Van Halen--Balance (1995/Warner Brothers) Rating--6.3

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Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)--RealAudio

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Like the lead single "Amsterdam," this is a very disjointed release, overall. There is not much rocking out to speak of... not much at all, in fact. The first real signs of the band's commercial faltering--- and good reason is shown.
The aforementioned "Amsterdam" has some ok sections, but lacks flow, and was a somewhat poor choice for a first single. "Can't Stop Lovin' You" is smooth and light, and gained the band a little air time. The paced stalk of "Don't Tell Me..." is also nice.
Several songs are pretty good--- but the slowed-down tempos hold them back: "Aftershock," "Take Me Back," and "Feelin'".
In all, a pretty big letdown from the boys, it's sad to say.

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TRACK LIST: The Seventh Seal/Can't Stop Lovin' You/Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)/Amsterdam/Big Fat Money/ Strung Out/Not Enough/Aftershock/Doin' Time/Baluchjtherjum/Take Me Back (Deja Vu)/Feelin'

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