Released on April 7, 1987, Whitesnake's self-titled seventh studio album (known as '1987' in Europe) was a watershed moment for the British hard rock band. It represented a deliberate and wildly successful pivot towards the American market, transforming the group from a respected rock act into global superstars. The album's release marked the culmination of a difficult period of lineup changes and personal setbacks for frontman David Coverdale, but it ultimately became the band's commercial zenith, perfectly encapsulating the slick, powerful, and radio-friendly sound of the late-80s glam metal era and setting a new standard for the genre.
What it is
The album 'Whitesnake' is a masterclass in 80s hard rock, blending ferocious, guitar-driven anthems with epic, soaring power ballads. The record was meticulously produced to appeal to mainstream radio and the burgeoning MTV audience. It is defined by its two mammoth hit singles: the re-recorded, bombastic version of 'Here I Go Again '87,' and the quintessential power ballad 'Is This Love.' Other key tracks include the Led Zeppelin-esque opener 'Still of the Night,' the powerful rocker 'Bad Boys,' and another updated version of an older track, 'Crying in the Rain '87.' The album features David Coverdale's signature bluesy-yet-powerful vocals layered over intricate and fiery guitar work, creating a sound that was both heavy and commercially irresistible.
How it came to be
The creation of 'Whitesnake' was a testament to David Coverdale's perseverance. Determined to crack the lucrative American market, he began collaborating with guitarist John Sykes to write more accessible material. The process was fraught with challenges, including massive debt and a debilitating sinus infection that required Coverdale to undergo surgery, threatening his career. After his recovery, Coverdale assembled a new 'video' lineup for the band, featuring star guitarists Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Tommy Aldridge. Producer Mike Stone and mixer Keith Olsen polished the tracks to perfection, creating a powerful, glossy sound tailor-made for American FM radio and MTV.
How many it sold
The album was an immense commercial triumph, particularly in North America. It peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for over six months, and has since been certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding eight million copies in the United States alone. The singles were equally successful; 'Here I Go Again '87' shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, while 'Is This Love' reached number two. The album's phenomenal sales and chart dominance solidified Whitesnake's status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world during the late 1980s.
Why it resonated
The album's massive appeal stemmed from its perfect fusion of musical prowess and visual spectacle. The songs were expertly crafted, with unforgettable hooks, powerful vocals, and dazzling guitar solos. Crucially, this musical package was delivered through a series of iconic music videos that received constant airplay on MTV. The videos, most notably for 'Still of the Night,' 'Here I Go Again '87,' and 'Is This Love,' featured actress Tawny Kitaen and established a visual template for the era: high-energy performance clips mixed with dramatic, cinematic storytelling. This combination of powerful rock anthems, heartfelt ballads, and captivating visuals made the album irresistible to a global audience.
Impact today
Today, 'Whitesnake' is remembered as a landmark album of the 1980s glam metal scene and the definitive work in the band's discography. Its hit singles remain staples on classic rock radio stations worldwide and are instantly recognizable to generations of music fans. The album is frequently cited as one of the best examples of the genre, showcasing a perfect balance of commercial polish and hard rock authenticity. While the music landscape has changed dramatically since 1987, the album's legacy endures as a high-water mark for 80s rock, celebrated for its superb songwriting, powerful performances, and its role in defining a cultural moment.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.