On this day August 10 1989, White Lion released their third studio album, Big Game. Following the success of their 1987 breakthrough album Pride, the band returned with another dose of melodic hard rock that balanced social commentary with radio friendly hooks.
Big Game featured the popular single Little Fighter, a tribute to the Rainbow Warrior ship, and a cover of Golden Earring’s Radar Love. While not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the album still demonstrated the band’s musicianship and strong songwriting. Guitarist Vito Bratta’s intricate playing stood out, and frontman Mike Tramp’s vocals helped give the band a distinct identity during a crowded era of rock.
Though Big Game peaked slightly lower on the charts, it maintained White Lion’s presence in the late 80s rock scene and is remembered as a solid follow up that continued their rise.
80s insight: The album reflected the end of the glam metal boom, arriving just before the genre began to fade from the mainstream spotlight.
Big Game featured the popular single Little Fighter, a tribute to the Rainbow Warrior ship, and a cover of Golden Earring’s Radar Love. While not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the album still demonstrated the band’s musicianship and strong songwriting. Guitarist Vito Bratta’s intricate playing stood out, and frontman Mike Tramp’s vocals helped give the band a distinct identity during a crowded era of rock.
Though Big Game peaked slightly lower on the charts, it maintained White Lion’s presence in the late 80s rock scene and is remembered as a solid follow up that continued their rise.
80s insight: The album reflected the end of the glam metal boom, arriving just before the genre began to fade from the mainstream spotlight.
