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Valley of the Dolls

by Generation X

Released: January 26, 1979

Punk rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Valley of the Dolls" is the second and final studio album by British punk rock band, Generation X. Released in 1979, it was produced by Ian Hunter. The album served as the follow-up to their highly influential self-titled debut album released the previous year. "Valley of the Dolls" featured a less traditional punk sound, shying away from their raw style and towards a more polished rock sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album takes its name from a 1966…

The album takes its name from a 1966 book of the same name by Jacqueline Susann, and its title track is about a failed actress who ends up working at a seedy diner.

This theme of disillusionment and disappointment is prominent…

This theme of disillusionment and disappointment is prominent throughout the album, serving as a commentary on the emptiness and artificiality of fame and the entertainment industry.

Despite these successful singles, the album itself was…

Despite these successful singles, the album itself was less successful, leading to the band's breakup later that year.

Band members during the creation of this album…

Band members during the creation of this album were Billy Idol (vocals), Tony James (bass), Bob "Derwood" Andrews (guitar), and Mark Laff (drums).

After this album, the band members went on…

After this album, the band members went on to pursue their own individual music careers, with Billy Idol becoming particularly successful.

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Explore the Album

Generation X - Valley of the Dolls

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Then

Reception

The album features two singles: "King Rocker", which reached No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart and "Valley of the Dolls", which reached No. 23.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album takes its name from a 1966 book of the same name by Jacqueline Susann, and its title track is about a failed actress who ends up working at a seedy diner. This theme of disillusionment and disappointment is prominent throughout the album, serving as a commentary on the emptiness and artificiality of fame and the entertainment industry.

The album features two singles: "King Rocker", which reached No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart and "Valley of the Dolls", which reached No. 23. Despite these successful singles, the album itself was less successful, leading to the band's breakup later that year.

Band members during the creation of this album were Billy Idol (vocals), Tony James (bass), Bob "Derwood" Andrews (guitar), and Mark Laff (drums). After this album, the band members went on to pursue their own individual music careers, with Billy Idol becoming particularly successful.