Editor's Choice...
And this time... "Into the Light", David Coverdale's third solo album, released on September 25, 2000.
This album might have gone under the radar for some of you, so here we are to recommend listening to it.
The story of this album begins after the release of the "Coverdale/Page" album in 1993. Coverdale began working on a new solo album, but as the record neared completion, EMI records insisted it be released under the "Whitesnake" name. Consequently, the album "Restless Heart" was released in 1997 under the moniker "David Coverdale & Whitesnake." Following a farewell tour, Coverdale officially disbanded "Whitesnake" to focus on his solo career, allowing him to explore different musical directions.
Coverdale sought to return to his roots and distanced himself from the bombastic hard rock sound that had dominated most of his career. His previous solo ventures, "White Snake" (1977) and "Northwinds" (1978), were more blues-oriented, and with "Into the Light" — his first solo album in over two decades — Coverdale took the opportunity to explore a more stripped-down, introspective style. Indeed, "Into the Light" serves as a personal statement from a veteran musician reflecting on his journey, embracing a more bluesy, heartfelt sound.
The album’s production was intimate, reflecting Coverdale's conscious effort to step away from "Whitesnake’s" hard rock formula. Coverdale produced the album working with other producers like Michael McIntyre and guitarist Doug Bossi. He crafted a collection of songs that focused more on emotion and storytelling than arena-sized riffs. This laid-back approach allowed him to showcase the depth of his voice, which, though still powerful, conveys a sense of vulnerability not often seen in his "Whitesnake" days.
After the short instrumental intro of "Into the Light", “River Song” opens the album with a deep blues-rock feel, reminiscent of his early work with "Deep Purple". It was originally intended for a second album with Jimmy Page, but the project never materialized. The song dates back to the 1980s, with an early demo featured on the 35th-anniversary edition of "Slide It In". Coverdale describes it as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, and it features keyboardist Mike Finnigan, who played on Hendrix’s "Electric Ladyland". Finnigan was initially brought in for this track but ended up contributing to several others on the album.
the beginning of "She Give Me..." which comes right after sounds exactly like an outtake from the "Coverdale/Page" album, but then, on 1:18 min. the song change and for a few second we feel as if we are in a Bruce Springsteen show.
"Don't You Cry" is one of the most beautiful and emotional songs on the album. that Coverdale described as a tribute to songs like Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross", Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman" and Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", and we just agree with him.
Ballads such as "Love is Blind" and "Wherever You May Go" stand out for their tenderness and sincerity. Here, Coverdale strips back his bombastic rock persona to deliver emotional depth, using his voice to convey heartache and yearning. This softer, more intimate vocal delivery is a departure from the towering ballads of "Whitesnake", adding an extra layer of personal touch.
For fans who miss the harder edge, "Cry For Love" and "Don't Lie To Me" provide some of the hard rock associated with Coverdale’s past. These tracks maintain a rock foundation, but with a more restrained approach, offering grit without the excess of "Whitesnake’s" glam-metal era.
"Too Many Tears" first appeared on "Whitesnake's" "Restless Heart". After hearing the original version, singer Chris Isaak suggested reworking the song in a Roy Orbison style. Being a big fan of Orbison, Coverdale loved the idea and decided to re-record the track with a new arrangement inspired by Isaak's suggestion.
The making of "Into the Light" was clearly a personal process for Coverdale, representing his effort to distance himself from "Whitesnake’s" image and reassert himself as a versatile artist capable of expressing more than just hard rock anthems. His collaboration with Bossi allowed for guitar work that complemented this bluesier, laid-back style, while McIntyre’s production ensured that the album’s raw emotional tone was preserved without sacrificing quality.
It is interesting to note, that several songs that were recorded during the sessions for the album, like "Yours for the Asking", "With All of My Heart", and "Let's Talk it Over", were later released on "Whitesnake's" compilation album "Love Songs" from 2020. Additionally, the song "Flesh & Blood" was released as the title track from the "Flesh & Blood" album from 2019.
In conclusion, "Into the Light" is a mature, reflective work that showcases David Coverdale's desire to evolve as an artist. It’s not an album designed for fans seeking the bombast of "Whitesnake" hits, but for those who appreciate the more nuanced, bluesy side of Coverdale’s musicianship. The result is a heartfelt, introspective album that stands as a bold statement of artistic growth.
For Listening: Youtube
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