Billy Idol

The British collection The Essential Billy Idol repackages the 1988 collection Idol Songs: 11 of the Best. Though it's a relatively small collection, it does indeed feature a fair portion of his essential singles, including "Mony Mony," "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding," and "Dancing With Myself." The synth-reggae of "Hot in the City" may come as something of a surprise to those more familiar with his bigger singles, which also include "Eyes Without a Face," "Sweet Sixteen," and "To Be a Lover." "Don't Need a Gun," "Catch My Fall," and "Flesh for Fantasy" round out the collection; though 2001's Greatest Hits also features the hit "Rock the Cradle" and is overall a larger and more interesting collection, The Essential Billy Idol does include the live single version of "Mony Mony" and the single edit of "Catch My Fall," so it does serve a purpose. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide