Album Review: Billy Idol – Dream Into It
2 min read
Billy Idol’s ninth studio album, Dream Into It, marks his return after more than a decade without a full-length release; fusing autobiography with modern rock production and drawing from Idol’s storied career while stepping cautiously into new sonic territory.
The title track, Dream Into It, opens the album with a polished blend of synth-rock and lyrical optimism, hinting at personal reinvention. It sets the tone for an album concerned with legacy, reflection, and defiance in the face of time. Idol’s voice – now rougher around the edges – adds authenticity to even the slickest production. His age isn’t hidden but used as a strength.
Several tracks stand out for their collaborative energy. 77, featuring Avril Lavigne, successfully bridges generational gaps with a punchy pop-punk flair. While the pairing is bold, the song doesn’t quite stick the landing, feeling slightly overproduced and uncertain of its audience. Conversely, Wildside, a gritty duet with Joan Jett, finds far better footing. Their shared rock pedigree makes it a natural fit—gritty, raw, and full of attitude.
Another highlight is John Wayne, which includes guest vocals from Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather). With a country-rock twist and storytelling lean, it’s one of the moments within the album that stretches beyond Idol’s comfort zone. Tracks like Too Much Fun and People I Love revisit the hedonism and emotional toll of Idol’s earlier life, balancing swagger with sincerity.
The album closes with Still Dancing, a reflective anthem that captures the record’s core message—Idol is still standing, still creating, and still very much part of the musical conversation. It leans into his ’80s roots without feeling like pure nostalgia.
While Dream Into It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, longtime fans will recognise the familiar elements—chugging guitars, punchy choruses, a punk snarl that’s softened just slightly by age. The jury is split. You could praise his honesty and polish; however is he playing it too safe? Nonetheless, there’s heart here. Idol isn’t chasing trends or pretending to be 25 again. He’s telling his story, flaws and all. Dream Into It may not reshape rock, but it’s a fitting chapter in a long and fascinating journey.
