Whiplash Smile

Whiplash Smile
Studio album by
Billy Idol
Released20 October 1986 (1986-10-20)
Recorded1985–1986
StudioRight Track Studios
Unique Recording Studios[1]
(New York City, New York)
Genre
Length45:29
LabelChrysalis
ProducerKeith Forsey
Billy Idol chronology
Vital Idol
(1985) 		Whiplash Smile
(1986) 		Idol Songs: 11 of the Best
(1988)
Singles from Whiplash Smile
  1. "To Be a Lover"
    Released: September 1986[3]
  2. "Don't Need a Gun"
    Released: January 1987[4]
  3. "Sweet Sixteen"
    Released: April 1987[5]
  4. "Soul Standing By"
    Released: August 1987 (Aus & NZ only)[6]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[7]
Robert ChristgauC+[9]
Record Mirror[8]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[10]

Whiplash Smile is the third studio album by the English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 20 October 1986 by Chrysalis Records. After his successful studio album Rebel Yell (1983), Idol continued his collaboration with producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Stevens while writing and producing songs for the album. The album utilizes Stevens' characteristic guitar work, dance beats, and synth-heavy production.[7][11]

Whiplash Smile received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Commercially the album noted 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.

  1. ^ https://www.facebook.com/UniqueRecordingStudios/photos/a.649655181769411/649656645102598/?type=3&theaterr [user-generated source]
  2. ^ "Whiplash Smile – Billy Idol". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  3. ^ "Great Rock Discography". p. 405.
  4. ^ "Great Rock Discography". p. 405.
  5. ^ "Great Rock Discography". p. 405.
  6. ^ "Billy Idol singles".
  7. ^ a b Johnny Loftus. "Whiplash Smile". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
  8. ^ Levy, Eleanor (25 October 1986). "Albums". Record Mirror. p. 23.
  9. ^ "CG: billy idol". Robert Christgau. 10 August 1993. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  10. ^ Sheffield, Rob (2004). "Billy Idol". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. p. 402. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8.
  11. ^ Eduardo Rivadavia (17 October 2016). "When Billy Idol Updated His Sound on 'Whiplash Smile'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 18 July 2021.