Bad Boy Bill’s “The Album”

By Deanna Rilling (contact)

Friday, July 10, 2009 | 1:50 a.m.

"Nonstop fast life/different city every night/no sleep late night." With lyrics like that written on a cell phone at 6 a.m., it’s only appropriate Bad Boy Bill stops in Vegas again, this time at Rehab on July 12.

After two decades as a DJ — “America’s Favorite House DJ” to be exact — BBB is releasing a full-length CD of original material. Simply titled "The Album," the Beatport.com co-founder unleashes his tracks on the masses July 28, though the single “Falling Anthem” is already a club favorite. Will the world be ready for the notorious DJ’s tunes? Las Vegas will get the chance to preview a few of his productions at the Hard Rock pool.

"The Album" is not what one might expect from Bad Boy Bill. On a whole, the tracks are less club-friendly and resemble more rock-esque songs. Almost all selections are heavy on the vocals, light on multi-layered intricacies and sweeping melodic progressions many of his contemporaries are favoring. A punchy electro feel encompasses a good portion of the CD, but then the listener sometimes experiences abrupt genre changes from track to track.

The CD starts off strong on an electro-rock foot with “Do What U Like,” and you can’t go wrong with cowbell. The opening four songs bring to mind Junkie XL’s "Booming Back at You," though BBB’s arrangements are a bit simpler than the Dutch production veteran.

The unexpected variety on "The Album" continues, including a little tribute to Herbie Hancock. BBB’s cover of Hancock’s “Rock It” (complete with BBB’s signature scratching skills) is probably the closest thing to what we’d look forward to from Bill and is one of the highlights of the album. It’s unfortunate the track comes in under three minutes.

One song to put on continuous repeat, though not a floor banger, is “If I Tell You.” Alyssa Palmer’s vocals shine with sad honesty while deep moods balance with delicate guitar on the funky downtempo song.

In actuality, Bad Boy Bill has had quite a bit of assistance from friends on "The Album." Only one track lists him as the sole producer; industry heavyweights JJ Flores and Steve Smooth are all over the album, among other helping hands. Palmer sings on four of the album’s 11 tracks; Johanna Phraze, Alex Peace, Eric Jag and Kid Infinity also appear.

The diversity on "The Album" could have a dual effect on listeners. Some dance music fans might be alarmed or feel it’s a bit ADD for their taste if they’re looking for something similar to his "Bangin’ the Box" mixes. On the other hand, it could help BBB reach a diverse audience base.