REVIEW: WHITESNAKE – Lovehunter

 

WHITESNAKE – Lovehunter

Geffen Records

Sometimes, I even surprise myself. A few years ago, I would have never expected to talk about “Lovehunter”, the second studio album by WHITESNAKE. But, as they say, never say never.

Released in 1979, “Lovehunter” perfectly blends the hard rock sound with bluesy elements, a hallmark of early WHITESNAKE. The album carries a "streetwise" yet romantic vibe, filled with passion, power, and melody. It's the epitome of raw, heartfelt hard rock, with iconic tracks such as the personal and soulful "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues," the swaggering "Medicine Man," the sharp "Mean Business," the rebellious "Outlaw," and the unforgettable title track "Love Hunter." These songs have the kind of staying power that haunts you for a lifetime. In short, it’s hard to find a more classic and timeless record.

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, “Lovehunter” stands as a defining piece of WHITESNAKE's catalog, representing the band's signature style during their formative years. Its raw energy and seamless fusion of rock and blues make it a must-listen for any hard rock aficionado.

An interesting aspect of the album’s legacy is its notorious cover art, which caused quite a stir upon its release. Created by renowned fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, the artwork features a provocative image of a naked woman straddling a large snake, with blood on her hand from a snakebite. The idea was conceived, in part, to provoke critics, as David Coverdale himself admitted, saying it was designed "just to piss them off even more." The artwork certainly succeeded in causing controversy, sparking accusations of sexism and leading to bans in both the U.S. and Argentina. In the U.S., the image was partially covered with a sticker, and the album was sold in a brown paper bag, while in Argentina, the woman was airbrushed to appear in a chain-mail bikini bottom.

This cover also marked the last album design Achilleos would create for many years, until 2003's *Once and Future King Part I* by Gary Hughes. Adding to its mystique, the original *Lovehunter* artwork was stolen in the 1980s, further cementing its legendary status in rock history.

“Lovehunter” remains a testament to WHITESNAKE's early brilliance, with its mix of grit, melody, and memorable artwork ensuring it remains a standout in the history of hard rock.

Nick Parastatidis