Billy Idol "Whiplash Smile"

Whiplash Smile is the third studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 20 October 1986 by Chrysalis Records. After his successful 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 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 ten 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 forty on the Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Standing By" was released as a single only in Australia and New Zealand.

Track listing

1. "Worlds Forgotten Boy" Billy Idol/Steve Stevens  5:40
2. "To Be a Lover" William Bel/lBooker T. Jones  3:51
3. "Soul Standing By"    Idol  4:35
4. "Sweet Sixteen" Idol  4:14
5. "Man for All Seasons" Idol/Stevens  4:38
6. "Don't Need a Gun" Idol  6:15
7. "Beyond Belief" Idol   4:00
8. "Fatal Charm"    Idol/Stevens/Keith Forsey  3:51
9. "All Summer Single" Idol  4:33
10. "One Night, One Chance" Idol/Stevens  3:52

Total length: 45:29

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