How many versions of 'Here I Go Again' were there?

First of all let me make clear that I'm not talking about the 70s bluesy version with the 'hobo' lyric.

I have a compilation which I've had for about 5 years ("best heavy metal album in the world...ever!" or something) with 'Here I Go Again' on. It's the '87 version with the tinkly keyboards and the extra kick in the guitars, aswell as the 'drifter I was born...' lyric. However, my girlfriend has a different version of the song (on a different compilation and on the actual Whitesnake album too, I think). The version I have kicks into the guitar straight away, with the first verse sung over the guitars/drums/bass. The version my girlfriend has has a longer keyboard intro with Coverdale singing over the organs for the first verse.

I figured there would be a few Whitesnake collectors on here that might know where the edit I have is from - a radio edit? video edit? But just to clarify again I'm well aware that the original came out in the 70s and has different lyrics and a less commercial sound.

3 versions.

1st from "Saints an Sinners". That's the "hobo" version.

2nd from the S/T album with John Sykes on guitar sans heavy keyboards.

3rd was indeed a radio edit with new solos and a heavy keyboard sound added.

Thanks very much, that explains everything.

Once again, spec to the rescue!!!

SpectreFate wrote:

3 versions.

1st from "Saints an Sinners". That's the "hobo" version.

2nd from the S/T album with John Sykes on guitar sans heavy keyboards.

3rd was indeed a radio edit with new solos and a heavy keyboard sound added.

FYI, to anyone who cares, the radio edit version is on the "Best of Whitesnake" compilation. I prefer the album version (which was used to make the famous MTV video), as opposed to the lighter "rock" version that is still circulation on soft rock radio today.

Answer: Too many.

The 3rd version has Dann Huff (Giant) playing the solos...

The '87 version with Sykes is my favorite by far.

I prefer Old Whitesnake songs. I have a concert where coverdale started to change his sound heavier, with the bluessy guitars,keaboards and songs from back then, it didn't sound right to my ears, I guess that is why some songs had to be changed slightly in order to progress into a more mainstream sound

powermacho wrote:

I prefer Old Whitesnake songs. I have a concert where coverdale started to change his sound heavier, with the bluessy guitars,keaboards and songs from back then, it didn't sound right to my ears, I guess that is why some songs had to be changed slightly in order to progress into a more mainstream sound

I prefer the original versions, including "Cryin' In The Rain." I liked Whitesnake up 'till the s/t lp.

candlemass wrote:

I prefer the original versions, including "Cryin' In The Rain." I liked Whitesnake up 'till the s/t lp.

Agreed.

I prefer the original "hobo" version, probably because I heard it first. The Sykes version is good too. I don't care for the radio edit version.

ultmetal wrote:

I prefer the original "hobo" version, probably because I heard it first. The Sykes version is good too. I don't care for the radio edit version.

Im with Ult here. While I dont think their S/T is their best album, I still like it well enough, but that radio edit blows.

I am absolutely sick of this song.

SpectreFate wrote:

3 versions.

1st from "Saints an Sinners". That's the "hobo" version.

2nd from the S/T album with John Sykes on guitar sans heavy keyboards.

3rd was indeed a radio edit with new solos and a heavy keyboard sound added.

SpectreFate is correct. Then, if you count official live releases, there are 5 versions!



Arttie

Can someone post the original "hobo" version?

EvyMetal wrote:

Can someone post the original "hobo" version?

Here's a sample of it:

Whitesnake - Here I Go Again (1982)

Troublezone wrote:

The '87 version with Sykes is my favorite by far.

Technically, the solo on this version is played by Adrian Vandenberg...only the rhythm guitars are John Sykes.

SpectreFate wrote:

EvyMetal wrote:

Can someone post the original "hobo" version?

Here's a sample of it:

Whitesnake - Here I Go Again (1982)

Oh, ok. Thanks.

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Troublezone wrote:

The '87 version with Sykes is my favorite by far.

Technically, the solo on this version is played by Adrian Vandenberg...only the rhythm guitars are John Sykes.

I thought I read somewhere (years ago), that Vandenburg didn't actually play on that album at all?

detuned wrote:

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Troublezone wrote:

The '87 version with Sykes is my favorite by far.

Technically, the solo on this version is played by Adrian Vandenberg...only the rhythm guitars are John Sykes.

I thought I read somewhere (years ago), that Vandenburg didn't actually play on that album at all?

Almost...that solo was the only thing he did play on that album...

detuned wrote:

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Troublezone wrote:

The '87 version with Sykes is my favorite by far.

Technically, the solo on this version is played by Adrian Vandenberg...only the rhythm guitars are John Sykes.

I thought I read somewhere (years ago), that Vandenburg didn't actually play on that album at all?

Are you sure you're not thinking about the next album, Slip of the Tongue? From what I remember, Vandenburg hurt/broke his wrist and Steve Vai played all the guitar on that album, but Vandenburg was still part of the band and toured with 'em.

Mr. of Fire is right. Adrian, although a loyal member of the snake didn't record bupkiss except the solo to HIGA until Restless Heart. Now if he played on SOTT, that would have been a MUCH better album, IMO.

We're both correct, courtesy of Wikipedia:

1. Initially he was hired as a session musician, helping to complete their eponymous album Whitesnake
(known as 1987 in Europe) after a mass-firing of the original band
members by Coverdale. He contributed the solo to their #1 hit "Here I
Go Again", but guitarist John Sykes played all of the other rhythm and lead guitar on the album.

2. Vandenberg co-wrote all of the music to the follow-up album Slip of the
Tongue. However, in preparing to enter the studio for the recording
sessions, he injured his wrist performing isometric exercises and was
unfortunately unable to contribute lead guitar work to the album Slip of the Tongue. Steve Vai
was imported by founder David Coverdale to record both lead and rhythm
guitars on the album in Vandenberg's stead. Vandenberg healed in time
to stay with the band on tour supporting the album in a now-trademark
dual guitarist role with Steve Vai.

Yeah, I knew Vandenberg did not play anything but that solo on Whitesnake and not at all on Slip...

Speaking of Slip, Cover-face could not have gotten a more un-Blues player than Steve Vai for that record...what was he thinking?

Also, Sykes (I'm pretty sure) only played solos on Slide It In...then did the tour...all the rhythms on the album were the guy Cover-face fired...