Reviews (page 11 of 16)
I enjoyed but none of the songs hit as good as Vienna
I already love this album. All of these songs are hits in my opinion. I do not care if liking Billy Joel makes me lame. I was mostly introduced to him when my father took me and my sister to one of his concerts in Madison Square Garden when I was 16 and I listened to his discography in preparation, and I have been a fan since. My favourites from this album are its staples; 'Movin' Out...', 'Just the Way You Are', 'Scenes...', 'Vienna', 'Only the Good...'. I am well aware that is over half the album.
another enjoyable classic rock album
surprisingly good
So funny how we view these albums through the lens of what memories they trigger. I am rating this album well because there are so many songs that I recognize and have solid memories of.
Enjoyed listening to this one
Billy Joel is the best. I loved this album.
I don't remember listening to this one through before, so I was surprised to find that I recognized almost all of the songs. This is a neat perfect album, full of hits and fantastic melodies. The lyrics of "She's Always a Woman" haven't aged particularly well I guess, and the last 2 songs are slightly forgettable. Overall though, this is a solid 9/10
all bangers
Absolute banger of an album. Movin Out is probably his most fun song, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is a vibrant and astounding work, Vienna is gorgeous and sounds massive: and that’s only like half of the singles. Every song has its place and it flows really well as an album, and the Morricone-esque whistling theme of the title track is delicious - just lovely stuff
Muy buenas canciones. De lo mejor de Billy
4/5
A masterpiece. The opening track is so crunchy. The lyrics on the album are valid and from the heart, joel isn’t trying to say something he doesn’t believe. These are all his legitimate stories. A classy, catchy album with vividly memorable lyrics.
Det startede godt ud, så blev jeg sq lidt sur på den da midter stykket levede op til de foregående. Også sluttede det helt festligt af.
Egentligt en ret fed åbner, jeg var generelt ret godt underholdt. - Der var også lidt Elton John over det. Tror godt det kunne vokse på mig, men det blev ikke lige kærlighed ved første genemlyt.
Virkelig en blandet oplevelse. Vi er langt fra Uptown Girl. Meget tættere på Piano Man. Dog med mere optempo og elguitar drevne sange smidt ind imellem. Titelsangen, Vienna og Everybody Has A Dream stod ud som fængslende musikalske oplevelser.
Great Album! Classic songs!
Just a solid album from beginning to end. One of the rare 5 stars for me on this list of British music.
The only reason this isn't getting the full 5 is because my parents conditioned me to dislike Billy Joel (but this was wonderful)
Never been a big Billy Joel fan, just never got it. Never liked pop singles like Tell Her and Start the Fire. But. Now I am an old fart and know where the Mets colours come from, listening to the first half a dozen tracks from Stranger. I get it now.
-Okay so I actually ended up liking this a lot more than I thought I would. Very catchy and soulful, and there’s something about his voice I really like -It honestly had no bad songs too so it was hard to choose standouts -Favorites are Movin’ Out, The Stranger, and Vienna
classico, já conhecia algumas musicas de filmes e series... foi bem bom de ouvir
Bit of gentle listening.
Very well developed album. A solid contribution to the genre and worth listening to. Not sure I'd throw it on at any time, but wouldn't balk if someone else did. I have to be honest, knowing that this album almost faded into obscurity had it not been for the efforts of two radio DJs makes me value it even more.
“Brender’s” favorite album. Big album for a big talent. Another album for it’s time.
Actually a great albumn. Billy Joel can write some that scream how I feel about my beautiful wife
Is this Billy Joel's greatest album? Perhaps. This seemed to signal a breakthrough for Mr. Joel at this point in his career. Almost all of the hits are packed in here. Some of the highlights for me personally: "Just the Way You Are" - always loved this song and its construction, it's sappy but those sax breaks are delectable "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" - probably the centerpiece of the album, a epic medley of sorts telling the story of young love (and subsequent heartbreak) "Only the Good Die Young" - a jaunty tune, telling a tale of lust (and actually got Joel into a bit of trouble with religious types, making the song even MORE popular as a result) Billy Joel has always been an adept songwriter, and later a great showman, but that is probably the most evident in "The Stranger". The album itself might be a little top heavy, but it has some of the best pop-rock that the 70's had to offer and just...sounds like New York despite me never having visited there. Billy Joel went on a roll after this album.
I mean, there's a couple of decent tracks on there, but it's vapid poppy nonsense.
My family got sick of me listening to this album on repeat
I remember being at my aunt and uncle's house and they had this and Glass Houses on vinyl. I thought it was fantastic stuff. When I got older I bought his Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2 on double CD. Volume 1 was probably the best CD I ever listened to. Volume 2 was probably the worst CD I ever listened to. This is an album full of bangers. I feel like I've heard most of these tracks on the radio at some point. Easy 5 stars.
Fun! 4/5
im normally not the right demographic for this, but i thought it was pretty good. the entirety of side a was nice; the run from side a to vienna in side b was all hits. although i thought just the way you are was a little cheesy for my liking, the instrumental was nice. speaking of side b, it was definitely underwhelming compared to side a. she’s always a woman, and of course vienna, was great, but i was pretty indifferent to the rest. overall, i enjoyed the listen, and would relisten to most of the tracks here. 4 personal favs: the stranger, scenes from an italian restaurant
It's okay. Moving out is probably the best song. The rest is kinda just background music.
fucking fantastic 4.5/5
I forgot how much I loved the song, The Stranger. Beautiful piano work.
No. 204/1001 Movin' Out 4/5 The Stranger 4/5 Just The Way You Are 4/5 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant 4/5 Vienna 5/5 Only The Good Die Young 4/5 She's Always A Woman 5/5 Get It Right The First Time 4/5 Everybody Has a Dream 4/5 Average: 4,22 Wow! This was really a great listen from front to back.
My first Billy Joel album on here, and it's a good one. This album is remarkably consistent from top to bottom. It starts out strong with the upbeat "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and just keeps pumping out quality song after song. Add a few classics to go along with it ("Vienna", "Just the Way You Are", "Only the Good Die Young") and you've got a really enjoyable album. I'm not the biggest Billy Joel fan in the world overall. He's definitely got a bit of an unoffensive '70s soft rock thing going on (the whistling and saxophone really add to it on here), and I don't think he's the most inspiring lyricist ever. But sometimes the chill soft rock just works, and you've got to give credit where it's due. That's the case here, it's a great album. Favorite song: Vienna Other: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Just the Way You Are, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Only the Good Die Young, She's Always a Woman 6/22/24
Great listen..
It's just half of his best of, plus some great, ambitious, earnest album tracks. Billy Joel is so underrated. He may not have started any fires, but he made some amazing music.
Finally, a quality album to listen to.
i genuinely love this album so much so it’s gonna be a deeply biased 5 from me NO QUESTIONS PLEASE
the whistling in this makes me wanna watch kill bill for some reason??? i can't rate billy joel low my mom would be so mad at me but ykw it wasn't bad i could listen to this again
omg not a miss in sight, my dad energy feels stronger than ever. movin' out? more like movin' in... to my heart!!!!
do i need this when we have chicago's saturday in the park?
i really liked the first half of this more than the back half (the best songs are the first 2.) but overall it was good and i get the feeling if i had been born in 1954 i would think he was the male taylor swift (interpret how you will)
everything about this was lovely and soothing for the soul. i support this white man.
Classics!
Perfect! It is very energizing and melodious! I like this album.
3.5
A classic romantic album
Great listen. Very familiar already but fun to hear all the hits.
Like songs from a musical, not for me but I can see others enjoying it 3*.
Nothing to report. Easy listening, non memorable
Yes it's polished and well written pop music. The band of the time were fantastic too. 'Just the way you are' is one of the earliest songs i remember hearing. I just can't be doing with it. I can't deny the quality of the song writing, musicianship, production and Billy's expressive voice but for some reason it rubs me up the wrong way. Not for me.
not my favourite billy joel record
Awesome mix of storytelling, pop piano, and Americana. I’d heard many of the songs on this album before but never listened to the entire thing in one sitting.
Just horrible, cheesy and over rated. Better than Elton John, but only just. And a whistling solo is a crime by the way.
Funny how I knew several tracks on this. It must be a testament to BJ's genius as a songwriter. He's not my normal listening material, but this is very good. No Rock songs on here and I don't care! A 4 star album.
Until the age of 12 or so (circa 1980) most of my musical listening was from the local top-40 AM radio station, and I never paid much attention to who the artists were (there have been a good number of '70s songs in this project that I could still sing along to every word that I could never have given you the title or artist). Around that year I clearly remember a conversation with friends in which it was revealed to me just how many of my favorite songs on the radio were by Billy Joel, especially from this album and Glass Houses. I was very stingy about spending my money on albums for fear that there would just be the one "good song," but these two went right into my growing cassette collection and were listened to frequently. In any case, I continue to love the variety of songs on this album and there's really not any I don't like. I would happily do a sing-along to this entire album. Although I was not the one to expose these songs to him, my 17-year-old son could sing along with most of them, having discovered them on his own, which speaks to me of their timelessness. (For the record, my affection for Billy Joel would peak with The Nylon Curtain and promply end with the doo-wop abomination of An Innocent Man.)
You can have all the Billy Joels…except The Stranger.
A classic album that became familiar to me in bits and pieces over the years. Moments of it are very much of its time but most of it is timeless. Very special.
Great, just as I expected! A towering classic.
Greatest Hits!
During the course of *The Sopranos*, one episode mentions that Tony Soprano and his wife Carmela have booked tickets for a Billy Joel concert. Although we never see them go to the gig (this happens between episodes), I remember telling myself that I should listen to a Billy Joel album one day, just to see if there were hidden references or cultural tidbits there that this favourite TV series of mine could have sprinkled elsewhere. And sure enough, the New Jersey setting of *The Stranger*'s opener "Movin' Out" (a well-put rock track with memorable vocal and instrumental hooks) sounded familiar to me. The mere fact that the secondary title of this cut is called "*Anthony*'s Song" even suggests that David Chase could have found inspiration in that tune to name his lead character. Tony Soprano's tastes for the most commercially viable strands of boomer rock indeed align with Billy Joel's offerings on this record. And I have a sneaking suspicion Chase and his writers were being ironic when they made Tony a fan of Joel. Even though it's sometimes difficult to distinguish irony form earnestness in the show, including for its soundtrack or musical references... That said, the lyrics of second track "The Stranger" seem to suggest a different picture. Here are expressed concerns about the power of the unconscious and subconscious, and also about the hypocrisy of social mores, which are all very present in David Chase's show. This might just be a coincidence. But if that's the case, the latter allowed me to have a personal interest in Joel's music for the duration of a second track, at least. Which is not a given. The whistling part of the intro and outro sections of this song (also played again at the very end of the album bearing its name) is nice enough in its Ennio Morricone undertones. But the dad-rock, somewhat "funky" shenanigans of the song itself are a bit of a letdown compared to the opener, and also to Joel's obvious models Steely Dan, Paul McCartney or Randy Newman. Which says a lot about the amount of cheese used here. Because one thing's for sure, album *The Stranger* is such a downright *cheesy* record that it's hard not to feel ironic about it today. That some reviewers in here point out that Joel only became a purveyor of hackneyed and grating music a few albums after this one is mind-boggling to me. And so is the incredibly *high* global score for this album on this app. How many misguided boomers à la Tony Soprano are roaming in this group? Is it because this record garnered Grammies in 1977? Winning Grammies has never been a sure sign of artistic success. Look at some of the albums garnering Grammy Awards *today* and weep, you old fools. Sure, this record has its share of famous hits, with the slow-paced, sax-enhanced number "Just The Way You Are" leading the aural assault--a cut whose sickening fake sentimentality makes you wish it should never have become a hit in the first place. Never noticed the subtle synth layers in the song's background before, which sound nice enough, but also come off as if they had been directly nicked from 10cc's "I'm Not In Love". The song is a sacharine cheesefest anyway, so loaded with sugar I'm starting to worry about my insulin level. "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" is a little more interesting, maybe. I already knew its introductory section, but I had never realized it was a "2-in-1" song, with a lengthy and livelier middle sequence telling about the marriage and divorce of former teenage friends of the song's protagonist, who is himself hesitating to commit adultery--with a old flame of his that he's meeting after all these years in that titular "Italian restaurant". Sorry for the novel here, but at least, that's what I've gathered from the subtext of this one. The thing is, in the course of his disjointed narrative, it's never clear if Joel is leaving things ambiguous on purpose, or if he's just an awkward storyteller. And fittingly, the musical structure of this one conveys the same sort of ambiguity. After two different lively and driven sections at the center of this 7-minute track, featuring an inspiring vocal performance, said structure syddenly aims for a quick Las Vegas-style build-up, before returning to the "bottle of red, bottle of white" routine of the intro section (iconic lines, I'm gonna give them that). But truth be told, the whole composition neither rhymes nor reasons, and so feels as unconclusive as the lyrics are. Following that partial misfire, "Vienna" is a more "existential" version of the synth-enhanced ballad "Just The Way You Are". Unfortunately, its undeniable truths about the shortness of life are ruined by an accordion player, just like when you're bothered by the latter at a terrace when you just want to have a conversation with your partner. After that, "Only The Good Die Young" is a blue-eyed soul and reggae-inspired cut whose horn section is as on-the-nose as its lyrics about how Joel tries to seduce a "Catholic girl" (and naming her "Virginia" is such a ridiculous and laughable choice that the whole conceit crumbles on itself quick). "Just Like A Woman" is a borderline misogynistic 3/4 piano ballad conveying the some sort of artificial sentimentality used in "Just The Way You Are". "Get It Right The First Time" harnesses Brazilian flavours to hide its mundane nature as a boomer rock cut--rather effectively, I would add in a somewhat benevolent mood. And "Everybody Has A Dream" is a return to the quaint, oversentimental tones explored before, this time supported by a massive background choir that, willingly or not, underlines all too well the delusions of grandeurs dreams are all too often made of. And that's it. This is the "album of the year" according to many pundits and commentators in 1977, the year punk broke out. What a blast. At least, Fleetwood Mac's *Rumours* aged with grace. I could still have given Billy Joel's *The Stranger* two stars. But then, listening to it once again, I've just realized one thing: apart from a couple of songs here and there, a lot of the man's vocal inflexions are actually just annoying as hell, going from "overkill" moments to others betraying a somewhat flimsy control of pitch. Which takes the cake when you're having those sorts of mainstream ambitions. One star then, equalling a 6/10 grade (5+1 for "cultural impact), here following purposes others than the ones used for a list of "essential albums". I always try to be kind to "strangers". But it looks like I've reached my limit here. Please don't send Tony Soprano to my house. I don't think I deserve having my kneecaps destroyed just because I don't like this record. Number of albums left to review: 166 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 361 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 211 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 267 (including this one)
serve essere simp nella vita
una sorpresa gigante ma forse non così tanto, considerato quanto adoro Vienna. meraviglioso, scorre liscio come l'olio e morbido come una carezza, zio Billy sei un g
Bellissimo, sembra quasi di vivere una notte nell’Upper East Side: il rumore della grande metropoli è un sottofondo che non si spegne mai, ma attraverso la finestra puoi intravedere qualche stella e sognare.
Raga ma che bello. La voce è stupenda e la melodia troppo wow. Capisco tutto questo amore per Vienna
I'd say 4.5 if I could. Long time fan of Billy Joel and this one has some of the classic hits. Only losing slight marks cause he has other versions of some of the songs that I prefer
Title track is good, and I liked the sax in Just The Way You Are. A bit too sappy from the Piano Man at times, but when the pace picks up it's better. Vienna is the biggest song off this? Another ballad and it doesn't really connect with me. She's Always a Woman is more interesting, albeit yet another ballad. Just not enough here for me to get excited about.
Solid easy listening album. Couple big hits even 45+ years later.
nice and smooth
already listened
Y'know, I've never been much one to joke on Billy Joel, and this album here is pretty much why. Now, sure, before the first time I listened to this album in, I'unno, 2021, I just generally didn't have much of a reason to. But giving this thing two relistens in 2024—oof, boy. This is some amazing piano-led singer-songwriter 70's pop rock. And there's all those qualifies, yeah, but still—it's real good stuff. Maybe a little cheesy in some parts, but like I'm not at least some-percent cheese at this point in my life. I do with cheese; I enjoy cheese... This is good. Just look at "Scenes From An Italian Resturaunt". It's an epic for sure, and a fan favorite for a reason. And if I'm not giving it a 4, it's only just because it hasn't quite yet reached the "entered my soul" phase yet. I can't say I don't see this album doing it, but as it stands, it's just a really great listen. So, y'know, ultimately, no. I might not have provided a lot of explanation, but in general, that's why I won't joke on Billy Joel. Even with some of the stuff he made after this. Or some of the stuff he made **before**. You ever hear Atilla? Goodness me. Joke on that stuff all day.
A great album from one of the best singer-songwriters. Plus, the fact that the title track and Just the Way You Are both sampled on Daft Punk's Phœnix does give it bonus points in my eyes.
I mean, that’s like a 10, probably. I’m really just stunned that I’ve never heard this album before; Billy Joel has always been one of those artists that’s stayed just out of reach of my musical knowledge, outside of the really big stuff, like Piano Man, The Longest Time, Uptown Girl, and (for better or for worse) We Didn’t Start The Fire. I knew the names of some of the songs on this album, but I don’t think I had ever really heard any of them, save for maybe a little bit of Movin’ Out. I thought this was absolutely fantastic; very rarely can you tell an artist has hit their magnum opus on the first full album you’ve ever listened of them, but right around the point where Scenes from an Italian Restaurant crescendoed into the big tale about Brenda and Eddie is the point where I realized that like… yeah, this is probably Billy Joel’s best work, and it’s my first proper Billy Joel album. I genuinely thought every single track was great, not a single lull here. Instrumentation was off the fucking charts, and every instrument that slowly got brought into each song just added more without ever taking away from the essence of the songs. Lyrically, I thought it was just full of imagery, and written in a way that allowed his vocals to really shine through. I could keep going, but I’m seriously just stunned. It’s a 10 for me. Fabulous, fabulous album. It’s a shame that whatever Billy Joel album comes up next simply won’t be as good, unless he proves me wrong.
Favorite track: Vienna other pick: She's always a woman 5 stars
Billy Joel was one of my first favs. Such range as an artist who just make excellent pop songs. 4.5/5
Great album, great artist. Hit after hit.
Just great songwriting and performances all around on this thing. Especially the longer tracks on here, keeps it fresh and interesting and doesn't lose any steam. Surprised i've never bothered to check this out. Maybe the tag of 'piano rock' made it sound slow, but it isn't.
Billy Joel is a favourite of mine and this album especially. I've listened to it many, many times. Probably the peak of his songwriting. He had good stuff after but nothing that every collectively reached this collection.
What a lovely and beautifully-composed record. The songwriting is passionate, inspiring and relatable. Billy touches on many familiar topics, but in a way that just makes me feel good. His voice is so easy on the ears, paired with instrumentation that is sultry and smooth. Great one.
I've never given Billy Joel much consideration beyond just what you get through cultural osmosis, but I actually really enjoyed this! It's catchy throughout with clean and upbeat production.
If you want to know why some people adore Billy Joel, then listen to this album. Stylistically diverse, moving between ballads, singer-songwriter type songs, and rock and roll, all with a bit of jazz thrown in, The Stranger is a masterpiece of the rock era. There is no reason to talk about the hit songs since just about every song is a hit on this album. Even in the golden age of rock, that was unusual. Probably half this album was played at every prom from its release until ten years after. Besides the exquisite songwriting, the performance is also impeccable. Joel's band is tight, professional, and energetic. Vocally, this is Billy Joel at peak. While there were good albums before and after (with Turnstiles and 52nd Street the best of them), none can top The Stranger.
Lost 2 points on the last two songs
Used to play “Movin’ Out” while driving around by myself feeling like a REAL adult at 17 (I wouldn’t move out for 4 more years)
Thought it was Greatest Hits of Billy Joel for a second
Knew like all the songs and I hadn’t even listened to the album
He puts so much pizazz and flair into his music it’s so slay
Another nostalgia special for me, not much to criticise. Maybe a side effect of knowing most of the songs already but feel that the structure of the album is very good. Also a big fan of the arrangments and production - stands head and shoulders above the Elton album in my opinion.
A case where I'd have preferred his greatest hits. Or the Kennedy Center Honors performances from 2013.
It's a delight. I can hear the lyrics easily, I can follow the tune, the narrative. I connect with what is being said. How it is said. The infusion of a time and place of a romantic America that never will be again. My wish to be a part of that in some small delightful way. That is such a good album in all the ways that me from 1989 listening to this 1977 album was so scornful of. Which shows that I have changed too. 5 stars. On my regular repeat list now. I rabbitholed down about this albums history, the reaction by the community of ears listening to this, and the types of responses that Billy Joel gets. That was also fun. This album is now one of my favourites, it is a discovery and a good good find.
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Possibly my favourite Billy Joel album. I was brought up listening to all of his music but this record is a personal favourite. Movin Out & Only The Good Die Young are highlights and Just The Way You Are & She's Always A Woman are beautiful but nothing comes close to Scenes From An Italian Restaurant it is 7 and a half minutes of pure heaven.
High points were the first songs
It is cheesy but I rather enjoyed this while gazing wistfully from the window of a train heading north though the Highlands. Always kind of think of Billy Joel as a horrible wee guy but there's some good story-songs here.
ok
The perfect album. I have no more words, 5/5
Not a huge fan of Billy Joel, but this album has a lot of good songs on it IMO.
Fantastic album from start to finish. Billy nailed it. Didn’t realize all of these great songs are on one album…. You can really get into the songs and sing along!
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Vienna", "Only the Good Die Young", "Just the Way You Are", and "Movin' Out" all deserve a chef's kiss. It's actually sad I used a 5 of other albums because it's disrespectful for this album to be on the same tier as others haha.
I'd rate it a 6 if I could.
What a great album this is. He's got it right the 5th time with this one. So many brilliant tracks. Some timeless, some exuding the mid 70s vibe. But a great album as a full composition with an opening, an arc, a climax and ending with a release.
It has some good songs
Wow! Incredibly charming and stunning arrangements!
Mets fans lol
I am not a huge fan of Billy Joel, especially his later work, but I have to give him props in this album. When I read the track listing I forgot how many hits were on this record. This one and 52nd street are the pinnacle of his career IMO. I remember these vinyl LP’s around the house and hearing them in the background and much on radio. Soft / mom rock, but he made it work to make a significant splash at the time.
I always thought Billy Joel’s music was safe and comfortable for people who don’t like to color outside the lines. Me included on some days depending on mood. But hits are hits and no matter how soft and somewhat cheesy his songs can be, there is a timeless aspect to his tunes that definitely remains. Even if we refuse to admit that we actually do know the lyrics and can sing along. Five out of nine songs that saw heavy rotation gives this a high number.
This is an album by a talented musician who draws from some respectable influences but can’t help but write music for moms.
Some good tunes on this. Probably deserves a 4 but just gets a little too sappy for me at times. I also don’t know why he has Robert Downey Jr on the album cover.
I've always found Billy Joel's music to be corny as hell... not that it's bad, just has a corny sound to it. But hey, I'm not ashamed to admit sometimes corny is good and this album is a prime example. Also, everything sounds better after a Mavs win! 3.75/5
Almost offensively inoffensive, slick, safe and edge-free throughout, but there are some undeniable hits.
Great songwriting.
C'était cool
There were a few high points, but the album felt bogged down by the songs in the middle. Favorite track: "Scenes from sn Italian Restaurant," I think.
Such a great album that fully showcases Billy Joel's beautiful songwriting and storytelling skills. It's an interesting mix of genres too - disco, gospel/soul, rock, pop. I was also impressed with Billy Joel's vocal capabilities here. He doesn't always get enough credit in that area.
7/10 zomg...so fucking 70's. I...I...*sigh* I really like Billy Joel. 5-23-2024
This is a great album. Plenty of hit singles, and is easy to listen to. It does miss on a couple songs, but nothing you need to skip. 4.5/5
Love Billy Joel. Still hate songs over 6 minutes. 4/5
If you're not giving this 4-5 *s, you're just biased against Billy. It's that simple. He's one of the greatest songwriters of all times. And listen to the melodies - he shamelessly borrows from Bach, Chopin, Mozart... but also the Beatles and Buddy Holly. And that's fine. He reinvents and creates amazing pop music. The Stranger is perfect. The perfect companion album to Born to Run. Yeah, I said it.
This album to me is the prime example of Billy Joel's wide range of musicianship that helps his songs stand the test of time. There are consistent piano-centric motifs throughout, but stylistically this record had the best of both worlds. With sentimental pop classics like "Just The Way You Are" and "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" to more traditional rock songs like "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" (my personal favorite Billy Joel song ever) and "The Stranger", this album showcases excellence in multiple areas. With "Only The Good Die Young" having those sounds plus more with the killer saxophone solo, this record scratches just about every musical itch one could have, and to me encapsulates the perfect retrospective of Joel's catalog. 8.5/10
Gillar första låten riktigt mycket så snälla låt det fortsätta så. Förstår att The Stranger blev en hit. Trist med visslandet dock. The Way You Are är fin. Gillar också Scenes from an Italien Restaurang. Trevlig lyssning. Tycker skivan är bra
Det här var bra. På tiden. Många bra låtar. Hög kvalitet genom hela. Stött på referenser till scenes from an Italian restaurant många gånger i tv-serier/film. Men aldrig hört låten, den var bra! Only the good die young är samplade i en hiphop-låt, E-dubble Palm trees. Oavsett, bra musik!
Det här visade sig ju vara en riktigt bra skiva rakt igenom. Hade hört 2-3 låtar sedan tidigare och övriga levererade på precis samma nivå. Kul!
Hard to deny. This album is very solid with some great talent, nice layers, and pleasing to the ears on the production end. Cheesy, but well done. Now I'm off to the Catalina Wine Mixer. I'll take the white.
Prior to this i had not heard the whole album. But listening to it i realize how very well crafted of a Pop album it is. It is catchy and even though all tracks not are hits for me, they still flow well. This feels like a crash course in pop writing. Personal favorites: She's always a woman, Vienna, only the good die young
This album is so good. Somewhere between a 4 and a 5. I think it's a better collection of songs than it is an album, but I love it.
Ich tue mich schwer mit Singer/Songwritern. Keine Ahnung warum. Allerdings scheint mir das hier so etwas wie ein Goldstandard zu sein.
This is Springsteen lite. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The songs are well crafted and the playing is sound. But I wish it would rock out a bit more. Joel is guilty of going too soft at times which doesn't appeal to me. But there's enough quality on here to give it a passing grade.
I'm not the biggest Billy Joel fan in the world, but this album has some classics and I respect it. There is some really good songwriting on this one, particularly Vienna and She's Always a Woman.
Great album.
Awesome album. Not a bad track here.
Fantastic album
Some of Billy’s best bangers on here! Lovely stuff! 4.0
Classic!
First album that I knew in advanced and had listened too. Love almost every song on this list!
Billy Joel's The Stranger is a compelling album that intertwines great storytelling with memorable songs, showcasing Joel's songwriting prowess. Each track on the album offers its own narrative, drawing listeners into a world of vivid characters and situations. However, like Father Ted and Father Dougal, he really needs to lose his sax solos. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - She's Always a Woman
Amazing collection of well-written songs. Not a bad one in the bunch.
Great, last too songs just too sleey
I love Billy Joel. Nothing else to say
5/10/24. First time really giving Billy Joel a chance and I'm glad the album generator finally forced me to! This is very good from the songwriting, musicianship, and Billy's vocals. I'll need to listen to more of his work.
I don't like to admit it but I do love a lot of this album. It seems very post-punk but pre-punk, maybe moreso in it's influences in the new wave movement, when I hear Movin' Out it sounds like a lofi version of a Buggles Song. The Stranger's chorus also sounds almost Stan Ridgway. No wonder Daft Punk and everyone else had a field day with the sampling this album.
Arguably Billy Joel's best album. "The Stranger" really strikes alot of chords with me. The thematic elements, the inclusion of some of his finest songs from "Anthony's Song (moving out)" to "Vienna", the fact that the rollicking story of a song that is "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" was his attempt to emulate the beatles, there's a lot here I like.
One of Billy Joel's best albums, hard to go wrong.
Some great tunes and piano playing!! Lots of cheese whiz and story telling brings vibrant nyc imagery but also keeps this album at a 4 instead of a 5 🧀
Thought I was listening to his greatest hits album because every song is a BANGER 5 ⭐️
Billy bangers
Hit after hit!!! Incredible stuff billy
A couple of really nice tracks here (Vienna, she's always a woman) but overall not my vibe.
I'm not the biggest fan of Billy Joel. Something in his music always makes me cringe a bit. Formally it's all fine, the man has talent and all that. Maybe it was novel back in the days. So this goes all for his album "The Stranger" too. I still rate it 3 stars: It's a nice listen, nothing that I will revisit, but well enough.
I have spent quite some time avoiding Billy Joel, mostly cause I remember him to be a sappy mom-pop star, but this is actually some lovely soulful singer-songwriter music with genuinely soft and catchy tunes all over.
Phenomenal
Classic album, Vienna and She’s always a woman are highlights.
Billy Joel is so good. Probably his best album top to bottom, but he has some other fantastic ones that I think should be on this list as well. “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is my favorite song on here, but I admittedly love his long story songs (“Captain Jack” is all time favorite) but there is literally not one weak song on this album. I’ve seen him play most songs from this album in concert, and if you have the chance to see him, I highly recommend it. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.
I remember "Just The Way You Are" being played almost constantly on Radio 2 in the UK in the 80s. I was only about five years old, but I hated how boring and bland it was. And I still do!
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.
I crushed on this album pretty hard in college. It's not really the type of thing that I'm into these days. But I do think it holds up as a solid piece of pop songwriting craft. IMO, Vienna is still the best Billy Joel deep cut.
Not really my jam. maybe too theatrical for my taste
Listened: 2024/05/08 Track List: 1. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) 2. The Stranger * ✰ 3. Just the Way You Are ✰ 4. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant 5. Vienna * 6. Only the Good Die Young 7. She's Always a Woman * 8. Get It Right the First Time * 9. Everybody Has a Dream * -- The piano and whistling from "The Stranger" and "Everybody Has a Dream" are so good, I don't think I'd get sick of hearing those parts ever.
I've been waiting for this one! I was surprised how many songs I already knew...maybe three or four? I'm not sure how often I'd realistically return to this album, but I can't not give it a perfect score. It deserves a 5.
Mindless background music you'd hear on FM radio while mixing paint. Billy Joel's a bitch, and always has been. I seriously hate him. He make boring showtunes.
A classic to be played more around the house! Glad to have it reintroduced.
the musical equivalent of clapping when a plane lands
Good album, I like It.
Vienna is just a great song.
Good, but too cheesy.
Great songs on this
I like this album it's before he got pretentious
Easy 5 for me
Someone gave a pub musician a big band. Not my thing.
Not a fan of his faux deepness, and he gets on my nerve a bit, but can't deny the excellent production and musical qualities. 3
Heard all the hits before, but first time listening to the full album. 2x.
It’s total mom rock and so I definitely came in with some priors but I was really pleasantly surprised. It’s hit after hit on this album and I can’t think of many more albums I’ve had so far that have been so prolific as this one. It’s got a lot of variety too and billy Joel is one hell of a songwriter. I also danced to just the way you are at my wedding with my mom and almost every track reminds me of her so I’m probably more than just a little biased.
It's crazy how many iconic songs are on this album. I guess they had to sprinkle in a few lengthy meandering songs to even it out.
We can hate on Joel all we want. But this album is undeniable.
I grew up thinking Billy Joel was a cheesy hack. Now that I'm actually listening to his discography, I have to begrudgingly admit he's a cheesy genius.
I'm 67, and I grew up on Long Island. This is my story. I'm not alone.
Been meaning to listen to this album for ages so good to finally get round to it. Honestly, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would but it is still good. Some of the tracks stand out above the rest, but overall it's a nice album but not one I'm likely to revisit any time soon. Fav tracks: She's Always a Woman, Movin' Out, Vienna
Probably the best Billy Joel that I’ve heard. Not saying much, but better than expected
Not really interested other than the classics
It is so easy to instantly rate this a 4/5. Billy Joel is an absolute legend and his albums are masterpieces. A truly impressive musician and performer.
standouts: scenes from an italian restaurant - felt like 3 songs in one lol. vienna, she's always a woman - heard it somewhere before. vibe of the album felt kinda groovy. i thought it was sort of melancholic without being depressing yk. lots of piano. also felt like his voice was a focal point in most songs. not bad.
Hmm...I'm not sure how to approach reviewing this record. First off, it's the kind of mainstream music that really leaves me a bit cold, and secondly (as a consequence) I have never really listened to Billy Joel except for a few hit singles that were quite inescapable. That said, as I play through this record, it seems like pretty inoffensive stuff, and there are elements there I quite like and it's pretty skillfully put together.
Lots of recognizable hits, and I get that he's talented. Just not my style.
This was quite good, hadn't heard the title track before but I really liked it
I haven’t listened yet and I already love it Love 10/10
Billy Joel blows. She’s always a woman was a highlight. Moving out would have ranked higher if it didn’t have that heart at ack ack ack
4.75... I wish we weren't limited to integers here, lol
I was ready for giving the album a 2 star before listening as I never enjoyed Billy Joel that much. Listening to this has been a great experience and change of mind. It reminds me of peak Paul McCartney songwriting.
My first reaction was to rate this a 5, but that comes from a place of bias. I am a fan of his music and find myself drifting back to his singles, often. I've come to appreciate his albums for the musical creativity and well executed connection between songs. This might be top of the tier for a Joel album in that regard, but I'm not hitting a 5 on this one. I would, but I've found the lyrics don't live up to the same standards that Joel's music creates. There are so many great singles on this a wonderful vibe, but there are moments that the lyrical storytelling falls short of the instrumental performance. If I could give a 4.5/5 I would.
fun!!! the stranger omg i used to love this song i completely forgot about it this just unlocked so many memories, what a great song as well!! overall a really solid album, im digging it a lottttt and i will definitely loop the stranger for the next week or so lots of long songs but on this album i really didnt mind! i need to stop giving out 5 stars so easily so if i could i would change the pogues rating to 4 bc they had less songs that individually stood out to me meanwhile this album had a couple
Albums like this one are why I’m living this project so much. Billy Joel was a guy that I never listened to even though I knew I should but never took the time to do it. This has given me the opportunity to listen to albums like this. Billy Joel is great. His style of rock makes me feel sophisticated. I recognized a few of these songs, of course. Great stuff.
Great, catchy and timeless
It’s stupid how many hits there are on this record. Not only is it really well composed and performed, but it’s a sonic time capsule of NYC of the time. It’s in the accent, the storytelling, the fullness of Joel’s characters. Another perfect distillation of time and place, into a musical experience. It’s easy to forget what a talented composer he really was. This is rock solid.
The Stranger, plain and simple is a greatest hits album. If you are into Joel’s dramatic, slightly cheesy broadview style you’d probably consider this the greatest album of all time. While it’s not my style, it’s impossible to deny the banger after banger after banger on The Stranger. I love Moving Out, The Stranger, Only Good Die Young. I want to hate over the top songs like Just The Way You Are, but it’s hard. Whether he’s your style or not, he deserves credit for the vivid pictures he can paint lyrically 9.1/10
This is going to be one of the most biased reviews I've done. I've been listening to this album for 25 years and it's still amazing. Song craft, smooth seventies sounds, seductiveness, and swagger are all here in spades. Although the magic has worn off with over listening, that's my fault, not Billy's. It can't not be 5 stars.
A few tracks I really enjoyed in this
Pop perfection
This was a pretty decent listen. It's a bit vanilla to hit any great emotional heights for me (Vienna aside) but there are some gems on here, as well as a couple duds. Fav track: Vienna Light 3.5/5
Very well constructed pop ballads, but not in a style that works for me. Can't hold anything against Bill except some questionable lyrics and a little lack of variation, but he's never gonna be my guy. Two and a half. Fave track: The Stranger
9/10
Literally amazing
Großartiges Album, auch abseits der in den Best of veröffentlichten Stücke. 5/5
Heard of Billy Joel but never listened. Rock from 1977. Quite enjoy the vocals and vibe right away. Was a pretty good album, maybe a low 4.
Þessi plata. Þessi plata. Úff hún er svo frábær. Ég set hana mjög oft á og mun halda áfram að setja hana á. Innihalda kannski ekki allra þekktustu lögin flrá Billy Joel en vel þekkt lög samt sem áður. Hún er bara svo ákkúrat rétta stemmningin svo oft þegar maður er eitthvað að græja og gera.
Somehow only ever heard 1 Billy Joel song, despite countless pop culture references. I see why he's talked about so much, beautiful album. Melodic piano with soothing vocals that don't get boring overtime. Songs are nice and tell a story.
yeah that's some tristate shit right there
Great album with many varied song styles. Italian restaurant is a classic and the title track is a hidden gem. The album tails off a bit with the last couple of songs but overall, one of Joel’s best works.
Pop equilibrado, com a sequência das músicas bem desenvolvida.
How great is Billy Joel? There’s not a bad tune on this album, it’s full of absolute classics. It gets a coveted 5* from me. I’m very glad I got the chance to see him live a decade or so ago in Toronto. I scored a cheap resale ticket for $11 - the beer I bought at the venue was $1.50 more expensive than the ticket, for heavens sake. Anyway, this experience really opened my eyes to the joys of the Joel, I’ve been a big fan ever since. I’m always happy to spin The Stranger and I hope there is more Billy to come.
Lots of classics. Favourites: the stranger, scenes from an italian resturant, vienna, only the good die young, she's always a woman. Not really related but Billy Joel reminds me of an episode of brooklyn 99 where some weird racist old white guy who lived in his mom's house was really into billy joel. 4/5
I love Billy Joel 😁😁😁 what a banger album. Such a vibe, excellent songs, good instrumentals, and he has a nice voice too. 5/5 easily. Favourites: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Get It Right the First Time
Boy oh boy where do I even begin. I don't even have to listen through to know this is 5 stars, but I will anyway. I just can't believe how he loaded this many bangers into one album - Movin' Out, The Stranger, She's Always a Woman, Vienna (!), Just the Way You Are, and more - what a guy. Whole album is my favourite, fantastic way to start the week
It's just so smooth. Joel's lyrics are always great. The production is outstanding, and the musical ability is more than enough to carry the tracks. Everything is catchy, and I found myself just enjoying the album from start to finish.
Another one of those classic albums I only listen to when listening to classic album lists. It’s not bad, was probably more impressive in ‘77 I really love the stranger melody, having it on the outro was a nice touch. Also great last name Billy
Vienna is suchhhh a nice song
its okay
Billy Joel owns the 70’s
Bien variado en términos musicales. Buenas letras
After a 2nd listen it's a worthy of a 5. The Stranger is a jam and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is great
Liked it more than I thought.
It's a shame the person with the Chandler Bing/Patrick Bateman review stopped after 10 albums. Think about the bangers they would have brought us!
Definitely has some songs that are much better then others, but those songs are so good that the album is still a really pleasant experience.
Billy is a national treasure. He’s wrong about Catholic girls though. 😎
Some real bangers and some real duds
Definitely a classic/the only Billy Joel album I know straight through. Theatrical and moving and has all types of great emotions/stories throughout. This is the best kind of schmaltzy piano (next to the Biggest jams are "Movin' Out", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Only the Good Die Young", "Vienna" and "Just the Way You Are."
A flat out masterpiece from beginning to end. Nothing more can be said of this album. It's perfect.
Nice more like a greatest hits album these days
a 3.75
Love it.
Some beautiful classics
I liked this one already and scenes from an Italian restaurant is a great song I didn’t know before
Great
The saxophone smooth funk sounds dated. I was going to write that the later tracks grew on me, but then "Only the Good Die Young" came on...hm. Day 31 and still no album by a solo woman.
peak music to give this any lower than a 5 would be a crime against all human kind as we know it. consistent quality across all the tracks in the album. and that whistling at the end does something unexplainable to me 5/5
Love those classics. 5/5
Great old album.
fuck whatever youre thinking about
The Stranger is Billy Joel's break-through album. His first four albums were successful - especially the second - but this album made Joel a star. His "Piano Man" role is supported by the band that his touring band. This includes some of his biggest hits, like "She's always a Woman," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and "Moving Out." This may be the strongest album of Joel's catalog, establishing him as one of the most recognizable singer/songwriters in popular music.
Absolutely perfect album — except for those last two songs, which are just meh. Not sure how they made the cut. But otherwise perfect, and I know every single word.
Well-crafted catchy pop songs that I never need to hear again.
was cool but not my thing
Really an incredible album. Movin' Out is a great opener for this, but there's a Broadway musical influence to so much of Billy Joel's music while still remaining pop/rock and it just remains so fun to listen to. The Stranger, Only the Good Die Young,
As easy a 5 as there is
Not bad. Couple of hits.
This album will always have a special place in my heart.
This album is really really good. Billy Joel's best album and he has many good ones. This has hits really all the way throughout; it may as well be a greatest hits album. This album shows off his songwriting first and foremost, but he is also an excellent singer and piano player. Everything about this is superb.
Recognized most of the songs here, pretty good
Classic album!
First actual listen to Billy Joel and I get the hype now. Hoping (and fully expecting) there to be more on the list, but I'm hoping to revisit this one soon.
It’s alright
This is such a good album. Song after song is a hit or a classic.
Great album! It isn't often you like an entire record but that applies in this case. Great lyrics, great tunes.
I fuckin love this album
Bien, agradable. Just the Way You Are.
Very nice. I'd say my favourite is Just The Way You Are for the beautiful piano and later the sax coming in.
Billy Joel is one of those artists I appreciate more as I get older. And this is clearly his best. Nothing groundbreaking or even influential, just 9 very good songs on a single album.
Great album! Had never listened to it although familiar with several classics. Standouts I think are: Moving Out, Just the Way you are, She’s Always a Woman. And surprising like is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.
Some great classic songs that alone give this 6/10.
Classic
Billy Joel is a classic bit touches to chord with me.
Have I heard this album before? No Highlights: Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just the Way You Are, Vienna, She’s Always a Woman Rating: 8/10 Billy has a knack for writing great melodies, coupled with his excellent piano playing. Some truly incredible ballads on here such as ‘Just the Way You Are’ and ‘She’s Always a Woman’ that steal the show, with some of the rockier tracks a little less memorable in comparison.
I forgot just how awesome this whole album is from beginning to end. It is timeless. I believe it could have been released today and been popular. It is just great music from a great musician.
Really enjoyed this album. Knew most of the songs, but did not realize they were all on the same album.
This album is proof that Billy Joel is one of the greatest songwriters to come of the 1970s. Unfortunately the last 2 tracks on this album feel like duds compared to everything else.
There were a few duds, but overall a pretty good album.
8/10
War mir nicht bekannt. Ähnelt teilweise Sting etwas, aber nicht so gut.
Honestly, his best, and so many great songs. I will defend Billy on this alone.
It's a classic. It is full of romance and New York. My wife loves it, I have come to love it. This album is a part of our childhoods, our lives, our romantic evenings at home. Great. I got to see Joel play many of these songs not so many years ago. Terrific.
Billy Joel is the 22nd best selling artist of all time (7th highest-certified all time based on certifications of albums and digital singles). “The Stranger” is his only album on the 1001. I’ve never considered myself a Billy Joel fan. I know the hits. But I feel like the Piano Man deserves more. (More accolades, not more album sales. That’s wild enough as it is.) Maybe it’s an issue with the overall strength of his albums. “The Stranger” is great start to finish. The tracks are not all hits, but the ones between the hits keep up the vibe and quality of the album. Of the four hits on “The Stranger,” “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young” are all-timers. And while they are cheesy, “Just the Way You Are” and “She’s Always a Woman” are fantastic as well. I briefly checked out “The Piano Man” and “An Innocent Man,” and they don’t seem quite as consistent. Those hits I know are from the radio. So never together, never in succession. Going through and listening to them all now elevates every single one of them. I feel like I like each of them better when placed more properly in the context of his other work.
A masterful songwriter, whether in story-telling mode (Italian Restaurant), generating memorable hooks (Movin’ Out), or as a soulful romantic (Just the Way, Always a Woman). The jazz/piano bar influence peeks through, giving him a certain cred and a wider appeal, though his range here is definitely rooted in mass market pop/rock. Fine by me! The last two cuts are less than the rest, but there’s no denying the strength of the string of seven songs that make up the bulk of the album.
It’s hard to believe that this is the only Billy Joel album on the 1001 list. This album is quite a few of his famous songs on it. So if he only gets one this seems like a good choice. I’m not enough of a Billy Joel fan to have an opinion if he has a better album than this. The hits aren’t as memorable as I thought. There is too much sax and the like. I guess peak Billy Joel is a 3 for me.
This is real music. Real. Good. Music. 9/10. Not every song is a save for me, but 80% of it is. And that says a ton about an album. This is the standard for what a fantastic album sounds like. 10/10 is only reached by my personal favorite. This is the gold standard for everything even if it’s not my genre.
Kind of boring.
Billy Joel is a greatsinger songwriter and entertainer, and there's a few of his songs I don't mind listening to, but for me, I need to be 20 years older to fit the target audience if his music.
Very enjoyable listen
Muito bom.
My favorite Billy Joel album. Some great songs on this.
Billy Joel is boring
9/10
An iconic album, kind of a staple in all senses of music. She’s always a Woman will always have a special place in my heart. 4.2
Honestly this slapped, even if I always think of Shrek karaoke on "Just the way you are."
Lots of hits, a good listen
Meh. Not horrible, definitely iconic in its own way, but bleh. Not my cup of meat.
Mostly really good songs on here. I didn’t love everybody has a dream. Otherwise I at least liked and very much enjoyed many of the songs. Italian Restaurant is one of my favorites from Billy Joel.
Pretty deeply ingrained, and seems to hold up. Even the back of the album still pays well.
Best wel een prettig album zeg! De nummers vloeien in elkaar over en luisteren heel prettig weg. De muziek is ook afwisselend met trompetten en saxofoons op het album, Billy's stem is ook aangenaam om te luisteren. Ik ben best wel tevreden met dit album zo! Ken Billy Joel eigenlijk alleen van Piano Man en zn andere hits, maar ik vind dit echt beter dan ik vooraf had gedacht! Billerd, je krijgt gewoon een dikke voldoende, zelfs een goed van me. FAVO:Just the way you are, Only the good die young, She's always a woman
Awesome album. Billy Joel is an all-time beat!
Awesome album! Last song kinda sucks, but the rest more than makes up for it.
Fantastic.
Classic Album from a classic musician. Vienna will always wait for you
Awful awful awful. Some Billy Joel songs are ok, this album is like 90 percent trash. I think if I have to hear Scenes from an Italian Restaurant one more time in my life I won't be able restrain myself, just a terrible song
not bad
Very good album. Not really a bad song on here.
Alexa, play Billy Joel 100 percent volume
I am more of a Bruce Springsteen girlie.
From memory this was an OK BJ album but it contains some of his most iritating songs.
Fine music, a few absolute classics, just missing full marks at the end.
4.84/5 Such a creative album, the instruments practically add a second signer to many of the songs. Also many instruments that you don’t hear in rock and an extremely wide array of instruments. Has some strong jazz inspiration. Such a great storyteller