formed by the title of Van Halen's new, top-charting album was intended as a covert blow against censorship in America. Unfortunately, it's far more likely that the punny name merely indicates VH's love of the kind of bathroom talk that third graders think is funny. [...] For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge doesn't contain even one mind-numbingly catchy melody. Only 'Top of the World' and 'The Dream Is Over' come close to working up a truly fist-thrusting chorus, and the gist of the latter—'dream another dream, this dream is over'—may well be advice that Van Halen and their fans ought to take to heart." In his Consumer Guide, Robert Christgau gave the album a "dud" rating. A retrospective review by AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine was mixed. He stated that the title "indicates the true nature of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge [...] Backing away from the diversity of OU812, the band turns in some of the most basic, straightforward rock & roll of its career." However, he also stated that it was "undeniable that [Sammy Hagar's] limited vocal power had a great deal to do with the obvious nature of most of this music." He concluded that, even though the band continued to be tight and professional, the songwriting "is, by and large, undistinguished, with the anthemic 'Right Now' standing out as the most memorable song of the batch, mainly because of its incessant chorus." Track listing PersonnelVan HalenSammy Hagar – lead vocals, guitar Eddie Van Halen – guitars, keyboards, electric drill on "Poundcake", backing vocals Michael Anthony – bass, backing vocals Alex Van Halen – drums, percussion, backing vocalsAdditional personnelSteve Lukather – backing vocals on "Top of the World"ProductionAndy Johns – producer, engineer, mixing Jeri Heiden – art direction Lee Herschberg – engineer Michael Scott – engineer, mixing David Seltzer – photography Ted Templeman – producer, mixing Van Halen – producers Glen Wexler – photography Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Singles Billboard (United States) Certifications Awards Grammy Award' References Further reading 1991 albums Albums produced by Andy Johns Albums produced by Ted Templeman Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance Van Halen albums Warner Records albums