"For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" (often abbreviated as F.U.C.K.) is the ninth studio album by the American rock band Van Halen. Released on June 17, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records, it was the band's third album featuring vocalist Sammy Hagar. The album quickly achieved commercial success, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and maintaining that position for three consecutive weeks.
The album is notable for several reasons, including its production by Ted Templeman, marking his return to a producer role with Van Halen for the first time since 1984. Templeman had previously worked extensively with the band during the David Lee Roth era. His involvement in "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" helped shape the album's sound and production style, emphasizing the band's hard rock roots while incorporating contemporary elements of the early 1990s rock scene.
"For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" featured seven of its eleven tracks released as singles, underscoring its commercial appeal and widespread popularity. The album's singles included hits like "Right Now," "Top of the World," and "Poundcake," each contributing to its chart success and enduring legacy.
In 2023, the album was remastered by Donn Landee and reissued as part of "The Collection II," which included all four studio albums with Sammy Hagar, along with an additional disc featuring eight rarities from this era. This reissue allowed fans to revisit the album with enhanced sound quality and explore rare tracks associated with its recording sessions.
Overall, "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" stands as a pivotal album in Van Halen's discography, showcasing their evolution with Sammy Hagar while maintaining their status as one of the leading rock bands of the era.
