Reviews (page 10 of 16)
All time favourites
4 stars
Great album, solid production, excellent songwriting. Favourite tracks: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, She's Always a Woman, Everybody Has a Dream.
Only The Good Dye Young is a huge favourite!
Amazing. Billy Joel at his best
Like most Billy Joel, I find this overly schmaltzy. But there are a few solid tracks.
Was okay, some really good bits, and some Mehhhhhhhh bits was never the biggest fan
Billy
Hit after hit, beautiful arrangements and production. Excellent vocals and instrumentals.
Very solid album overall with some really great songs. Listened to Billy Joel a lot as a kid so some serious nostalgia here as well. Good one.
Kinda boring, but has some classics
strange that there are 6 songs with 70m+ listens on spotify but i had only heard and really enjoyed the three lesser ones. Guess i'm just not Billy's target audience
Makes me want to listen to more of him.
I want to rate this higher. It is a really good album, but it is so much white bread you won't be pooping for a week.
I was definitely not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It’s not my style, but there's clearly some great songwriting work on this one.
There are no bad Billy Joel songs (I don't just mean this album). I love this guy
Billy Joel is a fantastic story teller and singer. With plenty of catchy tunes and famous songs, I sang all to quite a few songs from this album. Excellent
awesome album, very close to a 5
It turns out that I have heard every single song on this album before. Who knew?
Joel at his finest. Great album.
It's all just a bit too saccharine and bland. Some of these have been played to death on classic rock radio and I'd get by if that'd stop. He is the type of songwriter you get the feeling doesn't really listen to or enjoy music.
Not a fan of Billy Joel in general. The first song was alright, not a fan of the rest though.
Big ass 4.5
Billy Joel is not my speed.
aight
Billy Joel
God, this was so awesome. It's like the perfect '70s pop-rock album. It's not unlike Bruce Springsteen's music in many ways, though I prefer the more rustic-feeling production here. It's not as shiny as, say, 'Born to Run' but it still has that fine polishing layer you'd expect out of a superstar artist like Billy. The instrumentation is gorgeous. This is classified as piano rock, but there's more to the story, this isn't Jerry Lee Lewis-type piano rock. 'She's Always a Woman' for example has this delicate acoustic guitar intertwined with its sweet core piano line. It's a soft song while the ambitious 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant' goes in a "jazzier" direction. It's such a nuts song, constantly switching instrumental directions, nicely complementing its cinematic imagery. This song may also have my favorite vocal performance on here. 'Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)' was a great opener but it pissed me off because I knew for a fact I'd heard that chorus before, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out from where. 'Vienna' reminded me a lot of 'Desperado' by the Eagles and especially Cat Steven's 'Father and Son' given that it's one of those comforting "advice" type songs - it's sweet. So yeah, good shit. No idea how I slept on Billy Joel for so long given the fact that he's like the fourth highest-selling solo artist in the US or something. There's a reason people dig him but better late than never I guess.
yet another big name in this list, billy joel's songs break through traditional pop norms in arguably one of the greatest albums of the decade. with strong expression and ambition, these pop songs are some of the best to be ever put out on radiowaves. i think it's quite possibly so defining that if we sent more records to space, like the voyager... this should be a PIVOTAL example of modern pop music in the 20th century.
2.33
great album. greatest. tops
Billy seems to have some relationship issues. Top notch production though.
inlikey
8/10. I've had a very good streak with great albums, and this album continues that streak!!! Billy Joel knows how to make great soft rock music. This is such a pleasant album!!! :)
I love this album. Some songs feel like a soundtrack from a film. I like the whistle and piano parts.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this album that much. One negative thing is it being too American. The other is lyrics. I mean they are good, but yesterday's album was a Leonard Cohen. So, you know...
I'm bored out of my mind.
Loved it. Billy Joel is the man
Not a bad song on this whole album, and almost every one is a complete classic. Billy Joel is an incredibly talented songwriter, every track is just beautiful. And of course his piano playing is amazing, just effortlessly cool. The band he put together is great as well. All in all, highly recommended.
Absolutely packed with bangers
Not bad. Pretty distinctly REM. Some good hits on here.
Billy Joel’s two-disc Greatest Hits was one of the first CDs I ever really loved. All these years later, I still enjoy singing along to “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” when it comes on the radio. Billy Joel was never, and will never be, cool. That may be what I like best about him.
This album kicks open the door with "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and Billy Joel doesn't stop letting you know how smooth he is for the duration off the album. Beautiful storytelling, great instrumentation, great voice, with minimal lulls. Not quite my style, but a very good listen
Great album
Piano driven Classy montage like pop rock Almost too catchy
Really like the title track, that has some groove. Otherwise the album is very dependent on lyricism and storytelling that I just can't relate to. Probably a demographic issue but some artists can overcome that
Greatest album of all time.
Not my type of music, but I can appreciate its cultural relevance
A lot of great hits that are cover magnets. 4.
I feel like I should dislike this album, but it's full of bangers. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
one of my favourite album from Billy Joel. all classics...
Absolutely brilliant
Five star pop album. Nearly every single one of the songs contained in this album are timeless hits, and the rest are well-crafted songs.
Cool album.
So aggressively *fine*. Only the Good Die Young is fun but otherwise not much doing a lot for me. 2.5 stars
Decent album
A great record.
A class act! Honestly almost the whole album contains classic bops. I loved it a lot. Movin' out is the highlight but it's not too far up compare to the other ones.
Honestly never been a huge Billy Joel fan and never listened to any of his albums. This is the first. And now I’m a fan.
I’ve always loved this album. It’s the one I recommend to people who are aware of Billy Joel only as “the Piano Man” guy. Such a solid record. Not a bad track on here. Few songs are more perfect than Vienna. A career-defining masterpiece, in my opinion. “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are much more fun. You know that only the good die young.” ✌️ 5/5 Highlights: Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) Vienna Only the Good Die Young
This is the best Billy Joel album. 6/5
So many hits but doesn’t talk to me
Miserable, trite and why is nothing EVER his fault? Meh, Meh, Meh
Bunch of classics
It's fine. There are a few good songs but I found it a bit boring.
Wow it’s amazing how many of these I was already familiar with despite not knowing they were Joel or otherwise calling myself a Joel fan. Super influential discography. Is the title song a Camus-esque nihilistic exploration of self 👀 or maybe just a banger. Movin out and just the way you are certainly are.
Tiene buenos temas pero es muy meloso. Me hace acordar mucho a temas de Paul Maca en el piano.
Classic Billy Joel!
The first album I ever bought and it still holds up. Classic tunes well played and very well produced. Liked Songs Added: I'm Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Just The Way You Are Only The Good Die Young She's Always A Woman
Billy is by far the best composer singer from the 80s pop rock era and maybe more. This album is perfect. All hits, ones that are not hits are awesome, the mix, the sound, the lyrics, the transitions to next song and how it all makes sense. Top 20 albums ever
кантри в перемешеу с блюзом 5/10
Enjoyable. The last 2 songs stink but otherwise, it's like going out to dinner with an old friend.
Hit after Hit
Listened a few times. Recognized a few tracks. Had fun. I like this album more than Piano Man. Folks like Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and the like have always ran together, this 1001 project has been very helpful in separating that knotted ball of yarn.
Geweldige muzikant, diverse nummers, maar toch niet helemaal voor mij.
This album is the definition of a 5. Almost every song is a hit and contagiously catchy (Movin' Out, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, She's Always a Woman). An album that you wouldn't mind starting over as soon as it's finished. 9.25/10 (4.625/5)
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT! Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is my new fav song
An insane track list that’s hard to believe is not a greatest hits album. Vienna stands out above the rest to me.
Just a brilliant album all the way through. Not a bad song here. Unfortunately he has never made anything up to this level since.
A wonderful album from start to finish 8/9 of these are hits! Wow. banger after banger in 8 consecutive tracks. Yes he's a little schlocky but man is this entertaining stuff. When he was good he was really good.
OK
2.5
Nice album, light 4 stars.
(10) ★★★★★
A few good songs, but mostly too schmaltzy. 3.5 stars
A few clunkers, but some good stuff here. Only the Good Die Young and Movin' Out are the highlights. 4 stars
4.5
From first moment to practically last this is piano pop perfection. Songs are so catchy and buoyant and there is such little let up. It’s Thriller-esque in that everything could have been a hit single. It’s loaded with a tonne of McCartneyisms but a lot of other variety as well including the cinematic title song, samba of Get It Right The First Time, street folk in Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, the Dylanesque She’s Always A Woman, gospel closer Everybody Has A Dream and world’s best love song that even Paul McCartney wishes he wrote in Crazy Frog err I mean Just The Way You Are. Fair to say that Billy Joel is on peak form here.
Only the Good Die Young and some other songs. Some people adore Billy Joel, and he is talented - but he doesn't do much for me.
Just amazing 👏🏻 Billy Joel is a legend and this album proves it.
Done
Was fully not expecting to love this! Thought it wouldn't be such a fun album to listen to, and am really happy to be wrong.
It’s a decent album, and I enjoyed listening to it, but almost immediately after finishing I forgot what it sounded like.
This is the album that put Billy on the map. I know, his early stuff has its moments, but this back with his follow up "52nd Street", were seminal works of this fame and success. Good job!
Ik ben Billy Joel meer gaan waarderen de laatste tijd, maakt over het algemeen gewoon goeie muziek. Dat is ook op dit album weer te horen, ook al staat er volgens mij maar 1 echte hit op blijft het voor de rest ook erg goed.
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) 3.7 The Stranger 3.6 Just the Way You Are 3.4 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant 3.7 Vienna 3.2 Only the Good Die Young 3.3 She's Always a Woman 3 Get It Right the First Time 3.1 Everybody Has a Dream 3.1 Score: 3.344444444
One of my favorite albums generally, so I'm glad it popped up on the 1001 albums.
Just so many absolute classics in this album, there are no skips. I didn’t LOVE get it right the first time, but I loved every other song. The album title song (strangers) was sick and I’m surprised I hadn’t heard it before. Has to be 5 stars.
We strictly play 80s Joel.
Couldn't decide if this was a 3 or a 4. Some songs are really great (only the good die young) but others were too long or two slow. 3.5 it is. 3.5/5
I would probably enjoy this more if I kept listening to it. Why am I scared to like Billy Joel, even in secret?
Well written with some cultural canon songs, but it is all a bit too safe sounding for me to really get into it.
He's got such a great voice. Somewhere in between Paul McCartney and Elton John, but man some of those lyrics are so creepy. Even when he's trying to be nice comes off so condescending. I'll split the difference
Lotsa bangers. Good start to this lil endeavor. Kinda drops off after she's always a woman to me. Everybody has a dream definitely Billy's finest vocal work but weakest song on the album.
Joel at the height of his songwriting powers. All the songs are gems and a few are absolute belters! First class.
It was fun hearing the classics and I definitely get the appeal, especially for the time. It's fairly innocuous background music for me, though
some people i know love this album. i don’t. i get the appeal but who knows maybe it will grow on me
Too cheesy for me
One of my favorite albums of all time!
Feels wrong giving this a 5 after Live at the Regal, but i guess if i could have given that one a 6 or a 7 i would have. Anyways, love this album.
Genuinely cannot stand how anybody can dislike this. Each song is practically perfect and this is without a doubt one of the best albums of all time
this album could turn even the most rough-blooded of farmhands into a real wisecracking penthouse taxi driver.
very well crafted, packed with radio staples
Billy Joel you say? Well he’s a pretty big name and I know some of his work so must have some decent songs right? Well if he does then none of them are on this album. Utter dross. So depressed right now I’m considering trying some Pere Ubu to lift my spirits as that can’t be any worse than this surely?
I think I am of the same mindset as many others that when I hear the name Billy Joel, I think of Uptown Girl and a small part of my soul dies! This album is better than that and in fact the songs I have heard before are the weaker ones here. It has a bit of funk and hints of Paul Simon and the Beatles. 1970s Joel was obviously better than 1980s Joel.
I didn’t massive mind this. There are a few nice tunes which are “classics” of sorts if you like that kind of thing, and a few I didn’t know he had done. I mean, you could prob successfully wheel it out in the background when your Auntie comes round for dinner. But otherwise, obvs never going to listen again.
Well it is kinda likeable to an extent. But I just can’t get past the feeling that in this album he sounds rather like a corny pound shop Elton John, with some Benny Hill sax thrown in for good measure. Not for me.
I wonder who came first, Billy or Elton. Some serious theft going on. Billy likes his wine and doesn't dress like a clown, so gets my vote. Never heard movin out, which is a classic of this tinkering genre.
Somehow Billy created something without a single skip on it. This feels like a greatest hits album in the best way. Each track is packed full of emotion and talent and not a single song here fails to make you feel good. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.
This another album that fits within the genre of “could be a greatest hits album”. Also probably one of the albums that I have listened to the most throughout my life. Every song here is great but Scenes From An Italian Restaurant absolutely takes the cake as my favorite Billy Joel song.
Aah ich ha da album eigentlich mega gern. Leider het mer de finnerty de billy joel bitz kaputt gmacht. Trotzdem immer no sehr gern, bsunders de song vienna losi sehr viel. Git e knapps füfi wel die letschte paar songs nüm soo guet sind aber gad guet gnueg
ha da album scho easy lang seeehr gern vorallem movin out und just the way you are. ich lieb movin out ich lieb movin out sooo en ohrewurm soo en guete song es stimmt alles so viel hooks fuuck. piano intro zu the stranger seehr geil und er cha huuere pfiife. song nocher huere fuunky, d bridge au sehr nice mega en bruch zum rest. wieder langsam whistle outro niice. just the way you are isch unglaublich ziitlos und sooo guet. stevie wonder level songwriting, insane. aaaah d bgvs die churze sax iiwürf. d brudge wo d drums mit ihm mitgönd aaaah. sind d gitarre lüüter worde im lauf vom song? aah und d modulation uf de schluss. BOTTLE OF REED. jo scenes from an italian restaurant isch seehr cool au wenn unglaublich cheesy. text suuuper. lost touch long agoo. klarinette iwürf sund soo geil. meh klarinette. "OOH" es sind afoch 3 songs i eim finds suuper aber er het ebe sooo viel hooks uf lager. vienna isch sooo guet. meega cheesy wieder aber soo schön. zitlos. obly the good die young mega happy clappy. finds cool aber fallt bitz ab noch vienna. find alli 3 songs am schluss würkli würkli guet aber s het halt scho abgnoh mit de banger über alles gseh. möcht irgendwie weder es vieri no es füfi geh. 4.5. entscheid am mentig.
ANTHONY'S (THE GOAT) SONG?? guete ahfang, mega cute und upbeat hahaha für das dass stranger de title track isch, ischer sehr ah mier verbi just the way you are sehr herzig, au wenn echlii seicht scenes from an italian restaurant sehr en cool pace wechsel jaaap wunderschöns lied!! ahja vienna kenntmer chli hä es isch sehr es schöns lied aber us irgeme grund stört mich de teil bi "when will you realiiiize" weiss au nöd wiso aber megaa schöns lied only the good die young isch au wieder chli seicht iwie? aber nöd schlecht shes alway a woman langwilig sorry LALALALALALAAAAANGWILIG nei aber ich han lalalalala's eifach nöd so gern everybody has a dream cute hahaha jz ischsmer wieder chli zu dramatisch ok ja ich chegg es isch de closer aber ahh mitem hindergrundgsang es ischmer chli too much de schluss vom lied isch jz aber na cool mitem klavier undem pfiffe ohhhjaa sehr schön hee stabils album, mengisch echli zu dramatisch für min gschmack aber nichtsdestotrotz 1 4
There’s no real low points, but there are some points which are a bit too cheesy (and a bit too ‘Billy Joel’), such as “Everybody Has A Dream”. That being said, solid album.
Hmm never really listened to this before but really not bad
WHO NEEDS A HOUSE OUT IN HACKENSACK? IS THAT ALL YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY????? What a throwback! Movin’ Out in particular immediately pulls The Stranger into the upper echelon of albums for me. I used to listen to that song when driving to my high school in Hackensack. It was my battle cry “I’m getting out of here” song. The nostalgia!! Great album, love the sax and love the piano. The Stranger, Vienna, She’s Always a Woman, Everybody Has a Dream. Classic
Full of bangers, 4 stars
Not bad Mr piano man, not bad indeed. A strong 3!
Meh. Some good but dragged in places. Overall I don't think I'll ever listen to it again. 4/10
I don't know how to word it, but I like this album. Joel's vocals and piano playing, and the backing bands playing on each track, come together really well to bring a rocking album to life. "Vienna" is a lovely classic, with my personal favorites being "Moving Out" and "Only the Good Die Young," and each track draws you in to vibe along with. I'd give the album a 8/10.
Love this album. Great album. Each song is so good. Billy Joel at his best!
Pop/Rock, 1977 -> 4
Fantastic
A truly iconic cover and an album chock full of famous numbers (which have been covered by countless others). It has to be 5*****. It's so schmaltzy but you can't deny it's power to captivate you fo good or bad.
Loved it! Roy Kent was right to add it to his list of perfect things.
Love this album as much as the first time I heard it.
A true classic album,.
Billy Joel has always been on the edge of my consciousness but never taken much notice apart from a slight recognition of his biggest hits. There’s one or two of them on this album and cannot deny that they are good memorable pop songs. First time then that I have sat down and seriously listened. I was pleasantly surprised. An enjoyable listen although unlikely to go out and buy any Billy Joel albums. 2/5 4/10/24
Solid Album from Billy Joel, a very enjoyable listen.
Heard it. Scenes from Italian Restaurant is probably the best song Billy Joel ever wrote so I can see why this one is in there. Sure, Billy Joel has a spot in the 1001 this one is as good as any.
All the jams. Lots of depth here.
Lots of bangers Italian restaurant bibes
I knew more than half the songs already Great album Billy Joel is awesome
"The Stranger" is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter and pianist Billy Joel. It was produced by Phil Ramone who would go on to produce his next four albums. The decision to hire Ramone over George Martin was that Joel wanted to use his touring band to record and not session musicians which Martin wanted. Good decision. His touring band included Larry DeVito (drums), Doug Stegmeyer (bass) and Rich Cannata (multi-instrumentalist including organ and sax). The recording also included 12 other musicians and singers. The album was Joel's critical and commercial breakthrough with general positive reviews and hit #2 in the US and #24 in the UK. "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" opens this hit-filled album with an anxious piano and guitar. Joel's stutter at the end of sentences and the backing vocals are memorable. Anthony is trying make it past his grocery store stint. Joel's whistling and piano playing highlight "The Stranger." A lonely vibe. Very 70's sounding when the band kicks in. Joel said there really was no song meaning although he said a man with schizophrenia fits best. Joel actually thought "Just the Way You Are" was too moopy a ballad. For better or worse, his producer and band thought differently. Nice sax and it's about his then-wife Elizabeth Walker. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is Joel's favorite song that he wrote. It's a three part-epic about meeting a guy in an Italian restaurant, descrbing his own life and flashbacks to a hip neighborhood couple. I'd imagine it has been a concert staple. That familiar piano intro begins "Only the Good Die Young." The catchy hand clapping. The Catholic Church did not like it as the boy is trying to get the abstinent Catholic girl. I kind of like this song at the time and I went to CCD. Joel goes really soft with another song, a ballad, to his then wife in "She's Always a Woman." A nice clarinet/flute touch. I'm not the biggest Billy Joel fan but I don't hate him either. This album definitely brings back 70's memories as half these songs remained on the rock-pop radio airwaves for quite awhile. The storytelling, sweeping piano and the band in general stand out. This has to be his best album. I know everyone knows where they stand on Billy Joel but this sounded perfectly fine for me today. But tomorrow???
Very solid and enjoyable.
every song on this album can stand alone and is still iconic
Creo que a estas alturas ya no está tan mal visto decir que Billy Joel da algo de flojerita.
Great album. Still sounds fresh. So many hits.
I have always enjoyed the diversity of the Billy Joel songs I've heard and my first experience with one of his albums didn't disappoint! Favourite track: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.
I like Billy Joel. This album well reflects his style and I especially like the title song She's Always a Woman.
Loved Vienna
70s soft pop-rock. There’s like 2 tracks that get you tapping your feet. But that does not make a great album.
PLAY SOMETHING FROM THE STRANGER! 1980s doo wop Billy Joel sucks! Moving’ Out (Anthony’s Song) is one of the better Billy Joel songs, has an Abbey Road vibe to it. Good lyrics, catchy tune, stupid motorcycle sounds. I have a feeling every song after this is going to pale in comparison to the first one. Whistling very rarely adds anything positive to a song, Patience by Guns N’ Roses, Ennio Morricone scores and that song Darryl Hannah whistles in Kill Bill is pretty much it. Just the Way You Are, another hit. This sounds like the defining song of adult contemporary radio. This is Wonderful Tonight for people that got old in the 70s. Damn, this album has a lot of his hits. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is so corny. What is with the use of all the smooth jazz saxophone? 1977 must have been a truly dismal year for music or Grammy voters must have felt like proving once and for all that they are truly the biggest morons alive. Only the Good Die Young sucks. This song is way overrated. This is one of his biggest hits and it is truly awful. The idea of Billy Joel running with a dangerous crowd is hilarious. Him and Fred Durst are equally fake hardos. She’s Always a Woman to Me is awful too. This album has a lot of his career defining hits and almost all of them are terrible. Everybody Has a Dream is an improvement over most of the rest of the album, good to close on a high note.
5/5. Every song is a banger
me sorprendio!!! que temazo vienna!!!!! fua loco!!!!!!! banqué bastante, algunos temas medio noni pero otros 👏 on point. mi top 3 son vienna (obvio. re yo) only the good etc y get it right etc etc. hes a girls boy no tengo pruebas y espero q asi sea. 4/5 ☆
Sounds like the music I expect to run in the background of a hotel bar...
Literally a greatest hits album. No skips. Not a huge Billy fan but this album is undeniable. Classic.
Classic but not my style to actively listen to, however does sound pleasant
Classic Billy Joel
De to første sange var vildt Nice, resten var alright
I probably own this album because I know all the songs.
Does anyone else really feel like they’re going through something when they hear Vienna? An all-time Sunday morning classic album.
Ok
Loved it. A classic, overwhelmingly human album I'm sure I'll return to.
4/5
It’s like a broadway musical. Really a 7
Billy Joel is like Marmite - you either like him or you don't. And I'm not a fan, but I understand his popularity. This album contains a number of his biggest hits, including "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Just the Way You Are", and "She's Always a Woman".
i like most of the lyrics and most of the instrumentals.I LOVE moving out because its a song that my favorite artist sampled 10/10.
Something that I like about this album is how each word in the song is expressed slowly, to make every single word sink in, which reveals a deeper meaning, which is we think about somebody even though we don't know much about them. Overall, personally, I think that the music that Billy Joel makes is okay, I don't love it or hate it either.
I like his voice. Nice songs and happy tunes.
It's ok. But I don't really like his music too much.
I enjoyed this album. It helped me kinda just zone out and relax. Its feeling helped relax me and it feels like a awesome background music.
My first 5 star! I enjoyed every song except that last one. Loved the range of upbeat and ballads. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is still my favorite.
Classics. He masters the pause and gives space for his music to breathe, creating the perfect amount of emphasis on several songs. I was surprisingly impressed with the album.
This is a tough one. I think I can say I have never listened to more music by an artist of which I don't really like much less owned an album. So many songs are just in the ether for as long as I can remember consciously hearing music. I am trying to open my heart to any and all artists - especially ones on this realm (my realm - not the general public). I can say this - Joel is at his best when he stays within himself and try to say too much about about the world and focuses on the whims of the heart. This album does the latter - and quite well. It's like a greatest hits album. Sturdy songs. Quality arrangements. I heard most of them but hearing them together I have to tip my hat - not that he needs my support.
Legend
Yacht rock.
I listened to this record for an entire summer when I was 16 working as a janitor in a grade school. Whenever I hear "heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack" I get magically transported back to the roof of Cumberland Elementary where I'm smoking a joint and blasting Billy Joel on a cheap Rayovac boom box at 9 in the morning and I gotta say it's a pretty great god damn place to be.
There are 9 songs on this album, 5 of which are stone cold classic hits. That's an amazing achievement. Great songwriting, lyrical story telling and fantastic production combine to form a stellar album that still sounds great more than 4 and a half decades later.
Time of the Season is a classic and brilliant song. The album is a wonderful sample of the music of the time. Well recorded, well produced.
Been meaning to listen to more Billy Joel, and what a great album to kick that off! Good songs, 4.5
Cheesy as hell, but I'm enjoying it.
Hadn't really clocked that Billy Joel is basically the American Elton John. That's not necessarily a negative judgment. My impression is there was quite a bit of this singer-songwriter-y stuff around at the time. This is professional and competent. Can't remember any of the songs the minute after they played. Except for Get It Right the First Time but for negative reasons. Its sort of swing rhythm and exuberant la-la-la-la-la chorus stand out in an annoying way.
The Stranger was a huge hit when it was released, and people who loved it then probably still do today, but it just doesn’t do it for me. It sounds like the best of Randy Newman combined with the worst of Elton John with a dash of yacht rock. But it must have paid for Billy’s veneers, so more power to him.
4.5 stars. Quite the breakthrough album with a ton of hits. Simple and basic yet captures the listener without using cheap hooks. Joel's singing is just so easy on the ears. Standouts are a lot of the big hits "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Vienna", and "Only the Good Die Young".
Awesome until vienna then it's like he forgot how to make interesting songs.
Billy's got pipes! Vienna is an all timer.
Every song deserves 5-stars
Quite decent
I only knew two songs by Billy Joel, but the album is great. The style and the voice remind me a lot of Elton John. Casual laid-back songs mix with sophisticated compositions and powerful ballads.
Was genuinely shocked how many songs I knew off this album. I think some of it is some of the songs I had no idea were Billy Joel songs. He's one I have picked up passively. This is a stunning album though. A lot of story telling in the songs which makes me understand why he had a juke-box musical made with his music. Really enjoyed all of this though, there is a reason why many of these are classics.
das ist doch mal wieder was vernünftiges
Not quite 5 but 4.5. Really good.
Billy going hard in the paint here.
great great great - didnt know i needed this
I know there's one way too well because it's one of my girlfriend's favorite albums
3.8 - I thought I was meant to dislike this more than I did. It was really not that bad. Some people get pretty aggy around billy joel but this is the first time I've heard more than a couple of his songs and it really good solid song writing. I do think there is a similarity with Elton John, but just not as good
I guess I'm casually familiar with a lot of Billy's work, without ever really actively listening to any of it (except We Didn't Start The Fire). This album feels very familiar, and it has a very strong consistent mood to it. I think its a very cohesive project, reminds me at times of Steely Dan and Bruce Springsteen. Songs like She's Always a Woman and Just The Way You Are are really beautiful in the context of the album, even though they're not the sort of thing I would normally expect myself to go back to. Fave Tracks: The Stranger, Just The Way You Are, Get It Right the First Time 4.2/5
Some absolute bangers and some really good chill tunes. A brilliant singer songwriter.
I like Billy Joel. He's got a nice voice, and his songs are easily digestible for a casual listener. 4 stars
I feel like it was pretty good but I have forgotten most of it now. Will I listen to again: 30%
# 312 ; This was Great. My first Billy Joel Album off this list (assuming there are other ones!) I really like this. Many classics and all the tracks work together to tell a story. Favourite Tune : Moving Out (Anthony's Song)
i like Billy Joel. i have no defense for this, nothing to restore the hipster cred lost from this statement. i like his newsboy pop, i like his stupid kids movie voice, i like his weird Peter Lorre stare, i like when his songs come on the radio, i even like the ACK ACK ACK ACK -- have since i was a kid. hell, i even kinda like "Piano Man", and nobody with taste has liked "Piano Man" since 1983. i think The Stranger is a great record and barring "Only The Good Die Young" (even i have limits), i don't think there's a bad song on it. in our confusion, we've forsaken Billy Joel for the world's stupidest crime: making nice music that your mom and dad like. it's not kitsch, it's art.
first time listening to Billy Joel. His influence of the Beatles-esque music is clear first song, and I for one am a fan of his now. This album is very catchy, with ominous lyrics that can confuse others who aren't that quick.
- Hab ein Softspot für Billy Joel, den ich erst so richtig vor ein paar Jahren entdeckt habe - Toller Komponist und übelst sympathischer Dude - Kannte jetzt nur wenige Songs von der Platte, wie aber mit allem, was Billy Joel produziert, ließ es sich für mich wunderbar "weghören" und wurde nicht langweilig - Ist jetzt aber auch nicht so, dass da große Momente bei mir hängen geblieben sind 3,75/5
-sehr entspannt
Great album of pop songs it's only one dud \"Everybody Has a Dream\" and many classics. While not the most adventurous album, there are subtle divergences from typical pop fair that helps it to not grow stale.
WOW, just wow. That's a really good album. I am really glad that I listened to that.
Dang. I grudgingly admit this is good album with a bunch of good songs. He is a talented singer songwriter. I'd like to hear an edgier, or funkier cover of some of these songs. That could be fun. Now I just hope Spotify doesn't get confused because I listened to this and it's recommendation algorithm barfs up We Didn't Start the Fire or Uptown Girl.
Great album! Both the songs and the lyrics and well done.
Amazing collection of well-written songs....not a bad one in the bunch. Like his older pre-Christie Brinkley stuff much better.
Not quite my style but was surprised with some songs like: - The Stranger - Just the way you are - Scenes from an italian restaurant - She's always a woman
Love it
Cool wat to start this journey
8/10
BANGIN
The best Billy Joel
4.3/5 listened 3x classic songs
No private session on Spotify used and another album I really don't need to listen to know that I love it. I happily listened to this album anyway. So many classic hits, none of which I am tired of hearing.
i guess some people consider billy joel to be unpalatably cheesy, but i really loved this. banger after banger. a new addition to the 5 club!
i've been waiting for this one since i started this challenge. this is a phenomenal album with absolutely no skips. i must've missed the memo that it's cool to hate on billy joel, because this dude has been bangin out the tunes for half a century now and he's still got it. this is my favorite album of his, with glass houses and storm front currently rounding out the top three. i could prattle on for hours, but instead I'll quote one of my favorite pieces of billy joel trivia about how his songs appeared in the Rock Band series, considering he had never allowed his master recordings to be used in a video game before. this is taken from Mark Raby's 2010 article on GamesRadar: "Joel changed his mind when he happened to see a review in Entertainment Weekly about an episode of The Office. In the episode, middle management icon Michael Scott pines about a Billy Joel Rock Band game. In the episode's review, the critic wrote "something like, 'God forbid that ever should happen,'" said Joel. "So I called my people and said, 'Get me [in] that Rock Band game.' Then I wrote the critic, saying that every time I get a check, I'll give him a little nod."" tl;dr: billy joel is in rock band thanks to pure spite, and i think that's beautiful <3
A fun listen
É tão bom ouvir um álbum coeso, com uma temática. Alguns arranjos tive a impressão que foram sampleados recentemente.
If not my favourite album of all time, it’s top 5. This each and every song is perfect and I could listen always. Billy Joel the man that you are!
Always legitimately curious how he didn't/doesn't get the Springsteen/Costello respect. Absolutely top of the craft in songwriting, musicianship, creativity, variety... Come on, this album is fking great and sure he sold 8 billion copies of it and has been everywhere since and maybe you were sick of him ... and sure although he put out a few more good records right after but then just 7 years later sang the execrable horror show Uptown Girl yet are we grading Stevie Wonder on I Just Called To Say I Love You??? We are not. Sure "Just The Way You Are" is cheesy but .... those chord changes are exquisite and he hated how the song made people think he was a sensitive balladeer rather than a rocker so I think slack should be cut. Great nostalgic listen for sure but also it has really endured and is definitely in the American pantheon of pop rock records. TL;DR: Stop being such a cynical bastard, lighten up, and let yourself enjoy this. 10/10 5 stars
So fucking good ugh. One of the greatest songwriters of all time. 4.6/5
If you asked me on the street if I liked Billy Joel, I'd probably have a pretty non-committal answer. I don't listen to him often, but I did know 90% of the songs on this album. What can I say? It's just fun.
5 ez
YESSSSSSSSS YESSS YESSS YESSSS YESSS YESSSSSSSSSS So since I’ve already heard this album in full (many times too lol) I’m gonna spare you the essay. I absolutely did need to hear this album before I died. I love Billy Joel’s songwriting and this album is just so amazing with so many highlights. Forever a staple. No skips, every track is amazing and serves a purpose in this album. 10/10 Why is this the only Billy Joel album on the list though that’s criminal. Like where is 52nd Street, Turnstiles, An Innocent Man, The Nylon Curtain, and my personal fav GLASS HOUSES???? All much better albums than some I’ve heard on here!
Not for me. Yet maybe?
Red headed stranger best storytelling ever
billy joel is a very talented man in that he somehow manages to make an album with only 9 tracks on it feel overlong and bloated. how does he do it! 2.5/5 stars if we're being real
This album is nostalgic to me because I used to listen to it when I was a kid a lottttt, it was one of my go-tos once my parents taught me how to use their record player. It holds up pretty well and I still really enjoyed it! I feel like a lot of his songs come really close to being great and then have one element that isn’t as good which prevents it from being truly great, but I still had fun. I definitely like the songs on the first half a bit better than the last few, although I am a sucker for the end of the album reprising the beginning so that was a redeeming quality of the last track for me. Favorite tracks: Movin' Out, The Stranger, Vienna
This is a very nice Billy Joel album. I like a couple of his songs but this was a nice listen, even though it was released 47 years ago. I like that it was a short album, so it was a quick listen, although I wouldn't mind a few more songs on there, as we have had 3-hour albums that have been worse than this.
Much better than I remember
Billy Joel is one of the GOATs. Amazing song writing and variety. In a career where every album has one or more absolute hits, this album is his best.
I have listened quite a lot to Billy Joel but didn't this album. It contains several well known songs, though, most of which I like. The others are not so good, though.
An album that you give a 5/5 stars to without much thought. Not to say that it’s overrated at all though! Most songs on here are household names for a reason. Billy Joel sticks the landing over and over again. A masterclass in storytelling done perfectly through the lens of piano-pop ballads
fav song: movin' out (anthony's song) weird cus i was thinking abt listening to this literally the night before it was my album of the day amazing love it
Love it. Favorite song: Vienna.
Definitely a hit-heavy album. I do like a lot of these songs individually. I personally still prefer them as singles, and didn't really think that the album format really enhanced the body of work. Like, I was pretty tired of Billy Joel by song 3. That said, it seems criminal to give it less than a four.
This, along with 52nd Street, was the first contemporary rock album I bought for myself as a pre-teen. Great nostalgia and much of it still holds up in 2024 for me.
My aunt is a militant Billy Joel fanatic and will broker no criticism of the man she deems to be the second coming of Christ, so I’ve always hated Billy Joel and all his extra sharp cheddar cheese. But damn, I have to admit this is a pretty good album. It’s schmaltzy in that Billy Joel way, but it’s not 80s cheesy.
WOW, je m'attendais pas à tripper autant sur Billy, quelle sublime séquence de chansons toutes méticuleusement bien écrites et jouées. Chapeau, Piano Man!
Peak Billy Joel before he plagued the world with We Didn't Start the Fire.
Classic. Not a bad song on the album, a staple. 5/5
So overrated
This was a lot better than I thought. Such a great storyteller and I recognized most of these though I tend to skip past Billy Joel on the radio thinking it's not for me. I listened to this whole album and have a much better appreciation for him afterward. definitely a 4 I think for me
Having grown tired of hearing Billy Joel on classic rock radio for years and years, I was kind of dreading this one. This is the first time I've ever listened to an entire Billy Joel album start to finish. Damn if this isn't an excellent album. Starts strong with "Movin' Out" and remains strong throughout. The weakest track is the closer, "Everybody Has a Dream." My favorite track was one I'd never heard before: "Get It Right the First Time." 4.25 stars.
Raga ma che bello. La voce è stupenda e la melodia troppo wow. Capisco tutto questo amore per Vienna
Highlights: Movin’ Out, Only The Good Die Young. In a nutshell: all aboard the yacht of rock. Some surprisingly fun jams and reflective world building songs. Many are great, an handful are cheesy. It’s strange that this is the only Billy Joel album on the list. No 80’s Billy Joel. Glass Houses or A Innocent Man should be on here too! Overall: 6/10
Not a fan fan of Billy, but I've heard a little of him and not really disappointed in him I suppose. Don't really remember his style of voice rn, so I don't have high expectations, but as always I don't want basic sad songs or overused sounds. He's a songwriter so I doubt if the songs are sonically well designed, just like Cohen does. However, this is rock too soo I think it'll be good enough for me, DK yet. First song, fun start, catchy I'd say. OOOH WHAT WAS THAT GIBBERISH REPEATING OF SOME WORD. Ooooh the moving up and the delivery of moving out, perfeeect. Sonically it has a headphone play, love when artists do that. It's kind of sad in a way, but also cunty in a good way. Idk if this is the most listened song on the album, it seems so, which means other ones might not be as good. Little jazz and piano I see. A car is rumbling, probably connected to a music video, no idea. Obviously the song faded away. Second song, Elton John start because of that piano, it's low-key sad, though also jazzy. OOOOH WHISTLING IN A SEDUCING WAY, it's giving Joe Dassin. AAAAH THAT BEAT DROP, and rock comes in. A decent lyrical delivery I suppose. The way he says stranger is very British to me. In the chorus he kind of changes his voice, dunno if verses are better or the chorus. This is very vibey, probably yacht rock this is. Even his way of danger is British. So songwriters CAN write catchy music and make it meaningful too, see Cohen, I love Cohen don't get me wrong, but he was yesterday and I was kinda disappointed his main focus was on lyrics so. This was quite a good one too. OOH GOD I THOUGHT SONG FINISHED AND WHISTLING CAME BACK IT'S LIKE ANOTHER SONG. One of the few songs that are long, but don't feel like one. Third song, kind of s futuristic sound, before his voice comes in. He "mmm"ed briefly, kinda rare. Ooooh the best slowly coming in while he's singing was amazing. Jazz came in too, but not as the main part. There's a guitar on the right and some kind of vocalising in the middle. Don't loving the way he sings. It sounds like a love song, lyrically mostly obviously. It's too smooth and slow, I like it, but he's done better in the last two songs. He vocalled much longer than I expected, but not in an amazing way, he apparently doesn't have any vocal abilities, at least that's how I see it. This was for example one of those songs that should be a little shorter, buuut might just be a grower. Jazz became the main part finally. Not a great ending, but oh well. 4th song, seven fucking minutes. Sorry, but makes me think of that Harry Styles song, because of the name iykyk. Lot of piano but it's just that and him singing. Oh nevermind jazz and some beat came in quite beautifully. GOD SONG CHANGED BASICALLY, IT'S UPBEAT NOW. This is how a 7 minute song should go, changing on the way instead of making it aaall the same. There's a instrument playing I forgot a name of, a good one actually. Ooooooooooooh the piano is pianoing in the best way possible. This is very pleasing sonically. I'd never imagine Billy was capable of delivering these kind of songs. The lyrical and sonical interaction is a chief's kiss here. Not a minute spent without changing smth once in a while, proud of you billy. AAAAAAAAH IT TURNED INTO A NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE END. That wasn't the end apparently it's piano now and he's singing more passionately now I think. Randomly jazz appears again, what a song, GOD. Ending was better than just making it fade away. 5th song, sorry but it was a little goofy piano start. Now this one is definitely a sad one, it's a good one tho. He sings in a good way. Waiting for the chorus... There are three choruses as Genius says and they are veeery different from eachother, wait a fucking second is the instrumental break FRENCH?! Loved that. ooh I'm so dumb Vienna I somehow read it as a woman's name no a city, it's because I didn't try to read it out loud. Loved this one even though it's more of a grower tbh. 6th song, he's such a LIAR, the song started differently and now it has a dancey beat and fun vibes all of a sudden, it's giving Shock Treatment soundtrack tbh in a good way. I love these kind of songs, they're weirdly addicting even on a first listen. Dunno which one was a chorus, but I liked when he started singing with more passion and instruments went and came on later, this phenomena must have a name. Oooh it's giving Chuck Berry, didn't last long tho, I meant the sonical part btw. It was quite the same at the end, saying that positively. 7th song, this is all the way sad I suppose, but when the piano beat came in it's low key more upbeat. Been listening without making notes and this could be my least favourite off the album. But lyrically and idk why, but it's giving ABBA'S "head over hills". Not exactly a bad song, just too permanent wave and slow in a bad way. 8th song, disco vibes almost. That unknown instrument came back. Sonically it's soooo good. Oooh he's "lala"ing, weird but expected from Billy. It does have a little disco beat to it, but also rock. Haven't seen disco and rock this close before (or I have and I didn't realise). It's getting a little repetitive, but it's still a vibe and will sound much better on the second listen. The duration is on point too, just as I was bored it's close to the end. The end had that instrument and some futuristic sounds at the veeery end. 9th song, it is kind of giving the last song of the album, it's a long one and it's slow so yeah. Is this Luther King reference? A slow gospel, love that, a group of singers came up was background ones, I suppose that was a chorus. Sonically it's not as good for now. Touching lyrically (not sure it just sounds like it), but I'm not a lyrics guy. He vocalled a little louder, not expected from Billy. I thought it would change the vibe even a little bit as some point, but eh. Wait a second it's fading away, but the song ain't finished, WHAT'S HAPPENING, PIANO?! OOOOO I LOVE THE PIANO QUITE A LOT HERE, OOOOOOOH BECAUSE IT'S NOSTALGIC THAT WHISTLE CAME BACK AND THE PIANO WAS USED THERE TOO, GOD A SELF REFERENCE THIS TURNS OUT TO BE. Now I can safely call this an artistic album, because I love when songs are connected to each other especially when they're not right to each other. What an album ending like wooooow. BILLYYY I LIKE YOU MORE THAN EVER. I didn't expect to love love this album at all. Some songs were a little off, and 5 stars does mean it should be fully perfect, but the level of surprising me in the songs in the ways I didn't expect from him is enough to rate this as high as possible. I am delighted. Didn't disappoint me as much as I thought it would, smn said Billy is a bad version of Elton John, and I most certainly disagree, I know Elton more than Billy tbh (haven't listened to an album waiting for one here tbh) so they seem equally good rn, might change that mindset idk. Anyway this was catchy, fun and sad and I simply can't ask for more, just more albums from Billy, pleasee.
Favourite Song: Moving Out (Anthony's Song)
So. Many. Bangers.
i love this album so much, been looking for a second hand version in stores for years but haven’t been able to find it yet. all the songs are absolutely amazing, but will have to give ‘scenes from an italian restaurant’ the honor of being my favorite song
Love the piano, man.
It's alright
I never realized so many of these great songs were from a single album!
It sounds so... normal. But somehow I like it.
She’s Always a Woman, Everybody Has a Dream are too slow
Great singer songwriter album. Some odd musical instrument choices for some of the solos but it was the 70s I guess.
Billy Joel has a very recognizable voice. I know plenty of his hit songs but I don't own any of his albums (a part from a compilation). This album is ok but it wouldn't be on my "to have" list.
Billy Joel is an awesome songwriter. Although a bit dated, I enjoyed listening to this album this morning. I also reflected on how he retired from songwriting whilst on top of his game (let's just ignore the misfire "middle of the night") Solid 3
Not bad, but not my thing
listened to this right after paul simon's self titled. it's a good night of east coast white boy energy
This album brings back a lot of good memories for me and it still holds up just as good as when I last listened to it. Billy Joel's voice brings in some great depth and flavor that is felt throughout the entire album. I really don't have anything negative to say about it besides one of the songs in particular (Only The Good Die Young) as being a bit overrated imo but even the less popular songs on here get their chance to shine. Just some great music here overall that I'll always enjoy. Best - Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Just the Way You Are, She's Always A Woman, and Get It Right The First Time Worse - No bad songs besides a few being a bit overrated 4.50-4.75/5
BJ doesn't miss on this one. Makes me yearn for a bottle of red on the patio of a bustling NY restaurant or a line of coke in the bathroom.
Music for horny middle aged, middle class people. I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way. This reminds me, weirdly, of John Updike? It’s especially apparent in the earnestness, if not in it’s writing style. Updike is one of the great American prose stylists, and my big problem with this album and Billy Joel in general is that I’m not a great fan of his writing style. There’s too much of an emphasis on clever word play and wise-sounding platitudes written in the first person. When you compare his writing to the other great American songwriters of the age, your Paul Simons, your Springsteens, your Lou Reeds, then the difference is apparent. That being said, I like the music enough that I can ignore my issues with the lyrics, which makes for an overall positive listening experience
Yep, it's Billy Joel - who doesn't like Billy Joel? I like Billy Joel. Fave Track: Just The Way You Are Rating: 3
Pretty bored
A bit bland to be honest, I had to stop the disc a few times, put piano man and come back to this album.
Years ago I never would have admitted to liking this album, but my daughter loves Billy Joel, so now I love some Billy Joel. The entire album is good, but first 6 tracks are great.
Oh hell no.
Hard not to tap your foot to Billy Joel!
One of the best mellow albums of all time
I knew two songs off this album, yet didn’t know that either were by Billy Joel (I’ll let you guess which ones I knew). This album seemed a lot softer than what I’ve come to expect from such tracks as We Didn’t Start The Fire or Piano Man. I really enjoyed this change. It is much closer to folk music than piano rock, and so demonstrates Billy Joel’s versatility in his songwriting. This is probably my favourite album of his so far. I’ll very likely be returning to this a fair bit.
3.5
Timeless.
Billy Joel is a performer and singer of the highest degree, but unfortunately his songs just don't really hold my interest.
Precious!
Some classic songs.
I only know about Billy Joel by his famous name, which I see here and there in movies and TV series. Apparently, he is important for TV productions as a reference, but I have never listened to one of his albums. This one was a nice introduction. It still sounds like I am listening to something purposely made in 2024 to sound like something from the 70s/80s, but being really produced around 1970 makes a lot of sense.
Perfect album. No flaws. Life is good when this album is being played
Love love love this album.
Me: “It’s all bangers” “It always has been” :Billy Joel in a astronaut suit holding a gun to the back of my head 10/10
Appreciate the talent and really love “The Stranger.”
fun but all the songs sound the same
was gonna rate this lower but then i got kicked in the teeth by vienna
Balanced, but not my genre.
5-
Listened to the album on a Friday, now reviewing it on a Monday. The only things I remember are that it was ok and "Vienna waits for you". I guess that's something
I want to write this album off as pure unrelenting cheese, but I cannot deny how strong the first two tracks are. I hate ballad Billy Joel, and I despise his signature uptempo corniness, but the intrigue of those first two songs are enough to bring this album up somewhat for me. The title track's verse sounds like a Ronnie James Dio song???? I read another review describing Billy Joel as a lesser Elton John, and while I've definitely always have agreed with that comparison, I have to say it's just the opposite.
great album. better than expected.
The most I liked was the relaxed rhythm of their songs
I love this lyric melody of the music of 70s' Dramatic, romantic and tender But generally not what I listen to
It's fine.
This album mixes punk energy with modern twists, but it didn’t quite click for me. Tracks like “Neon Nights” have a spark, yet the experimental pieces felt off. This type of music just isn’t up my alley
Never liked Vienna in my youth, now I relate to it more than Movin' Out. Great Album.
An absolute cracker from the Kid from Long Island. So many hits and underappreciated melodies.
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: Creepypasta Mix: El Fuego Mucho Musik: Die Banalität des Blöden Wertung: 🎭(🎭)/5
Nope