On this day April 14, 1982, Van Halen released their fifth studio album Diver Down, a record that mixed covers, originals, and instrumentals into one of the most energetic releases of their early career. The album hit number 3 on the US Billboard 200 and went on to sell over 4 million copies in the United States alone.
Diver Down featured standout covers like Oh Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison and Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas, along with original tracks like Secrets, Little Guitars, and The Full Bug. While it was known for its high number of covers, the album still carried the band’s trademark style — Eddie Van Halen’s blazing guitar work, David Lee Roth’s swagger, and a driving rhythm section.
Though some fans debated its focus on covers, Diver Down kept Van Halen at the top of rock radio and continued their hot streak into the mid 80s.
Fun fact: The “Diver Down” flag on the album cover is a real scuba diving signal meaning a diver is below David Lee Roth said it symbolized that there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Trivia question: What 1982 Van Halen album featured the hits Pretty Woman and Dancing in the Street and reached number 3 on the Billboard chart?
Diver Down featured standout covers like Oh Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison and Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas, along with original tracks like Secrets, Little Guitars, and The Full Bug. While it was known for its high number of covers, the album still carried the band’s trademark style — Eddie Van Halen’s blazing guitar work, David Lee Roth’s swagger, and a driving rhythm section.
Though some fans debated its focus on covers, Diver Down kept Van Halen at the top of rock radio and continued their hot streak into the mid 80s.
Fun fact: The “Diver Down” flag on the album cover is a real scuba diving signal meaning a diver is below David Lee Roth said it symbolized that there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Trivia question: What 1982 Van Halen album featured the hits Pretty Woman and Dancing in the Street and reached number 3 on the Billboard chart?
