David Lee Roth’s The Warner Recordings 1985-1994: Legacy in A Box

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David Lee Roth’s The Warner Recordings 1985-1994: Legacy in A Box

David Lee Roth. Yes, Diamond Dave himself.

For decades (it’s amazing how many), Roth has been a cultural lightning rod—a rock star, a showman, and a voice that defined an era of music.

Now, Rhino.com is giving fans the chance to experience his solo career in all its glory with The Warner Recordings 1985-1994.

This limited-edition box set, exclusive to Rhino.com and capped at 2,000 copies, is the ultimate way to relive Roth’s first five solo releases.

From the pop oldies of Crazy from the Heat to the genre-pushing experimentation of Your Filthy Little Mouth (check the duet with Travis Tritt), this collection showcases Roth’s ability to constantly reinvent himself.

He was never boring in Van Halen. And never boring as a solo artist. Every album sounds different.

What’s Inside The Warner Recordings 1985-1994?

The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 packs five iconic releases into one must-have collection:

1. Crazy from the Heat (1985)

2. Eat ’Em and Smile (1986)

3. Skyscraper (1988)

4. A Little Ain’t Enough (1991)

5. Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994)

Each album represents a unique phase in Roth’s career, showcasing his evolution post-Van Halen.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these albums for the first time, this set will NOT put your feet to sleep..

Crazy from the Heat: The Solo Debut

The WILD journey begins with Crazy from the Heat, Roth’s debut solo EP, released on January 28, 1985.

With its infectious blend of humor, charisma, and classic rock energy, the EP was an instant hit.

Tracks like “Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody” and a lively cover of The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” climbed the Billboard charts, proving Roth could thrive. Without a guitar solo among them.

This EP also inspired the title of Roth’s 1997 autobiography—a book as colorful and outrageous as the man himself. Crazy from the Heat was a declaration of independence.

Eat ’Em and Smile: The Dream Team

If Crazy from the Heat was Roth dipping his toes into solo waters (he actually went in up to his waist), Eat ’Em and Smile was a cannonball dive.

Released in 1986, Roth’s first full-length album brought together a powerhouse lineup: Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums. The chemistry was just right.

“Yankee Rose” kicks off the album with swagger, while tracks like “Tobacco Road” and “That’s Life” show off Roth’s versatility.

Thie industry and loyalists loved it—Kerrang! even crowned it “Album of the Year.”

It also fueled an unforgettable tour that solidified Roth’s solo status.

Skyscraper: Roth Reaches New Heights

By 1988, Roth was ready to shake things up again. Skyscraper is as polished as Eat ’Em and Smile was raw.

The album’s lead single, “Just Like Paradise,” became a pop-rock anthem, climbing to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The production, co-handled by Roth and Steve Vai, gave Skyscraper a slick, experimental feel.

From the shimmering “Damn Good” to the funky “Hot Dog and a Shake,” the album pushed boundaries while staying true to Roth’s larger-than-life persona.

“Damn Good” is probably Roth’s most underrated song. Maybe not a hit in a traditional sense, but it would have knock ’em dead on MTV Unplugged.

A Little Ain’t Enough: Rocking Into the ’90s

The 1990s brought changes to the rock landscape, but Roth adapted with A Little Ain’t Enough in 1991.

Featuring the incredible guitar work of Jason Becker, this album leaned into hard rock while embracing a slightly darker, edgier tone.

While grunge was beginning to dominate the airwaves, Roth stayed true to his roots.

Songs like the title track and “Hammerhead Shark” prove he still had plenty of swagger—and riffs—to spare.

Production was by Bob Rock, who was about to bring Metallica to the mainstream.

Your Filthy Little Mouth: The Wild Card

By 1994, Roth had teamed up with producer Nile Rodgers for Your Filthy Little Mouth, an album that defied easy categorization.

Tracks like “She’s My Machine” showcased Roth’s ability to blend rock with funk and blues, while songs like “Big Train” hinted at his storytelling prowess (if a hint is being hit in the face with a frying pan).

Though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of his earlier efforts, Your Filthy Little Mouth is a fascinating chapter in Roth’s career—a willingness to take risks.

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Why The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 is a Pile of Grooviness

In a world where music often feels disposable, The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 is a reminder of the artistry and showmanship that defined Roth’s career. These albums are more than just music; they’re time capsules of an era when rock stars were larger than life.

For longtime fans, this box set is a nostalgic treasure trove. For newcomers, it’s the perfect introduction to one of rock’s most charismatic frontmen.

Collector’s Note

With only 2,000 copies available, The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 is as exclusive as it gets.

The set is available exclusively on Rhino.com, so act fast if you want to secure your piece of rock history.

The Warner Recordings 1985-1994: Final Ramblings

David Lee Roth has always been more than a musician—he’s a force of nature. An enigma wrapped in tornado.

The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 captures his solo career as what it is – dynamic and daring.

Keep THIS in mind – Roth’s solo material isn’t just limited to these five tremendous albums. Do yourself a favor and see what he’s been doing lately.

The Warner Recordings 1985-1994 Sources:

• Rhino Records, “The Warner Recordings 1985-1994.” Accessed January 2025.

• AllMusic, “David Lee Roth Discography.”

• Billboard, “David Lee Roth Chart History.”

• Rolling Stone Archives.

Image courtesy of Rhino.com

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Szul