Enjoyable hits collection

Although not exhaustive nor complete by any means, this enjoyable compilation does include Idol's biggest chart hits and some quite timeless songs. Many of these tracks found a rhythmic niche between rock and dance, meaning they were indisputably rock songs but very popular in the clubs and the discos. These include White Wedding with its ominous undertones, Eyes Without A Face, the stomping remake of the 1960s bubblegum classic Mony Mony, Don't Need A Gun and Dancing With Myself, a track which dates from Idol's period with the punk pioneers Generation X.

There is something of Elvis Presley's style in the gorgeous passionate ballad To Be A Lover, almost like it was a tribute to the King. Sweet Sixteen is a gentle, lilting ballad with a beautiful tune. The Essential Billy Idol demonstrates his virtuosity as both a rocker and interpreter of moving ballads. Idol helped shape punk history in the 1970s with Generation X and returned the next decade as a versatile musician in his own right, with a distinctive style. This is a great introduction to his music.

Recycled

Made in EU in 2003, Serial# 07243-582221-2-8, Playing Time 43:49

This copy-controlled CD is simply the re-issue of 1998's "Billy Idol Songs - 11 Of The Best", with different artwork.

EMI had the opportunity when re-issuing this collection to restore the 5 "truncated" songs ("White Wedding Part 1", "Eyes Without A Face", "Mony Mony", "Flesh For Fantasy" and "Don't Need A Gun") to their original full-length versions... they did NOT !!!

ONLY for the completist... and try to find "11 of the best" instead; the packaging is better, and you can play it effortlessly on your PC as well!