Skyscraper (album)


Skyscraper is the second full-length studio album by David Lee Roth, released during his solo career after his departure as the original lead vocalist from Van Halen. It was released on January 26, 1988 on Warner Bros. Records.

Overview

Skyscraper was issued shortly after the commercially and critically successful Eat 'Em and Smile Tour of 1986–1987. Skyscraper hit No. 6 on the Billboard Top 200 U.S. album chart during February 1988, en route to selling two million copies in the United States. The album features one of Roth's most popular singles, "Just Like Paradise," which reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Additionally, it features the acoustic ballad "Damn Good," which reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Rock chart.
At the time of its release, the eclectic, quasi-psychedelic Skyscraper divided public and critical opinion. Although Roth's 1988 Skyscraper Tour was successful, many fans and critics disappointed by Van Halen's post-Roth, keyboard-heavy sound expressed similar dissatisfaction with Skyscraper. Guitarist Steve Vai and bassist Billy Sheehan, who formed the core of David Lee Roth's solo band, left the group over various controversies regarding Skyscraper.

Track listing

All songs written by David Lee Roth and Steve Vai unless otherwise noted.
  1. "Knucklebones" – 3:18
  2. "Just Like Paradise" – 4:03
  3. "The Bottom Line" – 3:38
  4. "Skyscraper" – 3:40
  5. "Damn Good" – 5:49
  6. "Hot Dog and a Shake" – 3:19
  7. "Stand Up" – 4:39
  8. "Hina" – 4:41
  9. "Perfect Timing" – 3:41
  10. "Two Fools a Minute" – 4:29

    CD reissue

All songs written by Roth/Vai unless otherwise noted.
  1. "California Girls" – 2:50
  2. "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" – 4:41
  3. "Knucklebones" – 3:18
  4. "Just Like Paradise" – 4:03
  5. "The Bottom Line" – 3:38
  6. "Skyscraper" – 3:40
  7. "Damn Good" – 5:49
  8. "Hot Dog and a Shake" – 3:19
  9. "Stand Up" – 4:39
  10. "Hina" – 4:41
  11. "Perfect Timing" – 3:41
  12. "Two Fools a Minute" – 4:29
;The Band
;Guest musicians
;Production
Album
YearChartPosition
1988Billboard 200 6
1988UK Album Chart11

Singles
YearSingleChartPosition
1988"Damn Good"Mainstream Rock 2
1988"Just Like Paradise"Mainstream Rock 1
1988"Just Like Paradise"Billboard Hot 100 6
1988"Just Like Paradise"UK Singles Chart27
1988"Stand Up"Mainstream Rock 5
1988"Stand Up"Billboard Hot 100 64
1988"Stand Up"UK Singles Chart72
1988"California Girls "UK Singles Chart81

Certifications