Feels So Good

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Feels So Good" by Van Halen from their 1988 album OU812, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this upbeat, synth-driven track. One juicy piece of trivia comes from Sammy Hagar, who revealed in an interview with Martin Popoff that "Feels So Good" was crafted in a pop style inspired by Genesis, a nod to Van Halen’s early band name before they discovered the British prog rockers already claimed it. Hagar admitted he loved the song’s vibe, but not everyone in the band was on board—Eddie Van Halen was the only other member who really dug it, showing the band’s occasional creative divides.

Another tidbit from a SiriusXM article highlights the song’s place in OU812’s diverse soundscape. While the album leaned into ballads like "When It’s Love," "Feels So Good" stood out as a radio-friendly pop anthem, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Mainstream Rock chart in January 1989, as noted in a post on X. However, not all fans were thrilled—on Reddit, some called it filler with lackluster lyrics, though they praised Michael Anthony’s bass work for giving it life. Ian Astbury of The Cult, reviewing the single on a UK radio show, famously dissed it as sounding like a beer commercial, a quip that still stings for some Zoo Freaks.

Delving into Van Halen’s origins, the band was born in Pasadena, California, in 1973, founded by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, sons of a Dutch musician. They started as Genesis, playing backyard parties and local gigs, before switching to Mammoth and finally Van Halen after learning of the name conflict. Eddie, a guitar prodigy, and Alex, a powerhouse drummer, recruited bassist Michael Anthony and the charismatic David Lee Roth. Their early days were gritty, honing their explosive live shows in LA clubs like Gazzarri’s. By 1978, their self-titled debut, fueled by Eddie’s virtuosic riffs and Roth’s showmanship, hit No. 19 on the Billboard 200, selling over 10 million copies and cementing their hard rock legacy.

After Roth’s departure in 1985, Sammy Hagar joined, ushering in the "Van Hagar" era, which produced OU812. The band’s journey wasn’t without drama—lineup changes, creative clashes, and Eddie’s struggles with health and addiction marked their path. Yet, their ability to blend raw energy with polished hits kept them atop the charts. Fans can dive deeper at Van Halen’s official website, though social media is quieter since Eddie’s passing in 2020. Check out their Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwbacks.

Zoo Freaks looking for community can join fan hubs like the Van Halen News Desk, a treasure trove of news, interviews, and memorabilia, or Van Halen Links for track-by-track guides and forums. On Facebook, groups like Van Halen Fans and 5150 Van Halen keep the spirit alive with debates over Roth vs. Hagar and tributes to Eddie’s genius. These spaces are perfect for sharing your love for "Feels So Good" and all things Van Halen.