A Different Kind of Truth
by Van Halen
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Metal Hammer (UK)
    Mar 19, 2012
    60
    Even though it's good to see Van Halen up and around, A Different Kind Of Truth is not the resurrection that we all dared to dream of. [Apr 2012, p.102]
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  2. PopMatters
    Feb 13, 2012
    50
    A fun and nostalgic listen for fans of the band, but on the whole rather unmemorable.
  3. Mojo
    Mar 22, 2012
    40
    A disappointment. [Apr 2012, p.88]
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Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
  1. transfixed
    Feb 7, 2012
    9
    Great return to form from a great band that hasn't been great in a while. Roth doesn't sound as powerful as he used to, but he sings with aGreat return to form from a great band that hasn't been great in a while. Roth doesn't sound as powerful as he used to, but he sings with a maturity that he used to lack. The band sounds as heavy and loud as ever like they've got something to prove and frankly, they did. It's great that they remembered who they are. The only gripe I have is the choice to use Tattoo as the first single and first track, as it's easily the worst song on the album.… Full Review »
  2. crankyerma
    Feb 7, 2012
    8
    Hoped for the best, prepared for the worst. This album is closer to the former of the two. There are definitely some clunker moments. "Tattoo"Hoped for the best, prepared for the worst. This album is closer to the former of the two. There are definitely some clunker moments. "Tattoo" is not a great song but most reviews (including this one) actually quote the lyrics incorrectly, so how much weight can you give the writer's opinion on that track? The more I've played this disc the more it grows on me. After listening to a bootleg copy for a week, I finally got the opportunity to buy it today. I popped it in the car system and took an hour drive with it at embarrassing levels. This CD not only gets better the more you listen to it but also the LOUDER you listen to it. It misses be a classic VH album, but not by as much as you would expect. There are definitely songs on it that belong in the canon. Bottom line: This is the heaviest record VH ever made and it is probably the best since "1984."… Full Review »
  3. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    7
    If someone claims to be a fan of hard rock, and doesn't know Van Halen - he simply ain't. For the rest there's a relevant message that theIf someone claims to be a fan of hard rock, and doesn't know Van Halen - he simply ain't. For the rest there's a relevant message that the single "Tattoo" from latest - the first in 14 years album "A Different Kind Of Truth", rock out radio stations. David Lee Roth and the company serves us thirteen rock / metal compositions maintaining high level. "China Town", "Bullethead" or "The Trouble With Never" is only a foretaste of what to expect on the album.… Full Review »
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