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Into the Light: The Solo Albums
Compilation album by Whitesnake
Released	25 October 2024 (2024-10-25)
Recorded	3–17, 25–30 August 1–7 September 1976 (Mixing) (Whitesnake) 21 March–6 April 1977; 10–19 April 1976 (Northwinds) c. Late 1990s–2000 (Into the Light) c. 2020s (2024 Remix)
Genre	Hard rock blues rock
Label	Rhino
Producer	David Coverdale Tom Gordon
Whitesnake chronology
The Purple Album: Special Gold Edition (2023) Into the Light: The Solo Albums (2024)
David Coverdale chronology
The Early Years (2003) Into the Light: The Solo Albums (2024)
Singles from Into the Light: The Solo Albums
"Midnight Blue (2024 Remix)" Released: 16 August 2024 "Wherever You May Go (2024 Remix)" Released: 5 September 2024 "Time & Again (Strings Version) " Released: 26 September 2024

Into the Light: The Solo Albums is a compilation album by the English hard rock band Whitesnake that was released via Rhino Records on 25 October 2024 and in Japan on 13 November the same year. The compilation includes tracks from the solo albums of David Coverdale, the band's founder and-singer-songwriter: White Snake (1977), Northwinds (1978) and Into the Light (2000). The collection also includes "revisited, remixed and remastered" versions of material from these solo albums.

Coverdale recorded White Snake and Northwinds after the dissolution of Deep Purple in 1976, before forming Whitesnake. Decades later, following Whitesnake's temporary hiatus, Coverdale resumed his solo career with Into the Light, exploring a more-reflective and blues-influenced sound. Advanced technology was used to remix the albums; tracks from White Snake and Northwinds were separated into their multi-track stems using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software, while Into the Light was digitally remixed.

Background

Between 1977 and 1978, after the dissolution of Deep Purple, vocalist David Coverdale recorded two solo albums: White Snake and Northwinds. He also reissued multiple compilations, most recently The Early Years (2003). Decades later, after the temporary disbandment of Whitesnake, Coverdale resumed his solo career. The resulting album Into the Light (2000) was commercially and critically his most-successful solo album, charting in six countries.

According to Coverdale, his early work, including his first two solo albums and material from Whitesnake, had been digitally archived and could be restored and remastered, but at that time, they could not be remixed due to the 2008 Universal Studios fire, which destroyed the band's material belonging to Geffen Records, although some of the masters were found safe at the Iron Mountain Storage Facility in Pennsylvania. Purple Records, a sub-division of EMI at that time, retained the masters of Coverdale's first two solo albums, which had long been out of print.

History and production

Into the Light: The Solo Albums features the work of musicians who participated on David Coverdale's solo albums. Coverdale's first album White Snake was released on 20 February 1977 in mainland Europe and on 6 May in the UK; it features the work of guitarist Micky Moody, whom Coverdale met in Teesside. As his first solo album, Coverdale said the record is "a very inward-looking, reflective and low-key affair in many ways, written and recorded as it was in the aftermath of the collapse of Deep Purple".

The album's title, or the song name, was meant for Deep Purple, but Coverdale presented it to Deep Purple's former bassist Roger Glover to play and produce the album with him after the group dissolved. Deep Purple's management were pressured to support Coverdale and Hughes, and the two were each paid $10,000 to create their own solo albums. According to Coverdale, the concept for the eponymous title track was created between 1975 and 1976, "after Come Taste the Band, or while we were touring, promoting that album ... I thought it would be a fun Purple track. The track's name was later used as the official title of Coverdale's formation of the group after his follow-up release. It was followed by its successor Northwinds, released on 10 March 1978. The album, which is viewed as blues-based and R&B-influenced rock followed as an "antithesis" of Whitesnake (1987). It was also largely viewed as sounding "absolutely nothing like Led Zeppelin", a band with which Whitesnake had often been compared. Into the Light was released on 25 September 2000; this album has a more stripped-down and blues-influenced sound Coverdale said "felt appropriate" in his songwriting.

Both White Snake and Northwinds were produced by Roger Glover, while Into the Light was produced by Coverdale, and Doug Bossi, Bjorn Thorsrud, John X. Volaitis and Michael McIntyre were credited as associate producers.

Remixing of David Coverdale's solo albums

Coverdale's first two solo albums were remixed using advanced audio-separation software using Audioshake, allowing them to be separated into their individual multi-track stems using artificial intelligence (AI). The original master tapes were lost for two decades and could not be located, largely because both of those albums were out-of-print on the label EMI, alongside early Whitesnake material, which is now owned by Universal Music Group. Many of the out-takes from the album remain accessible. For five years, audio engineers at "Hook City Studios", named after Whitesnake, experimented with open-source software to separate two of the releases.

To remix White Snake, the production team unmixed the record by exporting the stems using AI software, selecting the best-available mixes for comparison and approval. Digital artefacts posed a challenge, which the team addressed by overlaying enhanced versions of individual stems to reinforce the overall sound. Despite this, whilst remixing, they had limited control over the volume and tone, particularly with the lead and background vocals, and the original track's reverb. The team mitigated these issues by incorporating modern remixes of the drums and resamping the guitars and bass through amplifiers to achieve an authentic, contemporary sound. The tape speed was slightly inaccurate but this was digitally corrected to ensure any new instruments were in tune with the rest of the record.

The remixing process for Northwinds was originally inspired by a neural network known as machine-assisted learning (MAL), which had been developed as an audio-restoration technology for the documentary The Beatles: Get Back (2021). MAL was originally named after the Beatles' former road manager, Mal Evans. This process was used to separate John Lennon's home-demo recording from the late 1970s, using a digital copy provided by Sean Lennon that was of higher quality than the third-generation source the three surviving members of The Beatles had used in 1995. This restoration preserved the clarity of every multi-track stem, culminating in the release of "Now and Then" in late 2023 and the 2022 remix of Revolver. Audio engineer and producer Tom Gordon, who was working on the remixes for Northwinds, was impressed by this restoration approach and contacted Peter Jackson's company WingNut Films, which used MAL for music and film restorations, including The Beatles' archives. Gordon's request was declined because the technology was exclusive to The Beatles project and was "bespoken for" at the time. Gordon then approached Paris Smaragdis in an attempt to develop a similar version of MAL software, but due to time constraints and limited resources, this was not possible.

After the initial attempts with MAL failed, Gordon was under pressure to find an alternative audio-isolation technology that could separate the tracks from their original stems. For "Time & Again", Coverdale's vocals were recorded on the same multi-track as the Rhodes electric piano. According to Gordon, Coverdale wanted to "ditch the Rhodes" and add string arrangements in the remix. When Northwinds was processed through open-source audio-separation software, the results included digital artefacts, rendering the remixes unusable because "the vocal was so exposed". Gordon learned from a podcast that explained about unmixing Nina Simone's album through a beta software called Audioshake, which produced results that were deemed acceptable, allowing the remix of "Time & Again" to proceed.

Into the Light was digitally recorded using Pro Tools. Several tracks from the record were later remixed and included in the compilation trilogy Red, White, Blues (2020 and 2021). The now-obsolete file format Sound Designer II, which is incompatible with modern systems, was used for the original recordings. The engineering team transferred and converted the tracks using legacy equipment. To prevent data loss or corruption during the remixing project, the digital multitrack stems were re-aligned with their original time codes. Into the Light was remixed by Christopher Collier, who worked with the group since the late 2010s, while White Snake and Northwinds were remixed by Tom Gordon and Alex Breckenridge.

Release and promotion

Although Coverdale recorded Whitsnake, Northwinds and Into the Light as a solo artist, he now regards them as Whitesnake albums. He stated: "As I'm recognized as 'Mr. Whitesnake', I thought, Why not? They're all Whitesnake albums to me ... we've remixed them to stand proudly alongside any Whitesnake album." Restless Heart (1997) was originally viewed as a solo album but was later grouped as a "David Coverdale & Whitesnake" album due to EMI's contract demands. Restless Heart and Into the Light were envisioned as "brother and sister albums", respectively, due to their similar sound in comparison to Whitesnake's other recordings. Coverdale's first solo work within Whitesnake was on Snakebite, which is considered the band's first official release. It was Initially issued as an extended play (EP) and was later expanded into a double EP, featuring four tracks from Northwinds: "Keep on Giving Me Love", "Queen of Hearts", "Only My Soul" and "Breakdown".

On 16 August 2024, Coverdale announced the upcoming compilation on his Twitter/X page. That same day, a promotional music video for "Midnight Blue" from Into the Light was also released. Into the Light: The Solo Albums was released via Rhino Entertainment on 25 October 2024 as a multi-disc box set that includes remastered and remixed versions of the solo albums, and previously unreleased demos. The collection also includes music videos and a 60-page booklet containing photographs and an interview with Coverdale. The set was also released as a double LP that includes tracks from Into the Light, marking its first release on vinyl. The 2024 remixes of White Snake and Northwinds were also reissued on translucent vinyl LPs on 4 October, following a Japanese release on 13 November. Excepts of the remixed tracks "Lady" and "Northwinds" are included in their respective promotional videos.

On 5 September 2024, a remixed version of "Wherever You May Go" was premiered, followed by another promotional music video of the song. "Time & Again" was released on 26 September with a promotional video featuring "Hook City Strings" arrangements. The unboxing of the compilation set was premiered on 17 October, followed by a video release of "River Song" on 23 October. "Love Is Blind", featuring a video recorded in the early 2000s and a modern remix, was uploaded on the compilation's release date. Music videos for "Yours for the Asking" and "She Give Me" were uploaded; these were followed by a video for "Too Many Tears", which has a different production style than the version from Restless Heart.

Commercial performance

Into the Light: The Solo Albums charted at number 14 on the UK Rock & Metal chart, and at number 98 on the Scottish Albums chart. It also charted at number 90 in Switzerland.

Track listing

All tracks are written by David Coverdale, except where noted.

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the original album's liner notes, including White Snake, Northwinds and Into the Light.

Charts

Release history

References

Footnotes

1. ^ Into the Light: The Solo Albums (booklet). Whitesnake. Rhino Entertainment. 2024. 603497824489.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
2. ^ Northwinds (booklet). David Coverdale. Purple Records, Eagle Rock Entertainment. 2000. 8 26992 02412 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
3. Valdivia, Victor (16 October 2011). "David Coverdale: White Snake / North Winds". PopMatters. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
4. "Too Old to Rock and Roll - Too Young to Die?". Metal Hammer. Vol. 14, no. 7. Berlin, Germany: ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag. 1997. pp. 126–127.
5. Jeffries, Neil (22 September 2021). "Every David Coverdale and Whitesnake album, ranked from worst to best". Classic Rock. Louder. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
6. Llewellyn, Siân (18 September 2000). "David Coverdale – Into the Light (EMI/Chrysalis - advance CD)". Classic Rock. London, England: Future. p. 63.
7. Mineur, Matthias (2000). "David Coverdale - Into the Light (EMI)". Metal Hammer. Vol. 17, no. 10. Munich, Germany: AS Young Mediahouse GmbH. p. 86.
8. McNeice, Andrew J. "David Coverdale – Into the Light Interview". MelodicRock. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
9. Bliss, Karen (24 July 2009). "Whitesnake Reissuing Classic Albums With Extras". Noisecreep. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
10. The Blues Album (booklet). Whitesnake. RHINO. 2021. 0 190295 156169.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
11. ^ White Snake (booklet). David Coverdale. Purple Records. 2000. 6 70211 50752 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
12. Popoff, Martin (2016). The Deep Purple Family (2nd ed.). Wymer Publishing. p. 221. ISBN 978-1-908724-42-7.
13. DeRiso, Nick (19 July 2021). "45 Years Ago: David Coverdale Quits As Deep Purple Disintegrate". Ultimate Classic Rock. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
14. Popoff, Martin (2016). The Deep Purple Family (2nd ed.). Wymer Publishing. p. 234. ISBN 978-1-908724-42-7.
15. Adams, Bret. "David Coverdale – Northwinds review". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
16. Jeffries, Neil (5 January 2021). "David Coverdale: a guide to his best albums". Classic Rock. Louder. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
17. Valdivia, Victor (16 October 2011). "David Coverdale: White Snake / North Winds". PopMatters. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
18. "Coverdale fills multiple roles on his Dragonshead solo set". Daily Press. Victorville, California, United States. 10 June 1994. p. 13. Retrieved 17 August 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
19. ^ Into The Light (booklet). David Coverdale. EMI. 2000. 7243 5 28124 2 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
20. "DAVID COVERDALE's Three Solo Albums To Be Made Available With Remixes, Remasters And Previously Unreleased Tracks". Blabbermouth. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
21. ^ "Into the Light: The Solo Albums". Whitesnake.com. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
22. "All White My Luvs!". Raw. London, England: EMAP publications. 20 July 1994. p. 64.
23. "Time & Again (DC & Hook City Strings)". Whitesnake.com. Whitesnake. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
24. Sisario, Ben (11 November 2021). "Know How the Beatles Ended? Peter Jackson May Change Your Mind". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
25. Sparkes, Matthew (24 December 2021). "Beatles documentary Get Back used custom AI to strip unwanted sound". New Scientist. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
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27. "Eras - The Beatles - Episode 6 - Now and Then". BBC Sounds. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
28. "Unlocking Whitesnake's catalog for remasters". YouTube. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
29. ^ "AudioShake Stems Help Remaster Whitesnake's "Time and Again"". Audioshake. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
30. "Coverdale fills multiple roles on his Dragonshead solo set". Daily Press. Victorville, California, United States. 10 June 1994. p. 13. Retrieved 13 October 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
31. "Whitesnake Slide It In 35th Anniversary Unboxing". Whitesnake TV. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2024 – via YouTube.
32. Chirazi, Steffan (25 March 2011). "The Growing Pains Of Whitesnake's David Coverdale". Louder. Classic Rock. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
33. Snakebite ad: "David Coverdale's Whitesnake and their debut album Snakebite.". Billboard (16 September 1978) - p. 1. Retrieved on 13 October 2024.
34. Coverdale, David (16 August 2024). "Into the Light: The Solo Albums announcement reveal video". Twitter/X. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
35. ^ "Into The Light: The Solo Albums (6CD)". Rhino.
36. "Rhino Reveals ROCKTOBER 2024 Vinyl Release Lineup". Rhino Entertainment. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
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38. "Into the Light: The Solo Albums - Whitesnake - Oricon News". Oricon. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
39. "11/13発売『イントゥ・ザ・ライト：ザ・ソロ・アルバムズ』の輸入盤国内仕様／完全生産限定盤の封入特典決定！". Warner Music Japan. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
40. Coverdale, David (31 August 2024). "WHITESNAKE NorthWinds LP (2024 Remix) Pre-Order Now - Release October 4". Instagram. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
41. Coverdale, David (31 August 2024). ""White Snake" promo video". Instagram. Whitesnake. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
42. Coverdale, David (31 August 2024). ""Northwinds" promo video". Instagram. Whitesnake. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
43. "Into the Light: The Solo Albums". Apple Music. Whitesnake. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
44. Coverdale, David (4 September 2024). ""Oh…& Don't Forget…See YOU At 9 am PCT TOMORROW!!!"". Twitter/X. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
45. "Whitesnake - Wherever You May Go (Official Video 2024 Remix)". YouTube. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
46. "WHITESNAKE's DAVID COVERDALE Shares 2024 Remix Video For "Time & Again" (String Version)". Bravewords. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
47. "Whitesnake - Time & Again (DC & Hook City Strings - Official Video 2024 Remix)". YouTube. Whitesnake. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
48. "Whitesnake - River Song (Official Video 2024 Remix)". YouTube. Whitesnajke. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
49. "Whitesnake - Unboxing The Solo Albums: Into The Light, WhiteSnake MCMLXXVII and Northwinds". YouTube. Whitesnake. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
50. "WHITESNAKE's DAVID COVERDALE Releases "Love Is Blind" (Official Video 2024 Remix); Into The Light: The Solo Albums Out Now". Bravewords. 25 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
51. "Whitesnake's David Coverdale Releases "Too Many Tears" (Official Video 2024 Remix)". Bravewords. 11 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
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53. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
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Book sources

• Popoff, Martin (2016). The Deep Purple Family (2nd ed.). Wymer Publishing. ISBN 978-1-908724-42-7.

• 2024 albums
• 2024 compilation albums
• David Coverdale albums
• Roger Glover albums
• Blues rock compilation albums
• Hard rock compilation albums
• Whitesnake compilation albums
• Rhino Entertainment albums
• Rhino Entertainment compilation albums