That said, I think I can choose the Van Halen song that best embodies them: "I'm the One" from 1978's Van Halen. This one song has everything a classic Van Halen song needs. In no particular order, here are those elements.
Eddie's crunching riffs at the opening of the song. While the sound isn't the cleanest, that's part of the appeal. It drags the listener into the depths immediately.
Alex's violent drumming: For years I've been reading the pointless back-and-forths of Van Halen fans arguing the Dave vs. Sammy issue. I think one factor that's overlooked is Alex's style. It seems to me that his drumming lessened in intensity when Sammy was with them; this, as much as anything, impacted their sound and their style.
Roth's lyrics and vocals: While the lyrics in this particular song are minimal - two three line verses, a bridge repeated twice, and the chorus - they're classic, fun-time Dave. "We came here to entertain you/Leaving here we aggravate you/Don't you know it means the same to me" That braggadocious, bombastic tone that says they're here to party and eff you if you don't like it. Combine that with his unique howls and yelps (listen to that first "Ah, ha!" at the 0:14 mark). Roth was never considered a great singer. It didn't matter. It's the energy that his singing conveys that makes him one of the greatest front men in the history of the business. I know I'm biased, but I'll put him alongside Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, and Robert Plant when it comes to commanding the stage.
Michael Anthony's harmonies: Years ago I read that the reason he chose to play bass is that everyone else wanted to be the guitar hero; he wanted only to be in a band. I never thought his bass playing was truly stellar (evidenced by his own admission that for years of solos in their live performances, he wasn't playing as much as inflicting pain on himself). Where he becomes invaluable is his high harmonies. This is another reason Van Halen is a unique entity. Many bands have an element that makes them stand out; Van Halen has four (at least).
Eddie's solos: I feel this is self-evident. His unique style is what elevates this band above other hard rockers and him into the pantheon of legends. This particular song has two solos, each one clean (in contrast to the opening chords), crisp, and blistering. I would not take the over/under in regards to how many people Eddie inspired to take up the guitar to sound like him and how many he inspired to quit knowing they never could.
The bridge: Listen from the 2:50 mark to 3:07. Listen to what is essentially a barbershop quartet bridge stuck in the middle of this hard rocking song. Listen and then ask yourself not only what other band would attempt this, but what other band could make it work.
If someone asks you, "What was Van Halen?", play them this song. It has all the answers.
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