1984's SLIDE IT IN was the first album that showed that Whitesnake was truly attempting to make it big in the U.S. Its sound was becoming more radio-friendly, but still retained the biting hard rock edge present on its earlier albums--new guitarist John Sykes also proved to be the perfect foil for ex-Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale.
The set features such boisterous rockers as the album-opening title track, the grinding "Slow an' Easy", and the melodic "Love Ain't No Stranger". Although there was a 3-year break after SLIDE IT IN (during which Sykes would leave the band), the album set the stage perfectly for Whitesnake's eponymous 1987 worldwide mega-hit.

Cassette available on Geffen Goldline (4018).
NOTES:
Whitesnake: David Coverdale (vocals); Mel Galley (guitar, background vocals); John Sykes (guitar); Jon Lord (keyboards); Neil Murray (bass); Cozy Powell (drums, background vocals).
Additional personnel: The Fabulasa Brothers, Jimmy, Ben, Erik, Baru-Baru, Jools, Jane (background vocals).
1984's SLIDE IT IN was the first album that showed that Whitesnake was truly attempting to make it big in the U.S. Its sound was becoming more radio-friendly, but still retained the biting hard rock edge present on its earlier albums--new guitarist John Sykes also proved to be the perfect foil for ex-Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale.
The set features such boisterous rockers as the album-opening title track, the grinding "Slow an' Easy," and the melodic "Love Ain't No Stranger." Although there was a 3-year break after SLIDE IT IN (during which Sykes would leave the band), the album set the stage perfectly for Whitesnake's eponymous 1987 worldwide mega-hit.

Former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale formed the hard-rock/metal outfit Whitesnake in 1978. While the band's macho rock sound and "what's-wrong-with-being-sexy?" sexist aesthetic garnered them a respectable amount of commercial success in the U.K. and Europe, the band didn't hit big in the U.S. until the release of their 1987 self-titled album. Anchored by the fist-pumping single "Here I Go Again," the album sold millions and forever solidified Whitesnake's place in hair-metal lore.