Outta Love Again

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Outta Love Again" from Van Halen's explosive 1979 album, Van Halen II! This funky, hard-hitting track, the fifth on the album, is a deep cut that showcases the band’s raw energy and tight musicianship. According to a quote from guitarist Eddie Van Halen, the song was crafted to highlight drummer Alex Van Halen’s thunderous style, with Eddie noting it as a “fast, funky riff” reminiscent of Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip?” He also mentioned that the band wanted to give the drums and bass more spotlight after the guitar-heavy debut album, saying, “I really like that song because it really makes the drums shine.” The song’s infectious groove and percussive vocals from David Lee Roth make it a standout, with a jazz-funk edge that sets it apart from their usual hard rock sound.

Dive deeper into the track’s history, and you’ll find it’s one of Van Halen’s oldest tunes, penned in the early 1970s during their backyard party days in Pasadena. As shared on the Van Halen News Desk, “Outta Love Again” predates even their 1977 Warner Bros. demo, making it a staple of their early setlists. In 2012, the band surprised fans by resurrecting it for their tour opener in Louisville, delivering a performance that felt like a time machine to their late ’70s glory, with Alex’s powerhouse drumming stealing the show. A fan-captured cell phone video from that night, though grainy, captures the raw magic of the moment. Guitarist Jacob Deraps, in a 2017 cover video posted on VHND, praised Alex’s groove, saying, “The drum tone is phenomenal and it grooves like crazy, totally signature!”

A 2023 post on X by music historian Greg Renoff urged fans to listen with headphones, raving about the “jaw-dropping” stereo soundscape crafted by producers Ted Templeman and Donn Landee, especially Alex’s drums. The song’s lyrics, dripping with Roth’s swagger, tell a tale of walking away from a toxic relationship, with lines like “Ooh, woman and a woman, them are silly games you play, yeah.” Its funky vibe and relentless energy make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, high-energy vibe, guaranteed to get all you Zoo Freaks moving!

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got their start. Formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973, the band—brothers Eddie (guitar) and Alex Van Halen (drums), vocalist David Lee Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony—started as a high school cover band called Mammoth. They honed their craft playing backyard parties and local clubs, covering everything from Led Zeppelin to Black Sabbath. Eddie’s virtuosic guitar playing, blending blistering speed with innovative techniques like two-handed tapping, quickly set them apart. By 1974, they’d adopted the name Van Halen and were gigging relentlessly around Southern California, building a cult following. Their big break came in 1977 when they were spotted by Warner Bros. execs at a Hollywood club, leading to a deal and their game-changing 1978 debut album, Van Halen, which sold over 10 million copies and redefined hard rock.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Van Halen’s legacy on their official website, where you’ll find news, merch, and exclusive content like Alex Van Halen’s recent memoir, Brothers. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, including tributes to Eddie, who passed in 2020. For fan communities, check out the Van Halen News Desk, a treasure trove of band history, and join Van Halen Fans on Facebook to connect with fellow diehards. Another great spot is 5150 Van Halen Fan Group, where fans share memories, rare photos, and tour stories. So, crank up “Outta Love Again,” and let’s keep the Van Halen spirit alive, Zoo Crew style!