Billy Idol
Devil's Playground
Billy Idol has returned with his first new studio album since 1993's Cyberpunk a little more suave, a little less electronic and with a sense of urgency. People will be shocked with this album. The return of guitarist Steve Stevens is always worth praising. Right during the opening you get a feisty "Super Overdrive" with the fitting opening line "In the devil's playground with an Idol mind." He isn't talking about American Idol folks. But more startling about the song is the notes Billy hits during the chorus. Either he's taken lessons, never had a song in a higher range or he really needed that time off but it sounds great. "World Comin' Down" is Idol letting his classic punk roots show. On "Lady Do Or Die," Idol channels Johnny Cash in a song that could easily have been done by the late artist. Idol rocks through some serious territory in "Body Snatcher" and "Evil Eye" while finding time to rework Eddie Marrs' "Plastic Jesus." My favorite songs in this set are the sensuous "Rat Race," the blistering first single "Scream" and the beautiful pseudo-ballad "Summer Running." Devil's Playground isn't Billy Idol trying to reinvent himself. He has finally shown the versatility he's always been capable of with tracks running the gamut from punk, alternative rock, country to pop while making them his own. Yes, Billy Idol has returned but he is taking prisoners this time.