Artist: Billy Idol
Title: Devil’s Playground
Genre: Rock
Label: Sanctuary Records
Website
Release Date: March 22, 2005
Billy bad ass is baaack! Yes, Billy Idol has recorded a new album, the first studio recording since Cyberpunk (1993). The patented whiplash smile is here with a killer new album called Devil’s Playground.
Old friend Steve Stevens is back with his guitar meltdowns and one of the best keyboard players in the world joins the band for this recording as well, Derek Sherinian.
This is a solid album from top to bottom. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to hear just how good this album was. After such a long layoff, I started listening with an apprehensive ear. Well, Idol put those feelings to bed real quick with a real rocker to start things of titled “Super Overdrive.” It oozes with that Idol energy; you feel the sneer in his voice as Stevens takes you to air guitar nirvana. The lyrics on this album are very naughty, typical Idol; after all, it is the devil’s playground.
Some of the cuts are out of character for Idol and have a tasteful pop feel to them such as “Sherri” and “Summer Running.” The common denominator however is the maturity and development of Idol’s voice, this man has a tremendous set of pipes. He is extremely flexible, he can still “Scream” with the best of them but he can also turn on the charm and sound like he was doing a Neil Diamond song, check out “Cherie,” it is quite a transition and it suits him well. He even gives country a whirl on “Lady Do Or Die,” which is good but not the kind of style I could take for an entire album. Billy is best when he is jumping around screaming and rockin’ his arse off, no doubt. What worked for him back in 80s is still relevant now. “Scream” is the new single, it is the redheaded stepchild of “White Wedding” but it rocks much harder. “Evil Eye” was another one of my favorites, a real burn down the house number. The energy of the band and Idol is incredible straight on through this session.
Article comments
1 - Yana
Billy is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HURRAH!!!!!!!!!!
2 - Joel Caris
Awesome. Good to know the CD is solid. I saw him in concert about a year and a half ago and it was a magnificent show. I was very impressed. Looking forward to the new album.
3 - Travis
Can't wait!!!
4 - barbara
i can't wait for the new cd. i saw billy and steve in chicago 2003 (first time seeing them, but long time fan) and he was just amazing. i can't wait to see him again in my home state of florida in april. he is the best singer and such a great performer. he made us all feel like he was singing just for us. i hope he does alot more new music in the future as no one can compare to him. he is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 - cody
YES YES YES
i saw him in kc a yr or so back
im now 16, and hes really getting a buzz out of many people my age...i hope it ROCKS!
6 - Tristan
he's coming to play next month here in West Palm Beach at our gian outdoors SUNFEST 5 day music/art Festival--
along with NELLY ....!!!!!
7 - yuri
i just love billy idol, and i cant wait to see them here in Brazil. the new album devil´s playgraund is great, every song is great. this is one of the best album of him...since a long long time.
8 - Tristan
'Blair Witch' creator takes new project to Web ...................
www.strandvenice.com
http://witchery.myblogsite.com/blog/_archives/2005/3/12/426050.html
9 - Aaman
Tristan, I suggest you contribute these interesting bits in the open comments thread under Culture
10 - Chris Beaumont
Hey! My review will be up tomorrow. I liked it but had a different reaction to it than you did... :)