Legendary rocker Billy Idol released a 40th Anniversary edition of his classic album Rebel Yell on April 26th, 2024. It’s become pretty common lately for record companies to release Deluxe editions of classic albums and Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell is no exception.
The reissue includes the original album as well as a collection of previously unreleased songs and demos, the Poolside remix of Idol’s hit “Eyes Without a Face,” and the original track “Best Way Out of Here” by Billy Idol and Steve Stevens from the original sessions. Additionally, it features Idol’s unreleased cover of Rose Royce’s “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” from the album’s recording sessions.
Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell album was originally released in the fall of 1983. I remember being in a cover band then, and the song “Rebel Yell” was one of the most popular tracks on the radio. It always got the crowd up and dancing whenever we played it. “Rebel Yel”l had an intensity to it that merged the anger of punk music with the power of classic rock that just worked so well. Billy Idol was an original at the time in terms of image, style, and sound.
We got a hold of the 40th Anniversary Edition Vinyl release. There is nothing like opening up a sealed, brand new, just released vinyl record. The new release comes in a 2 LP gatefold package. The cover is made of hard cardboard encased in an excellent shiny gloss. The artwork is magnificent. Both LPs are housed in premium sleeves. Inside the gatefold is a wonderful collage of photographs of many of the single covers released from the orginal album and the back of the master tapes with recording notes all on display. Additionally, on the right-hand side of the gatefold is an extended essay by Tim Summers about Billy Idol and the Rebel Yell album. It’s a very entertaining read. The original album credits are included, as well as reissue credits and a listing of all the tracks, songwriters, and musicians. Record collectors will love this package. It’s done really well.
The vinyl version of the album sounds great. The low end is tight and resonates powerfully, while the drums sound like they are exploding out of the speakers. Steve Stevens guitar cuts right through it all. Billy Idol’s vocals sound like he is standing right next to you snarling in your ear. This is a great vinyl printing that audiophiles will love. Combined with the sensational packaging, this is a vinyl reissue that we highly recommend.
Below are the track listings for the various formats that the album has been reissued in.
REBEL YELL (EXPANDED EDITION) TRACKLISTS
DISC 1—SIDE A
- Rebel Yell
- Daytime Drama
- Eyes Without A Face
- Blue Highway
DISC 1—SIDE B
- Flesh For Fantasy
- Catch My Fall
- Crank Call
- (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows
- The Dead Next Door
DISC 2—SIDE A
- Best Way Out Of Here
- Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
- Daytime Drama (Demo)
- Flesh For Fantasy (Demo)
DISC 2—SIDE B
- Catch My Fall (Early Version)
- Crank Call (Demo)
- (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows (Demo)
- Eyes Without A Face (Poolside remix)
2xCD/DIGITAL ALBUM
DISC 1
- Rebel Yell
- Daytime Drama
- Eyes Without A Face
- Blue Highway
- Flesh For Fantasy
- Catch My Fall
- Crank Call
- (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows
- The Dead Next Door
DISC 2
- Best Way Out Of Here
- Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
- Daytime Drama (Demo)
- Flesh For Fantasy (Demo)
- Catch My Fall (Early Version)
- Crank Call (Demo)
- (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows (Demo)
- Rebel Yell (Session Take)
- Blue Highway (Original Demo)
- Flesh For Fantasy (Session Take)
- Catch My Fall (Original Demo)
- Motorbikin’ (Session Take)
- Eyes Without A Face (Poolside remix)
Billy Idol Rebel Yell 40th Anniversary Vinyl Review article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either supplied by the artists, public domain Creative Commons photos, or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com.
