Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
King Rocker is back and his ninth studio album sees his most personal work yet. Told in chronological order, ‘Dream Into It’ is a reflection on his life so far and musically pushes into some different areas, each song having its own distinctive feel as a separate chapter of his story.
It’s been a long and varied journey from his beginnings as William Broad in Stanmore to the world conquering peroxide blonde icon and the road hasn’t always been a smooth one but in his confessional style this is a warts and all journal.
Certainly, there’s some of the swagger here that he’s built a career on but most of the album is a patchwork of moods and styles, the dreamy synth-pop of the title track opening things in disarming style.
This is a more mature Idol, the wistful ponderings on his life’s hopes revealing the ambitions he had, those plans becoming more than fulfilled over the following years.
Whilst the passion is still there, it’s a fascinating peek behind the curtain of the man before the myth who subsequently went on to fully embrace the whole sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll ethos.
With longtime collaborator Steve Stevens on guitar and writing by his side, the duo are joined by Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction on bass and Foo Fighter’s skinsman Josh Freese as the core of the record. Additionally, Avril Lavigne guests on the bouncy ’77’, The Kills Alison Mosshart adds her distinctive tones to the laid back Americana feel of ‘John Wayne’ and shimmering duet ‘Wildside’ sees Joan Jett bringing her own vocal magic to the mix.
For those expecting an album full of explosive rockers ‘Dream Into It’ may prove to be something that throws the listener totally off guard but for anyone prepared to stick with the journey the rewards are great both musically and emotionally.
The thrilling Glam Punk of ‘Too Much Fun’ and a bristling ‘People I Love’ are stinging and raw in their honesty, all ego put aside as Idol shines unflinching light on past behaviours, the cathartic release palpable.
It’s certainly a moving and unexpected album but happily one that ends on a triumphant note with ‘I’m Still Dancing’ that shows that the artist may have made mistakes in the past but he’s here to right wrongs and is in defiant mood, ready to take on the world once again.
He may be hitting 70 this year but that punk spirit still burns within him and what’s more punk rock than shattering the superstar image to reveal the man inside. Arguably his most important release yet, ‘Dream Into It’ is a bold, brave and vital album that speaks volumes.
The new album ‘Dream Into It’ out NOW Buy here: https://billyidolstore.com
Stream here: https://BillyIdol.lnk.to/DreamIntoItID
See Billy Idol tour dates here: https://billyidol.net/tour/
