Billy Idol by Billy Idol
Billy Idol is the full-length solo debut by Billy Idol (following his solo EP Don't Stop in 1981). Preceded in June 1982 by the hit-single "Hot in the City", the album was released in July 1982. After the next single from the album, "White Wedding", entered the Top 40 a year later, Billy Idol was reissued with the addition of the earlier single "Dancing with Myself". "Hot in the City" was a bigger hit when re-released in the UK in 1988, peaking at #13 on the UK singles chart. The song "White Wedding" (Part 1) is so-named due to the less-heard "White Wedding (Part 2)", (which is a more synthesizer-based continuation of the first part) that can be heard on the 12-inch version of the "White Wedding" single and the "Vital Idol" compilation. The LP peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by RIAA in 1983.
Billy Idol’s platinum shock-top and patented sneer are among New Wave’s most iconic artifacts, as are his many unforgettable anthems. The snarling “Rebel Yell” is a perfect package of hard rock, unstoppable hooks and that inimitable, feral yowl, while the buzz-saw guitars of “Dancing with Myself” burst with the quick-step energy that introduced pogoing to the MTV generation. He even shows off his soulful side on “Flesh for Fantasy” and “Mony Mony”, balancing polished keyboards with touches of funk and gospel.
