GLAM ROCK GOES GRUNGE: BILLY IDOL RELEASES SLOW-BURNING NEW RECORD ‘DREAM INTO IT’

ALBUM REVIEW | BILLY IDOL – DREAM INTO IT by Isobel O’Mahony

Billy Idol, master of multiple 80s classics like “Eyes Without a Face” and “Dancing With Myself”, is back gracing our ears with his first full album in 12 years. Following his last record Kings and Queens of the Underground in 2014, and EP The Roadside in 2021, Idol returns to release genre-bending new album Dream Into It.

This album is a jumpy slow-burner, with some tracks standing out from the slightly dimmer others. Title track “Dream Into It” felt like an odd beginning as a long mellow and, at times, droning tune but ultimately made sense coming into the rest of the record. The lyrics, as ever with Idol, were fun and thoughtful within the trademark of glam rock, and Steve Stevens’ guitar solos were crazy; two aspects that hold true for the remainder of the album. Later tune “Too Much Fun” was similar in its almost odd composition but both tracks are still fun and a bit grungy, a theme that weaves itself into the majority of the songs.

This album is at its best when grunge and punk are at the forefront of a track. With incredible features from Avril Lavigne, Alison Mossheart and ‘the godmother of punk’ herself Joan Jett, the heavier tunes would never fall flat. “77” featuring Lavigne is classic 2000s, taking you back to her standing in Times Square eyeliner and all feeling “Complicated”. The bassline is steady and booming, and another special note to another incredible guitar solo – arguably the best out of the featured artist’s tracks.

“Wildside”, with the legendary Joan Jett, was not the expected track from either artist. With a more prominent 2000s angst sound, this tune just didn’t reach my synthesized rock hopes (although I was expecting a lot from this crossover). “John Wayne”, featuring Alison Mossheart (The Kills, The Dead Weather) had really great production, and Idol clearly blends well with a feminine range. This tune was country inspired with mysterious distant tones and guitars: these two tracks leading us into the more successful half of the record.

“People I Love” and “Gimme the Weight” were the highlights of the album; dancey, feel good, and thought out. Final and contrasting tracks “I’m Your Hero” and “Still Dancing” leave the album on what feels like an unfinished note. “I’m Your Hero” has gospel like tones and is an interesting listen, but seems random in the context of the other content. “Still Dancing”, the focus track, follows the same line as the highlights, classic and rock with a great Idol ‘don’t care’ energy.

Ultimately, Dream Into It is an interesting record for Billy Idol. Unexpected genre flips and droning tones are saved by unbelievable guitar solos and later classic rock feel. This album needs, and deserves, your time to understand it; it’s a slow but steady burner with tracks that I’m sure will thrill audiences amongst the classics on Idol’s upcoming tour.

Dream Into It is OUT NOW via Dark Horse Records and you can buy/steam it HERE!

You can catch the legend himself at OVO Arena Wembley, London on June 24th with tickets available to buy now.