Billy Idol: Billy Idol : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Billy Idol's music has gone through many alterations since his days with Generation X. Back then, it was punk rock with a pop flair. Then, on his solo EP, Don't Stop, it was boring dance rock. Now, on his first album as a solo artist, Idol has moved into mainstream power rock. The LP is full of energetic, straight-ahead rock & roll, and it looks like Idol may have finally found a comfortable niche.

Idol has a gritty, aggressive voice – suggesting a hybrid of Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed and Dave Clark. He's backed by a first-rate band of New York musicians who give his songs musical depth while keeping up a relentless pace. Admittedly, there's a disturbing familiarity about too many of the tunes here. Still, "Come On, Come On," "Hot in the City," "Love Calling" and "Shooting Stars" are powerful and catchy, and Billy Idol's combination of rock & roll energy and pop melodies makes this a very satisfying album.