It’s been a while since we’ve received new music from the punk rock legend, Billy Idol, but we were finally gifted with his new four song EP, “The Roadside”. So, let's dive right into each of the songs!
Rita Hayworth:
The EP could not start off any stronger than with “Rita Hayworth”. We are instantly given this anthem-like song chanting, “You look like Rita Hayworth!”. With Rita Hayworth being a predominant female figure of the 40’s, Billy uses this song to address sexual harassment and abuse against women. It’s brought up throughout the song but really stands out in the lines, “In this scene of wannabes and abusers”, “You get a, ‘Come on,’ from some nothing producer”, and “You know it’s time to leave this place”. Great song with a powerful message.
Bitter Taste:
“Bitter Taste” is a very self reflective song, which he describes is about a motorcycle accident he was in many years ago. Billy describes that accident as kind of a wake up call for him and as the listener, you pick up on that by the way he’s singing and reflecting about his near death experience. This is also overall just a beautiful song and it’s awesome hearing him open up about something that took him over thirty years to come to terms with.
U Don’t Have to Kiss Me Like That:
This one is probably my favorite song from the EP. “U Don’t Have to Kiss Me Like That” has a very “80’s pop” feel to it, but of course has that classic, Billy Idol edge. It also just has this groove to it that immediately makes you want to sing along and dance. My favorite part of the song is at the very last chorus, Billy’s voice completely changes and he’s just shouting all of the lyrics. It really took the song to the next level.
Baby Put Your Clothes Back On:
The EP ends with a beautiful, ballad type song, “Baby Put Your Clothes Back On”. What I got from the song is that it’s about making the choice to say goodbye to someone because you like them so much that you don’t want to hurt them since you know in the end that you will. I absolutely love the chorus of this song. For some reason it just feels very tropical to me and it’s something I would listen to on a beach somewhere exotic.
As much as I love the 80’s Billy Idol, I really am enjoying his modern day music. Especially with these new songs, I feel like we are seeing a whole new side of Billy that he’s never shown us before. He’s always been this real tough punk rocker but as he’s reached these later years in his life, and with becoming a recent grandfather, I feel like we are seeing a much more vulnerable side of him that’s really shining through his songwriting and music. Being a punk rocker will always be his legacy but it’s nice not only seeing this different side of him, but also hearing it through his new music.