Van Halen is the self-titled debut album by American hard rock band Van Halen, released in 1978. The album recorded in 1977 and released in February 1978. It has sold over ten million copies in the United States alone, one of the most successful debuts by a hard rock band. Along with 1984, it gives Van Halen two original (non-greatest hits) albums with Diamond status in sales. From a technical perspective, Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo, Eruption, was influential on many rock guitarists who found popularity in the 1980s."Eruption" was added to the album when producer, Ted Templeman heard Eddie warming up with the instrumental. Eddie told Ted that it was just a solo piece he played live. The album cover was shot at the Whisky a Go Go. In 2003, the album was ranked number 415 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 2006, a cover of You Really Got Me based on Van Halen's cover You Really Got Me appeared as a playable song in the music video game Guitar Hero II. Professional Reviews ★★★★★ - AllMusic ★★★★★ - Rolling Stone C - Robert Christgau Rolling Stone (1978 review) - Van Halen is the self-titled debut album by American hard rock band Van Halen, released in 1978. The album recorded in 1977 and released in February 1978. It has sold over ten million copies in the United States alone, one of the most successful debuts by a hard rock band. Along with 1984, it gives Van Halen two original (non-greatest hits) albums with Diamond status in sales. From a technical perspective, Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo, Eruption, was influential on many rock guitarists who found popularity in the 1980s.