WHITESNAKE whitesnake 28AP3310

Hard Rock Dominance: Whitesnake ‘Whitesnake’ Japanese Promo Edition (28AP 3310)

Released on April 22, 1987, the self-titled Whitesnake album—known as 1987 in Europe and Serpens Albus in Japan—remains one of the most successful and influential hard rock records of the decade. This release marked a dramatic shift in the band’s sound and image, blending David Coverdale’s bluesy roots with the high-octane guitar work of John Sykes. Featuring world-renowned hits like Still Of The Night and the chart-topping Here I Go Again, this album propelled Whitesnake to global superstardom.

Exclusive Japanese Promo Specifications

This specific copy is a highly coveted Promo/Sample version manufactured by CBS/Sony Inc. in Japan. As a promotional release, it was produced in limited quantities for radio stations and music industry professionals prior to the official retail launch. The record features the distinct white promotional labels and is identified by a sample sticker on the jacket, signifying its status as a first-press archival document.

Archival Packaging and Collectible Pinups

This edition is prized for its comprehensive physical presentation, which includes several components exclusive to the high-end Japanese market.

Obi Strip and Liner Notes
The album includes its original CBS/Sony Obi strip, which is a critical element for maintaining the record’s historical value. It also features a detailed lyric and information insert with liner notes written by iconic Japanese music critics Koh K. Sakai and Masa Itoh, providing specialized context for the band’s massive success in the Japanese market.

Special Bonus Pinups
A standout feature of this 28AP 3310 pressing is the inclusion of the original pinups. These high-quality visual inserts celebrate the band’s iconic 1987 aesthetic and are rarely found in complete condition today. Their presence marks this as a complete, museum-quality set.

Audiophile Sound and Mastering

The technical specifications of this pressing reflect the elite standards of 1980s Japanese vinyl production. The matrix information indicates that the record utilized Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) and was sourced from Precision mastering in the US. This combination ensures that the album’s massive production—characterized by Aynsley Dunbar’s thunderous drums and John Sykes’s layered guitar tracks—is delivered with exceptional clarity, high-end sparkle, and punchy dynamics.

Tracklist Highlights
The album contains several of the most recognizable tracks in rock history. The A-side opens with the heavy re-working of Crying In The Rain and the aggressive Bad Boys, leading into the epic Still Of The Night. The B-side features the global power ballad hit Is This Love and high-energy anthems like Children Of The Night and Straight For The Heart.

Technical Summary

Label: CBS/Sony (28AP 3310)
Format: LP Album, Promo/Sample
Country: Japan
Release Date: April 22, 1987
Matrix Info: Precision DMM Sourcing

This 1987 promotional pressing stands as the definitive archival version of Whitesnake’s commercial peak, offering a complete sensory experience through its unique inserts and superior analog sound.