Slip of the Tongue

My preferred track on this album is "Judgement Day", which has a powerful riff that reminds me the style of Dio (or something in that mood). I also like the explosive "Slip of the tongue" (in where Steve Vai perfectly fits in), "Sailing Ships" (in spite of Vai's solo: I'm sure that for this one Sykes or Campbell would have done a better job) and "Wings of the Storm" (in which Vai really shines with his energetic playing and a flashy solo).

There's no doubt about the good job that Sarzo and Aldrige did here. And of course, the powerful voice of David Coverdale is the main ingredient of the entire recipe - well, love lyrics are a tad kitschy, but who cares after all? :-) But again, Steve Vai on guitar duties seems to be the most controversial subject about this album, isn't it? My thoughts about that: It is true that he is one of the best players in the world (and perhaps the most "musical" of all rock axemen ever), but it is also true that he has few (if something) to do with Whitesnake.

The problem with Vai is that he always tries to sound like himself, because he's a very authentic player. In doing this, he tries to avoid using blues and pentatonic-based licks. Instead of playing standard metal cliches, he overplays with his killer (but rather progressive) chops, going for unexplored avenues. The result is that, in a band like Whitesnake, he frequently moves away from the main song's focus, so the (average or uneducated) listener suddenly finds himself lost in a bunch of notes, weird whammy-bar abuses, "screams" and harmonies that are atypical in radio-friendly hits. This is almost a disaster. Nevertheless, still in some songs on this album ("The deeper the love", "Sailing ships", "Now you're gone" and "Slow poke music") Vai stays discrete enough to sound "right" for the band. But the guy is not a filler. He is a star on his own and can't help "going for it" almost all the time - and that's not always a very good idea, as this album witnesses in several places.

Given these facts, some people point to Vai as the main responsible of the lack of deep emotion all along this release. However (and to be fair), note that Steve Vai was just hired as a player for "Slip of the tongue". These songs were all written by Coverdale and Vanderberg, so I don't think that Vai is to blame for the overall lack of "bluesy" feeling. Instead of that, Vai is rather another victim of John Sykes' departure, as Sykes' talent to write wonderful songs is undeniable (Coverdale and Vanderberg together couldn't match Sykes' pen, sad but true). Producers could also be guilty, as they could have said to Vai: "stay yourself playing the blues and forget about those weird things!" But well... :-)

To conclude, this is a very good album that differs from the others Whitesnake did before. Its production is excellent, and Vai surely overplays, but the final delivery doesn't sound bad neither. I spite of its defects, this album remains one of the bests from the band, and still has soul and enchanting power. That's why I give to it four stars and two thirds (so five stars here :-)). Enjoy!


SAIL YOUR SHIP THROUGH THE WINGS OF THE STORM!   June 14, 2000
Soaring Heart
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Probably the best Whitesnake CD ever made! You have Adrian Vandenburg's (and Coverdale's) awesome music interpreted by the amazing Steve Vai (Adrian and Steve should do a CD together! Man would it kick!)

Don't get me wrong, I adore Adrian Vandenburg! (His song "Burning Heart" is one of my all-time favorites!) I just think Steve stepped in when needed and did a spectacular job! All of his solos kick, especially the extra long one in "Wings of the Storm!" Steve as a musician has such incredible balance; his speed acumen (best seen in his solo work) as well as touching, heart-felt ballads here (like in the amazing "Now You're Gone", "The Deeper the Love", and the great "Sailing Ships.")

Coverdale's voice IS Whitesnake! Powerful, passionate and sexy! Just give me any music that is as passionate as this and I'm happy!

The best songs in my opinion are: 1 "Judgment Day" 2 "Wings of the Storm" and 3 "Sailing Ships." If only you could hear them on the sample page, you would definitely buy this! So below are some lyrics from "Judgment Day." Enjoy.

AND FROM THE DARKNESS COMES A SMILE,

THAT REACHES OUT FOR MANY MILES,

TOUCHING EVERYONE.....

NO MORE SHADOWS OF THE PAST,

YOUR SPIRIT FREE TO FLY AT LAST,

SHINING IN THE SUN...

LIKE ROLLING THUNDER

I FEEL THE POWER OF LOVE,

IT'S A GIFT FROM HEAVEN

AND THE LORD ABOVE...

Just go buy this!


A mess   October 1, 2005
Pablo De Sevilla (Dallas, TX USA)
6 out of 13 found this review helpful

Seems like views are mixed on this 'snake release, and for me, this is one big dud. I liked the old bluesy 'snake, but the album "Whitesnake", with John Sykes playing some absolutely storming guitar, and great drumming from Aynsley Dunbar set a new bar.

This album is a horrible mess. Many of the songs that others seem to like (Judgement Day, Sailing Ships) are incredibly poor. They are a musically all over the place veering between styles. Vai's playing is completely out of character with most of the songs. For me, I prefer the dumb, but at least "straight ahead" songs like "Kitten's got claws" on this album.

You don'y need to get this album unless a) you are a Steve Vai fan, and don't mind that his playing is disconnected from the song playing, or b) your just want to complete your Coverdale collection. For people new to David Coverdale -- start at Deep Purple's "Burn" and progress from there.


major disappointment   July 18, 2000
angelo (illinois USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Probably the worst Whitesnake album. Not only do you have stupid song titles: Kittens Got Claws, Slow Poke Music, but you also have Coverdale impersonating Robert Plant: Judgement Day. Does anyone recall Kasmir? I am a big Whitesnake fan and I think Coverdale is a great lyricist. But this album was written just to sell as many copies as possible. The only redeeming songs are Sailing Ships and Fool for your Loving and that song is a remake from the Ready an Willing album


David Coverdale + Steve Vai = Bad Combination   November 27, 2005
The Reader Without A Name (California)
3 out of 6 found this review helpful

Egomaniac David Coverdale probably ranks in the top five all time among rock singers. Problem for him is that he thinks he can do it all when in reality he needs a competent and complementary collaborator. Steve Vai is no doubt competent, but in no way is he complementary to Coverdale. Coverdale needs a bluesy guitarist and co-songwriter in his band. The perfect specimen was John Sykes who Coverdale fired in a money grab once it was clear the Whitesnake 1987 album and tour were going to be goldmines. Vai is not at all bluesy and a bit off the wall. Not the profile of who you would want working with Coverdale. In summary this CD has poorly written songs and both Coverdale and Vai are out of place. Coverdale is trying too hard to be commercial, and Vai is trying too hard to fit into a watered down blues band gone mainstream radio. Bottom line if you want real Whitesnake get the Whitesnake 1987 CD with John Sykes on it - an all time classic. And while you are at it you might as well buy Blue Murder's self titled CD. Leave Slip of the Tongue to the "what the heck were they thinking" files.