Whitesnake is ‘Ready and Willing’ – Sleaze Roxx

Whitesnake is a band that many fans associate with their breakout success in 1987 with their self-titled album. However, the roots of this iconic group go back to David Coverdale’s time in Deep Purple, where his love for blues rock and soulful vocals shone through. After leaving Purple, Coverdale formed Whitesnake and continued to develop his signature style, drawing inspiration from bands like Bad Company and Faces.

In the late ’70s and early ’80s, I stumbled upon Whitesnake while exploring the German mall near my home outside Frankfurt. The album covers of bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Saxon caught my eye, but it was Whitesnake that captured my imagination. I vividly remember the striking cover of their fourth album, “Come An’ Get It,” with a snake coiled inside a glass apple. It was a piece of art that resonated with me, prompting me to delve into the band’s music starting with their previous record, “Ready An’ Willing.”

Whitesnake’s music stood out in a time when genres were fluid, and fans could appreciate the heavy sounds of Iron Maiden as well as the blues rock vibes of Bad Company. With songs like “Crying In The Rain,” “Here I Go Again,” and “Fool For Your Loving,” Whitesnake showcased their prowess in crafting blues-based rock tunes. “Fool For Your Loving” in particular, with its bluesy defiance and soulful energy, set the tone for the band’s foray into the ’80s rock scene.

Led by David Coverdale and featuring talented musicians like Bernie Marsden and Jon Lord, Whitesnake found their stride with albums like “Ready An’ Willing,” “Come An’ Get It,” and “Saints & Sinners.” The band’s blend of hard rock, blues, and soul resonated with audiences, propelling them to the top of the UK album charts.

The title track “Ready An’ Willing” and other standout tunes like “Love Man” and “Black and Blue” showcased Whitesnake’s ability to fuse powerful guitar riffs with soulful melodies. Coverdale’s dynamic vocals, from rock wails to heartfelt croons, added depth and emotion to the band’s repertoire. Tracks like “Ain’t Gonna Cry No More,” “Carry Your Load,” and “Blindman” demonstrated Whitesnake’s versatility, moving effortlessly between rock anthems and heartfelt ballads.

As Whitesnake evolved in the late ’70s and early ’80s, their music remained rooted in the traditions of English rock while exploring new avenues. Songs like “Sweet Talker” and “She’s A Woman” showcased their ability to blend fast-paced rockers with slow burning ballads, all while maintaining their signature sound.

In essence, Whitesnake’s album “Ready An’ Willing” captures a pivotal moment in the band’s career, where they transitioned from blues rock darlings to hard rock icons. With David Coverdale’s soulful vocals leading the charge, Whitesnake carved out a unique space in the rock landscape, blending raw energy with heartfelt emotion to create timeless music that still resonates with fans today.