Whitesnake celebrate 30th anniversary

When a very popular and very old band launches a process known as comeback and unexpectedly releases full-weighted album it always evokes some sort of a doubt, not to say skepticism. Of course, nobody questions their professionalism but there is a risk that the record will turn out to be something like a parody of the past, and it really upsets you, especially if you always loved their old material. In the present case the matter concerns such a huge band as Whitesnake, which has suddenly appeared with the new record this year. It is hard to believe but they are celebrating their 30-year anniversary! Just think! However, here the remark is needed. The word "they" is not quite correct. Whitesnake were always associated with only one person - David Coverdale, who has changed a whole bunch of line-ups under this name. So let's pronounce phrases properly. David Coverdale and his band of distinguished musicians celebrate Whitesnake's anniversary with the new album Good To Be Bad.

Good To Be Bad has no room for weariness

Let's start with details. Good To Be Bad is the first album of Whitesnake for the last 11 years, not including their Live: In The Shadow Of The Blues released in 2006. The band's current line up includes Reb Beach on guitar (Night Ranger, Winger, Dokken), Timothy Drury on keys (The Eagles, Yes), on drums is Chris Frazier (Steve Vai, Edgar Winter), bass covered by Uriah Duffy (Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys) plus guitarist and co-aouthor of all songs Doug Aldrich (Dio, House Of Lords, Hurricane). Using some unknown methods Coverdale managed to implant Whitesnake's musical philosophy into this line up and finally achieved a really impressing result. All the misgivings about Good To Be Bad must be thrown away immediately. The record is done in the best Hard'N'Heavy traditions. All the trademarks of the Whitesnake sound can be found here in abundance and all of them are given with very powerful and sincere presentation. The album has nothing to do with things like weariness or boredom. You can feel their experience, professionalism, maturity, anything you like but you'll never find any signs of forthcoming senility.

Genre's classics

It concerns Coverdale in the first place. It seems like his voice becomes only better with the course of time. He is so horribly great! Vocal sounds powerful, beautiful and emotional on every single track. The most exemplifying song is probably Lay Down Your Love. It is done in the vein of Still Of The Night so it has some small parts where Coverdale sings without full support of his band. The rest of musicians keep up with their leader of course. The arrangements, solos – everything is done on the highest professional level. It may be true that Whitesnake sound predictable but is there anybody who wants them sound different? You can give a try to Can You Hear The Winds Blow for instance. This is one of the best songs here – it sounds really powerful, loud, a little bit radio friendly and simply beautiful. And there is quite a number of such things here, for example Call On Me or Good To Be Bad. Of course, it wouldn't be a Whitesnake album without a ballad. Summer Rain is a lyrical song with acoustic guitars, loud rhythm section and great guitar solo. Good To Be Bad is the best example of how a band should come back to its listeners. The album agitates the best feelings you ever had about this band. Whitesnake's old fans will be absolutely satisfied with this record. Classic!

Leo Chevsky
25.04.2008