Billy Idol Announces New Album, Premieres First Single

The last time Billy Idol released an album that had nothing to do with blue, white and other shades of Christmases, it was way back in 2005. In October, he returns with a brand new LP, 'Kings & Queens of the Underground.'

In 2006, Idol released 'Happy Holidays,' a Christmas-themed album filled with mostly traditional numbers like 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Silent Night.' The year before, he released 'The Devil's Playground,' his first album of new music since 1993's much-maligned 'Cyberpunk.'

On Oct. 21, he'll unveil his seventh album (not counting the holiday offering), and the first on his own BFI Records. But you can listen to the record's first single, 'Can't Break Me Down,' right now on Idol's website.

It's a pretty poppy song, but not without Idol's trademark sneer (yes, you can hear it) and guitarist Steve Stevens' familiar crunch (yes, he's back in Idol's band).

The album was mostly produced by Trevor Horn, who did some time with Yes back in the '80s and was one of the architects behind their only No. 1, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart.' But Greg Kurstin (who's worked with Kelly Clarkson and Pink) produced 'Can't Break Me Down,' which is available as a download now to fans who pre-order the album. (The iTunes version of 'Kings & Queens of the Underground' includes a bonus track unavailable anywhere else.)

The album comes out two weeks following the publication of Idol's autobiography, 'Dancing With Myself.' He'll also launch a short European tour -- including shows in London and Milan -- a few weeks after the record comes out. More dates are promised for the future, and will most likely be announced closer to the album's release.