If ever there was a more suited album title to its artist, it was Billy Idol’s Charmed Life. The fact is that by the time Idol began working on what would be his fourth studio album, the “charmed life” that he was enjoying was unraveling at a rapid rate of knots. For the best part of a decade, Idol had been living his life in non-stop partying mode and took no prisoners. There was the endless string of beautiful women who all claimed to be Idol’s main squeeze and the insatiable appetite for cocaine and booze that were fueling much of Idol’s shenanigans.
The tabloids around the world of course, dutifully reported all of this, as it seemed that Idol left a trail of destruction in his wake. Idol, however, cruised through it all with an arrogance and bravado rarely seen these days; today’s troublemakers can’t even hold a match let alone a candle to Idol, who despite his lifestyle, was about to become a movie star in what would become one of the most successful movies of all time.
In late 1989, James Cameron had chosen Idol for the role of the T-1000 in the sequel to 1984’s The Terminator. So as the 1990s kicked off, Billy Idol was not only looking forward to a new challenge but also working on his next album, seemingly without a care in the world. All of this changed when in February of that year, Idol suffered a horrific motorcycle accident that almost saw him lose a leg, such was the extent of his injuries. The road to recovery would be a painful one in more ways than one, as it would mean having to relinquish his role in Judgment Day when he was unable to walk for months.
During his recovery, Idol threw himself into the making of his new album, which he chose to fittingly call Charmed Life. Idol’s accident was a chance to reflect on his ways, and I’m sure a lot of that thought process was integrated into the writing of this album. Several tracks saw a much more reflective and personal side of Idol’s character, which he had never shared with his audience before.
Charmed Life is very easily Billy Idol’s best ever album, both musically and lyrically. Although the partnership with Steve Stevens had not survived the decade, his relationship with producer Keith Forsey had, and he succeeded in creating a great and consistent vibe throughout the album that showcased some of Idol’s finest songs.
The opening track is no exception: “The Loveless” gets the record off to a fantastic start as Idol ponders his inability to be a faithful lover but nevertheless remains unapologetic in proclaiming himself “one of the loveless.” Next up is the brilliant “Pumping On The Steel,” which is Idol’s sexiest track since “White Wedding (Part 1)” from 1982. The track is full of attitude and Steve Stevens is not missed, as Idol’s new axe man Mark Younger-Smith unleashes his full bag of tricks in one go.
The album’s best song and Idol’s finest ever moment is the incomparable “Prodigal Blues,” which offers a rare insight into Idol’s new state of mind upon reflecting recent life events: “Riding my life like a runaway train / Moving from one track to that” he sings before reaffirming that “And yes, I’d do it again / Oh, wouldn’t you?” Musically, it’s superb as it builds emotion and then releases it before settling back into the groove for the final stages.
The big hit single from this album “Cradle Of Love” was clearly inspired by “White Wedding (Part 1)” and is just as much fun with Idol again singing about his favorite subject: sex. My favorite memory of the track was the great video that featured some great scenes of seduction from a vixen as she toyed with her prey. Idol, however, was left out of the action because he was still unable to walk, so he was artfully shot through mirrors and picture frames from the waist up while singing his lines. A fantastically rocking version of The Doors’ “L.A. Woman” fits right in with some stellar album cuts like “Love Unchained” and “License To Kill.” The quirky “Mark Of Caine” finds Idol lamenting his luckless search for love and his understated singing on the track is a treat to hear.
All in all, Charmed Life was not a great commercial success for Idol because the public was already switching off from the sounds of the 1980s in a big way, which is a real shame because it deserved to be Idol’s biggest success.
