Whiplash Smile is the third studio album by the English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 20 October 1986 by Chrysalis Records. After the success of his previous album, Rebel Yell (1983), Idol continued his collaboration with producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Stevens while writing and producing songs. The album utilizes Stevens' characteristic guitar work, dance beats and synth-heavy production.
Release and critical reception
Whiplash Smile received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Commercially the album achieved a success similar to his previous studio album, as it peaked at number six on the US Billboard 200. The album reached number eight in the United Kingdom, and also peaked inside the top 10 in many other countries, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Whiplash Smile was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold more than two million copies worldwide.
Three singles were released from the album, with "To Be a Lover", "Don't Need a Gun" and "Sweet Sixteen" peaking into the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Standing By" was released as a single only in Australia and New Zealand.
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from the album liner notes.
Billy Idol – vocals, guitars, bass Steve Stevens – guitars, keyboards, programming, bass Phillip Ashley – keyboards Harold Faltermeyer – keyboards David Frank – keyboards Richard Tee – keyboards Marcus Miller – bass John Regan – bass Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover" Connie Harvey – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover" Janet Wright – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover"
Production Keith Forsey – producer Dave Concors – engineer Neil Dorfsman – engineer Dave Wittman – engineer Debi Cornish – additional engineer Moira Marquis – additional engineer Bill Miranda – additional engineer Steve Tjaden – additional engineer Gary Langan – mixing at The Hit Factory (New York City) Craig Vogel – mix assistant George Marino – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York City) Bobby Deluca – production coordinator Jon Dworkow – production coordinator Artie Smith – production coordinator Billy Idol – art direction, illustration Frank Olinsky (Manhattan Design) – art direction, illustration Pat Gorman (Manhattan Design) – art direction, illustration Albert Sanchez – front cover photography Carolyn Greyshock – photography Herb Ritts – photography John Peden – photography Gary Allen – wardrobe stylist
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Whiplash Smile Chart (1986–1987) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 6 European Albums (Music & Media) 13 Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) 3 Icelandic Albums (Tónlist) 5 Italian Albums (Musica e dischi) Select "Album" in the "Tipo" field, type "Billy Idol" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca". 15
Year-end charts + 1986 year-end chart performance for Whiplash Smile Chart (1986) Position Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) 37
+ 1987 year-end chart performance for Whiplash Smile Chart (1987) Position Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 12 Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) 52 European Albums (Music & Media) 63 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 22 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) 34 US Billboard 200 28
Certifications
References
Bibliography
External links