"Top of the World" is a pop metal song by the American rock band Van Halen from their ninth album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. It was released as the second single from the album and spent four non-consecutive weeks at the top of the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, becoming their eighth number 1 on this chart. It was the only single off the album to enter the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 27. The main guitar riff from "Top of the World" is actually carried over from the closing guitar background riff from 1984's "Jump".
In Billboard’s industry reporting from the time of its release, “Top of the World” was highlighted as one of the most-added tracks at rock radio, reflecting strong initial support from programmers as the single was introduced to stations.
History This song was recorded in early 1991; however, the main riff for this song was first played live on the Van Halen 1979 World Tour during "Dance the Night Away". Eddie Van Halen recorded this song using his brand new Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar and his new Peavey 5150 amps. The song includes Toto lead guitarist Steve Lukather on background vocals. It was the last song played during live shows on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour, following "Jump". It was also played on the 1993 Right Here Right Now Tour, the 1995 Balance Tour, and the ill-fated 2004 reunion tour.
Personnel Sammy Hagar – lead vocals Eddie Van Halen – guitar, backing vocals Michael Anthony – bass guitar, backing vocals Alex Van Halen – drums, percussion
Additional musicians Steve Lukather – backing vocals
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1991) Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1991) PositionUS Album Rock Tracks (Billboard)9
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesSeptember 1991Warner Bros.United KingdomOctober 7, 1991AustraliaNovember 4, 1991
References