Recorded 1983 Rebel Yell
(1983) Vital Idol
(1985) Release date 10 November 1983 Producer Keith Forsey | Length 38:10 Artist Billy Idol Label Chrysalis Records | |
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Released 10 November 1983 (1983-11-10) Studio Electric Lady Studios
(New York City, New York) Genres Punk rock, New wave, Hard rock, Post-punk Similar Billy Idol albums, Punk rock albums | ||
Rebel Yell is the second studio album by English rock musician Billy Idol. It was released on 10 November 1983 by Chrysalis Records. After the release of his self-titled debut album, Idol continued his collaboration with Keith Forsey and Steve Stevens.
Contents
- Billy idol rebel yell 1984 hq
- Background and recording
- Track listing
- Credits and personnel
- Songs
- References
The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York. Initially recording without a drummer, utilizing only the electronic drum machine LinnDrum, Forsey and Stevens later decided to hire Thommy Price to play drums on some of the songs. Musically, Rebel Yell is a rock album with a strong influence of new wave music. The cover sleeve and images were shot by Brian Griffin. Idol got the idea to name the album Rebel Yell after attending a party with The Rolling Stones and drinking the Rebel Yell whiskey.
After its release, Rebel Yell received positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success. In the United States, it peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and also peaked into the top ten in other countries, such as Canada, Germany and New Zealand. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it double platinum for shipment of two million copies across the United States.
Four singles were released from the album. The accompanying music videos for all singles received heavy airplay on television channel MTV.
Billy idol rebel yell 1984 hq
Background and recording
The album reunited the hit-making team of Billy Idol, Steve Stevens and Keith Forsey, after their success with Idol's 1982 solo debut, Billy Idol. Idol got the idea to name the album "Rebel Yell" after attending a party with The Rolling Stones. He explained on VH1 Storytellers that people were drinking "Rebel Yell" bourbon, and thought that would be a great title for an album.
The title track was recorded in only three days at the Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Billy was battling Chrysalis Records over creative control, and decided to steal the master tapes. Keith Forsey stated in an interview with Mix magazine that Idol stole the wrong tapes. Idol battled the label, and came back to the studio victorious. Keith then informed him that he had taken the wrong tapes.
Working with Forsey was guitarist Steve Stevens, bassist Phil Feit and later Steve Webster, drummer Gregg Gerson, and keyboardists Judi Dozier and Jack Waldman.
In 1999, EMI Music re-issued the album as part of their "Expanded" series. The new version of the album included previously unreleased bonus tracks and expanded liner notes. In 2010, audiophile label Audio Fidelity Records re-issued a 24-karat CD, remastered in HDCD by Steve Hoffman.
All of the singles, but particularly "Rebel Yell", "Eyes Without a Face" and "Flesh for Fantasy", were hit music videos on MTV. Idol's longtime girlfriend Perri Lister can be seen in the front row during the "Rebel Yell" video.
Track listing
All songs written and arranged by Billy Idol and Steve Stevens except where indicated.
Credits and personnel
Songs
1Rebel Yell4:48
2Daytime Drama4:05
3Eyes Without a Face4:58