In an era of streaming, owning a FLAC rip of the original Pride CD is an act of audio archaeology. Streaming services often use modern remasters, which can suffer from dynamic range compression (the “loudness war”). The 1987 81768-2 CD has a DR (dynamic range) rating of around 12-14, whereas later remasters dip to 8 or 9.
Moreover, Vito Bratta left music in the 1990s to care for a family member, never to return. His guitar tone on Pride—a mix of a Kramer Pacer, a modded Marshall, and his fingers—is frozen in time on that 1987 master. A FLAC file is the closest we can get to the master tape.
White Lion was a Danish-American rock band that gained popularity in the 1980s. One of their most iconic songs is "Pride," which was released in 1987 on their album of the same name, "Pride." The song became a significant hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Every character in White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac tells a story:
Unlike many contemporaneous albums buried by grunge in the 1990s, Pride maintained a cult following. Vito Bratta’s fluid, melodic solos (particularly on “Lady of the Valley”) are studied by guitarists to this day. Moreover, the production by Michael Wagener is crisp, dynamic, and perfectly suited for high-fidelity playback—which brings us to the CD format.
If you need a specific section expanded (e.g., how to verify pre-emphasis, compare dynamic range, or find AccurateRip CRC), let me know.
Released on June 21, 1987, by Atlantic Records, Pride is the breakthrough second studio album by the American-Danish glam metal band White Lion. This multi-platinum album peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for a full year, selling over two million copies in the U.S. alone. Album Overview White Lion: 'Pride' - Sleaze Roxx
The file string "White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac" represents more than just a piece of digital data; it is a high-fidelity gateway to one of the definitive albums of the 1980s hair metal era. For audiophiles and rock historians, this specific naming convention—likely referencing the original Atlantic Records catalog number—signifies a commitment to preserving the polished, melodic power of White Lion’s magnum opus. The Significance of Pride (1987)
Released at the height of the MTV era, Pride was the album that catapulted White Lion from New York club favorites to international stardom. While many of their contemporaries relied on sheer volume and party-centric lyrics, White Lion distinguished themselves through the sophisticated songwriting of Mike Tramp and the virtuosic guitar work of Vito Bratta.
The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for a full year, peaking at number 11, and eventually achieving double-platinum status. It was a record that balanced the "pop" sensibilities of the era with genuine musical substance. Track Highlights: The Core of the Record
If you are looking at this FLAC file, you are likely revisiting the four major hits that defined the band's career:
"Wait": The breakout single. It showcased the band’s ability to blend a catchy, radio-friendly chorus with technical guitar fills that left amateur players scrambling for tabs.
"When the Children Cry": A rare acoustic ballad that actually carried a social message. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the band had depth beyond the typical "power ballad" tropes.
"Tell Me": A mid-tempo rocker that highlighted Mike Tramp’s unique, raspy-yet-melodic vocal delivery.
"All You Need Is Rock 'n' Roll": The quintessential anthem of the era, designed for the arena stages they would soon occupy. Why the FLAC Format and "81768-2" Matter
The "81768-2" in the filename refers to the original CD pressing by Atlantic Records. In the world of digital audio, this is a crucial detail for several reasons:
Lossless Quality: FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) ensures that every bit of data from the original master is preserved. Unlike MP3s, which strip away high and low frequencies to save space, a FLAC file delivers the full dynamic range of the studio recording.
The "Loudness Wars" Bypass: Modern remasters often compress the audio to make it sound louder, which can flatten the nuances of the performance. Collectors often seek out files sourced from the original 1987 CD pressings (like 81768-2) because they offer a more natural, "breathable" soundstage.
Vito Bratta’s Tone: Often compared to Eddie Van Halen, Vito Bratta’s tone is legendary. To hear the intricate tapping and delicate harmonics in "Wait" or "Lady of the Valley" in lossless quality is the only way to truly appreciate his legendary Steinberger guitar tone. The Legacy of the Album
Pride remains a cornerstone of the melodic hard rock genre. It captured a moment in time when technical proficiency and mainstream accessibility lived in perfect harmony. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer discovering the era, listening to this album in a high-resolution format is the best way to experience the precision and passion that White Lion brought to the 80s rock scene.
Title: Roaring in Pristine Quality: “White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac”
Posted by: VinylViking Date: April 13, 2026 Tags: #HairMetal #FLAC #WhiteLion #80sRock #Audiophile
There’s something special about finding a perfect digital copy of a late-80s hard rock album. Tonight, that something landed squarely in my downloads folder:
White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac
Let’s break that down.
Why this file matters
Most streaming versions of Pride are sourced from the 1990s remasters or worse, noisy vinyl rips. But a clean FLAC with the 81768-2 matrix? That’s likely the original CD master—less compression, more dynamic range, and that warm, punchy late-80s production style.
Tracklist (for those about to press play):
Verdict: If you see this exact filename in your collection or on a share, grab it. It’s the definitive way to hear Greg D’Angelo’s drum sound and Vito Bratta’s surprisingly sophisticated guitar work. Crank track 1, close your eyes, and you’re back in 1987.
Now playing: White Lion – “Wait” (FLAC → DAC → headphones → goosebumps).
White Lion's 1987 masterpiece, Pride, stands as a definitive pillar of the melodic hard rock era. While many bands of the late eighties relied solely on image, White Lion combined technical prowess with thoughtful songwriting. For audiophiles and collectors, the specific pressing labeled 81768-2 represents a significant piece of physical media history—the original US CD release on Atlantic Records. The Significance of the 81768-2 Pressing
In the world of high-fidelity audio, the "flac" format (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is the gold standard for digital preservation. A FLAC rip from the original 1987 Atlantic CD (catalog number 81768-2) is highly sought after because it predates the "Loudness Wars."
Dynamic Range: Unlike modern remasters that compress audio to make it louder, the original 81768-2 pressing retains the natural peaks and valleys of the performance.
Authentic EQ: This version offers the original EQ curve as intended by producer Michael Wagener, known for his work with Metallica and Dokken.
Clarity: The separation between Mike Tramp’s soulful vocals and Vito Bratta’s intricate guitar layers is most distinct on this early digital master. Track-by-Track Breakdown
The album is a relentless showcase of hooks and virtuosity. Here is why these specific tracks remain essential:
"Wait": The breakout single. It perfectly balances a pop-sensible chorus with a guitar solo that remains a "holy grail" for aspiring shredders.
"When the Children Cry": A rare acoustic ballad that tackled social issues. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the band had depth beyond the Sunset Strip aesthetic.
"Tell Me": A mid-tempo rocker that highlights the tight rhythm section of James Lomenzo (bass) and Greg D'Angelo (drums).
"Lady of the Valley": An epic, progressive-leaning track that showcases Vito Bratta’s classical influences and complex tapping techniques. The Legacy of Vito Bratta
You cannot discuss Pride without focusing on Vito Bratta. Often compared to Eddie Van Halen, Bratta brought a unique, piano-like elegance to the electric guitar.
Technical Innovation: His use of multi-finger tapping and melodic harmonics set him apart from the "speed for speed's sake" players of the time.
Composition: His solos were "songs within songs," meticulously composed rather than improvised. Technical Specifications for Collectors
If you are verifying your digital archive or looking for this specific disc in the wild, look for these markers: Label: Atlantic Catalog Number: 81768-2 Format: CD, Album Country: US Released: 1987 Audio Profile: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (Red Book Standard) Why "Pride" Still Matters
Pride was the moment White Lion evolved from an underground act to international superstars. It sold over two million copies in the US alone. Even decades later, the album doesn't feel like a relic; it feels like a masterclass in melodic construction. For the listener holding the 81768-2 FLAC file, it is the closest one can get to hearing the 1987 studio sessions in their purest digital form.
A comparison between the original 1987 master and the later remasters?
A breakdown of Vito Bratta's guitar rig used during the Pride sessions?
Recommendations for similar albums from that specific 1987-1988 era?
Pride is the legendary second studio album by the American-Danish hard rock band White Lion.
Released on June 21, 1987, by Atlantic Records, this masterpiece perfectly captures the high-energy spirit and technical brilliance of the 1980s melodic hard rock and glam metal movement. The specific identifier in your query—7 81768-2—references the highly sought-after original U.S. compact disc pressing of the album. Audiophiles frequently pursue copies of this specific early pressing in the lossless FLAC format to preserve the master's wide dynamic range without the modern compression found in later remasters. 🦁 The Lineup
The band reached its creative peak with this specific roster: Mike Tramp – Lead vocals Vito Bratta – Guitars James Lomenzo – Bass Greg D'Angelo – Drums White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac
Tramp famously noted that he and master guitarist Vito Bratta felt as though they "existed as one person" while writing these songs. 💎 The Iconic Tracklist
The original 1987 CD release contained 10 tracks, adding up to roughly 44 minutes of runtime: "Hungry" (3:53) "Lonely Nights" (4:16) "Don't Give Up" (3:13) "Sweet Little Loving" (4:00) "Lady of the Valley" (6:38) "Wait" (4:00)
"All You Need Is Rock N Roll" (5:15) (Note: Original CD inserts contain a notorious typo printing the length as 3:15) "Tell Me" (4:28) "All Join Our Hands" (4:22) "When the Children Cry" (4:20) 🚀 Commercial Breakthrough
While their debut effort made ripples, Pride catapulted White Lion into superstardom: The album peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 chart.
"Wait" and the acoustic power ballad "When the Children Cry" both landed in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
Vito Bratta's tapping-heavy, classically infused guitar solos on this record remain heavily studied by rock guitarists today. 💿 The 7 81768-2 CD Pressing
If you are collecting or cataloging the FLAC rip of this specific disc, here are a few defining technical details to look out for on physical copies, as tracked by the user community on Discogs: Catalog Number on Spine: 7 81768-2 Barcode (Text): 0 7567-81768-2 1 Pressing Plant: Specialty Records Corporation (SRC)
Audio Characteristic: Unlike later brickwalled remasters, this early digital master preserves a very natural and punchy sound signature suitable for high-end audio setups.
White Lion – Pride – CD (Album, Stereo), 1987 [r1805821]
by the American/Danish hard rock band White Lion. The catalog number
specifically identifies the original 1987 U.S. CD release on Atlantic Records. Album Overview Release Date: June 21, 1987. Hard Rock / Glam Metal. Chart Success:
Reached #11 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double-platinum by the RIAA. Production: Produced, recorded, and mixed by Michael Wagener at Amigo Studios in North Hollywood. According to original CD release data , the album contains the following 10 tracks: Lonely Nights Don't Give Up Sweet Little Loving Lady of the Valley (4:00) — A Top 10 hit single. All You Need Is Rock 'n' Roll
(5:14) — Notable for having a misprinted time of 3:15 on some original CD back covers; it is actually over 5 minutes long. All Join Our Hands When the Children Cry
(4:18) — The band's biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Mike Tramp: Vito Bratta:
Lead Guitar (widely acclaimed for his technical skill and "Eddie Van Halen-esque" tapping). James LoMenzo: Greg D'Angelo: File Technical Note
extension indicates that the audio is encoded using the Free Lossless Audio Codec, meaning it retains 100% of the original CD audio quality from the Atlantic 7 81768-2 master without the data loss associated with MP3s. Vito Bratta's guitar gear used during these sessions or details on the 1987-1988 supporting tour
White Lion – Pride – CD (Album, Stereo), 1987 [r1805821]
Released on June 21, 1987, White Lion’s Pride reached Double Platinum status, driven by hits "Wait" and "When the Children Cry". Produced by Michael Wagener, the album is noted for its melodic rock sound and the technically acclaimed guitar work of Vito Bratta. For more details, visit Wikipedia. White Lion's 1987 album Pride and its impact
White Lion’s 1987 album stands as a definitive pillar of the glam metal
era, marking the moment where Mike Tramp’s melodic sensibilities and Vito Bratta’s technical wizardry perfectly aligned. Released on Atlantic Records (catalog number
), this sophomore effort elevated the band from club favorites to multi-platinum stars. The Bratta Factor At the heart of the album is guitarist Vito Bratta
. Often compared to Eddie Van Halen for his two-handed tapping and fluid legato, Bratta brought a neoclassical precision to the genre that was rare among his peers. His solos on tracks like
aren't just displays of speed; they are meticulously composed "songs within songs" that provide the album's sophisticated backbone. Social Consciousness in Hair Metal
While many of their contemporaries focused strictly on party anthems, White Lion used to pivot toward surprisingly heavy themes: "When the Children Cry"
: An acoustic ballad that addressed global peace and the legacy left for future generations. It became a Top 5 hit, proving that "hair bands" could successfully deliver a message. "Lady of the Valley" In an era of streaming, owning a FLAC
: A fantasy-tinged epic that showcased the band's ability to handle complex, progressive structures. Sonic Legacy The production, handled by Michael Wagener
, gave the album a crisp, polished sheen that defined the late-80s radio sound. The rhythm section of James LoMenzo and Greg D'Angelo provided a tight, punchy foundation that allowed Tramp’s raspy, European-influenced vocals to soar. Ultimately,
remains a high-water mark for the genre because it balanced the of the 80s with genuine musicality
and lyrical depth, ensuring its relevance long after the neon lights dimmed. Should we dive deeper into a track-by-track analysis , or would you like to compare Vito Bratta’s guitar style to other virtuosos of that era?
White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac
This appears to be a FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) file containing music from the band White Lion, released in 1987, with the title "Pride" and a catalog number of 7 81768-2.
Here's some information about the band and the album:
White Lion
White Lion is a Danish-American rock band that was formed in 1984 by lead vocalist Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Bratta. The band is known for their blend of hard rock, glam metal, and heavy metal styles.
Pride (1987)
"Pride" is the second studio album by White Lion, released on June 15, 1987. The album was a commercial success, thanks in part to the hit single "Wait." The album features a more refined and polished sound compared to their debut album "Killers," with a mix of heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and catchy hooks.
The album "Pride" has been certified platinum in the United States and Canada, and its success helped establish White Lion as one of the prominent bands in the 1980s hard rock scene.
If you're a fan of 80s hard rock or glam metal, you might enjoy listening to this album!
Here’s an interesting write-up for that specific file, White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac:
White Lion – Pride (1987) | Catalog: 7 81768-2 | FLAC
This file represents more than just a digital rip—it’s a snapshot of a pivotal moment in 1980s hard rock. Pride was White Lion’s breakthrough second album, released on Atlantic Records, and catalog number 7 81768-2 identifies an early CD pressing (likely a U.S. target or pinwheel design if you’re holding the physical disc). The FLAC format preserves every nuance of an era when big hair, soaring vocals, and socially conscious lyrics collided in unexpected ways.
The album is best known for “Wait”—a track that took three singles to finally crack the Top 10, becoming an MTV anthem with its melodic guitar intro and explosive chorus. Then there’s “When the Children Cry”, an unplugged ballad with no drums, addressing war and innocence, which turned the band from hair-metal party-starters into unlikely philosophers.
But dig deeper: “Hungry” opens with a fretless bass groove (rare for metal), and guitarist Vito Bratta’s fluid, Van Halen-esque yet distinctly lyrical playing is showcased on tracks like “Lady of the Valley” and “All You Need Is Rock ’n’ Roll”. Bratta, often overlooked in “greatest guitarist” lists, delivers harmonies and tapping that were as sophisticated as anything on the Sunset Strip.
The FLAC format here is key—commercial CDs of the late ’80s avoided the loudness war, leaving dynamic range intact. You’ll hear Mike Tramp’s gritty-yet-melodic Danish accent, the punch of Greg D’Angelo’s kick drum, and the warmth of the production (courtesy of Michael Wagener, who also worked with Dokken and Metallica). This isn’t a remaster; it’s the original master in lossless quality.
For collectors, 7 81768-2 sits in that sweet spot: not the ultra-rare Japanese pressing, but the first U.S. CD edition before later reissues altered the track sequencing or added bonus cuts. Whether you’re analyzing the guitar solo on “Broken Heart” or cranking “All Join Our Hands” for its gang vocals, this FLAC is the closest you’ll get to the master tape without a reel-to-reel machine.
In short: Pride is where melody met muscle, and this file is a pristine time capsule of 1987—when hair spray was heavy, but the hooks were heavier.
It’s not possible to write a meaningful 2,000-word “article” about a single file name like White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac without inventing false technical details. That specific string refers to a FLAC rip of the CD version of White Lion’s Pride album, catalog number 7 81768-2 (likely the US Elektra/Atlantic pressing from 1987–1989).
Below is a comprehensive, factual deep-dive into that exact release, the FLAC format’s relevance, and how collectors verify such files.
If you see a FLAC file labeled with “81768-2,” it likely came from an original 1987 CD rip.
A file named exactly White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac may have: White Lion was a Danish-American rock band that