Album: Whiplash Smile by Billy Idol (1986)
Genre: Post-Punk | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Crazy
Format: Album

Description: Whiplash Smile is Billy Idol's third full-length album. Released in 1986, it was supported by the singles "To Be a Lover", "Sweet Sixteen", and "Don't Need a Gun". "To Be a Lover" was the biggest hit from the album, peaking at #6 in the US, with the other two singles hitting the top forty in the US and around the world. The album has been certified by RIAA platinum and by BPI platinum.

Though there was no title track, the album's title was mentioned on the single "Don't Need a Gun".

Artist Background: Born William Michael Albert Broad in Middlesex, England, in 1955, the first child of Bill and Joan Broad. When he was 2, his father moved the family to Long Island, New York, in pursuit of the American dream. They returned 4 years later (now with a baby sister, Jane) to Dorking. America made a big impression on Billy; he loved the big cars and rock music. The family moved next to the Running Horses Public House in Mickleham, until 1963, while their home in Goring, Sussex, was being built. The... Part of the Stanmore, Middlesex, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Post-Punk movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Generation X, Duran Duran, The Police, INXS

Music Scene: Part of the Stanmore, Middlesex, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Post-Punk movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Post-Punk, Rock/Pop, Crazy, 1980s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Whiplash Smile is Billy Idol's third full-length album. Released in 1986, it was supported by the singles "To Be a Lover", "Sweet Sixteen", and "Don't Need a Gun". "To Be a Lover" was the biggest hit from the album, peaking at #6 in the US, with the other two singles hitting the top forty in the US and around the world. The album has been certified by RIAA platinum and by BPI platinum.

Though there was no title track, the album's title was mentioned on the single "Don't Need a Gun".

Whiplash Smile

Billy Idol

Track List

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