Whitesnake's self-titled album: Hairspray, hooks, and controversy. David Coverdale leads the charge in this 1987 hard rock hit machine. Will it stand the test of time? #vinylrecords

Whitesnake's Self-Titled Sleazefest: Hairspray, Hooks, and Hit-Making

Album Description:

In 1987, amidst a maelstrom of hairspray, spandex, and MTV-fueled excess, Whitesnake slithered onto the scene with their self-titled album, a potent cocktail of bluesy hard rock and unabashed pop sensibilities. The record wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a calculated assault on the charts, a testament to the band's ambition and their willingness to embrace the zeitgeist.

Fronted by the charismatic David Coverdale, a veteran of Deep Purple's glory days, Whitesnake had spent the better part of a decade toiling in the hard rock trenches. Their early albums showcased a raw, blues-infused sound, but by the mid-80s, Coverdale was hungry for a bigger slice of the pie. He assembled a new lineup of virtuoso musicians, including guitarists John Sykes and Adrian Vandenberg, and set his sights on conquering America.

The self-titled album, often referred to as "1987" due to its iconic cover art, was a product of its time. The production, helmed by Mike Stone and Keith Olsen, was slick and polished, designed to maximize the impact of the band's arena-ready anthems. The recording sessions took place at various studios, including Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver and Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, reflecting the album's global aspirations.

From the opening salvo of "Crying in the Rain," it was clear that Whitesnake was no longer content to simply rock. The song's soaring vocals, infectious chorus, and MTV-friendly video propelled it to the top of the charts, cementing the band's newfound commercial appeal. Other hits like "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love" further blurred the lines between hard rock and pop, their power ballads dripping with emotion and radio-friendly hooks.

The album's success wasn't without controversy. Some critics accused Whitesnake of selling out, abandoning their blues roots in favor of a more commercial sound. The band's image, with its emphasis on big hair, tight jeans, and Coverdale's overtly sexual persona, drew both admiration and derision. But in the end, it didn't matter. Whitesnake had tapped into the pulse of the era, and their music resonated with millions of fans around the world.

The self-titled album remains a testament to Whitesnake's ambition and their willingness to embrace the excesses of the 80s. It's a record that's both a product of its time and a timeless collection of hard rock anthems. Whether you see it as a shameless cash grab or a brilliant pop-metal masterpiece, there's no denying its impact on the music scene. Whitesnake may have shed their bluesy skin, but they emerged as one of the biggest bands of the decade, their music echoing through arenas and stadiums long after the hairspray had settled.

Collector Notes:

Whitesnake are an English hard rock band, founded in 1977 by David Coverdale (formerly of Deep Purple).

Music Genre:

English Hard Rock, Glam-Rock, Heavy Metal

Collector's info:

Whitesnake was a major crossover hit and one of the top-selling albums in the glam metal genre

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details and all lyrics of all the songs performed by Whitesnake.

Album Production Information:

Produced by Mike Stone & Keith Olsen

Notes:

Mike Stone (Full-name: Michael Richard Seth Stone, 1951-2002) an American record producer and engineer who has worked with a wide range of rock and metal bands. He was born on 21 December 1951, in New York City.

Stone began his career as an engineer at Record Plant Studios in New York, where he worked on albums by artists such as KISS, Blue Öyster Cult, and Aerosmith. He later moved to Los Angeles and worked at Cherokee Studios, where he became known for his work with bands such as Queen, Van Halen, and Journey. He has produced all of Demon's records since 1981, many of Discharge's albums as well as producing several other bands.

more...

Stone is perhaps best known for his work with Queen on their albums "News of the World" and "The Game," which included hits such as "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions," and "Another One Bites the Dust." He also worked with Journey on their album "Escape," which included the hit singles "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms."

In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Stone has also served as a mixer, remixer, and mastering engineer on numerous albums. He has received several Grammy nominations for his work and has been recognized for his contributions to the field of audio engineering.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Geffen Records GHS 24099

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 210 gram

Year & Country:

1987 Made in USA

Band Members and Musicians on: Whitesnake S/T Self-Titled

David Copperdale
John Sykes - Guitars

John Sykes a British Guitarist who has played a major role in Heavy Metal / Hard Rock bands: "Badlands", "Tygers of Pan Tang". "Thin Lizzy", " Whitesnake ".
Neil Murray

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).
Aynsley Dunbar

Aynsley Dunbar Aynsley Dunbar is an English drummer and percussionist born on 10 January 1946, in Liverpool, England. He is best known for his work as a session drummer and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in rock music. Dunbar began his music career in the 1960s, playing with several blues and rock bands in England, including The Mojos and The Jeff Beck Group.

more...

Dunbar's drumming style is characterized by his powerful and dynamic playing, as well as his versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of musical genres. He has played on numerous albums and sessions during his career, working with artists such as Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, and many others.

Dunbar was a member of the blues rock band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers for a brief period in the late 1960s, and he also played with the band Jefferson Starship in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his work as a session drummer, Dunbar has also been a member of several other bands and has released several solo albums.

Aynsley Dunbar is recognized as one of the most talented and influential drummers of his generation, and his contributions to the development of rock music have earned him a place in the world of music history. He continues to tour and perform to this day and remains an active and highly respected figure in the world of music.

Complete Track Listing of: Whitesnake S/T Self-Titled

The Song/tracks on "Whitesnake S/T Self-Titled" are

Crying in the Rain
Bad Boys
Still of the night
Here I Go Again
Give me all your Love
Is this Love
Children of the night
Straight for the Heart
Don't Turn Away

Album cover photos of : Whitesnake S/T Self-Titled

High Resolution Photos of whitesnake self-titled usa

Close-up Photo of Record Label

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.