Lzzy Hale Reveals the 10 Albums That Shaped Her Life, Crowns Van Halen’s Debut as the Best
February 26, 2025 – Lzzy Hale, the powerhouse vocalist and guitarist of Halestorm, recently sat down with NME to discuss the albums that left an indelible mark on her life. As a musician known for her commanding stage presence and raw vocal power, Hale’s selections offered a deep insight into her influences and personal journey in rock and metal.
Among the ten albums she named, one stood out above all—the self-titled debut album from Van Halen (1978). Hale expressed her admiration for the record, calling it “the absolute best” and highlighting its groundbreaking impact on rock music and her own artistic evolution.
A Game-Changing Album
Released in 1978, Van Halen revolutionized hard rock with its electrifying energy, jaw-dropping guitar techniques, and charismatic performances. Eddie Van Halen’s legendary “Eruption” solo showcased a level of guitar mastery that inspired generations, while David Lee Roth’s dynamic vocal delivery set a new standard for rock frontmen.
For Hale, the album was more than just a collection of songs—it was a life-changing experience. “That record is pure magic,” she said in the interview. “Every single track hits you with this raw, unfiltered energy. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work blew my mind when I first heard it, and it still does to this day. It’s a perfect album.”
Lzzy Hale’s Influences: A Look at Her Full List
While Van Halen took the top spot, Hale also shared nine other albums that played a significant role in shaping her musical identity. Though the full list wasn’t disclosed in the initial interview snippet, fans can expect a diverse mix, given her background in rock, metal, and blues-inspired music.
Over the years, Hale has often credited artists like Dio, Heart, Metallica, and Joan Jett as inspirations, making it likely that her selections span multiple genres and eras.
From Fan to Rock Icon
Lzzy Hale has carved out her own legendary status in rock and metal. As the frontwoman of Halestorm, she has led the band to Grammy-winning success, released multiple chart-topping albums, and cemented her reputation as one of modern rock’s most powerful voices.
Her love for Van Halen is well-documented, and her admiration for Eddie Van Halen’s musicianship is something she has shared in past interviews. “Eddie changed the game for every guitarist who came after him,” she once said. “He made us all want to push our limits.”
A Timeless Legacy
With this latest revelation, Lzzy Hale joins a long list of rock and metal musicians who have hailed Van Halen as one of the greatest albums of all time. More than four decades after its release, the record continues to inspire new generations of artists, proving its enduring impact on rock music.
As Hale continues to dominate the stage with Halestorm, her influences—especially Van Halen—remain an integral part of her sound and spirit. Fans eagerly await more details on the rest of her top 10 albums, hoping to get a deeper look into the records that helped shape one of rock’s most electrifying voices.