In the late 1980s, the compact disc was a premium format. The catalog number refers to the original US market CD release by Atlantic Records.
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.
The album’s first massive hit. Released as a single, the MTV music video propelled the band to stardom.
The White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac file has been verified to be a high-quality, lossless audio file. The file details and audio information confirm that it is a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo FLAC file. Playback and verification have been successful, and no errors were detected. This file is suitable for audiophiles and fans of the band.
But it was the third single that would change everything. "When the Children Cry," a quiet, unplugged ballad, was a risk. In an era of big hair and bigger choruses, this understated song stood out. Its poignant anti-war lyrics and Tramp's vulnerable vocal performance resonated deeply with listeners. The music video received heavy rotation on MTV, and the song soared to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the ballad breathed new life into "Pride," pushing it to number 11 on the Billboard 200. The album would go on to remain on the charts for a full year, eventually selling over two million copies in the United States alone, earning a double platinum certification. White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac
This pressing preserves the exact spatial imaging envisioned by Michael Wagener. The tracks feature a wide stereo field, a massive, reverberant drum pocket characteristic of the era, and pristine high-end clarity without harshness. Why FLAC Matters
Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist James Lomenzo and drummer Greg D'Angelo, the band entered Hit Factory Studios in New York with legendary producer Michael Wagener. Wagener, fresh off engineering masterpieces for Dokken, Skid Row, and Metallica, was the perfect architect to balance White Lion’s fierce musicality with commercial radio polish.
: An upbeat track showcasing the tight syncopation between LoMenzo’s basslines and D'Angelo’s double-bass accents.
If you need a specific section expanded (e.g., how to verify pre-emphasis, compare dynamic range, or find AccurateRip CRC), let me know. In the late 1980s, the compact disc was a premium format
If you own or have found this exact FLAC file, you possess the definitive digital version of a hair metal masterpiece. Streaming platforms often host brickwalled, compressed remasters that fatigue the ears at high volumes. Playing this original 1987 FLAC file through a high-quality Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and a good pair of headphones or speakers provides the closest possible experience to sitting in the studio with Michael Wagener and White Lion in 1987.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
The album peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for a full year. It eventually sold over 2 million copies in the US, earning Double Platinum status.
If you want to dive deeper into the history of this album or fine-tune your audio setup for 1980s pressings, let me know: But a clean FLAC with the 81768-2 matrix
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.
For a listener in 2026, listening to "White Lion - 1987 - Pride.7 81768-2.flac" means experiencing the pristine digital master of the 1987 Atlantic CD, complete with the dynamic range, crisp high-end, and deep low-end that MP3s often compromise. It is the closest digital equivalent to owning the original compact disc.
The FLAC file tag refers to a bit-perfect, lossless audio rip of White Lion’s landmark sophomore album, Pride , specifically the original 1987 US CD pressing released by Atlantic Records (catalog number 81768-2).