WHITESNAKE whitesnake 1987 EMC3528

The Serpent’s Peak: Whitesnake’s ‘1987’ (EMC 3528)

Today’s entry features the album that transformed David Coverdale’s blues-rock outfit into global arena-rock superstars. We are examining the original UK pressing of Whitesnake’s seminal album, titled 1987 on the spine, released on EMI with the catalog number EMC 3528.

A Global Phenomenon

Released in 1987, this album represents the zenith of the band’s commercial success. Musically, it bridges the gap between their earlier bluesy roots and a polished, heavy metal sound. The album is powered by the guitar virtuosity of John Sykes, the thunderous rhythm section of Neil Murray and Aynsley Dunbar, and Coverdale’s peak vocal performance. It features defining tracks of the era, including the epic “Still Of The Night,” the power ballad “Is This Love,” and a thunderous re-recording of “Crying In The Rain.”

UK vs. US Editions

For collectors, it is important to note the distinctions of this UK release. While American fans know this simply as the self-titled Whitesnake album with a specific track order, the European market received it as 1987. The tracklisting on this EMI pressing differs significantly from the US Geffen release, offering an alternative sequencing of these classic songs.

Production and Mastering

The production credits are a testament to the album’s massive sound, produced by Mike Stone and Keith Olsen. Technical data on this release indicates a focus on high-fidelity audio; while originally mastered at Artisan Sound Recorders, the metalwork for this vinyl release utilized Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) at Precision Lacquer by Stephen Marcussen. This DMM process contributes to the bright, crisp high-end that cuts through the mix.

Packaging

This copy features the iconic Hugh Syme-designed “amulet” artwork. It is the standard non-embossed cover variation, a common characteristic of the UK domestic release.