White Lion's breakthrough second studio album, Pride, was released on June 22, 1987, by Atlantic Records . Known for its melodic glam-metal sound, the album propelled the band to MTV stardom and remains a celebrated milestone of the hair metal era. Album Highlights and Production
Commercial Success: The album peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 and spent a full year on the charts, eventually earning double-platinum status in the US with over 2 million copies sold.
Key Tracks: It produced two top-ten hits: the mid-tempo rocker "Wait" and the iconic acoustic power ballad "When the Children Cry".
Musicianship: The record showcased the virtuosic guitar work of Vito Bratta and the raspy, earnest vocals of frontman Mike Tramp. Production Trivia:
Producer Michael Wagener kept the solo for "Wait" from a drum tracking guide because it was so impressive. white lion 1987 pride7 817682flac portable
Vito Bratta recorded one solo using a borrowed Fender Stratocaster formerly owned by Jimi Hendrix. Audio Fidelity and Formats
For audiophiles looking for high-quality versions of this 1987 classic, various options exist:
Lossless Vinyl Rips: Collectors often seek out "HQ Audiophile Rips" from original US specialty pressings in lossless FLAC format to preserve the warmth of the original 1987 vinyl .
Streaming: The album is widely available on digital platforms like Spotify for portable listening. White Lion's breakthrough second studio album, Pride ,
Historical Context: At the time of its UK release, critics hailed it as a "finest slab of hard rockin' vinyl," comparing the band's potential to giants like Judas Priest and Scorpions.
Revisiting a Glam Metal Masterpiece: White Lion’s Pride (1987)
If you're hunting for the definitive sonic experience of late-80s melodic hard rock, look no further than White Lion's breakthrough sophomore effort, Pride. Released on June 21, 1987, via Atlantic Records, this album remains a high-water mark for the genre, blending technical virtuosity with surprisingly earnest songwriting. The Technical Edge: Catalog 81768-2
For audiophiles and collectors, the specific pressing matters. The original U.S. CD release carries the catalog number 7 81768-2. While many modern listeners seek out this classic in FLAC format for its lossless quality, the original 1987 mastering by George Marino at Sterling Sound is often praised for its "clear, soaring production" that perfectly captured the band's tight synchronization. Why Pride Still Roars Discogs (release # 487312)
Unlike many of their "hair metal" peers who leaned heavily into sleaze, White Lion—led by Danish vocalist Mike Tramp and guitar hero Vito Bratta—offered a more refined, melodic approach.
You need the exact disc with barcode 0 7567-81768-2. Check:
7567-81768-2 (no M1 S1 suffix – that’s later).The number 817682 corresponds directly to the Atlantic Recording Corp. / ATCO Records CD release of Pride from 1987. Here’s the breakdown:
81768-2 or 7567-81768-2.Why does that matter? When you hear “loudness war,” it refers to modern CDs pushing volume to extremes, flattening peaks. The 1987 CD of Pride has an average dynamic range of DR12 to DR14 (very high). Many collectors believe this pressing is the ultimate source for a FLAC rip intended for high-end portable gear.
Find the Music: Look for White Lion's "Pride" album on music streaming platforms or online stores. It's available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Download in FLAC: For audiophiles, some online stores like HDtracks, MusicStack, or Amazon Music offer FLAC downloads of classic albums. You might need to search specifically for "White Lion Pride FLAC."