KINGS AND QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND:
Musically itself remains William Michael Albert Broad, as his real name, loyal on his seventh studio album. Here, the disk is different in a point but from the albums of his early phase: it acts more relaxed and, in some ways: Ripe! The quiet pieces predominate, yet, or perhaps because, it is fun, this "late work" to listen. Of course, the idol of the wheel the music can not reinvent and will. No, in some of the songs he cited in some way themselves, but can look self-critically at his wild times back. At the same time, so remember some song structures (Postcards From The Past) to the sellers (Rebel Yell) of bygone days. The quieter pieces seem to offer a large attack surface on the other hand. The critics may consider this as unimaginative or even hit, but I can not really understand. Wanting to do without direct comparisons: "Sweet Sixteen" from the album Whiplash Smile (1986), was now not just a Rocksau ;-)
Admittedly, on the soft tones Billy Idol in the present seems to put much more emphasis than in the past, but it would not be a bit embarrassing if he would constantly give the drying youngster? Although many fans of arrangements in songs like may be "Ghosts In My Guitar" quenched: songs like "Nothing To Fear" or "Love And Glory" sound audible matured. In the context of this are rockers like "Can not Break Me Down" or the ugly conclusion with "Whiskey And Pills".
CONCLUSION:
Could accuse you Mr. Idol on his current work at most the sound recycling of old songs, because some pieces but very reminiscent of the big hits - especially through the (brilliant) guitar work of Steve Stevens! Overall, the album makes but a very positive impression. It convinced me especially by the relaxed mood, which is represented by the ballads, while the groovy rock songs evoke nostalgia of the past, those who still has a place in the here and now. No, KINGS AND QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND invents the wheel the music certainly not new, and like so many fans put to a severe test, but me makes listening fun and I give the plate for this reason four star ;-)
