Nearly 25 years after his last significant hit, Billy Squier inexplicably finds himself back in fashion. Rappers like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Dizzee Rascal have sampled huge chunks of his song "The Big Beat," while "The Str... more »oke" has appeared on the soundtracks of comedy blockbusters Billy Madison and Blades of Glory. So what better time to revisit his pivotal 1984 album, Signs of Life? Squier thinks it killed his career, largely due to the video for his highest charting single, "Rock Me Tonite," which was played nonstop by MTV and portrayed the shirtless rock star humping around a pastel-hued bedroom set. But it might have more to do with the fact that Squier was drifting away from the Led Zeppelin-inspired power chords of his earlier releases and more towards a glossed-up New-Wave sound, as evidenced by "Eye On You" and "Another 1984." So Signs of Life might not represent Squier's creative peak, but for the next rap heavyweight, it's a veritable goldmine. --Aidin Vaziri« less
Nearly 25 years after his last significant hit, Billy Squier inexplicably finds himself back in fashion. Rappers like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Dizzee Rascal have sampled huge chunks of his song "The Big Beat," while "The Stroke" has appeared on the soundtracks of comedy blockbusters Billy Madison and Blades of Glory. So what better time to revisit his pivotal 1984 album, Signs of Life? Squier thinks it killed his career, largely due to the video for his highest charting single, "Rock Me Tonite," which was played nonstop by MTV and portrayed the shirtless rock star humping around a pastel-hued bedroom set. But it might have more to do with the fact that Squier was drifting away from the Led Zeppelin-inspired power chords of his earlier releases and more towards a glossed-up New-Wave sound, as evidenced by "Eye On You" and "Another 1984." So Signs of Life might not represent Squier's creative peak, but for the next rap heavyweight, it's a veritable goldmine. --Aidin Vaziri
G. Austin | Crestview, FL United States | 01/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great CD! I've been trying to purchase this CD for many years. I didn't want to pay the ridiculous used prices people wanted for the then out-of-print release. I finally settled on purchasing a used ALBUM and ripped it to CD on my own. I'm very happy to see this CD has now been re-released and I quickly put my pre-order in. Upon receiving it, I quickly popped it in the CD player and boy does it ever sound good! I also ripped it to my Zune MP3 player along with the other essential Billy Squier CD's (Tale of the Tape, Don't Say No, Emotions in Motion). If you don't have these, you'll need to pick them up too because they've all been remastered. Rest assured, if you buy Signs of Life, you will NOT be disappointed."
A must have FINALLY available again!!
Chris Kaiser | The comfort of home | 01/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Billy Squier's career peaked with the release of SIGNS OF LIFE. Unfortunately, it was short lived with the release of the video for Rock Me Tonight. You can not deny, however, the brilliance of this music. I am extremely happy to see this one finally come out on CD as it is very expensive on sites that sell it used. I will be rockin' this CD for a long time."
Finally Signs Of Life Re-Released
Crystal Crawford | Phoenix,Az | 01/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must say I am thrilled that Billy Squier's " Signs Of Life " has been re-released and remastered.I have thought about purchasing this cd for years,but just could not bring myself to pay the high price used resellers wanted.This cd is not stop rock n' roll.The song that got all the hype on this cd was" Rock Me Tonight ",the song is awesome!!Track 6 "(Another )1984,is great,and also features Brian May from Queen.From start to finish the cd is well worth owning,and should not be passed over.The packaging is very nice,and the sound quality will blow you away.Also pick up Tale Of The Tape,and Emotions In Motion.I promise you will not be disappointed."
Great Billy Squier Album Finally Out On CD
The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 02/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"SIGNS OF LIFE is a great Billy Squier album which features a number of guests, including guitarist Brian May on the song "(Another) 1984)", as well as Jim Steinman's larger-than-life production. Unfortunately, previous issues of this album, which has been out of print for years, didn't come close to doing justice to Steinman's abilities as a producer, a situation corrected by the guys at American Beat Records through warm, crisp remastering. The inspirational/cautionary lyrics of "Reach For The Sky" come through crystal clear on this CD, which is a wonderful thing. The reissue producer's kids should be exempt from high-school community-service requirements as a reward for the great job their father has done bringing two of Billy Squier's much-maligned classics back to life."
Billy's bittersweet creative peak
Metal Pete | Florida | 02/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At last, this 80's gem is available on CD! It's one of his best, and some may argue his absolute best. For sure, it has no filler. I disagree with the editorial review, for every fan of Squier has always agreed that this album is great. It seems that Billy was only getting even better after "Don't Say No". Certainly, the three "must-have" CD's of his would be that one, 'Emotions in Motion', and this one, "Signs of Life". Unfortunately for Billy, video truly did 'kill the radio star', since his huge fan base was mostly young heterosexual males who were shocked with that one video release. It destroyed his credibility virtually overnight. Still, that song is actually excellent, as is this entire album. So come now, rock music fans, stop making Billy pay for his one mistake, and do yourself a favor. PIck up this awesome slab of 80's rock done right.