Even though Guns N' Roses "Appetite for Destruction" seemed like the album to change the music scene to straight forward rock and roll from hair metal, there was still some decent hair metal albums being released like Whitesnake's self titled release in 1987. You may be turned off at the first sound of this bands name or at the first word David Coverdale sings in "Crying in the Rain" but this album still has some serious rockers and is an album worth having if you're a hair metal junkie.
1. Crying in the Rain (5:37)
To start the album we have an obvious Led Zeppelin influenced song, an influence you'll find in a lot their other songs as well. This song starts out quick with some aggressive singing by David Coverdale and into a bruising riff that may attract some headbangers. The chorus is quite catchy and John Sykes adds a sweet solo towards the end. Overall, this is a great song to start the album. 5/5
2. Bad Boys (4:08)
Starting out with a quick riff and some howling by David Coverdale, the song does a good job of rockin', but the lyrics are your usual corny hair metal lyrics and are actually a turn off. Once again, their is a good solo under two minutes into the song that's eventually joined by the main riff. This may contest with "Children of the Night" for weakest song on the album but that doesn't mean it can't rock. 3/5
3. Still of the Night (6:41)
The biggest hit on the album besides "Here I Go Again", actually features some nice headbanging riffs as well as some great singing from David Coverdale. The lyrics are pure innuedo and a naughty touch to the song if you know what i'm talkin' 'bout. Again, John Sykes tears it up in this song and is sure to appeal to a lot of metal fans out there, if only the rest of the album could've done that. 5/5
4. Here I Go Again (4:35)
The first ballad like song with a great motivational feel to it. The lyrics really get your spirits up to do just about anything. The solo is short but the riff is sure to stick in your head. The chorus is of course a classic and does a good job of sticking in your head. Maybe one of the greatest songs of the late 80's and early 90's. 5/5
5. Give Me All Your Love (3:30)
Now back to the rockin' with another song that you may be familiar with. The chorus is again catchy and the riff maintains a rockin' beat throughout the song. The guitar solo is decent but seems a little too much of what's already been heard. Despite that it's a fine solo and a good song for sure. 5/5
6. Is This Love (4:45)
One of the most popular ballads of the 80's and for good reasons. Though it may be overly cheesy to you, it's still a great love song that has a really deep serious tone to it. David Coverdale puts a lot of emotion into this song and is really one of the best songs from the album. 5/5
7. Children of the Night (4:24)
The last three songs on this album seem to be the filler of the album. This song is another rocker with a fast charging riff. The lyrics are quite stupid and repetitive and David Coverdale really doesn't shine too much on this song. Easily one of the worst on this album. 2/5
8. Straight for the Heart (3:40)
The next song is better than the previous but it once again turns out to be something close to filler. It's a bit of a suprise, it has a great catchy chorus but everything in between really fails to get your attention and get stuck into your head. 3/5
9. Don't Turn Away (5:12)
Finally, the end is near and the last song is here. "Don't Turn Away" is a ballad like song with an anthemic opening that turns into a sad yet serious song. The energy picks up throughout the song and is really a good way to end the album. 4/5
Whitesnake may be one of the most cheesiest hair metal bands of all time, but I think they're better than Bon Jovi or Poison and atleast they have better influences. But they're is no denying that they're an 80's band and well...is their anything more to be said? But anyways, this is a fine album if you like ballads and rockers and all. From "Crying in the Rain" to "Still of the Night" and the finale "Don't Turn Away", there's plenty of hard rockin' riffs and sweet delightful ballads to enjoy.
