Angry

The song "Angry" from Billy Squier’s 1993 album Tell The Truth holds a special place in his discography, reflecting both his creative peak and the challenges he faced with his label. In a 2022 interview on his official website, Squier described the album as a "spontaneous record" with a "unique chemistry" due to the varied groups of musicians he assembled for each track. He noted that "Angry," the album’s lead single, achieved the most radio adds of any release in his career, showcasing its immediate appeal. However, Squier revealed on his site that Capitol Records failed to support the album, refusing to advertise it despite its quality, which he believed was the best product the label would release at the time. This lack of promotion led to the song and album being "buried," contributing to Squier’s decision to step away from the music industry for several years.

Lyrically, "Angry" captures a raw, defiant energy, with lines like "Get your master key… open up your doors / Set your servants free… they won’t come no more," reflecting themes of breaking free from constraints. Squier’s website highlights the song’s significance, noting its personal resonance as part of a project he considers a high point in his recording career. Fans on the Official Billy Squier Facebook page have echoed this sentiment, with some calling "Angry" an underrated gem that deserved more attention. The track’s production, helmed by Mike Chapman and mixed by Kevin Shirley, was recorded across iconic New York studios like Electric Lady and the Power Station, adding to its gritty, authentic vibe.

Billy Squier’s journey to becoming a rock icon began in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he was born on May 12, 1950. According to his bio on billysquier.com, his musical roots trace back to childhood piano lessons starting at age eight, bribed by his grandfather to continue. By age 12, he picked up the guitar after buying a Danelectro for $90 from a neighbor, teaching himself to play after brief lessons. His passion deepened in 1966 when he discovered John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton, sparking a serious commitment to music. Squier formed his first band, the Reltneys, at 14, and later played with groups like the Sidewinders and Piper in the 1970s. Piper, managed by Kiss’s team, opened for Kiss in 1977, earning acclaim from Circus magazine as producing the greatest debut album by an American rock band.

Squier’s solo breakthrough came with 1980’s Tale of the Tape, but it was 1981’s Don’t Say No, featuring hits like "The Stroke," that cemented his arena rock stardom. His Wikipedia page details how this album sold over 4 million copies, blending power pop and hard rock. Despite later setbacks, like the controversial "Rock Me Tonite" video in 1984, Squier’s influence endures, with "The Big Beat" becoming one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip-hop, used by artists like Jay-Z and Run-DMC. He remains active, sharing updates on his Instagram and X account, where he engages with fans about his music and performances.

For fans looking to connect, Squier’s official website offers lyrics, liner notes, and tour updates, while his Facebook and Instagram pages share nostalgic posts and recent activities. The X account provides direct interaction, with Squier occasionally responding to fan messages. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the Billy Squier Fan Group on Facebook, where "Zoo Freaks" might find like-minded enthusiasts discussing "Angry" and other tracks. Additionally, sites like Classic Rock Forums host threads dedicated to Squier’s legacy, offering a space for fans to share trivia and stories.