1987 Versions cover

1987 Versions

Whitesnake · 1987

21 min · 5 tracks · hard rock

A polished blend of hard rock and blues-infused melodies, showcasing Whitesnake's signature anthemic sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Here I Go Again (New version) Start here — This reimagined version revitalizes the classic anthem with a more polished sound and elevated vocal performance, capturing the band's mainstream appeal.
  • →
    Standing in the Shadows (remix) — The remix offers a fresh take on this track, enhancing its rhythm and energy while maintaining its emotional core, showcasing Whitesnake's adaptability.
  • →
    You're Gonna Break My Heart Again — This track exemplifies Whitesnake’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with powerful instrumentation, highlighting their blues-rock roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

This EP reinterprets earlier hits with polished production but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

  • The first track is a new version of a previous hit, immediately establishing a familiar sound before moving into remixes and original tracks.
  • The second track features a more pronounced use of synthesizers compared to the original, altering its texture while maintaining the core melody.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short energetic listening bursts
  • anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
  • emotive guitar solos for catharsis
  • front-loaded excitement and urgency

Maybe skip if you

  • long, introspective listening sessions
  • slow-paced musical explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Released during commercial peak, solidified Whitesnake's reputation in glam metal.
Themes
1980s rock anthems· polished blues melodies· radio-friendly evolution
Career context
Released in 1987, '1987 Versions' arrived during Whitesnake's commercial peak, following the massive success of their self-titled album. This collection features new versions and remixes from earlier tracks, illustrating the band's evolution in sound as they transitioned to a more radio-friendly style.
Stylistic neighbors
Def Leppard· Dokken· Scorpions

Tracklist

  • 1 Here I Go Again (New version) Start here 3:57
  • 2 Standing in the Shadows (remix) 3:56
  • 3 Looking for Love 6:33
  • 4 You're Gonna Break My Heart Again 4:14
  • 5 Need Your Love So Bad (remix) 3:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata