The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself (CD/DVD) [DELUXE EDITION]

Deluxe CD/DVD Edition contains 16 classic Billy Idol tracks plus 2 brand new tracks: John Wayne and New Future Weapon. The DVD includes all 13 classic Idol videos never commercially available before: White Wedding, Rebel Yell, Cradle of Love (Billy only version), Hot In The City (uncensored) and L.A. Woman and more.

The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself (CD/DVD) [DELUXE EDITION] Review

Given Billy Idol’s "Greatest Hits" (2001) came out a mere seven years ago, it seems kind of odd that a second compilation album is out now with "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself" (2008). After all, since the last greatest hits, Billy’s only released one more album, the underappreciated, hard rocking "Devil’s "Playground," (2005) so what’s the point?
Necessary or not, "Idolize Yourself" is still a strong compilation that’s probably a cut above the first "Greatest Hits."
18 tracks total, "Idolize Yourself" contains almost an identical track listing as "Greatest Hits," except that "Rebel Yell (acoustic)" and a cover of the Simple Minds "(Don’t You) Forget about me" are left off, and replaced with "Speed" from the soundtrack of the same name (1994), "World Comin’ Down" from "Devils Playground" as well as two new songs "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon." While the Simple Minds cover is missed, the loss of "Rebel Yell (acoustic)" isn’t that big a deal.
Much like "Greatest Hits," "Idolize Yourself" does a pretty good job at selecting the hits and best tracks from Idol’s first three albums "Billy Idol," (1982) "Rebel Yell" (1983) and "Whiplash Smile," (1986) although a more dedicated listener will probably want to get all three of those albums as they are all worth owning and contain many gems that aren’t as well known. I do have to say, however, that I am displeased that the radio edit of "Don’t Need a Gun" is included here instead of the album version (from "Whiplash Smile"). While it’s only about a minute or so shorter and may not seem like a big deal–it is. The radio edit really misses something, as Stevens awesome solo is cut short.
I also have a bone to pick with the selections from some of the later day albums. While you have to include "Cradle of Love," from "Charmed Life," (1990) "Idolize Yourself" would have been better served if it had left off the cover of the Doors "LA Woman," as it is just plain terrible. Yes, it was a hit, but a hit to forget. "The Loveless" or "Prodigal Blues" are far stronger and would have made better choices.
"Idolize Yourself" also could have done without "Shock to the System." That song as well as all of "Cyberpunk" (1993) just plain sucks. Hey if Van Halen didn’t acknowledge "3," on their best of anthology, Mr. Idol can do the same for his one misguided venture.
It’s also a shame that only one track from "Devil’s Playground" is included as that album is pretty killer. On the plus side, however, is the inclusion of the excellent "Speed," which has been hard to come by.
The two new songs, the moody new-wave-ish "John Wayne" and the hard rocking "New Future Weapons" are pretty solid and should please most Idol enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while some tracks could have been left off and others included, "Idolize Yourself" is still an excellent compilation that should fit the needs of most casual fans.

The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself (CD/DVD) [DELUXE EDITION] For Sale

Billy Idol – Greatest Hits

Billy Idol’s secret is one that he shares with, of all people, Trent Reznor–the ability to take a pop base and disguise it with layers of other genres, most notably hard rock. His adaptability is on display throughout this 16-song career retrospective. It’s amazing just how well the former Generation X frontman’s songs have aged. Songs such as the disco-punk hit "Dancing with Myself," "White Wedding," and "Cradle of Love" are as appealing as ever, as is even "Shock to the System," just about the only listenable thing from 1993’s Cyberpunk, an object lesson on the inadvisability of jumping blindly on a bandwagon. Fleshing out this best-of is a newly recorded cover of Simple Minds’ "Don’t You (Forget About Me)," as well as a live, acoustic version of "Rebel Yell," and a few other choice rarities. –Genevieve Williams

Billy Idol – Greatest Hits Review

All of Billy Idol’s best are represented here from his first EP, Don’t Stop, to his last album, Cyberpunk. This collection also contains an acoustic version of Rebel Yell recorded live in December 1993, with Steve Stevens on guitar, playing his heart out. It sounds as if not a day had passed since the original studio recording. Also included is Billy’s version of Simple Minds’ 80’s Anthem "Don’t You Forget About Me" from the move "The Breakfast Club". Again Stevens helms the guitar & the version is very faithful to the original while still distinctly "Idol". The song was written by Keith Forsey, Idol’s long-time producer & was originally offered to Billy but was not recorded back in 1984/85, for reasons unknown.

All of the Billy Idol’s songs have been "24 Bid Digitally Remastered" and sound fabulous. Kudos to Capitol Records for giving this Artist the treatment he deservs. Idol helped define the 80’s MTV Generation & is still a powerful force in the industry as his version of "Don’t You" will attest. An album of all new material is expected by year’s end & if the last track on this album is any indication we have alot to look forward to……This is an essential purchase for any Idol fan/80’s Music fan-

Although a 1988 Import, "Idol Songs", has been easy to find since its release, this is Billy Idol’s first US compilation. All the big hits are here, although the version of "Mony Mony" is NOT the live version that went to #1 (Idol’s only #1 single) in 1987 but the studio version from Don’t Stop that received just as much airplay as the live version. The live version is on "Idol Songs" as well as a various artists compilation called Rockin 80’s Vol. 2 on Madacy. Tacked on to this compilation are a great acoustic version of "Rebel Yell" and a not-quite-as good version of the Simple Minds #1 "Don’t You Forget About Me", which was orginally written for Idol. The sound on this CD is superb and they’ve included up-to-date liner notes, as well. A must for Billy Idol newbies and for die-hards who want to have a career spanning compilation.

Billy Idol – Greatest Hits For Sale