Released in 1990 from the album Charmed Life, "Cradle Of Love" continued Billy Idol's string of major hits into the new decade. While fitting under the Hard Rock umbrella popular at the time, the song features a distinct, driving rhythm heavily influenced by classic rock and roll and boogie styles, showcasing a slightly different feel from some of his earlier work.

"Cradle Of Love" soared to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, boosted significantly by its stylish, award-winning music video directed by David Fincher (cleverly shot around Idol's recovery from a motorcycle accident). Nominated for a Grammy, the song remains one of Billy Idol's most popular tracks, celebrated for its infectious energy and enduring rock and roll appeal even today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Cradle Of Love" uses the metaphor of being intensely rocked in a cradle to describe the overwhelming and consuming feeling of powerful love, lust, or infatuation. The lyrics speak of being completely swept away by passion ("Rock the cradle of love," "Love's coming over you," "It'll burn you up"), potentially losing rational control ("It takes a fool to learn the rules"), and surrendering to the irresistible force of attraction.

The explosive title track from Billy Idol's late 1983 sophomore album Rebel Yell, this song cemented his solo stardom worldwide (charting significantly in 1984). Co-written with guitarist Steve Stevens, "Rebel Yell" perfectly fused genres – layering Stevens' powerful Hard Rock riffs and blistering solos over driving New Wave synthesizer patterns, creating a dynamic and modern rock sound for the era.

Propelled by heavy MTV rotation of its visually striking music video, "Rebel Yell" became a massive international hit. Its iconic chorus ("With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more!") and blend of rock swagger with electronic textures made it unforgettable. A definitive 80s rock anthem, its relentless energy also makes it a perennial favorite workout song today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: While the title "Rebel Yell" was inspired by Idol seeing fellow musicians drinking Rebel Yell bourbon, the song's lyrics depict an intense, highly charged expression of sexual passion and desire. Lines like "She cried more, more, more," "Flesh for fantasy," and the overall driving energy suggest a powerful, perhaps demanding or overwhelming, physical encounter and the call for complete abandon and release within that moment of passion.

First recorded with his punk band Generation X in 1980, Billy Idol re-recorded "Dancing With Myself" for his solo debut single release starting in 1981 and included on his 1982 US EP/album. This defining solo version perfectly blends driving Power Pop guitar energy with the synthesizers and cool detachment of New Wave, capturing Idol's transition while retaining punk attitude within a polished rock sound influenced by Glam Rock aesthetics.

While not his biggest initial chart hit, "Dancing With Myself" became an enduring club favorite and MTV staple. Its energetic rhythm makes it a fantastic workout song. The lyrics, depicting solitary dancing amidst couples, are famously interpreted with a double entendre referencing self-pleasure. It remains one of Billy Idol’s most iconic tracks, embodying youthful energy and defiant independence today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: On the surface, "Dancing With Myself" describes observing couples on a dance floor ("Bodies close and bodies touching") while choosing or being left to dance alone, suggesting themes of alienation or self-sufficient independence. However, given the title and suggestive lyrics ("sweat, sweat, sweat," "touching myself"), it's widely interpreted, and acknowledged by Idol, as a clever double entendre for masturbation.

Released in 1982 as Billy Idol’s first solo hit in the US after his time with Generation X, "Hot In The City" established his unique musical direction. Featured on his self-titled debut, the track masterfully fuses a driving New Wave beat and atmospheric keyboards with underlying Rock energy and a swagger fitting the Glam Rock influenced aesthetics of the era.

Known for its atmospheric buildup, pulsing rhythm, and Idol's half-spoken, half-sung vocals (including the famous chanted city name in the chorus fade-out), "Hot In The City" created a unique sonic landscape. A solid chart success in 1982 and again with a popular remix later in the decade, the song remains a signature early solo track, perfectly capturing the steamy energy of urban summer nights.

SONG MEANING: "Hot In The City" paints a vivid picture of the intense, sometimes edgy, energy and anticipation found during a hot summer night in a bustling metropolis ("Don't you know it's hot in the city tonight?"). The lyrics evoke feelings of restlessness ("Stranger, don't you walk on by") and the potential for excitement or encounters amidst the simmering atmosphere of urban nightlife when temperatures soar.

Released as a single in 1984 from Billy Idol’s landmark Rebel Yell album (released late 1983), "Eyes Without a Face" revealed a different, more vulnerable side of the punk-influenced rocker. This atmospheric Synth-pop ballad, co-written with guitarist Steve Stevens, utilizes layered keyboards, a steady electronic beat, and Idol’s more subdued vocal delivery in the verses, epitomizing the sophisticated New Wave sound popular at the time.

The track’s unique and haunting sound is significantly enhanced by Perri Lister's memorable French backing vocals ("Les yeux sans visage"). Achieving top 5 success in the US, "Eyes Without a Face" proved Idol's crossover appeal beyond straightforward rock anthems. Its moody introspection and sophisticated production ensure its lasting legacy as one of the defining synth-pop ballads of the 1980s, still resonating today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Eyes Without a Face" delves into feelings of emotional distance, disillusionment, and possibly guilt or infidelity within a relationship ("It's easy to forget... / When you're out of touch, out of reach," "I've been living so long / With this sin"). The title, borrowed from a French horror film, suggests seeing only a facade or feeling a lack of genuine connection with the partner, painting a picture of love fading or becoming hollow.

Released in 1982 on Billy Idol’s debut solo album, "White Wedding (Part 1)" immediately showcased his unique style post-Generation X. Co-written with guitarist Steve Stevens, the song perfectly captures the New Wave sound with its atmospheric synthesizers and driving rhythm, while Stevens’ angular, powerful guitar work anchors it firmly in Post-punk influenced rock territory, creating a distinct sonic signature.

Though not initially a massive chart topper compared to later hits, "White Wedding" achieved iconic status thanks to its heavily rotated, visually striking music video on early MTV. Its instantly recognizable guitar riff and Idol's charismatic performance made it unforgettable. The song endures as a staple of 80s rock and new wave radio today, April 13, 2025, celebrated for its edgy sound.

SONG MEANING: "White Wedding" offers a darker, potentially cynical perspective on marriage, subverting the traditional purity associated with the title. Lines like "There is nothing pure in this world / Nothing safe in this world" and the somewhat forceful repetition of "It's a nice day to start again" suggest disillusionment, commentary on a possibly unwanted or forced union, or perhaps losing innocence. Billy Idol has mentioned it was partly inspired by his complex feelings surrounding his sister's wedding.