Whitesnake's "Come an' Get It" - 1981 French release. A turning point: soaring anthems, slick guitars. But is it rock or glam metal sellout? #vinylrecords

Whitesnake's "Come an' Get It": The Slippery Slope of '80s Hard Rock

Album Description:

In the world of hard rock history, few bands embody the excesses and contradictions of the early '80s quite like Whitesnake. Emerging from the ashes of Deep Purple's Mark III and IV lineups, guitarist David Coverdale had already established himself as a bluesy powerhouse vocalist. But with Whitesnake, he sought to capture the zeitgeist of a new era: one where MTV ruled the airwaves and arena-sized anthems reigned supreme.

"Come an' Get It," released in 1981, marked a turning point for Whitesnake. It was their fourth studio album, and it arrived hot on the heels of the commercially successful "Ready an' Willing." The band's lineup was in flux, but Coverdale's vision remained steadfast: a blend of blues-infused hard rock with a dash of glam swagger.

Recorded at Ringo Starr's Startling Studios, "Come an' Get It" saw Whitesnake working with producer Martin Birch, a veteran of Deep Purple and Iron Maiden fame. Birch's polished production style was a perfect fit for the band's increasingly commercial sound. The album's lead single, "Don't Break My Heart Again," became a staple on rock radio, its soaring chorus and slick guitar solos epitomizing the era's bombastic aesthetic.

But beneath the surface sheen, "Come an' Get It" revealed a band grappling with its own identity. Coverdale's lyrics oscillated between heartfelt ballads and raucous party anthems, reflecting the internal tensions of a band straddling the line between artistic integrity and commercial success. The album's cover art, featuring a scantily clad model, further fueled the controversy surrounding Whitesnake's image. Were they serious musicians or just another glam metal act cashing in on the MTV craze?

The musical landscape of the early '80s was a complex one. Punk had exploded onto the scene a few years earlier, challenging the status quo and railing against the bloated excesses of arena rock. But as the decade wore on, a new generation of bands emerged, blending the raw energy of punk with the melodic sensibilities of classic rock. This hybrid sound, often labeled "hair metal" or "glam metal," was both commercially successful and critically reviled.

Whitesnake found themselves caught in the crossfire. Their music was undeniably catchy and well-crafted, but it also lacked the edge and grit of their earlier work. Critics accused them of selling out, of sacrificing their blues roots for a shot at mainstream success. But for fans of the band, "Come an' Get It" was a guilty pleasure, a collection of hook-laden anthems that perfectly captured the spirit of the times.

In retrospect, "Come an' Get It" represents a pivotal moment in Whitesnake's evolution. It was the album that solidified their commercial success, but it also marked the beginning of their descent into self-parody. The band's subsequent albums would embrace the glam metal aesthetic even further, culminating in the multi-platinum success of 1987's self-titled album. But for those who remember Whitesnake's early days, "Come an' Get It" remains a bittersweet reminder of a band caught between two worlds.

Music Genre:

Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

Album Production information:

The album: "WHITESNAKE - Come An' Get It" was produced by: Martin "Sir Larry" Birch for Sunburst Records

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

This album was recorded at: Startling Studios, Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England, July 1980 , September 1980, January 1981

Album cover design: Malcolm Horton

Album photography: Fin Costello

Fin Costello: Discover the man behind the lens who immortalized rock's golden age. Explore Fin Costello's journey through the vibrant 70s music scene and his iconic photographs that defined an era.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Carrere Distribution Underdog 67.697

Album Packaging:

This album "WHITESNAKE - Come An' Get It" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1981 Made in France

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: WHITESNAKE - Come An' Get It

David Coverdale - vocals

Unleash the raw power of David Coverdale's voice! From Deep Purple's rock anthems to Whitesnake's chart-topping ballads, his journey is a symphony of passion and perseverance. Read about his career
Micky Moody - guitar
Bernie Marsden - guitar

Bernie Marsden a British musician, songwriter, and producer who is best known for his work as the guitarist for the legendary hard rock band, Whitesnake. He was born on May 7, 1951, in Buckinghamshire, England.

Marsden began his music career in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a member of various bands, including "Skinny Cat" and UFO. In 1978, he joined Whitesnake, which was led by David Coverdale at the time. During his time with the band, Marsden co-wrote some of their most famous songs, including "Here I Go Again" and "Fool for Your Loving."

After leaving Whitesnake in the mid-1980s, Marsden continued to work as a session musician and producer. He also released several solo albums, including "And About Time Too" and "Look at Me Now."

Throughout his career, Marsden has been recognized as one of the most talented guitarists in the hard rock genre. He has been praised for his technical skill, his ability to write catchy and memorable riffs, and his contributions to the development of the hard rock sound in the 1980s.
Jon Lord - keyboards

Journey through the electrifying fusion of rock and classical music with Jon Lord, the iconic keyboardist of Deep Purple! Witness his evolution from "Smoke on the Water" to symphonic masterpieces. Learn about his career
Neil Murray - bass guitar

Neil Murray (full-name: Philip Neil Murray) one of British most experienced Bass guitar players and best known for being a member of the British Hard Rock band: "Whitesnake". Murray has also performed and recorded with Black Sabbath ( Gt Britain ), Bob Marley & The Wailers, Colosseum II, Cozy Powell's Hammer, Gary Moore (GBR), Gilgamesh, Peter Green Splinter Group, The Brian May Band, Vow Wow (JPN), Whitesnake (GBR).
Ian Paice - drums

Feel the thunderous beat of rock history! From Deep Purple's iconic riffs to collaborations with legends, Ian Paice's drumming mastery shaped generations and fueled anthems. Read his mini-biography

Complete Track-listing of the album "WHITESNAKE - Come An' Get It"

The Song/tracks on "Come and Get it" are

Come an' Get It (David Coverdale) 3:58
Hot Stuff (Coverdale, Micky Moody) 3:22
Don't Break My Heart Again (Coverdale) 4:01
Lonely Days, Lonely Nights (Coverdale) 4:14
Wine, Women An' Song (Coverdale, Moody, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Jon Lord, Ian Paice) 3:43
Child of Babylon (Coverdale, Marsden) 4:50
Would I Lie to You (Coverdale, Moody, Marsden) 4:30
Girl (Coverdale, Marsden, Murray) 3:54
Hit an' Run (Coverdale, Marsden, Moody) 3:21
Till the Day I Die (Coverdale) 4:27