VAN HALEN - WHY CAN’T THIS BE LOVE?

Released: March 1986

Charts: US: #3   UK: #8 

Released in 1986 as the lead single from Van Halen’s seventh studio album, “5150”, “Why Can’t This Be Love” marked a new era for the band — and a bold change in direction. It was the first single to feature Sammy Hagar on vocals, following the departure of founding frontman David Lee Roth, and it introduced fans to a sleeker, more melodic sound that would define the group’s next chapter. The gamble paid off: the song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Cash Box Top 100 in May 1986, while also breaking into the Top 10 across the UK, Germany, and Australia.

“Why Can’t This Be Love” was built around Eddie Van Halen’s Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer, continuing his evolution from guitar virtuoso to multi-instrumental composer. The song’s shimmering keyboard riff and driving rhythm were unlike anything from the band’s early Roth years, signaling a decisive shift from barroom bravado to arena-scale sophistication. According to Hagar, the song came together quickly after he asked Eddie if he could follow the keyboard melody with his vocals — something the guitarist typically resisted. “You don’t mind if I follow your keyboard melody, do you?” Hagar asked. Eddie replied, “No, not at all,” even though he preferred vocals to act as counterpoint rather than reinforcement.

Lyrically, the song captured a more emotional and introspective tone than Van Halen’s earlier work. Where Roth was known for swagger and innuendo, Hagar leaned into sincerity — singing about the confusion and longing of love with lines like, “Only time will tell if we stand the test of time.” His vulnerability helped redefine the band’s identity, ushering in a more mature phase without sacrificing their signature energy.

The transition from Roth to Hagar was not without controversy. Fans split into camps — “Van Halen” versus “Van Hagar” — but “Why Can’t This Be Love” made it clear that the band’s creative fire hadn’t dimmed. When Van Halen hit the road for the 5150 tour, they faced the daunting task of convincing live audiences that the new lineup worked. To keep momentum high and minimize “Where’s Dave?” chants from the crowd, Hagar recruited Bachman–Turner Overdrive as the opening act, ensuring a seamless handoff between sets.

Years later, at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, only Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony attended, with Hagar performing “Why Can’t This Be Love” alongside Paul Shaffer’s house band — a fitting tribute to a song that marked both a turning point and a rebirth.