Back before the band Whitesnake was even an idea, singer David Coverdale was embarking on a solo career after the collapse of Deep Purple in 1976. With a wide array of studio musicians Coverdale began putting together brand new material to help him resurface as a relevant musician. The result was the album Whitesnake (named after a track with the same name on the album), which was released in 1977. Though it didn't make it huge, it did help Coverdale get his momentum going again.
Whitesnake features a wide variety of genres in it, but it features a distinctly more classic R&B feel to it than the hard rock/heavy metal Coverdale had been doing in Deep Purple. This isn't surprising considering stuff like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, etc. are more along the lines of Coverdale's musical roots than anything else that was popular at the time. However, there is still some rock n' roll on the record, though it's more basic and bluesy.
Lady is probably my absolute favorite track on Whitesnake. It is the opening track and starts the album with so much sunshine, sweet up tempo groove, and fun. The instrumental focus is the sweetest sounding electric slide guitar part. It's like a melody that you can taste in a way. There are also some blaring horns in the back that also add to the tune's lighthearted attitude and brighten things up. The best part is that Coverdale also sounds like he is genuinely having fun singing the song. That to me is what clinches it.
The title track Whitesnake makes things a bit more rock n' roll to help bring in the fans who were following Coverdale's career in Deep Purple. It isn't quite as heavy or intense as some of those songs, but it definitely gets the blood pumping and your feet jumping. The lyrics are filled with all kinds of double entendres and sexual innuendos; a precursor for what would become the most prevalent theme in Coverdale's career in Whitesnake.
While unfortunately Whitesnake has mostly faded from the public's memory, if you're lucky to find a copy you are in for one hell of a treat. As I said earlier, it isn't a straight rock n' roll record but there is bound to be a few tunes on there that you will enjoy regardless. It's lighthearted (save a sad ballad or two), easy to listen to, and fun to dance to. The production is not quite as up to par as it could be, but I feel that it adds to the character and feel of Whitesnake. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of it today!
Whitesnake, by David Coverdale receives 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Track List:
1. Lady
2. Blindman
3. Goldie's Place
4. Whitesnake
5. Time On My Side
6. Peace Lovin' Man
7. Sunny Days
8. Hole in the Sky
9. Celebration
Buy the album on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Whitesnake-David-Coverdale/dp/B0058U80X6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434691525&sr=8-1&keywords=David+Coverdale+Whitesnake
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