"Kiss Me Deadly" is the second and final studio album by British punk rock band Generation X. Released in January 1981, the album captures a transitional period in the band's evolution, showing a shift from their punk roots towards a more new wave and power pop direction.
Despite being heralded as one of the leading bands of the UK punk scene in the late 1970s, Generation X's rebellious image began to soften with the departure of their original drummer, Mark Laff, during the recording session of "Kiss Me Deadly". This marked the beginning of the band's move from raw punk to a cleaner, more polished sound.
The album saw the band experimenting more musically, integrating different styles such as rockabilly, pop and even a bit of disco. Some of the most popular tracks from the album include "Dancing With Myself" and "Kiss Me Deadly", the latter giving the album its name.
The band's line-up featured Billy Idol as the lead vocalist, Tony James on Bass, and, newly appointed, Terry Chimes, former drummer for The Clash. Despite the significant transition and efforts to gain mainstream success, the album didn't get the recognition it aimed for and it subsequently led to the disbandment of Generation X. However, Billy Idol went on to have a successful career as a solo artist.
"Kiss Me Deadly" now stands as an important release in the history of British punk, both capturing the end of an era and heralding the new directions punk would take in the coming decade.
