David Lee Roth self-diagnoses his own genius on Eat 'Em And Smile

In the aftermath of his departure from Van Halen, David Lee Roth embarked on a bold solo venture with the release of Eat 'Em And Smile in 1986. This album marked a distinct turning point, allowing Roth to assert his individuality while assembling a lineup of accomplished musicians that rivaled the legendary status of his former band.

Eat 'Em And Smile is notable for its vibrant, high-energy hard rock sound, fueled by the contributions of guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Each member brought a high level of technical proficiency and flair, crafting an album that was both a celebration of Roth's showmanship and a showcase of instrumental prowess. The album embraced a party-oriented, exuberant hard rock style reminiscent of Van Halen’s early work but with a fresh, colorful edge.

The opening track, "Yankee Rose," stands out as a signature piece, featuring Vai’s innovative guitar work that blends melody with technical virtuosity. This song, along with "Shyboy"—a cover highlighting Sheehan's roots—and "Goin’ Crazy," exemplifies the album's dynamic range and infectious energy. However, the album also includes several cover versions, such as "I’m Easy," "Tobacco Road," and "That’s Life," which some critics viewed as filler, diluting the overall originality.

Production by Ted Templeman, who had previously worked with Van Halen, ensured that Eat 'Em And Smile retained a polished yet raw sound that balanced technical skill with accessible rock hooks. Despite this, Roth himself expressed mixed feelings about the album's direction, particularly critiquing the elaborate guitar solos for lacking cohesive storytelling and emotional depth, a reflection of his desire for musical substance beyond mere virtuosity.

Critical reception at the time was mixed but leaned positive, with many praising the musicianship and infectious spirit of the record. Rolling Stone noted the album’s rougher, more energetic approach compared to the slicker post-Roth Van Halen releases. Robert Christgau highlighted Roth's eclectic taste and ability to craft a commercially viable rock album with an edge of humor and irreverence. However, some critics and fans felt the album faltered in its latter half, citing weaker tracks and an overreliance on covers as detracting from its impact.

Retrospective assessments have been nuanced. While the album remains a showcase of Roth’s charisma and the stellar musicianship of Vai, Sheehan, and Bissonette, it is often seen as a product of its era—vibrant but limited in scope. The album’s relatively brief runtime and uneven track quality led some to consider it less consistent than Roth’s previous work with Van Halen. Nonetheless, it has endured as a vivid snapshot of Roth's peak solo period, capturing his exuberant persona and the spirit of 1980s hard rock.

From a broader perspective, Eat 'Em And Smile underscores the challenges Roth faced in stepping out from the massive shadow of Van Halen. While the individual talents assembled for the album were indisputable, the cohesion and innovation that defined the classic Van Halen formula were harder to replicate. The album, therefore, serves as both a testament to Roth’s ambition and a reminder of the unique chemistry that existed within his former band.

Ultimately, Eat 'Em And Smile stands as a significant chapter in Roth's career, representing his attempt to redefine himself artistically and commercially. The album captures a moment when Roth was at his theatrical and musical peak, supported by musicians who matched his energy and skill. Despite its imperfections, it remains a compelling listen for those interested in 1980s rock and the evolution of one of its most flamboyant figures.