Idol is still dancing years later.

Recently, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee Billy Idol stepped back into the spotlight with his first album in 11 years: Dream Into It. He is also getting ready to tour with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. This intense, energetic, and nostalgic album explores Idol’s former bad boy reputation and his experience with sobriety in the last fifteen years. 

Idol starts strong with “Dream Into It,” a track that introduces listeners to bright spacey guitars, lyrics with a punch, and bright synths that bring the listener back to the ‘80s. It’s a great way to start off the album. “77” features Avril Lavigne, and while Lavigne doesn’t initially stand out on this track by herself, when added with Idol, the two create a good mix for an overall 2000s angst track. Next is “Too Much Fun,” a track that Idol uses to reminisce on his youth in a loud manner. While the track doesn’t stand out, it functions well with the rest of the album. “John Wayne,” featuring Alison Mosshart, is darker than the album’s beginning. The chorus is the highlight of this track, with its intense and dark sounds.

“Wildside” features Joan Jett. This track finally draws an emphasis on the bass guitar. The vocals of Jett and Idol complement each other well and work together alongside the less energetic nature of the track. Once again, bringing attention to the bass line, “People I Love” strips down the amount of instruments on this album, choosing to be more simplistic. However, Idol seems to be still leaning into his former bad boy rockstar self here. “Gimme the Weight” brings back that ’80s nostalgia. The track explores more of Idol’s youth with a more call-and-response chorus that will do well on tour, as the audience can participate. It is quite an uplifting and hopeful track. “I’m Your Hero” begins with a very choral-like beginning, using just vocals before sorrowful acoustic guitars come in. The track still manages to remain hopeful and emotional. The album concludes with “Still Dancing.” Driving drums and a loud, rhythmic guitar line kick off this track and bring back the energy from the start of the album to get listeners singing along, wrapping up the album nicely. 

Overall, Dream Into It is an impressive album from Idol. It packs quite the punch in just nine tracks, leaving listeners energized and ready to dance along with him. After 11 years of not releasing music, Idol manages to demand an ear, grabbing his listeners with a nostalgic-sounding album that will have older generations reminiscing and the younger generations enticed by the charm of classic rock and roll.