Artist: Billy Idol Album: Whiplash Smile

Year: 1986
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Billy Idol's Whiplash Smile

Billy Idol is a name that is synonymous with the 80s music scene. His music, attitude, and iconic look made him one of the most prominent figures of the era. In 1986, Idol released his third album, Whiplash Smile. The album marked a shift in Idol's sound from punk rock to a more polished and radio-friendly sound. In this post, we will take a critical look at Whiplash Smile, its genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts of the album.
Whiplash Smile is a blend of several genres, ranging from pop, rock, and new wave. Billy Idol and his producer, Keith Forsey, worked hard to have a more polished sound that would make it appeal to a larger audience. They accomplished that love-it-or-hate-it feat. This unique combination of genres is evident in the album's first song, World's Forgotten Boy, which starts with a catchy guitar riff that perfectly captures the mood of the album.
One of the standout tracks on the album is Sweet Sixteen. This melancholic ballad beautifully showcases Idol's softer side, a departure from his typically edgy sound. The lyrics, co-written by Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens, tell the story of a girl who has been taken by her father who disapproves of her relationship with the narrator. The song entered the US Billboard chart and peaked at number 20.
Another notable song from Whiplash Smile is To Be a Lover. The song was written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones and originally recorded by a soul singer, Jimmy Hughes. Idol's version features a synthesizer-heavy arrangement, making it sound fresh and modern. The single became a hit in several countries, reaching the top 10 in the UK and US.
The album's most innovative part is undoubtedly Don't Need a Gun. The song's intro features a unique drum sequence that perfectly sets the mood for the rest of the track. It was an instant hit, hitting the top 20 on the US Billboards chart. The song is catchy, crisp, and has excellent production.
However, Whiplash Smile wasn't without its shortcomings. It featured many generic, forgettable tracks that didn't stand out or offer anything exceptional. The album's lead single, To Be a Lover, sounded a little too much of the time that it was released.
Whiplash Smile marked a shift in Billy Idol's sound from punk rock to a more polished and commercial sound. Though it wasn't critically acclaimed, the album showcased Idol's versatility with its unique blend of genres. Sweet Sixteen, To Be a Lover, and Don't Need a Gun are standout tracks that have stood the test of time and remain fan favorites. Although it had many forgettable tracks, Whiplash Smile is an excellent addition to any Billy Idol fan's collection and definitely worth a listen.
Whiplash Smile marked a shift in Billy Idol's sound from punk rock to a more polished and commercial sound. Though it wasn't critically acclaimed, the album showcased Idol's versatility with its unique blend of genres. Sweet Sixteen, To Be a Lover, and Don't Need a Gun are standout tracks that have stood the test of time and remain fan favorites. Although it had many forgettable tracks, Whiplash Smile is an excellent addition to any Billy Idol fan's collection and definitely worth a listen.