Whiplash Smile
1986 studio album by Billy Idol
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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.[8][13]
Unique Recording Studios[1]
(New York City, New York)
| Whiplash Smile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 20 October 1986 | |||
| Recorded | 1985–1986 | |||
| Studio | The Hit Factory (New York City) Right Track Studios Unique Recording Studios[1] (New York City, New York) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 45:29 | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Producer | Keith Forsey | |||
| Billy Idol chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Whiplash Smile | ||||
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| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [8] |
| Robert Christgau | C+[9] |
| Record Mirror | [10] |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | [11] |
| Sounds | [12] |
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
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Worlds Forgotten Boy" | 5:40 | |
| 2. | "To Be a Lover" | 3:51 | |
| 3. | "Soul Standing By" | Idol | 4:35 |
| 4. | "Sweet Sixteen" | Idol | 4:14 |
| 5. | "Man for All Seasons" |
| 4:38 |
| 6. | "Don't Need a Gun" | Idol | 6:15 |
| 7. | "Beyond Belief" | Idol | 4:00 |
| 8. | "Fatal Charm" |
| 3:51 |
| 9. | "All Summer Single" | Idol | 4:33 |
| 10. | "One Night, One Chance" |
| 3:52 |
| Total length: | 45:29 | ||
Personnel
Credits adapted from the album liner notes.[14]
- 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
|
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[37] | 3× Platinum | 300,000^ |
| Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[38] | Gold | 25,000[38] |
| Germany (BVMI)[39] | Gold | 250,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[40] | Platinum | 15,000^ |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[41] | Gold | 25,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[42] | Gold | 100,000^ |
| United States (RIAA)[43] | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||