Artist: Billy Idol Album: Charmed Life

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

Billy Idol's Charmed Life: A of the Album

Billy Idol has always been something of a punk rock anomaly. He's the ultimate '80s rocker who somehow managed to bridge the gap between punk and new wave, all while becoming a pop superstar in his own right. Idol's fourth studio album, Charmed Life, released in 1990, is considered by many to be one of his best. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the album and its significance in the history of rock music.
To understand Charmed Life, we must first understand Billy Idol's backstory. William Michael Albert Broad, aka Billy Idol, was born in 1955 in Middlesex, England. He was a part of the early '70s London punk scene as a member of the band, Generation X. Billy Idol later went on to embark on a successful solo career, and Charmed Life was one of the highlights of that career. The album was written after the birth of his son, Willem, and it's evident throughout the album that Billy had found a sense of contentment and happiness.
Musically, Charmed Life is best described as a blend of punk rock, new wave, and pop sensibilities. Songs like Cradle of Love and L.A. Woman were hits at the time, and they still hold up today. However, the album's best songs are the deep cuts like The Loveless and Pumping on Steel, which showcase Billy's ability to craft a catchy hook while still being true to his punk rock roots. The music is fast, loud, and energetic, but there's also a subtle nuance to the songwriting that sets Charmed Life apart from other '80s rock albums.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is Billy's use of sampling and electronic instruments in songs like Prodigal Blues and Endless Sleep. These songs marked a departure from his earlier, more guitar-heavy sound, and they show that Billy was willing to take risks and experiment with his music. It's this experimentation that makes Charmed Life so exciting to listen to - you never know what direction the album is going to take next.
While Charmed Life is an excellent album, it's not without its faults. The last two tracks, The Right Way and License to Thrill, feel tacked on and don't quite capture the energy of the rest of the album. Additionally, some of the songs like Trouble with the Sweet Stuff and Pumping on Steel can be seen as a bit too predictable - though they are still enjoyable.
Charmed Life is an essential album for any rock music fan. It captures the raw energy of punk rock while still being accessible to a mass audience. The album is a testament to Billy Idol's longevity as an artist and his willingness to take risks with his music. While not perfect, it's a worthy addition to any music lover's collection and a definite highlight of Billy Idol's career. If you haven't had the chance to listen to Charmed Life yet, do yourself a favor and give it a spin!