"Whiplash Smile" is Billy Idol's third full-length album. Released in 1986, it was supported by the singles "To Be a Lover", "Sweet Sixteen", and "Don't Need a Gun". "To Be a Lover" was the biggest hit from the album. ti
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
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Album Description & Collectors information: Billy Idol's 1986 album "Whiplash Smile" is a masterclass in the fusion of rock and pop sensibilities. The album features a mix of hard-charging rock anthems like "World's Forgotten Boy" and "To Be a Lover" with more melodic, atmospheric tracks like "Sweet Sixteen" and "Don't Need a Gun." One of the most notable aspects of "Whiplash Smile" is its production, which was handled by Keith Forsey and Steve Stevens, Idol's longtime collaborator and guitarist. The album features a mix of organic and electronic instrumentation, with Stevens' guitar work serving as a driving force throughout. The album's sleek, polished sound was a departure from the raw energy of Idol's earlier work but helped to establish him as a versatile and innovative artist. Lyrically, "Whiplash Smile" explores themes of love, loss, and rebellion, with Idol's trademark wit and attitude on full display. Songs like "Sweet Sixteen" and "World's Forgotten Boy" offer poignant reflections on the passage of time and the disillusionment of youth, while tracks like "To Be a Lover" and "Soul Standing By" offer more romantic, optimistic takes on life. Another notable feature of the album is its range of collaborations, including contributions from former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. These collaborations add depth and texture to the album's sonic palette and highlight Idol's connections to the wider world of rock music. This album "BILLY IDOL - Whiplash Smile " includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and artwork/photos
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Music Genre: |
Punk Rock, Pop Rock |
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Album Production Information: |
The album: "BILLY IDOL - Whiplash Smile " was produced by: Keith Forsey Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Gary Langan This album was recorded at: Righ Track Studios, New York City Album cover design: Billy Idol, Manhattan Design, German/Glinsky Album cover photography: Albert Sanchez, Carolyn Hreyshock, Herb Ritts, John Peden |
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Record Label & Catalognr: |
Chrysalis 207 689 |
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Media Format: |
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: |
1986 Made in Germany / Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BILLY IDOL - Whiplash Smile |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "BILLY IDOL - Whiplash Smile " |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "BILLY IDOL - Whiplash Smile " is:
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Full-size portrait photo of Billy Idol on the front cover
Tracklisting on the album back cover
Large black and white photo of Billy Idol on the custom inner sleeve
Tracklisting and album production information on the album's iiner sleeve
Record Label Details: A portrait photo of Billy Idol as artwork on the record's label
Record Label Details: A portrait photo as artwork on the record's label
Billy Idol is a legendary figure in the world of rock music. Born William Michael Albert Broad in 1955 in Middlesex, England, Billy Idol rose to fame as the lead singer of the punk rock band Generation X in the late 1970s. With his rebellious image and energetic stage presence, Idol quickly became one of the most recognizable figures of the punk movement, paving the way for a successful solo career in the 1980s.
In 1981, Billy Idol left Generation X and embarked on a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album the following year. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and featuring hit songs such as "White Wedding" and "Hot in the City." However, it was his second album, "Rebel Yell," released in 1983, that truly launched Idol's solo career into the stratosphere. The album was a huge success, reaching number six on the U.S. charts and spawning the hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face."
Throughout the 1980s, Billy Idol continued to release hit albums and singles, cementing his place as one of the biggest and most influential musicians of the decade. His unique blend of punk rock, new wave, and pop music helped to define the sound of the era, and his rebellious image and energetic live performances made him a favorite among fans and critics alike. Some of his other popular songs from this period include "Dancing with Myself," "Flesh for Fantasy," and "Catch My Fall."