Top of the World (Van Halen song)

"Top of the World" is a rock song written by the group Van Halen for their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. It is one of six singles issued for the album, and spent four non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart in the U.S., becoming their eighth number one on this chart. It was the only single off the album to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #27. The main guitar riff from "Top of the World" is actually carried over from the closing guitar background riff from 1984's "Jump".

"Top of the World"
Single by Van Halen
from the album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
ReleasedOctober 1991
Recorded1990-1991, at 5150 Studios, Hollywood, California
GenreHard rock
Length3:52
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Eddie Van Halen
Michael Anthony
Sammy Hagar
Alex Van Halen
Producer(s)Andy Johns
Ted Templeman
Van Halen
Van Halen singles chronology
"Poundcake"
(1991)		 "Top of the World"
(1991)		 "Right Now"
(1992)

Chuck Klosterman of Vulture.com ranked it the 37th-best Van Halen song, commenting that "Hagar’s fingerprints are particularly noticeable, both in mood and aesthetic."[1]

History

This song was recorded in early 1991; However, the main riff for this song was first played live on the Van Halen 1979 World Tour during "Dance the Night Away". Eddie Van Halen recorded this song using his brand new Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar and his new Peavey 5150 amps. This was also one of the first Van Halen songs featuring the use of the wah-wah pedal. This song also features Toto lead guitarist Steve Lukather on guitar and background vocals. He can be heard playing the rhythm guitar during the guitar solo. This is the last song on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and was the last song played during live shows, following "Jump". This song was played on the 1995 Balance "Ambulance" Tour and the ill-fated 2004 reunion tour.

Personnel
  • Sammy Hagar - Lead Vocals
  • Eddie Van Halen - Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Michael Anthony - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Alex Van Halen - Drums, Percussion
  • Steve Lukather - Guitar, Backing Vocals

References
  1. Klosterman, Chuck (October 6, 2020). "All 131 Van Halen Songs, Ranked From Worst to Best A look back at the band's formidable legacy". Vulture.com. Retrieved October 9, 2020.


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