Whiplash Smile

Studio album by Billy Idol

Released

20 October 1986

Recorded

1985–86

Studio

Right Track Studios
(New York City, New York)

Genre

Hard rock, new wave

Length

45:29

Billy Idol chronology

Vital Idol
(1985)

Whiplash Smile
(1986)

Idol Songs: 11 of the Best
(1988)

Singles from Whiplash Smile

"To Be a Lover"
Released: 23 September 1986
"Don't Need a Gun"
Released: 1986
"Sweet Sixteen"
Released: 1987

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
Robert Christgau	C+

Whiplash Smile is the third studio album by English rock vocalist Billy Idol. It was released on 20 October 1986 by Chrysalis Records. After his successful album Rebel Yell (1983), Idol continued his collaboration with Keith Forsey and Steve Stevens while writing and producing songs for the album.

Whiplash Smile received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Commercially, the album noted a success similar to his previous album. It peaked at number six on Billboard 200. In the United Kingdom, it reached number eight 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 "Don't Need a Gun" and "Sweet Sixteen" peaking into the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Standing By" was released only in Australia.

^*sales figures based on certification alone
^{^}shipments figures based on certification alone

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Wikipedia