Billy Idol - Greatest Hits

Billy Idol | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000059QYB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,282 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #15 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > New Wave
  • #46 in Music > Pop > Dance Pop > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Billy Idol's secret is one that he shares with, of all people, Trent Reznor--the ability to take a pop base and disguise it with layers of other genres, most notably hard rock. His adaptability is on display throughout this 16-song career retrospective. It's amazing just how well the former Generation X frontman's songs have aged. Songs such as the disco-punk hit "Dancing with Myself," "White Wedding," and "Cradle of Love" are as appealing as ever, as is even "Shock to the System," just about the only listenable thing from 1993's Cyberpunk, an object lesson on the inadvisability of jumping blindly on a bandwagon. Fleshing out this best-of is a newly recorded cover of Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)," as well as a live, acoustic version of "Rebel Yell," and a few other choice rarities. --Genevieve Williams

Product Description

IDOL BILLY GREATEST HITS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vital Idol, March 28, 2001

By 

B. Baldwin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Billy Idol - Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

All of Idol's best are represented here from his first EP, Don't Stop, to his last album, Cyberpunk. This collection also contains an acoustic version of Rebel Yell recorded live in December 1993, with Steve Stevens on guitar, playing his heart out. It sounds as if not a day had passed since the original studio recording. Also included is Billy's version of Simple Minds' 80's Anthem "Don't You Forget About Me" from the move "The Breakfast Club". Again Stevens helms the guitar & the version is very faithful to the original while still distinctly "Idol". The song was written by Keith Forsey, Idol's long-time producer & was originally offered to Billy but was not recorded back in 1984/85, for reasons unknown.

All of the songs have been "24 Bid Digitally Remastered" and sound fabulous. Kudos to Capitol Records for giving this Artist the treatment he deservs. Idol helped define the 80's MTV Generation & is still a powerful force in the industry as his version of "Don't You" will attest. An album of all new material is expected by year's end & if the last track on this album is any indication we have alot to look forward to......This is an essential purchase for any Idol fan/80's Music fan-

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First US Compilation, March 29, 2001

By 

T. C Lane (Marina, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Billy Idol - Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

Although a 1988 Import, "Idol Songs", has been easy to find since its release, this is Billy Idol's first US compilation. All the big hits are here, although the version of "Mony Mony" is NOT the live version that went to #1 (Idol's only #1 single) in 1987 but the studio version from Don't Stop that received just as much airplay as the live version. The live version is on "Idol Songs" as well as a various artists compilation called Rockin 80's Vol. 2 on Madacy. Tacked on to this compilation are a great acoustic version of "Rebel Yell" and a not-quite-as good version of the Simple Minds #1 "Don't You Forget About Me", which was orginally written for Idol. The sound on this CD is superb and they've included up-to-date liner notes, as well. A must for Billy Idol newbies and for die-hards who want to have a career spanning compilation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This collection is long overdue!, December 30, 2001

By 

Brad (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Billy Idol - Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

Billy Idol was one of those artists that I always enjoyed listening to but never got around to purchasing any of his albums. I remember back towards the mid-'90s wondering why this guy didn't put out a greatest hits album. Indeed, with no new albums since, he has finally done so. And without a doubt, this collection is just right.

The track order is chronological. The version of "Mony Mony" included is the studio one that did not actually chart (the live version that went to # 1 is not included--but the version here got as much if not more airplay anyway). Songs like "Hot In The City" and my personal favorite "Eyes Without A Face" sound better than ever on this remastered CD. "To Be A Lover" and "Cradle Of Love" still rock. Including "Shock To The System" was an assurance that Billy covered his entire career on this collection. The closing remake track "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is excellent as well.

Billy Idol is a one of a kind artist with a wide variety of well-known songs. This collection will remind anyone what an influential artist he was. He became popular while remaining true to himself musically. The quality of these songs speaks for itself.