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Billy Idol: Whiplash Smile (Chrysalis)

Jon Young, Musician, January 1987

BILLY BABY! What happened? Just when he seemed destined for a multi-platinum rut, with that frozen sneer and perpetually raised fist, the punk-turned superstar has gone and grown on us. Though Whiplash Smile is a relentlessly loud record that retains the boorish urgency of Idol's previous efforts, it also boasts, of all things, a slew of interesting ideas, proving once again the power of rock 'n' roll to surprise and delight even a jaded critic.

Total word count of piece: 459

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