Originally released on vinyl in 1979 and boasting a bizarre cover, Whitesnake 's Lovehunter easily makes it into the band's top 5 best albums ever released—if not the top 3.
Former Deep Purple David Coverdale has teamed up with Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden (guitars), Neil Murray (bass), Dave Dowle (drums), and Jon Lord (keyboards) on a record steeped in blues and groovy sounds that stands out within the genre.
The album kicks off with "Long Way From Home," one of the best songs in Whitesnake's career—and the best on Lovehunter . The characteristic blues guitar, combined with the groovy drums, fits perfectly with David Coverdale's versatile voice, which, from a very young age, already displayed striking hard rock characteristics.
The short solo is another highlight, and the moment when Coverdale sings accompanied only by the drums is the perfect finishing touch. This is the album's lead track and reached number 55 on the UK charts.
Following the same line, the introductory riff of "Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues" precedes Coverdale's vocals in a demonstration, despite being cheesy given the track's concept, of good blues, drawing heavily from the frontman's former band. This is another track where the instruments are similarly highlighted, all very well written and executed, in a perfect performance.
Slowing the pace, David Coverdale begins his plea in "Help Me Thro' the Day," a sensual song with a great bass riff. The "whiny" vocals fit perfectly with the song's theme, which, once again, features a great solo, this time longer.
Returning to the more groovy elements, “Medicine Man” comes next, starting with a good guitar riff that repeats throughout the song. The solo begins with elements of the initial guitar riff, but soon develops and creates a different atmosphere for the song.
By opting for slightly higher vocals, Coverdale delivers a chorus that features backing vocals, giving the track a significant edge.
In “You N' Me” the quality drops a bit. The song stands out somewhat from the rest of the album, and some rockabilly elements can be perceived.
“Mean Business” precedes the great “Lovehunter,” which, giving the album its name, features excellent bass riffs, especially when contrasted with Coverdale's vocals and the low guitar.
The rhythm and cadence of the track are also highlights, making it highly danceable and addictive.
Shifting from the more upbeat feel of the previous songs, "Outlaw" features vocals by Bernie Marsden, marking the only time Coverdale doesn't sing lead. The guitars, combined with the keyboards, create a different atmosphere in the track, but still within the pattern that had been built up throughout the rest of the album.
Towards the end, "Rock n' Roll Women" has an interesting riff and follows an addictive rhythm that extends to the very well-crafted chorus.
In “We Wish You Well,” what could be a beautiful ballad is, in reality, a minute of music dedicated to the listener. If it were longer and more polished, like a true song, it would have everything to be one of the best on the album.
Sometimes somewhat overlooked within Whitesnake's discography, Lovehunter proves to be not only an above-average album, but a great record, with tracks that stand out and connect with each other, creating the entire atmosphere for it.
Even though some are better than others, there isn't a single bad song, and in my opinion, the only one that could have been better utilized is "We Wish You Well".
David Coverdale is a renowned frontman within the rock scene, and his voice fits both heavier compositions with guitars in a hard rock aesthetic, as well as the grooves and danceable rhythms required within the blues.
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