"Trouble" is the debut studio album by British hard rock band Whitesnake, led by former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale, released in October 1978. It reached No. 50 on the UK Albums Chart and followed the four-track "Snakebite" EP, which had initially been available as an import in the US. The album was reissued by EMI/Parlophone in 2006, featuring bonus tracks from the EP.
After leaving Deep Purple in 1976, David Coverdale recorded two solo albums before forming Whitesnake. He began assembling a backing band in London, starting with guitarist Micky Moody. The lineup soon expanded to include Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, drummer Dave "Duck" Dowle, and keyboardist Brian Johnston. The band's first live performance took place at Lincoln Technical College on March 3, 1978.
Originally named "David Coverdale's Whitesnake," the band aimed to promote Coverdale's solo work. After a small UK tour, they began writing new material, eventually attracting the attention of EMI. Their first release, the "Snakebite" EP, came out in June 1978 and helped secure their record deal.
Recording for "Trouble" began in July 1978 at Central Recorders in London, with Martin Birch producing. The album was recorded and mixed in just ten days. Guitarists Moody and Marsden contributed solos and backing vocals, while Marsden took lead vocals on tracks like "Free Flight." The album's final sessions saw Jon Lord, another former Deep Purple member, replace original keyboardist Pete Solley.
Coverdale wrote most of the lyrics, with contributions from Moody and Marsden. The title "Trouble" was partly inspired by the birth of Coverdale's first child during the album's recording. The album features a mix of original songs and a cover of "Day Tripper" by The Beatles, showcasing the band’s hard rock style and setting the stage for their future success.
