What does Snakebite sound like?

A gritty blend of blues rock and hard rock, infused with raw emotion and powerful vocals. Rooted in hard rock and blues rock. Start with "Come On".

Is Snakebite a good place to start with Whitesnake?

Yes, Snakebite is recommended as a starting point for new Whitesnake listeners. A gritty blend of blues rock and hard rock, infused with raw emotion and powerful vocals. Released in January 1978, 'Snakebite' is Whitesnake's debut EP following the band's formation in 1977. At this stage, they were still establishing their identity in the burgeoning British rock scene, showcasing a sound that would lay the groundwork for their future success.

Who is Snakebite for?

Snakebite works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, gritty emotional guitar expressions and late-night barroom energy.

How many songs are on Snakebite?

Snakebite has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Snakebite

Whitesnake · 1978

36 min · 8 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of blues rock and hard rock, infused with raw emotion and powerful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City — This track stands out for its emotive vocal delivery and masterful blend of blues influences, providing a haunting take on lost love that resonates deeply.
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Come On Start here — Opening the EP with high energy, this track sets the tone for Whitesnake's raw sound, featuring driving rhythms and powerful guitar work.
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Queen of Hearts — This song showcases the band’s lyrical storytelling and melodic prowess, illustrating a captivating narrative while maintaining an infectious groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts with the preceding energy.
Vocals are prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional delivery of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
gritty emotional guitar expressions
late-night barroom energy
cathartic sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, instant gratification
seek purely instrumental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Introduced Whitesnake to a wider audience and established their identity.
Themes: lost love blues· British rock emergence· gritty nightlife energy
Career context: Released in January 1978, 'Snakebite' is Whitesnake's debut EP following the band's formation in 1977. At this stage, they were still establishing their identity in the burgeoning British rock scene, showcasing a sound that would lay the groundwork for their future success.
Stylistic neighbors: Def Leppard· Dokken· Scorpions