin’” playing on multiple classic rock radio stations, every day. But it was the strong guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, that helped bring the band to the top of the charts. Spotify offers Van Halen’s albums for listeners, but also shows what the top singles are for the band, measured by the number of streams.
Dance The Night Away (2015 Remaster) - 37 Million Streams
This song encourages all who listen to literally “Dance The Night Away” with its lyrics. Its opening guitar solo introduces the constant upbeat tune that plays throughout the song, just as the rest of the band quickly joins in.
This song famously plays in the background of a scene in the film, Argo, as Ben Affleck’s character attends a party in the political film. And what other song could be more perfect than this one to play at a party?
Can't Stop Lovin' You - 51 Million Streams
Released in 1995, "Can't Stop Lovin' You" presents Van Halen's newer sound, moving past their original 1970s and 1980s natural, garage rock sound to one that aligns more with the 1990s.
One of their more romantic songs, this track currently has over 51 million streams on Spotify. Some may be surprised that the song is this famous compared to the band's older singles that were released in their beginning years. Nevertheless, the single is one of the top 10 most-streamed Van Halen singles on the platform.
Why Can't This Be Love - 60 Million Streams
As one of the sweeter, romantic tunes by the band, "Why Can't This Be Love" begins with a crescendo-like sound, as all instruments join in on the revolutionary rock and roll sound they're known for.
The song's cinematic-like and even futuristic vibe is easy to decipher from their other singles. The track is perfect for late-night drives down a long road, blasting the tune in the background, and it's no surprise why this single is one of the most streamed on Spotify.
Eruption (2015 Remaster) - 65 Million Streams
When diehard Van Halen fans listen to "Eruption," they normally recognize that this single leads into the next song as part of one of their live concert performances. But for everyone else just listening in, they might be confused to discover that this single is simply a guitar solo.
As typical for Eddie Van Halen though, a guitar solo is far from simple. This song defines what the term "eruption" means, as listeners hear each note hit so quickly, seemingly effortlessly, that it's easy to get lost in the song.
You Really Got Me (2015 Remaster) - 70 Million Streams
A cover of the original song by The Kinks, Van Halen's rendition of "You Really Got Me" is unsurprisingly one of the most-played songs by the band. The brilliant guitar solo opening to the track introduces an edgier version of the real song, but once it starts, anyone who listens will hear the beat to The Kinks' hit song sliding along Eddie Van Halen's guitar strings.
The background vocals and the consistent guitar accompany the main lyrics to perfection, offering listeners the ultimate rock and roll version of such a seemingly cute song.
Ain't Talkin 'Bout Love (2015 Remaster) - 82 Million Streams
This classic rock song has a noteworthy, clashing sound as it hits listeners' ears. It's been playing on popular rock music stations ever since its initial release in 1978, so it's not a shock to see that it has reached over 82 million streams on Spotify.
Opening with a truly unforgettable, signature guitar solo, the single gradually and then quickly crescendos into a louder, more classical Van Halen sound. Its lyrics clearly describe a loveless perspective, since it's "rotten to the core."
Hot For Teacher (2015 Remaster) - 96 Million Streams
Could this title be any more obvious? This single is one of the funnier tunes by the band because the lyrics describe a student's seriously deep crush on their teacher.
Comically singing, "I think of all the education I missed," the single is a continuous innuendo for a male student's fantasy about a grade school teacher they admire. While the entire scenario is taboo, the song garnered a lot of attention from its initial 1984 audience, and it is now one of the most-streamed singles on Spotify.
Runnin' With The Devil (2015 Remaster) - 131 Million Streams
This single has a beat that actually sounds like a slow-paced jog, as the lyrics "Runnin' With The Devil" play throughout its chorus.
The track involves an edgy vibe as it describes the darkness around a relationship with something as evil as the devil. The punk rock aura it gives off was and still is appealing to listeners because it depicts something so negative in such a musically-appetizing way.
Panama (2015 Remaster) - 183 Million Streams
It's undeniable that the instrumentals in this song are absolutely brilliant, as in every other Van Halen song, but the background vocals chanting, "Panama," are what stay with listeners whenever they think about it.
"Panama" is a much different single than most of the band's, as it has a verse that is just spoken, rather than sung, describing the ride of a drive. While the song is clearly sexually suggestive, like their other tracks, this one describes the love for a car, for the most part, racing down the road. The lead singer, David Lee Roth, clarified that it was originally written about a car that he saw in Las Vegas at a race.
Jump (2015 Remaster) - 439 Million Streams
With over 439 million streams, “Jump” is officially the most popular Van Halen single on Spotify. The song has an out-of-this-world, innovative punk rock sound that it's one of those songs that people automatically associate with the '80s.
It's a uniquely upbeat and positive tune in comparison to the other songs by the band that are clearly darker and edgier. Starting with the lyrics, "Nothin' gets me down," the entire song roughly encompasses gaining the confidence to "Might as well, jump!" into something positive.