Idol Songs: 11 of the Best is a compilation album by English rock vocalist Billy Idol, released in 1988. It comprises all the singles released from his first three albums, Billy Idol, Rebel Yell and Whiplash Smile, plus the live version of "Mony Mony" and re-recorded Generation X song "Dancing with Myself", both of which appeared on Idol's debut EPDon't Stop. A limited edition version also contained a further four remixes. The album reached number 2 in the UK.[2]
The album has been certified by BPI platinum.
It was reissued with a different title and cover artwork in 2003 as The Essential.[3]
Note: "Don't Need a Gun" (Melt Down Mix) was unavailable elsewhere on CD and remained exclusive to the limited edition version. The "Mony Mony" (Hung Like a Pony Mix) was also available on the Japanese issue of the "Vital Idol" compilation. These two tracks are easily available since 2012 on the So80s compilation.
Keith Forsey – drums on "Hot in the City" and "Sweet Sixteen"; Juno 60 on "To Be a Lover"; keyboards on "Sweet Sixteen"; drum programming on "Don't Need a Gun"
Connie Harvey – backing vocals on "To Be a Lover"
Billy Idol – vocals and guitars, bass on "To Be a Lover"
Thommy Price – drums on "Rebel Yell", "Eyes Without a Face", "Catch My Fall", "Mony Mony" and "Flesh for Fantasy"
Mick Smiley – bass on "Hot in the City"
Stephanie Sprull – backing vocals on "Hot in the City"
Steve Stevens – guitar on all tracks except "Hot in the City" and "Dancing with Myself"; bass, Casio and keyboards on "Rebel Yell", "Eyes Without a Face", "Catch My Fall", "To Be a Lover" and "Flesh for Fantasy"; programming on "To Be a Lover"; bass on "Don't Need a Gun"
Richard Tell – piano on "To Be a Lover"
Steve Webster – bass on "Rebel Yell" and "Catch My Fall"