ROTH, DAVID LEE sonrisa salvaje P-13374

Diamond Dave En Español: David Lee Roth’s ‘Sonrisa Salvaje’ (P-13374)

Today’s entry features a unique curiosity from the flamboyant frontman’s solo career. We are examining the 1986 Japanese pressing of Sonrisa Salvaje by David Lee Roth, released on Warner Bros. Records (manufactured by Warner-Pioneer) with the catalog number P-13374.

The Spanish ‘Eat ’Em and Smile’

Released in 1986, this album is the full Spanish-language version of Roth’s debut solo masterpiece, Eat ’Em and Smile. Looking to tap into the South American market, Roth re-recorded all his vocals in Spanish. While the lyrics are translated, the backing tracks remain the blistering original performances by his virtuoso supergroup: Steve Vai (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Gregg Bissonette (drums).

Hearing the band tear through tracks like “Yankee Rose” and “¡Loco Del Calor!” (Goin’ Crazy!) with Roth’s phonetic Spanish delivery adds a unique and entertaining layer to these hard rock classics.

Japanese Collector’s Edition

This pressing is a high-quality artifact from Warner-Pioneer Corporation.

- Inclusions: The album comes complete with the original Obi strip and a lyric insert that features both Spanish and Japanese lyrics. It also includes the original printed inner sleeve with credits.
- Rarity: While Eat ’Em and Smile is common, this Spanish variant—especially the Japanese pressing—is a sought-after item for completists of the Van Halen family tree.