Album Review: Billy Idol - Dream Into It
Reviewed by Carl Black
Whether you like it or not, Billy Idol represents a part of British pop culture. If you were to put together a montage of photographs or video clips that represented British music it wouldn't be very long until Billy Idol's familiar bleached blonde hair, curling upper lip and his fingerless gloved hand , clenched in a fist, would appear.
It's been 40 years since Rebel Yell and almost 50 years since he first made his appearance with Generation X as a full-on punk rocker. It's with a great honour that I get to review his latest album, the first for 10 years, although he has had other projects on the go. He is once again joined by his sidekick, wingman and brother in arms Steve Stevens. Along with a smattering of guest appearance from Avril Lavigne and Joan Jett amongst others.
The album kicks off with the title track which should be called ease into it, because we get a calm, electronic dreamscape with introspective lyrics. It does grow into a pop punk ballad but the theme of introspection and reflection on his life as a theme runs throughout most of the tracks on here. Mr Idol takes on the role as storyteller about his life, his addictions, about his decisions and at least a couple of times, his run ins with teddy boys.
We do get the pop-punk signature which we all know and love Billy Idol for, just modernized for 2025. Songs like “77”, which has Avril Lavigne as a guest, “Too Much Fun” and rebel yell-esque album closer ”Still Dancing”. The latter track complete with yeah yeahs and woah woes.
The storytelling with a softer edge are in evidence on songs such as “John Wayne” with a slight country twang. and with Joan Jett on “Wild side”. Mr Idol's vocals in parts definitely pushing 10 but he is protecting his voice with quieter verses building to a crescendo much like in the song “Gimme The Weight”.
Peppered throughout the album is Steve Stevens brilliant guitar contributions. Mr Idol is lucky to have him. The solos on the “Wild side” are absolutely brilliant and so tastefully done.
This is a window into Billy Idol's life as it stands right now whether he's looking backwards, looking forward, he is still relevant to a whole generation of people. This album is worth a little peak into that window if nothing else. For many it's a valuable insight into a true iconic hero.
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