Billy Idol - Greatest Hits

Billy Idol

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 27, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000059QYB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,948 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 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)

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 17 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)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT LITTLE CD TO DANCE WITH YOURSELF., November 13, 2006

By	Kory Hildebrand - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

You will really enjoy this CD. It has good tunes and great sound quality. I had never purchased a Billy Idol album/CD before, and watching the TV show "Rock Star" with its several Billy Idol selections done by the competitors made me realize how good Billy had been (where did he go?)and how many catchy dance tunes he gave us (thanks Billy). This old gal was dancing with herself in the kitchen and enjoying every minute of it. Enjoy.