King Billy: old, wise and somewhat quiet. Also quiet in top shape!

Billy Idol is and remains one of the best. Although "Kings & Queens" again sounds completely different from the ingenious and surprisingly hard rocking predecessor "Devil's Playground". On the new album is very clear his pop side in the foreground - in my view, no problem, even though I usually prefer more hard rock. After all the songs, instrumentation and especially the unique voice make the difference in my eyes. And honestly was Billy Idol with his solo output never Punk, but always a crossover from a lot of pop, hard rock, punk light impact and electronic sounds. And I was able to make friends well with any Billy Idol Album me so far - even though, as in this case, sometimes took a little longer, and for me the absolute highlights "Devil's Playground" and that of many so-maligned "Cyberpunk" are.

But we come to the new songs:

1. Bitter Pill
Spherical rocker with floating-swinging rhythm and sharp memory 80s synths. Had also readily can be set to "Rebel Yell". Beautiful guitar work of Steve Stevens. Song with catchy quality (as almost everyone on the new CD). 7/10

2. Can not break me down
Was initially was not going to like, now also a catchy tune. Had good from the first solo CD can be. Pop-punk rockers for the charts. Class is the bridge after the second chorus, nice keyboard and guitar sounds, driving rhythm. Too bad that Steve Stevens so remains in the background, with a long guitar solo would have been possible for me more ... 8/10

3. Save me now
I was torn. Mostly I liked the song super but somehow reminded me the choirs in the chorus penetrant to the absolutely hated me Pet Shop Boys. Argh! Good thing Billy a little more aggressive in the chorus sings, so you can hear about it off over time. Definitely a sure hit candidate would be "Save me now" in the 80s became -and with me the song has now also totally ignited. Hammer catchy !. 9/10

4. One Breath Away
For me, the first clear highlight of this CD. Class, a quiet song that would have fit of the sounds in the verse quite well on Cyberpunk, reminds me a little of "Adam in chains". But in the middle of the song is harder, much like "Eyes Without a Face". And that part has a chorus to die for. Uniquely, Billy Idol in absolute top form. 10/10

5. Postcards from the Past
I think it is absolutely undeniable that anyone who really anyone who likes Billy Idol "Postcards" is love. This is the new "Rebel Yell". Class song, super text, great vocals, top notch guitar solo and a wild Billy Idol. Hammer, truly a new classic. 10/10

6. Kings & Queens Of The Underground
And Classic suspect it goes right. The title track is a quiet ballad with flute, folk feeling and beautiful melody. "Sweet Sixteen" is not far here. Very large ears cinema. 10/10

7. Eyes Wide Shut
And directly or a ballad. Even at its best. Great song and great acoustic guitar masters of Stevens. Has also hit potential - unique, as the verse to the chorus increases down. Again 10/10

8. Ghosts in my guitar
Ok, the third ballad in a row. Maybe it is because I like the song just quite good. Nice, but is in my opinion in one ear and out the other again. Beautiful guitar sounds, pleasing melody. Does not interfere, but also can not stop. I could very well imagine to ner Ozzy CD to me. 7/10

9. Nothing to Fear
Again quiet but super atmospheric. Voice slightly distorted, again spherical, great guitar sounds. I could listen again and again, in the chorus class Keyboard. Great text. 10/10

10. Love and Glory
Soft-Rocker. Reminds me of U2, which is mainly due to the guitar. Classic Filler as Song # 8. Annoys me the chorus. 5/10

11. Whiskey and pills
Finally there again right on the Twelve. The bass directly from Motörhead imported class Speed ​​Rocker with nice guitar riff, angry vocals and Steve Stevens, who really puts the pedal solo. Nice! Had super fitted on "Devil's Playground". No wonder, was co-composed by Brian Tichy, who has co-written many pieces back then. Class Song: 9/10.

Also recommended is the available on iTunes bonus track "Hollywood Promises", a great mid-tempo rocker who had the normal album also been great to see. 8/10

All in all, was my first album a bit too quiet. First, I was strongly disappointed. BUT: the album is growing and there is just especially in the middle part truly sensational pieces and at the end still a good kick in the butt. Overall, therefore, (as always) super. Even with calmer waters Billy is simply for me a rock-heroes.
Now I look forward to Dusseldorf, had just for that evening flogged my Lenny Kravitz tickets in Oberhausen and Billy Idol bought tickets to me to carve ne "Postcard from the past" into the brain ...