There’s nothing like Billy Idol’s vocals on Rebel Yell‘s title track. It’s what got me into Idol in the first place. It’s a perfect new wave punk song. Idol’s manic and uncontrolled primal energy, the undeniably hooky guitar lead line, how the overdriven guitars punch through in the chorus, the absolute shredfest of a solo. “Rebel Yell” has everything great about 80’s new wave and more. I can’t get enough of it.
After such a high point to kick off the album it would be easy for the rest to fall a little flat, but Idol manages to churn out some quality songs during the remainder of the album, even if none reach the star power of “Rebel Yell” (which if we’re being honest would be a herculean task). The moody march of “Eyes Without A Face” is peak 80’s new wave glory, and “Flesh For Fantasy” turns things back up a notch in a hedonistic call to action (pun intended).
Standout Songs: “Rebel Yell”, “Eyes Without A Face”, “Flesh For Fantasy”
