Billy Idol Self Titled Album Songs Ranked

Billy Idol is the self-titled debut studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 16 July 1982 by Chrysalis Records. After the breakup of the band Generation X and the release of his first solo extended play, Don’t Stop (1981), Idol began working on his debut album. Produced by Keith Forsey, Billy Idol is a rock album with strong influences of new wave music. Three singles were released from the album: “Dancing with Myself” was already released in 1981 as Idol’s debut single. The lead single, “Hot in the City”, peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard 100. “White Wedding” was released as the album’s second single. After it peaked at number three on the Mainstream Rock chart in 1983, the album was reissued with an addition of the earlier single “Dancing with Myself”. The song “White Wedding (Part 1)” is so-named due to the less-heard “White Wedding (Part 2)”, which is a more synthesizer-based continuation of the first part. It can be heard on the 12-inch version of the single and the compilation Vital Idol (1985). Here are all of Billy Idol Self Titled Album songs ranked.

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10. Congo Man

“Billy Idol is full of bombastic songs that are both rocking and danceable. Atop loud drumming, rumbling bass lines and most importantly the prominent and sharp guitar heroics of Steve Stevens, Idol coos, howls and seduces his way to a winning formula.”

9. Nobody’s Business

“This is one of his best solo albums in my opinion, and it’s still full of youthful energy which Billy just excels at, not to mention it’s a damn lot of fun. Besides Billy Idol rocks, you know it, I know it…end of story!”

8. It’s So Cruel

“Songs like It’s So Cruel at points hint at a New Wave take on yacht rock, but with just enough of an edge of cruelty to suggest that there was a dangerous sincerity lurking just under the surface of the album’s pristine pop production. Write Idol off if you like, but this debut album reveals that there’s more to him than mere pop hooks.”

See more: Billy Idol Albums Ranked

7. Dead on Arrival

“Of the rockers, and by rockers I mean “excuses for Billy Idol to be Billy Idol,” there’s “Dead On Arrival,” which is good ol’ radio-ready 80s rock, even if it’s not one of Billy’s better vocals.”

6. Shooting Stars

“As successful as Billy Idol was, it proved to be a mere precursor to the following year’s smash Rebel Yell, which guaranteed Billy Idol would remain an icon of the 80s. Nonetheless, the rocking thrills of this debut solo offering still sound good all these years later.”

5. Hot in the City

” I guess “Hot in the City” is an alright track but, for all its catchiness, it’s still probably the most trashy and least enjoyable (and not trashy in a Gen X way either).”

See more: Billy Idol Songs Ranked

4. Hole in the Wall

“In his own way, Billy Idol is one of the defining artists of the 1980s, in the way many remember that decade. His music exists almost entirely on the surface, and while he may touch on some serious topics, it all takes a back seat to the star power, which in this case means some of the most recognizable bravado and swagger in rock history.”

3. White Wedding

“Still, we all know “White Wedding” and it’s a fair bet it’s the reason you even listened to this in the first place. Actually – it’s not too different from the other songs, it’s just the best performed and written one. The choruses are what sells it – the first one is more brooding and cold, but by the last one it’s much more menacing and fast-paced.”

2. Love Calling

“Idol’s first full length album is a near classic. His new wave punk rock attack mixed with a classic rock vibe make for one of his best and most consistent albums for sure. Not everything hits the proper chord but, it nearly does.”

1. Come On, Come On

“Well, upon hearing “Come On, Come On” I was thinking “this is OK, yeah, I’m sure the album will pick up a bit from hereon in, just a bad opener”. It was quite frantic and fun but, besides that, not really worth much thought. Then it ends up being one of the best songs on the album, due to the rest being a lot slower, a lot more generic and non-consequential in the long run.”