On November 15, 1982, "Whitesnake" released their fifth album "Saints & Sinners".
The album stands as a pivotal album in "Whitesnake's" discography and the last to feature the classic "Ready An' Willing" lineup including David Coverdale, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Micky Moody, Bernie Marsden and Neil Murray. Produced by Martin Birch after an initial stint by Guy Bidmead, the album was recorded during a turbulent period marked by financial strain, tensions within the band, and uncertainty about their future. The result is an album that captures "Whitesnake" in the midst of change, retaining the bluesy grit of their past while hinting at a more commercially polished hard rock style that would come to define their later success.
Despite internal conflicts, "Saints & Sinners" proved successful, peaking at number nine on the UK Albums Chart. The album includes "Here I Go Again" and "Crying in the Rain," which would later be re-recorded on "Whitesnake's" "1987" self-titled album and go on to become international hits. In their original forms here, both tracks are rawer and more emotionally charged, reflecting David Coverdale’s personal struggles, particularly his marriage’s breakdown, which influenced much of his songwriting.
The recording process of "Saints & Sinners" was challenging for the band. Tensions and exhaustion were high, as bassist Neil Murray, drummer Ian Paice, and guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden were dealing with financial setbacks and friction with management, headed by "Deep Purple’s" former manager, John Coletta. David Coverdale ultimately decided to put the band on hold, firing Coletta and later dismissing several members to reassemble "Whitesnake" with a new lineup Including former "Trapeze" guitarist Mel Galley, former "Rainbow" drummer Cozy Powell and Colin Hodgkinson on bass guitar. However, Marsden, Moody, Murray, and Paice had already contributed significantly to "Saints & Sinners", so the album captures the original lineup’s chemistry one last time before Coverdale embarked on "Whitesnake's" next chapter.
Musically, "Saints & Sinners" delivers a blues-infused hard rock sound that remains true to "Whitesnake’s" roots while showcasing David Coverdale’s knack for blending pub-rock attitude with a more commercial edge. Tracks like "Young Blood" and "Rough an' Ready" offer an energetic blend of riff-driven hard rock with Jon Lord’s signature organ work adding depth. The second single from the album "Victim of Love" sounds like a "Bad Company" song. "Bloody Luxury" and "Rock an' Roll Angels" showing the bands Rock an' Roll roots. "Dancing Girls'" riff sounds like the "Ready An' Willing" riff on steroids.
The album also sees David Coverdale embracing more commercial themes, especially on tracks like "Love an' Affection" adding a "sexed-up" flair to the straightforward rock-and-roll ethos. But the song is actually a rip-off from "Led Zeppelin's" "How Many More Times", which was influenced by Howlin' Wolf's song "How Many More Years".
"Crying in the Rain" in its original, slower blues form and "Here I Go Again," both centerpieces of the album, resonate with a raw emotional core. The latter, inspired by Coverdale’s personal struggles, narrates resilience in the face of hardship, capturing his lyrical honesty and vocal intensity. Moody’s guitar work and Marsden’s contributions further emphasize the bluesy aggression and grit that defined "Whitesnake’s" early sound, making "Saints & Sinners" feel both unrefined and powerfully genuine.
"Whitesnake’s" journey was far from over, and "Saints & Sinners" marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. The album serves as a testament to David Coverdale's resilience and vision, pushing forward despite the band's turmoil to create an enduring rock classic.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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