Van Halen’s hit single Jump was an instant classic, dominating the airwaves in the 1980s and still captivating audiences to this day. It’s notable for its prominent use of keyboards, a departure from the band’s usual hard rock guitar-driven sound. In fact, it wasn’t until later that many realised that Jump was actually a Van Halen song. This is a testament to the song’s lasting impact and its ability to transcend genre boundaries.
The track was recorded at Eddie Van Halen’s newly built 5150 studio, located in Studio City, California. Jump was a song that initially faced resistance from the rest of the band due to its heavy reliance on keyboards. However, Eddie’s insistence on including the instrument paid off, as the song went on to become the band’s biggest hit.
While little is known about the specific recording equipment used on Jump, it’s clear that the band was looking to move beyond the sound of their previous albums. Eddie and Alex were reportedly tired of the EMT reverb units that had been a staple of their earlier recordings, indicating that they likely did not use them on this track. Photos from the time suggest that the studio had a range of equipment available for use during the recording process including AMS delay and reverb units..
Despite its departure from Van Halen’s traditional sound, Jump has stood the test of time. The combination of Eddie’s iconic keyboard riff and David Lee Roth’s soaring vocals, along with the track’s incredibly catchy chorus, has cemented its place in rock history. Even 35 years after its release, Jump still sounds fresh and remains a remarkable achievement for Van Halen.