Review BILLY IDOL ‘The Roadside EP’ – EP

Punk rock veteran Billy Idol used the last months to work on new songs for an EP called ‘The Roadside EP’. The iconic singer that started as a frontman of Generation X more than four decades ago recorded four songs, forming the tracklist of the first new release in seven years.

The first song from this EP, that has seen the light of day, is ‘Bitter Sweet’. The tune is a very personal one with lyrics addressing the motorcycle accident the singer had a few years ago. It was a milestone moment in Idol’s life that is reflected in this tune. It’s a great piece of music too with a lot of feel and soul weaved into each note. For me, this song is the highlight on this 12”.

The start of ‘The Roadside EP’ is a vital one. With ‘Rita Hayworth’ the release has a powerful rock anthem in pole position. Groove, melodies and great chorus is what characterizes the opener, a good mood anthem a la Billy Idol.

A trip back to the late 80s is what ‘U Don’t Have to Kiss Me Like That’ invites to The songs takes a few spins before unfolding its beauty. The weakest and must twisted track finishes off the EP. ‘Baby Put Your Clothes Back On’ is an average rock song and not more. Compared with the other three tracks, the ending of these release is a nice one, can’t compete with the other songs and is miles away from the genius ‘Bitter Taste’.

To sum up. ‘The Roadside EP’ is first new Billy Idol release in nearly seven years and four songs isn’t a lot of new stuff. However, there is a stellar tune one on this release, called ‘Bitter Sweet’. Two songs are entertaining and come with a solid punch while ¼ of this release is soulless and faceless. Fortunately, there are especially the first two tracks that make the weak spot nearly forgotten.