Revisit the Time When Van Halen’s “Jump” Went #1
Ace music blog Stereogum has been rolling out a stellar series called The Number Ones, writing about every song that’s ever sat atop the Billboard Hot 100.
The latest edition takes a deep dive into Van Halen’s “Jump,” which nabbed the #1 spot for five weeks in early 1984. The backstory is there–Eddie Van Halen writing the synth riff, David Lee Roth hating it–but there’s ton’s more depth. For instance, Roth has given three different accounts over the years about writing the lyrics for “Jump.” They’re all here, and they’re all peak Roth.
Check out the piece here, then when you’re done get into the just-as-interesting story of “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” by Yes. Oh, and the one on Pink Floyd, too.
Adam 12 is the Program Director of Boston's ROCK 92.9, heard weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He's been flexing his encyclopedic rock knowledge in New England for over 2 decades, both on-air and online, at WBCN, WFNX, Boston.com, and indie617. At ROCK 92.9, he keeps you in the know on the big stories from the Boston music scene and writes about great places to eat, drink (beer), and to spend time outdoors in and around Boston.