Whiplash Smile

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.

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 10 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 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Standing By" was released as a single only in Australia and New Zealand.

Personnel
Credits adapted from the album liner notes.


 * Billy Idol – vocals, guitars, bass
 * Steve Stevens – keyboards, programming, guitars, bass
 * Phillip Ashley – keyboards
 * Harold Faltermeyer – keyboards
 * David Frank – keyboards
 * Richard Tee – keyboards
 * Marcus Miller – bass
 * John Regan – bass
 * Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover"
 * Connie Harvey – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover"
 * Janet Wright – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover"

Production

 * Keith Forsey – producer
 * Dave Concors – engineer
 * Neil Dorfsman – engineer
 * Dave Wittman – engineer
 * Debi Cornish – additional engineer
 * Moira Marquis – additional engineer
 * Bill Miranda – additional engineer
 * Steve Tjaden – additional engineer
 * Gary Langan – mixing at The Hit Factory (New York, NY)
 * Craig Vogel – mix assistant
 * George Marino – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
 * Bobby Deluca – production coordinator
 * Jon Dworkow – production coordinator
 * Artie Smith – production coordinator
 * Billy Idol – art direction, illustration
 * Frank Olinsky (Manhattan Design) – art direction, illustration
 * Pat Gorman (Manhattan Design) – art direction, illustration
 * Albert Sanchez – front cover photography
 * Carolyn Greyshock – photography
 * Herb Ritts – photography
 * John Peden – photography
 * Gary Allen – wardrobe stylist
 * Freddy Demann – management
 * Brigid Waters – management