BILLY IDOL
"REBEL YELL"
1983
REBEL YELL - The title track is a rip roaring fast tempo rocker, full of Rock guitar riffs
and a stomping keybaord theme throughout, complete with Billy's snarling
Elvis throaty vocal. Add to that a memorable chorus its just a great
song!
DAYTIME DRAMA - A mid tempo Pop Rock track, Billy's vocals are toned down more than
normal, almost crooner like. The musical backing is reminiscent of the
early 80s bands, such as The Police, The Cars etc. Really nice song
though proving that Billy wasn't just a brash, snarling rocker, he could
pull it back a bit and sing a nice ballad.
EYES WITHOUT A FACE - Billy's first big hit, reaching number 18 here in the UK. The slower
tempo ballad-like song had a lovely melody which disguised the dark tone
of the lyrics.
BLUE HIGHWAY - Back to the Billy we know and love, best to play loud! A rousing Blues
Rock song. Just for reference check out the live version on the later
Expanded edition of "Rebel Yell", it is awesome. This is pure Rock N'
Roll, man.
FLESH FOR FANTASY - A very experimental song. All the Rock elements were there but with
some enhanced atmospheric electronic sounds, still a classy record ahead
of its time in 1983.
CATCH MY FALL - It was a medium paced rocker with some saxophone and although a great
song, the remixed version on the album "Vital Idol" was much more
punchier.
CRANK CALL - Almost classic 80s Pop Rock, akin to the likes of early Bon Jovi and Def
Leppard. Guitar riffs and solos, throbbing drums and Billy's soft
vocals building to a crescendo of pure Rock for the chorus. Another gem
for the album.
(DO NOT) STAND IN THE SHADOWS - A weird one but it works. Starts off almost sweetly then pounds into a
Punk rocker going back to Billy's Generation X days. The relentless
beat with its sing-a-long chanted chorus is a class throwback to the
late 70s and early 80s.
THE DEAD NEXT DOOR - This is a very eerie, sobering end to the album. It is beautifully sung and
is a very poignant, mysterious and emotive song. It is just like Billy
to experiment with all genres and styles as he has always done.
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