I agree 1000%, Figge.

And, I have a confession to make - I haven't given some of the Van Hagar albums many spins at all. I love 5150 and place it squarely behind the debut in terms of favorites by the band. But then, when I bought OU812, it was a big disappointment. By the time F.U.C.K. and Balance were released, I'm afraid that I had become somewhat disillusioned. I've owned them for many years, but just knowing that they are nowhere as good as 5150 has made me lack the motivation to spin 'em.

My ranking of the albums would be as follows...

Van Halen (head and shoulders above the rest. Not just the best VH album, but one of the best albums of all-time - and certainly among the best debuts)

5150
1984
VH II
Diver Down

After that, it becomes blurry...

Fair Warning
Women & Children First
OU812
F.U.C.K.
Balance

I don't own III or the live album.