Slip of the Tongue

Whitesnake | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
• ASIN: B000000OZ8
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,008 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding and heavy - and Vai makes things interesting ;-), May 21, 2004

By 

I. MUNOZ (Montreal, PQ, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slip of the Tongue (Audio CD)

Of all Whitesnake's albums, this is the heaviest one. Sure, 1987 had a bunch of killer radio hits and they where back then at the top of their songwriting skills (I think that John Sykes played a main role on that), but "Slip of the tongue" showcases a darker (well, a grayer ;-)) and heavier side of the band, and I personally welcome the change with wide open ears.

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 clichés, 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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome music for rockers!, March 19, 2006

By 

Michael (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slip of the Tongue (Audio CD)

This CD is great. It has some really hooky tunes and the guitar playing by Steve Vai is phenomenal. I don't know why people give Steve Vai so much criticism for this album as I really do think his playing brings alot of excitement to the Whitesnake sound. Coverdale's vocal melodies are really strong too. Compared to Whitesnake's legendary 1987 album with John Sykes on guitar (which I also love), the sound of this album is a bit more commercial and produced. Personally I think it was a positive move even though most Whitesnake fans probably don't agree.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Severely underrated., September 16, 2002

By 

Reverend_Maynard (Glasgow, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slip of the Tongue (Audio CD)

This album was critically panned and didnt perform too well commercially , but I for one consider it a fine effort. Certainly if you dont like this style of music (and you will likely only need to see a photograph of the band to decide) it is highly unlikely you will enjoy this release. It is a fairly archetypal 80's rock record, although a number of factors set it above the crowd. Firstly, David Coverdale's vocals are superb: he has a very strong voice, excellent singing style, and his lyrics are simple yet effective. One has to love his showmanship, use of innuendo and flair, which harkens back to days when singers really worked a crowd. Secondly, Steve Vai's guitar playing is nothing short of incredible: this virtuoso axe-master seems fairly out of place in such an outfit, but his extremely technical, experienced and accomplished style adds touches to this allbum lacking from the genre since Van Halen ceased creating quality albums.
You arent going to achieve any sort of deep enlightenment or find intellectual stimulation here: what you will find is world class playing and a sense of fun and enjoyment that is very uplifting.
'Cheap An Nasty', for instance, is a likeable hard rocking number, resplendent with stunning solo (as are most tracks included here), anthemic qualities and consistent writing. Elsewhere 'Now You're Gone' seems a stereotype 80's ballad, yet it is so well written and executed one is overwhelmed. Also, album closing epic 'Sailing Ships' is a wonderful song, with various sections and emotive qualities. The only downside to this album in my opinion is the rather gratuitous 'The deeper the love' which I feel really could have been omitted: it doesnt seem to be up to the standards of the rest of the tracks, hence the dropped star.
In conclusion, a consistent and well written album with some unique facets which fans of the genre should definitely pick up, although non fans should avoid like the plague.