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Kings & Queens of the Underground
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Kings & Queens of the Underground Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: The first release of new material in nine years for the British hard rocker was produced by Trevor Horn with Greg Kurstin working the boards on two songs.
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Top Track

Can t Break Me Down
The devil's house in the shape of a chapel You hid the knife in the core of an apple Burn me, try to hurt me Try to hit me when my back was... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 17, 2014
    90
    The plastic punk with the cartoon sneer has made his grown-up masterpiece. [Nov 2014, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Record Collector
    Nov 12, 2014
    80
    A fantastic and powerful rock album, Idol’s return commands attention.
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 13, 2014
    80
    Idol's magnetism is simply colossal--an invaluable commodity in these times. [Dec 2014, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The Guardian
    Oct 20, 2014
    60
    Old-school arena punk rockers such as Bitter Pill and Postcards from the Past attempt to restart the Idolmania era, though aren’t always best assisted by producer Trevor Horn’s 80s stadium-rock gloop.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2014
    60
    So much intensity can be unnerving coming from a man in his late fifties--but Idol makes up for it on the carefree "Can't Break Me Down," a punky pop tune with a "bang bang bang" chorus catchier than anything Fall Out Boy have written lately.
  6. AllMusic
    Oct 20, 2014
    60
    Some of the styles are undeniably tacky but, hey, bad taste is part of Idol's legacy and Kings & Queens of the Underground touches upon that garishness along with his exaggerated swagger, fondness for hooks, and an irascible snarl, and that makes it an autobiography even if it never tells a story.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 20, 2014
    20
    This collection of “edgy” rock numbers (Postcards from the Past, in particular, sounds like a pastiche of his biggest hits) and dreary ballads is a turkey of epic proportions.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don'tHello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10    … Expand
  2. GameGuru
    Nov 3, 2014
    10
    What a phenomenal album. Billy has really outdone himself with this one. Kings & Queens of the Underground is one of the best albums I haveWhat a phenomenal album. Billy has really outdone himself with this one. Kings & Queens of the Underground is one of the best albums I have heard in recent years. Every song hits the mark. I hope everyone runs out and buys this album. You'll enjoy it.… Expand
  4. MisterMusicman
    Oct 22, 2014
    9
    I wish the observer UK writer has a bit value to what is a good art form nowadays in making music. Whomever wrote that article has no damnI wish the observer UK writer has a bit value to what is a good art form nowadays in making music. Whomever wrote that article has no damn clue what real music and artistry is all about.. Especially in today's Cut and paste me sample world. My dear writer, YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT REAL MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT..Amazingly enough, a man in his late 50's (Billy Idol), and an amazing band that has a true quality sound and artistry in playing real chords.. still sound absolutely great live.
    BILLY IDOL, I truly hail your effort and I truly give you an A+ to real great sounding album.
    I love it.. and I am Top 40 Head.. Great Job billy and his band..    … Expand
  5. TheCrazyEven
    Oct 22, 2014
    7
    He's gotten a little soft over the years, but it's impressive that Idol has been able to maintain that same sense of punk he's always had, asHe's gotten a little soft over the years, but it's impressive that Idol has been able to maintain that same sense of punk he's always had, as well as his voice.… Expand

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