Whiplash Smile | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | 20 October 1986 | |||
Recorded | 1985–1986 | |||
Studio | Right Track Studios Unique Recording Studios [1] (New York City, New York) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 45:29 | |||
Label | Chrysalis | |||
Producer | Keith Forsey | |||
Billy Idol chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Whiplash Smile | ||||
|
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [3] |
Robert Christgau | C+ [4] |
Record Mirror | [5] |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | [6] |
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. [3] [7]
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 ten 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 forty on the Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Standing By" was released as a single only in Australia and New Zealand.
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 |
Credits adapted from the album liner notes. [8]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada) [31] | 3× Platinum | 300,000^ |
Finland (Musiikkituottajat) [32] | Gold | 25,000 [32] |
Germany (BVMI) [33] | Gold | 250,000^ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [34] | Platinum | 15,000^ |
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [35] | Gold | 25,000^ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [36] | Gold | 100,000^ |
United States (RIAA) [37] | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
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