Kings & Queens of the Underground
by Billy Idol
  • Record Label: BFI
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2014
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    Nov 25, 2014
    60
    Aside from its title track, most of Kings and Queens of the Underground sounds a lot like primetime 80s Idol, untouched by the ravages of time, lifestyle, changes in musical fashions or anything else.
  2. Mojo
    Nov 5, 2014
    60
    Daft, overblown and sometimes unintentionally hilarious. [Nov 2014, p.90]
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  3. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Boston Globe
    Nov 25, 2014
    50
    It’s as if Idol stumbled into a Renaissance Faire, answered someone’s questions about his old hits, then decided to record it, surveying his lazy, crazy, drug-hazy Sunset Strip days to the accompaniment of flutes and lutes.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  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    … Full Review »
  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.… Full Review »
  3. 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..    … Full Review »
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