BFI (label)
20 October 2014 (released)
25 October 2014
A new album from Billy Idol? When you think of the other bands and artists of his era who are still around and making ‘comebacks’ it is pretty easy to suss out that there will be a market for him but I never expected and album this good or an artist who was still relevant today.
The first few tracks definitely hark back to the sound of the eighties with a big drum and ringing guitar riffs, Idol’s voice in fine fettle and a little less of the sneer and more tone.
‘Can’t Break Me Down’ has a massive swing to the sound, and a classic chorus – this may be his first album in 10 years but he sounds as though he has never been away.
‘Save Me Now’ bubbles with electro rhythms and ‘One Breath Away’ takes the eighties feel even further but the album tales off with ‘Postcards From The Past’ which cranks the atmosphere up and delivers the ‘More More More’ moments you would expect from Billy Idol.
The title track has touches of folk in an autobiographical tale of ’77 and onward for our hero – one of the best things he has written.
There isn’t a bad track here but there are moments when you feel his age. Overall it is a fine return for Idol.
