Billy Idol — Devil’s Playground

Devil’s Playground

Sanctuary/EMI

David McPherson (CHARTattack)

03/22/2005 12:14pm

Britain’s elder punk statesman returns to the studio for the first time in a decade. Once possessing a powerful rebel yell and some melodic chops, this aging punk rocker offers up a bland collection of songs that end up showing why he should have stayed in rock retirement. The lyrics are cliched and the shout that was once rebellious is now rather hoarse. His best attempt at recreating his former cry is the aptly-titled "Scream," which echoes "Rebel Yell," but unfortunately, this rehash is as good as it gets. The only thing Idol hasn’t lost is his trademark scowl and ripped chest muscles.

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