Billy Idol (Kiss Me Deadly)

The Album

Billy Idol (Kiss Me Deadly) is the third and final studio album by the English punk rock band Generation X, released in 1981. The album captures the transitional phase of the band as they moved towards a more polished, new wave sound while still maintaining their punk roots. This era was also notable as the period when Billy Idol began to step into his role as a solo artist.

Background and Production

After the dissolution of Generation X in 1980 due to internal conflicts and the commercial failure of their second album “Valley of the Dolls,” Billy Idol and bassist Tony James decided to reform the band under the abbreviated name Gen X. They recruited new members, including former Clash drummer Terry Chimes and guitarist James Stevenson. However, Stevenson’s contributions were minimal as several guest guitarists, including Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols and John McGeoch of Siouxsie and the Banshees, were brought in to complete the album (Wikipedia) (2 Loud 2 Old Music).

“Kiss Me Deadly” was produced by Keith Forsey, who would later work extensively with Idol on his solo projects. The album was recorded at AIR Studios in London, and many of its tracks originated from previous recording sessions meant for the unreleased Generation X album “Sweet Revenge” (Wikipedia) (2 Loud 2 Old Music).

Musical Style and Themes

The album features a mix of punk rock and new wave, showcasing the band’s evolving sound. Lyrically, the songs address themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and self-reflection. Tracks like “Dancing with Myself,” which later became one of Idol’s most iconic solo hits, embody a sense of youthful defiance and self-reliance. Other tracks delve into personal and social issues, reflecting the band’s punk ethos while experimenting with more mainstream sounds.

The album’s 2005 reissue included bonus tracks such as “Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Dubble,” “Loopy Dub,” “Ugly Dub,” and live versions of “From the Heart” and “Andy Warhol” (Wikipedia).

Reception and Legacy

While “Kiss Me Deadly” did not achieve significant commercial success, it has been retrospectively praised for its energetic and innovative approach, blending punk’s rawness with new wave’s more refined elements. The album’s standout track, “Dancing with Myself,” became a hit when re-released by Billy Idol as a solo artist, cementing its place in the annals of rock history (AllMusic) (2 Loud 2 Old Music).

The album is also noted for its impactful cover art, photographed by Brian Aris, which visually encapsulates the band’s aesthetic during this transitional phase (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

“Kiss Me Deadly” marks a pivotal moment for Generation X and Billy Idol, encapsulating the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Despite the band’s struggles and eventual dissolution, the album’s innovative sound and enduring tracks have left a lasting legacy in punk and new wave music.

Track Listing

“Dancing with Myself” – 3:45
“Untouchables” – 3:37
“Happy People” – 4:28
“Heavens Inside” – 2:56
“Triumph” – 3:24
“Revenge” – 4:19
“Stars Look Down” – 4:39
“What Do You Want” – 4:04
“Poison” – 2:59
“Oh Mother” – 3:33

Dancing With Myself

YouTube

Lyrics

On the floors of Tokyo, or down in London town to go-go
With the record selection and the mirror’s reflection
I’m a-dancing with myself

When there’s no one else in sight
In the crowded lonely night
Well, I wait so long for my love vibration
And I’m dancing with myself

Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there’s nothing to lose and there’s nothing to prove
When I’m dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh

If I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let’s sink another drink cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had the chance I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself

Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there’s nothing to lose
So there’s nothing to prove
When I’m dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh, oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh

Well, if I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let’s sink another drink, cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had the chance I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself

Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance I’d ask the world to dance

Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh

Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)

Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh

Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)

Well, if I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself

Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh

Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)

Reference

Kiss Me Deadly (album) – Wikipedia