This fourth album from our friend Billy Idol arrived in 1990. It definitely has a harder edge than his work in the ’80s, and longtime guitarist Steve Stevens is no longer present, replaced by Mark Younger-Smith. These changes didn’t seem to cause any problems with his fan base, ’cause it sold a million copies that year.
Younger-Smith’s thick guitar and Greg Mathieson’s moody keys start the listen with the thumping and snarling “The Loveless.” “Pumping On Steel” then follows with John Philip Shenale’s programming and Keith Forsey’s firm drumming, where the climate builds into an anthemic quality.
Idol turns in a cover of The Doors, too. “L.A. Woman” features Mike Baird’s scrappy drumming and Arthur Barrow’s lively keys via the bouncy delivery. “Trouble With The Sweet Stuff” than presents both firm blues gestures and Idol’s grit alongside soulful singing from Alex Brown, Bunny Hull and Stephanie Spruill.
“Cradle Of Love” resides in the middle. It’s a great song, we all know it, and Younger-Smith’s sharp guitar and Vito’s throbbing bass sound great all these decades later. “Endless Sleep” is the anomaly from rock territory, where jazz friendly ideas enter the dreaminess.
“Love Unchained” is one of the best tunes and arrives late. It’s full of intricate guitar solos, a frisky rhythm section and Idol’s unmistakable growl, and “License To Thrill” exits with the P.L.S. Singers, drum programming and horns that complement the diverse hard rock finish.
Now available as a double vinyl LP for the first time, Charmed Life sees the reissue treatment for its 35th Anniversary, and includes limited-edition colored wax as well. All that we love about Idol is present with a bit more muscle, but also plenty of emotion, and even though the album cost a fortune to make ($1.5 million!) fans of the record will argue it was worth every penny.
