Billy Idol rocks for a new generation
William Merrill | San Antonio, TX United States | 03/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was at South By Southwest last week, and Billy Idol's performance was THE buzz of the whole festival. Everywhere I went people were talking about what a tremendous rock show he and guitarist Steve Stevens put on. There was also discussion about how ravaged by the rocker lifestyle his body was, that he looked about 65 rather than his actual age. Anyway, now here's the new Idol CD, his first in several years, and it rocks as hard as anything he's ever done. The single "Scream" is just a spectacular piece of rock heaviness, and many of the other songs are pretty amazing too. However, one thing that's strange to me is how different his voice often sounds now compared to the old days. I'm sure it's from the effects of the previously mentioned ravages, but listen to Billy's singing throughout the CD and compare it to songs like "White Wedding" and "Rock the Cradle." You'll hear what I mean. On the rare slower or softer passages (such as on the verses of "Plastic Jesus") he even has a raspy quality that sounds a bit like modern-day Bob Dylan! Most strange. The voice thing really doesn't really matter, though. He can still "scream" as well as ever, and Steve Stevens' stratospheric guitar playing is still just as powerful."
A surprisingly GREAT comeback cd.
Crunchy Frog | Minneapolis, MN | 03/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is flat-out FUN to listen to. You can tell that time was taken by all of those involved with this cd to put out a decent product. The band sounds good and rocks hard, and Steve especially sounds excellent. You could tell that he brought his A-game to the studio sessions. Billy sounds a little bit more growly than he used to, but he still sounds great and, more importantly, enthused. I was half expecting this to be a by-the-numbers lame comeback, and I was surprised by just how solid this cd is. I'm happy to rank this as one of Billy's best.
Personal faves on this cd are 'Scream', 'Super Overdrive', 'Sherri', 'Evil Eye', and 'Lady Do or Die'. The only skippable song is 'Yellin at the Xmas Tree', but even THAT is listenable. Listen to the samples on here and see for yourself how he sounds, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I hope that this comeback is successful for him, as this cd deserves to be heard.
Were you ever a fan? Then buy this."
Billy Idol + Steve Stevens = hard rock perfection
George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 04/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Good
Billy starts things off with a rebel yell (sorry, couldn't resist) on "Super Overdrive". Riff wise, it's just plain heavy. Idol is full of all of the anger and rage that we knew him for. He even throws in a little melody on the chorus (I stress a little). Stevens injects "World Comin' Down" with a piercing little riff while the rhythm barrels down like an out of control freight train. Billy maintains a frantic vocal pace as his surrounding collapse in on him.
Acoustic finger-picking dominates "Rat Race" as Idol softens his tone a bit. When I say a bit, I mean until the rebellious (there I go again) chorus kicks in. Idol and Stevens still manage to keep their edge on "Sherri", which is about a misunderstood runaway. I didn't realize how funny Billy Idol could be until I heard "Plastic Jesus". It's a slow paced, acoustic track about questionable faith. The last verse is priceless.
There's no doubt that you've heard the addictive riffs of "Scream" on the radio by now; classic Idol for sure! The guitar work is pure Steve Stevens. Billy returns with more humor on "Yellin' at the Christmas Tree', which I'm sure will be a holiday classic this year. It's about his drunken father that oblivious to what's going on around him as he carries on with the tree. Thunderous riffs and palm muting add texture to "Body Snatcher". "Lady Do or Die" has Idol and Stevens exploring a country-rock sound.
The Bad
It could be another decade before he follows this one up.
The Verdict
Billy Idol + Steve Stevens = hard rock perfection. This combination is what was missing from Idol's last outings. Billy and Steven stay true to form for their comeback. Devil's Playground may not be the best place for kids to play, but mom and dad will sure have good time.
"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1