As original Van Halen vocalist David Lee Roth quit the band to pursue a solo career, or was fired (depending on who you believe), Eddie and Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony carried on by hiring Sammy Hagar. Hagar was a middling artist on his own, but he proved to be a powerhouse when placed in front of hard rock's most muscular and innovative instrumental unit. On 5150--the title is police code for"escaped lunatic"--you can hear the band's excitement at having struck a winning combination. Songs such as"Why Can't This Be Love,""Dreams,""Best of Both Worlds," and"Love Walks In" combine to make this the early high-watermark of the Van Hagar era.