Dive into the raw power and unforgettable riff of a quintessential Van Halen classic.
The Song
"Unchained" is a high-octane hard rock anthem by Van Halen, released in 1981 as part of their fourth studio album, Fair Warning. The song is instantly recognizable for its powerful, chugging guitar riff, driven by Eddie Van Halen's innovative use of drop D♭ tuning and the MXR M-117 flanger pedal, which famously boosted sales of the effect. Vocalist David Lee Roth originally dubbed the track "Hit the Ground Running," a title that perfectly encapsulates the song's relentless energy and themes of liberation and defying constraints.
The track's aggressive guitar work and Roth's charismatic, high-energy vocal performance make it a fan favorite and a staple of the band's live shows. Despite the band's artistic tensions during the recording of Fair Warning, with Eddie seeking a darker, more complex sound than producer Ted Templeman and Roth preferred, "Unchained" emerged as a prime example of their collaborative genius.
The Artist
Van Halen was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972, known for revitalizing hard rock with their energetic live performances and Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar work. The classic lineup from 1974 to 1985 featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth on lead vocals, and Michael Anthony on bass.
By 1981, when Fair Warning and "Unchained" were released, the band was at a pivotal moment, navigating internal creative differences while still delivering powerful, genre-defining music. Their influence on hard rock and heavy metal is undeniable, with Eddie's innovative techniques inspiring countless guitarists.
Chart Performance
While "Unchained" was not a major pop chart hit in the United States, it achieved significant success on rock radio. It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1981. The song was released as a single in several countries, including Germany, Spain, and Japan.
The album it came from, Fair Warning, released on April 29, 1981, reached number 5 on the Billboard 200. Despite being the slowest-selling Van Halen album of the David Lee Roth era, Fair Warning still sold over two million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum.
Cultural Impact
"Unchained" has endured as one of Van Halen's most beloved and influential tracks, frequently cited by fans and critics alike as one of their best songs. A 2011 Rolling Stone reader's poll even named it the number one Van Halen song. Its iconic opening riff is considered one of the most recognizable in rock music.
The song's heavy, chugging riff, achieved through Eddie Van Halen's use of drop D♭ tuning, had a notable impact on guitar playing. The prominent use of the MXR M-117 flanger pedal in the song also popularized the effect and spurred its sales.
Fun Facts
- David Lee Roth's working title for the song was "Hit the Ground Running."
- The famous spoken line "Come on, Dave, gimme a break!" during the song's interlude was uttered by producer Ted Templeman, making it his only vocal contribution to a Van Halen track. There's a persistent rumor it was an ad-lib, though Roth's lyric sheets reportedly show the line written.
- The main riff for "Unchained" was written by Eddie Van Halen at 4:00 AM during late-night overdubbing sessions for the Fair Warning album.
- The music video for "Unchained" is a live performance montage from the band's Fair Warning tour, filmed at the Oakland Coliseum in June 1981. The band initially had little interest in making videos, so their label hired director Bruce Gowers to shoot a concert and turn it into a clip, with the footage later handed off to Robert Lombard for editing.
- Eddie Van Halen would use dedicated guitars, like his "RUDE" guitar, specifically pre-tuned to drop D♭ for songs like "Unchained" during live performances, as his Floyd Rose tremolo systems at the time couldn't quickly change tunings without unclamping the nut.