1001 Albums Generator ←
The Stranger by Billy Joel

The Stranger

Billy Joel

1977
3.86
Rating
29473
Votes
1
2%
2
7%
3
24%
4
37%
5
30%
Distribution
Genres: Rock, Pop Styles: Singer Songwriter, Folk Rock, Soft Rock, Pop Rock, Vocal

Reviews (page 11 of 14)

Wearing a leather jacket that was a gift from your mom. 3.5/5

might get shot for not quite liking this, but what can i do...?

Me gustó y es bastante interesante

The first part’s really good you know there’s some definite hits. It’s probably a no skip album. I do not like Billy Joel but he used to be cool a little.

I know of Billy Joel, but never listened to a whole album of his which I did on my morning walk yesterday- yes some classic tunes here, but a bit MOR for me, but ok

Enjoyed much more than I thought I would, still not exactly my type of music but enjoyed the listen

essential mom type album (complimentary)

Not my favourite nor his best IMHO So, I'll stick with a 3/5. Also, it didn't help the day I got this, it was not the best day to listen to it. Again, sorry :-(

1977, a mountain of amazing, interesting, innovative music is being made around the world. Billy made this. Recoganise a lot of them though, wacks of muzak. 2.5 rounded up Heard before? Some Owned: No: 68/277 (24%) Will I get: No

high energy story telling, great songwriting, very interesting song structures, the melodies are simple but emotional and catchy it is a great melodic pop record, even though the music doesnt really resonate with me completely; rhyming two words in the same sentence gets old really fast, the pseudo anecdotic perspective of the lyrics is the best part of it, makes it feel authentic

142. cool

6/10 Billy Joel is one of those artists that has sort of sat on the periphery for me. I know his biggest hits, but I’ve never really felt inclined to dive deep. The Stranger was his critical and commercial breakthrough album, so it’s an interesting prospect, and there are a couple of recognisable titles on the tracklist. Straight off the bat, it’s clear that he’s got a great ear for melody and a classic pop-rock delivery that’s easy to engage with. There’s a decent edge of groove in various places too, even if it is a tiny bit on the safe and controlled edge of the rhythmic spectrum. When those strongest elements combine, there’s some really compelling songs in here; top notch pop music that gets you tapping your toe and swept up in the hooks and melodies. There are places where it sounds a bit Elton John-esque and places where he borrows from the pop-soul of the 60s and early 70s, building those sounds into a digestible soft-rock format. But boy is it cheesy. He’s clearly a fantastic song writer, but he also seems to make a lot of clichéd choices, both musically and sonically and while I enjoyed decent amounts of the work, there were times when I was taken out of it a little by the wheels of ripe camembert that came rolling out of my speakers. That wasn’t really helped by how dated some of this sounded, particularly the synth strings and horns used in various places that sounded fairly weak and of their time. Had I grown up with this record, I can imagine that I would be likely to look past those factors, but with fresh ears, the production did fell pretty dated and added to the air of cheese that floated over the record. That being said, underneath it all, there is some great musicianship at play here that compliments the songwriting well and, despite the of-its-time production in places, the mix was crisp and easy to digest and I did enjoy getting to know this record. While it may not be one that I’ll dip back to often, I’m certainly intrigued enough to check out a bit more of his work. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Great track to kick us off. It’s a slow groove, but it’s got great feel to it. The cadence of the bass line and chord structure shifting up and down is super cool. There are some really cool rhythmic blends across the different parts that give it a constantly shifting feel that’s used really effectively when he brings everything together on the odd occasion. A quality pop song. The Stranger - A nice, lazy intro and then some cheesy but delightful guitar that feels like it belongs to the 80s rather than 77. The vibe shifts really nicely through the different sections and the feel of the groove is pretty easy listening, but with a little twist that elevates it above that. I’m not in love with it, but it’s well written and executed. The fade out to a repeat of the intro is weirdly jarring though. Just The Way You Are - Sweet gorgonzola. I mean, it’s a brilliant song, with some incredible melodies, delivered with great feel and swagger, but it’s so incredibly cheesetastic. The lyrics, the general vibe, the sax solo, I mean, wow. The production is great too, with everything having its place and all offering an essential part of the blend. The finest cheese money can buy. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant - This has more than a whiff of Elton John about it. It’s a tiny bit rambling, but in a very cool, organic way. There are more moments of übercheese, particularly the sax solo, but there’s just so much going on that it flitters on to something fresh quickly enough. There are some very groovy parts that have great pace and feel to them. It’s kind of hard to sum up feelings about this song because it does go everywhere, but I think it still feels pretty coherent and when it’s grooving along it’s excellent. The piano playing is top notch, and there are some great vocal hooks too. Vienna - A jazzy number now with an edge of pop soul. He delivers with a great swagger here and there’s an excellent gentle touch to the playing. Great vocal melodies again and more of that organic, rolling compositional flair that’s been a highlight of the record thus far. The string synths sound pretty dated and cheesy now, unfortunately and I’m not completely sold on the accordion either. But compositionally it’s great, I think it may just have aged a little poorly from a production and instrumentation point of view. Only The Good Die Young - Another classic full of white boy swagger. It’s got great touch and groove to it and that main hook is so, so good. Again, this sounds pretty outdated and cheesy in places due to the production choices and some of the synth patches, but the quality of the song writing does shine through. Weirdly, with actual horns on this record, the seemingly synthesised horn/organ calypso lead line that comes in during the choruses is pretty terrible mind. Still a cracking song though. She's Always A Woman - Great piano playing again and a lovely vocal performance. The layered guitar and piano work is really nice, underpinned by a simple but effective strolling bass. As with much of the album, it’s cheesy as anything, but melodically lovely. I find it less engaging than the more uptempo stuff, but it’s still a great composition delivered with skill. Get It Right The First Time - Back with some great uptempo groove again now. There’s excellent touch to that beat and this shifts along really nicely. He’s giving things a bit more grit and attitude in places, but he doesn’t forget to add in some cheesy flutes and la, la, la vocals too. It’s a pretty cool blend, and while I don’t entirely love it, I’m still having a pretty nice time. Everybody Has A Dream - And to close us out, there’s a gospel inspired number. It’s not bad, but a little bit slow and meandering. There’s some cool playing, but it doesn’t really manage to give any particularly hooky melodic moments like much of the rest of the album and while the vibe is decent, it does feel a bit like a pale (literally) imitation of music of this type that at its best has a LOT more soul than this. This is the favourite song of the sole white guy in the gospel choir who is always swaying out of sync with his choirmates. Oh, and then we get a little dip back into The Stranger. Meh.

What is sometimes a pity about this list is that it contains good artists who, in my opinion, have made better albums. Perhaps those will appear on this list as well.

You know Billy Joe? Cheesy love songs and faux blue collar novelty songs, amirite? Turns out he’s a bit more than just a piano man, with some cleverly constructed songs. I remembered the hits from this, but the big romantic ballads Just the Way You Are and She’s Always a Woman fall a little flat when you find out that he’s now on his fourth marriage to a series of increasingly younger and more glamorous women. I was more impressed with the mini song cycle Scenes From an Italian Restaurant that looks at the ups and downs of a relationship over a lifetime, and Vienna which is a tribute to that city with an appropriately Brechtian European feel. I also found out today that George Martin was initially tapped to produce this album which I think would have made it quite a different experience. As it stands, it’s a fine piece but probably just a bit too smooth for me.

"Movin' Out" and "The Stranger" are kinda nice, but otherwise I wouldn't relisten. Just not my cup of tea probably.

Ik vind dit over het algemeen wel goed en aardig om te luisteren. Het is me alleen richting het einde net iets te saai en langdradig om er 4 sterren voor uit de kast te halen. Het had net iets korter mogen zijn. Of één nummer met iets meer tempo in plaats van een balad mogen hebben.

I can imagine me liking this one day but for now its just a bit too bland, and too sentimental.

I appreciate Billy Joel. I like quite a bit of his stuff, especially later in his career. There are three songs on this album, all big hits, that I have HATED for decades. It also has one of my favorite Joel songs of all time "Only the Good Die Young". I get why it's here. I also get why people adore this album. But for me, it's just average.

good vibes

Not really my thing, but clearly talented.

First time listen Good piano rock in the first half that gets pretty let down by a boring second half. Listen to the first half + Vienna and I don't think you'll miss out on much Favorite tracks: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant Least favorite: She's Always a Woman, Everybody Has a Dream 3/5

It was alright! Harmless and easy listen, probably won't return to the piano man but ya know.

Quiye a groovy album, loved Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

First and only Billy Joel album, surprisingly. I'd figured him for more prominent musician than only having one list album to his name, though in all fairness I've never listened to his music. I think I can very safely pin this as a 70s singer/songwriter rock album a la Bob Dylan. Anyways, here goes. A bit of a mixed bag, truth be told. The first half of this album carries itself very well, but side B is packed full of indistinct filler. That isn't to undercut the strengths of this album, however. This album is pretty great when it lands. The songwriting is incredibly tight and dynamic, the vocals hold their own very well and the piano rock stylings are liberating and fun. Good chord progressions too, and I like the distinctively 70s mellow-tempered flourishes of this album. Even if side B was a bit of a slog, I can commend the runtime of this album - it's at a good length. Overall, I fall down the middle on this album, though I'm favourable to giving this another listen somewhere down the line. I've heard the title track before, though I've no clue where. I think it might be another song my Dad used to play in his car. It's pretty good. The bouncy, discerning vocal style is fun and paired nicely with those signature guitar riffs during the chorus. The bridge is pretty great too with how much levity it grants to the song. Overall, a watertight and commendable song, particularly for how lightweight and free-flowing it is. "Just the Way You Are" is another song I'm familiar with, but I have even less of an idea where I've heard it from. It's either another Dad song or has been covered by another artist (this version is only faintly familiar). In any case, it's a nice song. It doesn't match the pure dynamism of The Stranger, but it's a good tune all the same. I like this mellow, mildly decadent sound which was present throughout a lot of 70s and early 80s music, particularly with the brass and organ-sounding instruments. The vocal melody isn't as strong on this track as it is on The Stranger, but it carries itself well all the same. Good tune overall. Man, what the fuck? I've heard "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" before, too. I distinctly recall hearing this song through my Dad's car. Guess he's a fan of Billy Joel. He's always been a "puts individual songs onto his phone" type of guy rather than an album fellow such as myself, which is why it's particularly surreal to hear three songs from his music library back-to-back. Anyways, this song is the best of the album. It has a commendable level of ambition which it pulls off quite well. The introductory section is nice with those spacey saxes, but the song really comes alive during the remaining three quarters, once again due to the songwriting. The mile-a-minute vocals are at just the right tempo, placing enough emphasis on the syllables while also having a fun, free-flowing airiness. Underscoring the vocals are the great pianos, which add further emphasis to the vocal performance while also contributing a parlor song sound that is befitting of this song's setting and subject matter. I'm sure there's a lot of crazy shit going on with the composition of this track thanks to how it transitions between different tempos and styles, but to my plebian ears that's more or less the extent of what I could impart from this song. Good tune overall. I've heard "Only the Good Die Young" too, once again through my father. I think this might be my Dad's favourite album. It definitely has a high strike rate with him. It's a fine song, though admittedly the weakest of the tunes I already know. The chorus is strong and I can appreciate the lyrics, but the remaining parts of the song aren't as tight or cohesive. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I'd figured Billy Joel for a more prominent musician than only having one list album to his name, so I'm not going to consult the book on this occasion. I imagine this album is in here on good authority. I cosign this inclusion.

grocery store music that low key slaps

Putain 1977, rendez-vous compte deux secondes du décalage ! Pendant que New York brûlait sous l’étincelle du punk, que les mecs du CBGB s’envoyaient des décharges d'électricité brute dans les veines, Billy Joel, lui, était sagement assis sur son lit, en costume, à regarder un masque posé sur un oreiller (c’est l’image de la pochette). Je vais être honnête avec vous, en écoutant cet album, j’ai eu une impression persistante de déjà-vu. Ou plutôt de "déjà-entendu-en-mieux". L'analogie m'est venue tout de suite et je ne peux plus m'en défaire : Billy Joel, c'est un peu le Elton John du pauvre ou pour être plus moderne, c’est le Elton John version Wish. On a le piano, on a le sens de la mélodie qui accroche l'oreille dès la première seconde, on a cette capacité à brosser le portrait d'une Amérique de banlieue... Mais il manque le panache. Il manque le côté flamboyant, le génie mélodique stratosphérique et cette espèce de folie baroque qui rend Elton intouchable. Ici, tout est à sa place, c’est du travail d’orfèvre, merci Phil Ramone à la production. Et musicalement, il n'y a rien à dire, ça tient la route. Le mec sait écrire des chansons, c’est indéniable et il sait comment construire un pont, comment poser un refrain qui va rester coincé dans ton cerveau pendant trois jours, que tu le veuilles ou non. Mais il y a ce "petit quelque chose" qui ne passe pas, ou qui passe trop bien, justement. C’est trop poli, c’est trop "civilisé". Prenez le titre éponyme, The Stranger. Ce sifflement introductif, tout le monde le connaît. C’est efficace, c’est mélancolique à souhait, mais dès que le rythme s'installe, on sent qu’on est dans un confort acoustique presque trop douillet. C’est de la pop de luxe pour cadres moyens qui veulent se sentir un peu mélancoliques en rentrant chez eux le vendredi soir. Et puis, il y a Just the Way You Are et là, on touche au summum de la ballade sucrée. C’est beau, c’est mignon, c’est la chanson parfaite pour un mariage dans le New Jersey mais c'est justement "trop" sucré à mon goût. Et même quand il essaie de faire le dur sur Movin' Out, on n'y croit qu'à moitié. On sent le bon élève qui veut jouer les rebelles de classe moyenne. Mais attention, l’album n’est pas mauvais, loin de là. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant est une pièce ambitieuse, presque une mini-opérette rock qui montre toute l’étendue de son talent de compositeur. C’est bien foutu, les changements de rythme sont impeccables, on voit le film se dérouler devant nos yeux. C'est du storytelling de haut vol, très "Broadway" dans l'esprit. Mais encore une fois, c’est très académique, c’est de la musique qui ne prend pas de risques, qui veut plaire au plus grand nombre et qui y arrive avec une insolente facilité. Ce qui me dérange le plus, c’est ce côté "entre-deux". Ce n’est pas assez rock pour transpirer, ce n’est pas assez variétoche pour être totalement méprisable, ce n’est pas assez expérimental pour être intéressant sur la durée. C’est une sorte de perfection pop un peu chiante, un peu trop lisse. Quand je compare ça aux disques qui me font vibrer d'habitude, ceux qui te prennent aux tripes, qui te bousculent ou qui t'emmènent dans des zones d'ombre inconfortables... Ici, c'est le calme plat. L'eau du bain est à la température idéale, ni trop chaude, ni trop froide et on finit par s'endormir dedans. Pourtant, je ne peux pas décemment dire que c'est une bouse car ce serait de la mauvaise foi pure et simple. Les arrangements de cordes sont superbes, les musiciens sont des pointures, et Billy Joel est un chanteur tout à fait compétent, bien qu'un peu trop scolaire dans ses envolées. On dirait qu'il a pris la recette d'Elton John, qu'il l'a passée au tamis pour en retirer toutes les excentricités, tous les costumes à plumes et toutes les drogues, pour n'en garder que la structure mélodique de base. Le résultat est une version déshydratée, très efficace, une version "soft" pour l'Amérique qui n'aimait pas les paillettes britanniques. Au final, j'écoute ça comme on regarde un vieux téléfilm bien produit : on ne s'ennuie pas vraiment, mais dix minutes après le générique de fin, on a déjà oublié de quoi ça parlait. C'est l'album du "oui, mais". Oui, c'est bien écrit, mais c'est fade. Oui, c'est culte, mais c'est daté dans le mauvais sens du terme. C'est le genre de disque qui a sa place dans une collection, parce qu'il représente une certaine idée de la réussite commerciale et de l'efficacité pop de la fin des années 70. En résumé, c’est pro, c’est propre, c’est l’archétype de l’album qui mérite la moyenne parce qu’il est techniquement irréprochable, mais qui n'aura jamais plus. C'est un produit de consommation courante, de luxe certes, mais de consommation quand même. Ce sera donc un 3 sur 5, pas un point de plus, pas un point de moins. C’est la note de la compétence qui ne parvient pas à se transformer en génie. C'est la note de l'élève sérieux qui rend une copie sans rature, mais sans aucune imagination. Billy, tu resteras mon Elton John de substitution quand j'aurai épuisé toute ma discothèque de post-punk dépressif. C'est-à-dire jamais, mais bon, l'intention y était. On passe à la suite, et si possible, quelque chose avec un peu plus de distorsion ou de désespoir authentique. Parce que la vie, ce n'est pas juste boire du vin dans un restaurant italien avec une nappe à carreaux. C'est aussi le bruit, la fureur et les ombres soit tout ce que cet album évite soigneusement de toucher pour ne pas salir son joli costume gris.

Bastante bien.

Reminds me of my childhood. My mom played this album A LOT.

This album was ok. There were a few big songs on there obviously with the likes of Vienna but I didn't/don't find them than enjoyable anyway. The rest of the album felt pretty average and it hasn't really stuck out to me. Probably one i will forget about. Still i'm going to give it out a 3, there's nothing really to fault it and there wasn't any songs that i was wishing to skip. Movin' Out 6 The Stranger 7 Just the Way You Are 6 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant 4 Vienna 8 Only the Good Die Young 4 She's Always a Woman 7 Get It Right the First Time 7 Everybody Has a Dream 5

Knew a few of these

Vienna

Listened previously. Expectations: Mid - Verdict: Very Good - I haven't listened to this all the way through in quite a while and it is really quite good. A few songs are a bit lacking compared to others I think, Just The Way You Are is definitely not as strong as the preceding tracks. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is better but I'm not sure it's quite the masterpiece some make out. Vienna is gorgeous, as is She's Always A Woman. Overall a very good album, bordering on all time great status.

It's alright. The songs are beautifully written, and aside from cheesy saxophone solos and the predictable pastiche of a big climactic ending, they're timeless. Even I am not immune to a song like Vienna--I'll listen to it in my car and think to myself "I'm fine. This won't make me cry. Why would it? I'm not tearing up at all" as a lump forms in my throat. When it comes to the two big ballads on here, I prefer Vienna over Just The Way You Are. In regards to the two biggest hits, I'm definitely on team Movin' Out. But other than the straight New York heat, I'm not a massive fan of the album. I personally feel it loses steam after Only The Good Die Young. But I can't deny that it's a beautiful piece of work.

Some big hits on there but a few came up short for me.

Bardzo przyjemny, ale raczej nie w moim guście. Spokojny. Jak słucham to rzeczywiście się czuję jakbym cofnęła się do lat 70.

no me puede interesar menos su sonido y su rollo, pero no negaré que lo hace bien

I understand, but not my taste

Nice songwriting with some really lovely numbers if a little schmaltzy in places. Some of thought was Elton John if I’m honest. I prefer Billy’s voice though.

Pretty good!

Billy Joel has a beautiful and clean voice but his music just doesn't do enough for me. it's very middle of the road. it's certainly a good vibe and he feels like everybody's wholesome music dad.

movin' out (anthony's song) // strong start. good song, it went in2 my not-enough-to-like-it-but-still-good playlist the stranger // that 1 part that sounds like steven universe music. i like the whistle part tho just the way you are // this reminded me a lot of oma. and also the alto sax reminded me of 17776. scenes from an italian restaurant // this does not look like scene from an italian restaurant. okay wait except the end a little bit vienna // this 1's piano has been my favorite so far, especially that end bit only the good die young // no she's always a woman to me // the only song i really know from this album, it's fine get it right the first time // ok everyone has a dream // ok .. the 2nd part was good

not my usual style but it's so homely

There's dad rock and there's grandma rock; this is grandma rock, but that's okay, because grandmas need music too

The Stranger is clearly a well-crafted and classic album. At the same time, it feels a bit like listening to songs I already know as “great” rather than discovering something new, so while I appreciate it, it doesn’t quite draw me in on a deeper level.

I expected to hate this album, associating Joel with elevators and shopping malls. I was pleasantly surprised. It was much better than I expected. Still not great, but good. An interesting bit of trivia from the book is that 24 musicians participated in recording this album. This is worth mentioning because in the end Joel is a composer.

The music is nice, of course Billy Joel is a great composer, but most of the songs are not what I look for in a song. I recognize their quality, but I don't find it appealing. 3/5.

Solid album. Kinda have to be in the mood for it.

This was fine couple of stand out tracks. Movin' Out being the one I liked the most.

Billy Joel is clearly really talented, and I love singer songwriter… but this music is so cheesy to me. I couldn’t really get into it. She’s Always A Woman was a stand out for me- my favourite track on the album.

As far as piano based soft rock goes, this is a great album. There are many of Joel's hits on here. Just not a style I would usually listen too. 3.5/5 Might listen again

Vienna is masterpiece. Love "she's always a women". Other than that, ok album

Bottle of red, bottle of white / per my dad. Some good sounds! Corny? Three.5 three!

Vienna is one of my favorite songs ever!!! I’ll most likely love the rest of the album

Cerramos la semana con un conocido que por conocido no significa que uno haya corrido a escuchar su discografía. Álbum con groove, tranquilo, llevado en los hombros por la voz de Billy Joel. Me gustó. Ideal para una juntada tranquila. Nos vemos el lunes, gente

pretty good

Sooo much fun. Billy Joel's songwriting is always a blast to experience. I loved some of the songs (the stranger, always a woman) but the last two left much to be desired imo. a solid 3.5 album; some songs to save but not consistent enough for a 4 :) favourite(s): The Stranger, Always a Woman least favourite(s): Get it Right the First Time, Everybody Has a Dream

Dad music

defo can see why the most popular songs are most popular.. good tho!!

straight elton john

Pretty fun listen, not bad at all. I am not the biggest fan of hits, but a lot of memorable tracks.

high 3 some good songs here but lacking fundamental appeal

I like Billy Joel. He has some undeniable hits and is a talented musician and The Stranger has more than a couple standout hits. But in ranking the best albums of all time… those hits really drag up the average of some otherwise uninteresting songs… TO ME….

More upbeat and fast paced music. I've listened to some of the songs before but probably wouldn't go and search them up. I believe my mom or sister would enjoy this album more.

strange

i'm way behind so i'm not gonna write a full review for this one- shoutout to billy joel. great music. get it right the first time was my fav on this one

Some upbeat bangers in the first half but looses it a bit in the second. Kind of liked it. My reviews are getting less in depth.

I wanted to love this but most of the songs just didn’t *quite* hit for me.

it's okay but nothing special for me

this was very good. i particularly really enjoyed “the stranger”, i find the message to be really true and also “vienna” is so good.

Slick and well played singer-songwriter classic. Probably Joel’s apotheosis.

Billy Joel siempre fue un señor, a sus 28 años suena a 53. Fuertemente influenciado por Elton John con pinceladas de Cat Stevens y Paul McCartney, arreglos cursis y cuasi épicos que funcionan. Cuando empieza a caer mal salva la canción con instrumentaciónes perras. Pop elegante y nostálgico y una que otra balada irresistible. La mezcla está muy fina, contenida, nada fuera de lugar, no hay catarsis.

The Stranger (1977) is the 5th studio album by Billy Joel and is recognised as his critical and commercial breakthrough. This isn’t an album I am familiar with except for the UK singles Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just the Way You Are and She’s Always a Woman (not released as a UK single until 1986) Listening to the album it was reminding me (and probably not in a good way) of Leo Sayer crossed with a softer version of Bruce Springsteen. Joel’s singing is very competent but the songs for the most part lack any real emotion. I do like some Billy Joel and the singles do stand out against the blandness of most of the tracks on this album. To be fair soft-rock isn’t really a genre that I listen to that much of so maybe three listens isn’t enough to give this a fair review, but I don’t think I’d be missing out on much if I never listened to this again. Side A: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - fun upbeat pop-rock - 4/5; The Stranger - boring soft rock - 2/5; Just the Way You Are - smooth love song - 4/5; Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - overly long and dull soft rock - 2/5; Side B: Vienna - apparently one of Billy Joel’s favourite compositions - it doesn’t move me - 3/5; Only the Good Die Young - catchy pop-rock - 3/5; She’s Always a Woman - romantic ballad written for his then wife - 4/5; Get It Right the First Time - funky but bland rock-pop - 2/5 Everybody Has a Dream - overwrought gospel style track - 2/5

The opening song — particularly the first two — are fire. Tight, confident, fantastic songwriting. The more languid ballads didn't grab me as much. They sound like the other artists of the time, Paul/Elton/Sade, but less engaging songwriting. That means, for me, I prob won't come back to the record, but I'm definitely going to play some Billy Joel greatest hits; blind spot on my catalogue.

I mean this in the best way possible. This is quintessential white people tunes. Expertly crafted and beige as hell! I agree that it’s an important album and Billy Joel did some great work here. 3.5/5.0

Ah, Mr Joel. Very very firmly in the "I don't *quite* get it" category. Clearly talented, very clearly a talented man. But the music doesn't speak to me. Similar to Springsteen or Grateful Dead - am I the wrong age? Born in the wrong country? The wrong socio-economic group? Whatever it is, I enjoy the songs, appreciate the levels of fandom, whilst still being left cold. I accept 3 looks harsh, but it feels even more wrong to vote 4 on something that I simply don't enjoy that much.

- billy joelin musiikki ei oo erityisen tuttua, toki nimen tietänee kaikki - aika eeppisiä, musikaalinomaisia biisejä - hieno levy, ymmärrän suuren suosion, itse en välttämättä kuitenkaan tule tämän pariin juurikaan palaamaan

Niceee

Listenable. Some songs did stand out though, but was largely just ok.

Starts pretty strong, but the second half is a bit weaker. Never really listened to much Billy Joel, but I am glad that I finally get a chance to listen this album.

It is clear how important Billy Joel is to the great american songwriter tapestry. However, I've always sorta found him a bit of a "the bones are their money" type lyricist. It sounds good but i think i'm not persuaded that it's something i'll return to often with particular focus. And to be clear i'm not sure i have ever heard anyone else be nearly as good at this songwriting mode where the lyrics are so transparent and heart-on-sleeve. The musicianship is quite fun throughout. "Vienna" is a song that I find much more well observed than the other tracks here. A good hang of an album.

Calming but not really my taste

pleasant enough but we really need to study what billy joel did to baby boomer's brain chemistry that he was their god for a not-insignificant period of time

Even if you don't know these songs, you know these songs. Having said that, Ubiquity isn't Excellence. The songs are fine, even if the backing is overblown, but in the pantheon of male singer songwriters you'd have to put Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John (particularly the early Elton) well ahead of him. And the songs that remind you of other, better songs (She's Always a Woman and Dylan's Just Like a Woman or Don't Go Changing and Stevie Wonder's All in Love is Fair) just show up his limitations. You'll have a good time, but whether you'll be totally satisfied is up for debate.

Tiene algunos temas interesantes que incluso me gustaron de una pero otros me generaron rechazo.

The album was okay. My girlfriend listens to one particular song on that album, but it's not my favourite of hers anyway. Pretty average listen.

probs a 3

I can see why this album appeals to some people, but it’s definitely not my style. It’s very much music for the radio.

There's some good hits on here. Over-all I feel so-so about the album, because some of it isn't particularly interesting to me.

Probably the most Billy Joel I can manage at a stretch but I listened while making a pizza in the middle of a snowstorm, breaking to dance around the kitchen, with my partner yelling "what's with all the sax?" at some point during one of the many sax solos.

Some classic songs on this album but wouldn’t listen to it all again.

I like some things by Billy Joel, and there is some really great instrumentation and singing on this, but sadly it feels like it passes me by a bit.

I guess I only really know 80's Billy Joel so I was expecting much worse. It was still kinda cheesy but in a good way?

Always quite liked Billy Joel, but never listened to a full album. I was glad that this album had "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" as it's a song a like very much. It's where Billy is at his best for me with his storytelling. There are the other big songs "Just The Way You Are" and "She's always a Woman" which I of course like. Overall I enjoyed the album, but it's the hits that stand out for me. A great album to put on when people are around for a meal, but not one I'd listen to repeatedly myself. 7/10, the hits carry it, and there is no doubting the talent, just doesn't blow me away.

I’m not very familiar with Billy Joel’s music, so the only one from this that sounded familiar was Only the Good Die Young and that’s never been a song that’s made me want to explore further. Fortunately, I enjoyed songs like The Stranger, Just the Way You Are, and especially Vienna a lot more. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant compares both favorably and unfavorably to Paradise by the Dashboard Lights — unfavorably because it reminds me of it in style and scope, favorably because at least it’s a better song! The album kinda loses me in the last two tracks though the reprise of the whistling from The Stranger was a welcome coda. I’ll definitely come back to Vienna and I won’t be upset about drawing another Billy Joel album, but I’m not converted either.

Knew alot more billy Joel than I thought! A nice album, very time defining, storytelling aspect with imagery was cleveley done

She's always a woman is the song i can relate most to. it's somehow frustrating to hear how good the song 'get it right the first time' is but that chorus and bridge sucks! everybody has a dream is a good song

It was very nearly a 4. But just a few too many songs that I didn't rate.

not really a Billy Joel fan tbh

+ fajne, przyjemne + bardzo współczesne jak na lata 70. + znalałam jedną piosenkę!!! + fajne teksty (imo gościu był alkoholikiem tho) + przyjemne melodie i frazy + fajny wokal - nie urwało mi dupy - rozumiem że na tamte czasy to był hit, ale współcześnie nie jest to nic niesamowitego - zbyt długie utwory / powtarzalność - nudne

Was nice.

Heard this before 3/5 or just above just 2 really great bangers Vienna & She's only a woman.

5/10 в целом альбом неплохой, слушать можно, но ничего интересного для себя я не нашла, к сожалению ни одна песня не зацепила но обложка прикольная

Not half as bad as I expected. Obviously overly saccharine at points, but generally a pleasant listen and wittier than I'd ever given Billy Joel credit for

Well, Billy Joel....thanks for the experience.

"mama, if that's movin' up then i'm movin' out." - a drag queen probably

borinh

This guy is cheese: some of his songs are pretty gouda, but a lot of them stink like gorgonzola. Bonus star because Only the Good Die Young is one of my go-to karaoke songs.

I’ve maintained for around 20 years now that Billy Joel is terrible (minus 1 song). This album actually doesn’t suck. Some good stuff here and doesn’t sound super dated like his later stuff does.

I knew most of these songs and it probably deserves a 4, but I don’t feel like giving it a 4.

A few cool tracks and good vibe.

Me gustó, me distraje un segundo y ya había terminado, es muy fácil de escuchar, todas las canciones están buenas.

ik vind sommige nummers best leuk zoals shes always a woman (wel super populair maar oke boeie) en the stranger en vlgsm movin out maar de rest vind ik een beetje te idk niet heel leuk

not my vibe

a good listen. recognized most of the songs.

Was a fun album to listen to, not much meat on the bone for me.

A finely crafted set of songs, worthy of inclusion

Pleasant. Accessible. I prefer the slower songs over the faster ones. The best song is Vienna. 3 stars.

Most enjoyable songs ------------ * Everybody Has a Dream * She's Always a Woman * Moving Out (* Vienna) ------------

Easy listener with some classic songs you can tap your foot to

Між Біллі Джоелом та Елтоном Джоном я завжди оберу Елтона Джона. Але треба визнати наскільки канонічним став семпл зі The Stranger. Взагалі в мене з Біллі Джоелом складні стосунки, деякі пісні сильно подобаються, а деякі зовсім ні. Також в нього доволі цікаві тексти місцями.

I grew up with this album being played in my house and it's nostalgia for me. Not something I'd go out of my way to play but will sing along when it's played. Good songs and lyrics and worthy of a chance at this list but not one I'd seek out.

Very boppy, classic Billy Joel sound with piano and quick lyrics. Movin’ out was my #1 song of the album. It’s a good one to put on the background if you have company because it’s not too bombastic and his voice is smooth & even

It started off as a great listen, but it got a little tiresome after a while.

Classic vibes and a whole lot of pathos!

73/1001 I recently enjoyed the Billy Joel documentary and have enjoyed his music on the radio but have never played a whole album before. This was alright. I’d add Movin’ out to a greatest hits playlist. 5/10

favs: vienna e movin out

billy joel very vibey in general, shld deffo listen to him more!

Surprisingly better than I expected. The problem that I have with this album is that the hits are the hits for a reason. They're good - Movin' Out, Just the Way You Are, Only the Good Die You, She's Always a Woman. But they're weighed down in equal weight by Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Everybody Has a Dream, Get It Right the First Time. So after the whole album, it's an equal weight of "that's unsurprisingly good" and "oh yeah, this is why I don't listen to a lot of Billy Joel."

At least it's not "Piano Man."

meh, few tracks are nice

the album is great, it's just not the kind of music i go for but i really enjoyed It.

Boooooring

Nunca tinha ouvida outras músicas do Billy Joel. Já conhecia Vienna. A outra melhor música é Movin' Out. Outras músicas são Ok. Voz sensacional. Mas as músicas não são interessantes.

Tiene ese ambiente y espíritu neoyorquino de los 80. Pop que quiere ser rock elegante y sofisticado, Letras nostálgicas

Billy Joel is a great storyteller in musician form. Randy Newman croaked so Joel could sing. These songs take me back.

Just the way you are

eh mei repetitivo memo, mas não achei ruim não. gostosim demais pra ouvir arrumano a casa domingo de manhã!!

Movin' out (Anthony's song) 16/20 The stranger 12/20 Just the way you are 9/20 Scenes from an Italian restaurant 13/20 Vienna 8/20 Only the good die young 10/20 She's always a woman 13/20 Get it right the first time 11/20 Everybody has a dream 6/20 Album 10,9/20 Amazing guitar and bass riffs on the upbeat songs Good piano on the slow songs Overall amazing vocals Great diversity of instrument but not a fan of the saxophone I like the upbeat songs more than the slower songs, that's why the rating is low cause there's more slow songs on the album

1. Soft rock vibes 2. Funky, groovy, good song 3. Smooth, angelic, a bit boring, saxophone jazz like 4. Longer ballad song, adventurous, more jazz saxophone solos, soft rock 5. Nice voice piano and drums, 6. Quicker tempo, “clap” beat good, saxophone solo 7. Love song, calmer, soft, 8. Up beat, faster, good drum work, 9. Softer and calmer except the chorus which livens up and is Beatles similar, piano at the end nice, Favourites - 2, 5, 6 Overall rating- 6/10 some groovy songs but overall boring.

day one: the strangers- billy joel (1977) 1. movin' out (anthony's song) - starts a story- expanding on the concept of money and defiance - multiple stories? interconnected? - 1:27 "cadillac-ac-ac-ac" - 1:50 nice slow tone before "moving out" - 2:54 exit with the car, more rock elements 2. the stranger - piano intro... love - one minute intro... yikes - leaning into the rock elements - 2:05 "don't be afraid to try again" - long song but super fast paced - makes it feel shorter 3. just the way you are - very different vibe - jazz solo? sax? - kind of boring 4. scenes from an italian restaurant - slow, mellow - this song is going to be sooo long - not loving it - speeding up, rock elements - better as it goes but not a favorite 5. vienna - this is his popular song - it's shorter so it's a break from the long songs - i like it 6. only the good die young - very different from vienna - this is nice 7. she's always a woman - loving the guitar 8. get it right the first time - loving the vocals - sounds like perfectionism in a naturally messy person - very faced paced 9. everybody has a dream - soooo long - boring after song 8 - i like the chorus rating: 3/5

I think it’s pop

Not my kind of music, but I can see why other people like it.

I've never listened to a full Billy Joel project before, much more catchy that I expected.

Hum… c’est un bon album, mais qui ne me parle pas plus que ça.

I don't know how to understand Billy Joel. He doesn't really fit into any category I can think of. That can be a good thing, but sometimes not. I was not keen on this album. I recognised a few of the songs but they were a bit plinky plonky.

очень красивно и денсно, приятно под него чуть-чуть поучиться, но не сохранила.

This was a huge record for Billy Joel and, by extension, for rock & roll history. At least 5 of the 9 songs here (see below) are Billy Joel classics you're guaranteed to hear on any greatest hits album ever made (or on easy listening radio on any given day). I totally appreciate the craftsmanship here but it's not my thing. I passively hear these songs so often, and might even sing along sometimes, but that makes it hard to CHOOSE to listen to this record, ya know? We don't have to be strangers, but I don't think we're gonna be friends. Hit List: "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" "Just The Way You Are" "Vienna" "Only The Good Die Young" "She's Always A Woman"

145 Piola. A ratos me recordaba a Elton John. Varias canciones conocidas. Piola.

Välspelat, välsjunget, inte för mig

Definitivt välgjort och känns verkligen som han gör det han ska, men jag känner mig inte som målgruppen.

This is #day480 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... how about some cool late-'70s pop rock? I've never actually listened to Billy Joel before, though the name sounds familiar. As is often the case with this kind of music, I loved the sax and piano, but I did prefer the softer songs. Very musical, all in all. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day481.

Was alright, but I find I much more into specific Joel sonfs rather than him as a whole. Great storyteller though

Standouts - Scenes from an Italian restaurant - Vienna - Always a Woman Pre Thoughts: I don't think I've listened to a soft rock album back to front ----Scenes from an Italian restaurant---- This album has hit it's stride with "Scenes from an Italian restaurant" and "Vienna" but I currently don't think it's anything I haven't heard before ----Only the good die young---- I always wonder if these albums were amazing at the time and then everything copied it so now it sounds bland ----Always a woman---- OH THIS SONG! Crazy how much this has stood the test of time. ----Everybody had a dream---- The last 1 minute felt really out of place not really sure what it was doing Post thoughts: I understand why this album is on the list, lots of classics on here and generally enjoyable but it's nothing special imo. 3-4? I'll probably round down unless brain says otherwise

Some good songs, but not really my cup of tea.

Buen album para cualquier amante de la música. Con toques que recuerdan a Beatles o Fletwood Mac

Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Ganz okay.

It’s Billy Joel, so, naturally, there’s some bombast. And the album is full of distracting 70s-era stylings. In other words, the album hasn’t aged all that well. But “Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)” and “Only the Good Die Young” are still good listens. Of course.

A very talented musician and songwriter who makes music for the most regular people alive

Have decided Billy Joel is his generation's ed Sheeran. Gets a bad rap because of some horridly overplayed pop ballads but has a little more (not a lot) under the hood than that.

I mean you're not wrong, but I guess I have limits to how much I like Billy Joel.

Meh 5/10 maybe 6

Not entirely to my taste although I must confess I enjoyed most of it. Credit where it’s due, Billy Joel knows how to craft a pop song

Hm I haven't listen to a full Bill Joel album, and I did, and hm yeah he is rather talented. Very Elton John-y and cool changes in chord structures etc. I can see why Gene Ween likes this dude.

some bangers but too many ballads for my taste. guess billy isnt it for me. still solid and i dont hate it.

Nice song writing

Billy is the OG when it comes to making pretty good music that sounds better than it is. Quite a few bangers on this album.

It was okay, Billy Joel doesn't really do anything for me...

He's an undeniable goat... just not my goat. Guy was young asf crying about how old and miserable he is all the time. Amazing instrumentals, fun song structures and unique blends that still are exciting. I just don't really connect with his writing at all

Even though it's not my type, lycris are really powerful. I think I'll come back to listen to this again someday. It's a really successful album.

Not too bad.

Really quite enjoyed this!

There's so many pop rock albums. Who decided it was a good idea to have that many pop rock albums? To be honest, I ran out of things to say about pop rock a while ago, and the albums individually are very rarely unique enough for the conversation about this genre's conventions to be an insufficient description of their sound—and that's kind of the main issue. Sure, they might have different influences, different vocal styles, different production styles, accentuate different instruments, and so on, but it just all still sounds like pop rock. I always get the impression that nobody on the production team is trying to make art (although I know they absolutely are), and the output feels the same as a thousand other albums before it. It's so watered down and fundamentally unimpressive that it's hard for me to find even the better examples of the genre fun. It's such a tired and rutted formula that should've become outdated in the 70s but somehow continued to be popular for decades onward. I listen to these albums once and might even enjoy them a little bit, but there’s absolutely nothing that would make me want to return to them later. What is surprising to me is how acclaimed a lot of these albums are. Even people who listen to a lot of music seem to generally like them despite the fact that they never push boundaries or try to introduce something unique. I just don’t get it. As for this album specifically, it's good, I guess. Has some fun parts, has some not so fun parts. But like… whatever, man. It's one of the many, and I can't see myself getting excited about something like this. 7/10

Started strong with Movin’ Out and I enjoyed the whistling on The Stranger. I hated the lyrics on Just the Way You Are. Overall, some good moments but overall left me feeling underwhelmed.

The first song is quite fun, Third song «just the way you are» a more somber song. Its pretty good with a good saxophone. Vienna is a highlight of the album so far, with otherwise decent music, except for the first song, thus far» The final songs are also fine, she’s always a woman is a little slow, but e very beautiful track, then it jumps into get it right the first time, where i did not particularly enjoy the instrumentals or the tempo. Overall, i think its a good album, aswell as incredibly influential, so that cannot be overstated, but its just not quite my vibe.

Liker det her egentlig, hørte på det i bilen og fikk ikke med meg så mye tekst. Men får lyst å sjekke ut mer Billy Joel nå. 3/5

2-3 et sted Fine låter og melodier Må lese tekstene for å få gått i dybden Blir litt lett og fester seg litt lite når man hører det nå, brotsett fra Only the good die young som jeg har hørt mange ganger før.

This is Billy Joel before he went crazy.

It's a bit basic and sentimental but if I think of it solely as a broadway soundtrack, it's quite enjoyable.

You know, didn't feel like it

AKAKAKAKAKA (C'était sympa)

This was OK, a bit boring though.

Not bad, but not a jam I'd jam to.

Decent

Pretty much exactly what i'd expect from a Billy Joel album. Good, consistent music throughout with a couple of standout tracks, but most of it doesn't quite 'click' with me. 3*, 7/10

Temmelig sukkersødt men dælme også en banger-tung plade!

Pretty good! American Elton John.

Obvious classics, dumb shit in between

The 1-2 punch of Movin’ Out and The Stranger almost made me be more generous with my thoughts on Billy Joel - as did the totality of production value here - but the casual misogyny knocked it back down. Hard to figure out where that settles beyond a 3

I did not like this, but giving it a 3 instead of a 2 to avoid being banned from the chat.

It's good. I wasn't expecting to particularly care for this album, figuring it was just gonna be some commercial radio hits from back in the day that my mom liked, but it's honestly quite well done. I don't think it hit me as hard as a lot of other people, most of the songs in here are solid but don't really resonate with me too much. That said, The Stranger and Only The Good Die Young were both really good. 7/10, 3 stars.

I have always been fond of good singer/song writers. He is one of them.

Pretty enjoyable pop rock. Surprised by how ‘epic’ some of the songs are with multiple sections and long runtimes. Songs like Scene from an Italian Restaurant in particular. Others like Vienna give strong Macca vibes.

Some bangers

I hate Billy Joel, but….this does happen to have every Billy Joel song I like

Decent set of songs

If I had to listen to this more than once, I might go crazy

Perfectly fine Boomer music.

1977? Feels like this one's been around a lot longer really. I tried to leave as much of my memories and feelings about the hits on this one behind for this listen. Had marginal success. "Get It Right The First Time" felt fresh at least. I still think "Everybody Has A Dream" was unnecessary. That one feels like he was angling for the Saturday Night Live outro song. I"d have put my feelings about the hits behind and given this 4 stars if not for that song.

Two really great songs, no bad songs. Definitely like side one more than side two.

Tipazo billy joel

Le rescato algunos temas medios movidos

S- 8/10 M- 8/10

Not really for me

i like some of them a lot and the rest kinda sound the same

ACK, ACK, ACK, ACK, ACK! 3/5. Super catchy songs all throughout. I don’t usually enjoy such piano heavy albums, but it’s to be expected here. Standout: Vienna

Pure 70s pop, not great and wouldn’t make my top 1000 or 2000 for that.

2.6 I've only just found out how massive Billy Joel is. Either I'm missing something, or it was great at the time but has since aged poorly. Album starts off alright, first three songs are enjoyable. Just the way you are corny but still quite a sweet, decent track. Then the album descends into nonsense 70s/80s shite. How Vienna has almost 1 billion listens on Spotify boggles the mind. Glad music moved on from this genre.

I love a piano ballad from time to time. I love great story-telling in music. But I just can't get into Billy Joel. I don't know what it is. Even his upbeat jams feel like someone trying to sound cool and I can't buy into it. I was hoping to come out of this album a fan of Mr. Joel but I'm left feeling the same.

Inoffensive flashback to childhood radio, may contain ear worms.

Billy Joel is nice. Everything here sounds nice. The melodies are nice, the piano playing is nice, the vocals are nice, the lyrics are nice. Something is missing, though, to make it more than just 'nice'. Key tracks: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Just the Way You Are Only the Good Die Young

Lite halvbra, lite halvdåligt. Det blir en trea.

Melodies and arrangements are strong and I can see the appeal but the sound is a little bit safe for me.

Maybe just a younger age thing, sounds like a musical soundtrack. Just not my cup of tea. Some good songs and storytelling lyrics but nothing that evoked a lot of emotion for me

3/5. Пока единственный альбом, который могу оценить хоть как-то положительно.

Not a big fan. His music always feels like show tunes to me. But if I had to listen to a Billy Joel album it would be this one.

Big hits stand out, but kind of background noise otherwise.

I liked it. You oughta know was great. It had a lot of classic songs on it.

(66/100)

Never really listened to much Billy Joel and this wasn't what I was expecting. Starts pretty strong with Movin' Out and I thought The Stranger was decent (even if the whistling didn't do it for me). However I really loved the overblown theatre of Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - which was a standout for me. That said I think the second half is a bit weaker (I’m really not a fan of She’s Always a Woman)

I'm no stranger to Billy Joel's undeniably stellar storytelling, but there's something about his earnest piano-bar theatricality that keeps me at arm's length.

48/1001 :: Billy Joel - Stranger Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Only the Good Die Young, Vienna Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way. Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way. Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way….OK Shawn? Fine. I really don’t like Billy Joel. In fact I kinda think he’s a hack with a couple of really great songs. This album kinda proves that theory. Only the Good Die Young is easily my favorite Billy Joel song. It’s great. Vienna is also on this album which is pretty damn good. Just the Way You are also decent. But Always A Women? Moving Out? Are these really good songs? I’m not sure they are. Billy Joel is so big in New York. Did you know he basically does a residency at The Garden? The Garden! I feel like people who love Billy Joel are quintessential “Radio Listeners”. Meaning they like middle of the road radio stuff with no real taste in music. Maybe I’m wrong? But I listened to this whole thing and I don’t think so. Dude can play the piano though.

Funny enough, I listened to this a couple months ago on my own volition, and I've been meaning to watch the new docuseries about Billy Joel. Although I loathe "Piano Man"—thankfully not on this album—I'm not reflexively anti-Joel. "Only the Good Die Young" is great, I like "Movin' Out," and "Just the Way You Are" may be sentimental, but it works. That summarizes Billy Joel in general. There's always a good amount of cheese, but he makes it work for the most part.

I think this is the first time I've listened to a Billy Joel album, much less one all the way through. I've always thought of him as Bruce Springsteen for dorks. I think I still feel that way. I get that Billy Joel is a legend, and I don't disagree, but we strictly do 80s Joel music, sir!

Some good tracks

Was a classic album still is, was nice.

Movin out is a banger to start it off. Just the way you are is a classic. Vienna was good but doesn't deserve almost 1 billion plays on Spotify. She's always a woman is beautiful. Not really my usual style of music but I appreciate the lyrics and instruments. Quite a few classic songs on 1 album. A little cheesey, pub rock at times. 7/10

Never really listened to a full Billy Joel album before, it didn't floor me but I kind dug it.

Familiar songs.

First impression pre listen: I don't think anyone really hates Billy Joel (except We Didn't Start the Fire) but I don't think I've ever met a Billy Joel superfan either. He's always just sory of been there in the background for me. Piano Man is a frequent karaoke song and Uptown Girl gets some radio play on retro stations, but for how popular he is it's not like he's been much of a presence in my music library. I'm not feeling much going into this, though Vienna is a pretty good song, so at least I've got that to look forward to. Individual song notes: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) I mean this is just sort of what I expected. It's an decent piece of unproblematic rock music with a New York backdrop that I can't exactly relate to. I think the class related themes are kinda interesting, and I like the perspective he's presenting the song from. While not the most exciting tune, it's still a solid start. Decent. 3.5/5 The Stranger The piano is quite somber. Don't love the whistling, though it does provide some atmosphere. I like the structure of the song, it has two completely different moods and tempos which reflects the Jungian inspiration quite well. Has a decent pace to it, and I think Billy Joel does a good job being a charismatic and likeable presenter. Decent. 3.5/5 Just the Way You Are I immedately catch something I don't really like - his voice is mixed really forward making his higher notes really loud and overbearing. Don't like the echo effect either. Cheesy production trick. Boring and cliche writing style. So on the nose it could've been a parody. Stupid sax. Absolitely drags. Strongly dislike. 1.5/5 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant Overblown sax solo, but I guess it fits the theatrically of the premise. I enjoy the switchup, the instrumental is kinda charming. Fun storytelling. Bombastic, grandiose and entertaining. Good. 4/5 Vienna Kind of a reassuring song. Has some decent wisdom and an empowering chorus. The accordion is a bit cheesy, but it fits with the sort of european riverside city romanticism he's going for. Good. 4/5 Only the Good Die Young The wiki article makes it sound really interesting. I like the quotes on the song's content from Billy Joel himself. The guitar is mixed way too loud. Yeah the narrator sounds like a bit of a creep. Kind of disappointing song, I guess certain people overreacting to something that's in reality kind of tame has always been a thing. It's otherwise just an alright rock song. Fine. 3/5 She's Always a Woman Oh it's this song. I really like the piano here. Really satisfying. I like the buildup to the chorus, it has a really sweet melody. I like the very specific lyrics. I find the line "she takes care of herself" kinda funny, that should probably be the bare minimum requirement. Decent. 3.5/5 Get It Right the First Time I think the instrumental is kinda cool with the cheery flute. Otherwise kinda just fine. I like his performance, he's got quite the presence and pulls a lot of vocal tricks to elevate what's a bit of an average song. Fine. 3/5 Everybody Has a Dream Doesn't work for me at all. It's overblown and a bit all over the place. The extremely dramatic presentation sort of goes against the premise. This worship inspired chorus feels really cheesy and disengenious. Dislike. 2/5 Final Review: It's good. Not "knock your socks off" amazing, but definitely not something I'd turn off if it came on. I think the main draw for me here is Billy Joel's lyrical writing style. He's clever when it comes to storytelling, interesting language and impressive use of perspective. This frames his songs in such a way that they bring you into a grounded but detailed world. They're simple to follow along with, but carry so much colour and charm that they'll still impress you. The songs are generally structured well around the lyrics, and the instrumentation is mostly complimenting of the lyrical meaning. Rather emphasising their emotional impact than distracting from it. The only word I can come up with to describe it is simply fitting. This has its exceptions though, and on a couple of tracks the instrumentation does cross the line and gets overbearing or just plain cheesy. This is also true for the vocals, that are for the most part charismatic and entertaining, can also be over emphasized and over performed. Individually these issues rarely ruin a track, but they're definitely noticable enough. I'd also say the production has moments where it sounds kinda dated, or the mixing is a bit raw on modern equipment. Overall I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and I'm happy to have heard it, even if it won't exactly be in my frequent rotation. It's likeable and pleasant, and sometimes that is enough. 3.5/5 rounded down to a 3/5

Better than I expected! Lots to bop along to, didn’t realize “Just the way you are” was his and not Stevie wonder’s. Also dug “movin out” and “only the good die young”. Pretty solid.

Never interested in Billy Joel or any of his (mainstream, polished) music, but I was quite surprised by this album. Undeniable seventies pop, but well executed and with some well known songs. Tracks like "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out," and "Vienna" became standards for a reason, they're just really well-written pop songs with memorable melodies and relatable lyrics. Not my personal favorite, and not sure that I have should listened to it before I die, but I don't mind it either. 3/5

Vienna awaits for you

ekki tónlist sem ég er almennt hrifinn af, létt píanó og gaul. en líklega toppurinn á þeim ísjaka. gef aðra umferð. 3,5.

favs: - movin’ out (anthony’s song) - vienna - the stranger

Sitting between a 3 and a 4. Could have been a five when I sat out in the backyard, wind chimes clinking softly, and Vienna came on. But aside from the tracks that I really really love I was just meh about it as a whole.

Billy Joel was played a lot in our house growing up. He is a great songwriter and this album has a few examples of perfectly crafted songs. "Moving Out" and "The Stranger" are particular highlights. Joel manages to make songs simultaneously feel personal and like a piece of social history. Unfortunately the album cycles from superb to uninteresting and ends with "Everybody Has a Dream", a song that sounded trite, weirdly out of place, and not up to the usual lyrical interest. Overall, the album has some great song writing and strong nostalgia, it's on the threshold of great but I can't quite push it into the higher marks.

Very gallant.

Billy Joel’s greatest contribution to the world is the sample from “Movin’ Out” that Das Racist used in that one song. “The Stranger” is also definitely a jam. I feel like it should’ve been a Steely Dan song.

I was seething throughout this whole album. I had to stop it and start it five times because I was so pissed off. Vienna is great but the rest can suck my left nut. God damn it.

He's kinda fine ngl

Fun listen but i won't come back to this

This was an enjoyable album. I knew many of the songs from childhood. Some definite hits but solidly in the “adult contemporary” category of the 80s and therefore a bit overplayed, safe, and unremarkable. I thought the Elton John album from earlier in the week was more entertaining. 3/5

I enjoyed the hits and the other songs weren’t bad but not my style. 3.5/5

Not a big Billy Joel fan but this album does have a lot of his hits on it.

I can hear the songs but not my thing

Some catchy classic tracks but not my steez. Probably heard Only the good die young too many times.

Quite like Billy Joel and some good tracks

I used to like Billy Joel when I was young. Now I find him utterly intolerable. It's hard to deny that these songs are classics regardless of how I feel about them. I never want to hear this album, or any song off it, ever again.

Billy Joel will always be a delight to listen to, but I get the feeling that this isn't really his stand out work.

It exudes a simple beauty of everyday life which it is worth celebrating for. The melodies are nice and catchy. But I also keep getting these thoughts of a less dramatic Elton John somehow.

Some bangers. Some not. Lots of sax. Solid 3.

One question: is this one of the top 5 whistling albums? 😗 🎶

I find that I like 2/3rds or 3/4th of every Billie Joel song. & that I only like 1/2 of his stuff. I always want to like him more but something just doesn’t connect. I think it’s that he feels so phony or something.

Some good songs.

Standard Billy Joel fare with some outstanding moments

it was okay

|---------------nice background music---------------| jumpscare tiktok song |-------------nice background music--------------|

Can’t help but love some solid pop piano. What’s good here is really good (Movin Out, Vienna). Other parts get overly schmaltzy, but overall an enjoyable classic nostalgic record.

Stellar opener, the rest is fine but boring, middle of the road.

Good songs all around, even if they're not something I'm likely to return to

OK it's cheesy and it's not Art. But it is generally, fine melodic pop. And I've always had a soft spot for Always a Woman. Some other songs are bit annoying though. Would be better with less lalala (Get it Right) and cacaca (Moving Out). Would be a 2 without Always a Woman.

1. moving - 2.5 2. ztranger - 2 3. uuay - 3.5 4. zcenez - 1.5 5. vienna - 1.5 6. young - 1.5 7. uuoman - 2.5 8. time - 1 9. dream - 1.5

Immediately reminiscent of Our Paul (insult and compliment). I know the unavoidable big ones but have never ever listened to a Billy Joel Album. He is not cool, or trying to be, and I respect that massively (was he once cool? Sorry BJ). OH MY GOD IT’S ONE OF THE SONGS FROM THE SHREK MEDLEY (Just the Way You Are). Easy listening. Schmaltzy? Is that the word? Candlelit slow dancing, fade to black before anything blue. A Tom Hanks romcom. A bit Disney (was it not him in dog and cat based Dickens adaptation Oliver and Company?). I know it’s the point of the song, but does he actually like the woman who is always a woman, or is he just pointing out the obvious, that she is always a woman? ‘She will rob you and stab you but she’s dead sexy’. I do get it.

I only knew Billy Joel through the radio, i.e. his singles. I like most of them, but I've never felt the need to listen to a whole album. And it's simply wonderful songwriting, the kind I miss in pop music today. There are real instruments, a saxophone, flutes, strings. That's also rare to find in the pop pike at the moment. Apart from good songwriting as I define it. A surprisingly good album for me

How can you not love Just The away you Are and She’s Always a Woman, absolutely classic tracks. However the minutes music and whistling at the end of The Stranger could have been cut for me, as could the very clunky lyrics of Scenes From An Italian Restaurant (a bottle of white, a bottle of red). Billy obviously unaware of my comments about the outro to The Stranger decided that wasnt long enough so extended for the album closer. Damn you Billy Joel, you just dont want these stars!!

Reminds me of supertramp a little. Music is easy listening, but the lyrics are largely not something I connect too personally. 3.5/5

I think Billy Joel is overrated. Sure it's fine, but I don't get how people get so worked up over the guy. Like Springsteen, this gets a bump because of the sax.

6/10 It's a good album and Billy Joel is a Good Songwriter. But I don't particularly like it. Is it too polished? Is it the constant threat of the devil horn? Too many jazzy chords? I think so, but it is so Radio 2 l, it hurts l. Bet Ken Bruce loves it.

Not really my style, but not horrible. 3/5.

Not special but not bad either.

Qualche canzone di spicco come Shes always a woman. Però devo dire non proprio un album che riascolterei, nonostante l'innegabile talento

Some bangers.

Not bad but not really something I will listen to

I enjoyed some of the more electric/rocky parts of this album but then other bits I found a bit MOR. Reasonable listen overall

Yeah, okay, this was great. It didn't super hook me, but I appreciate the artistry and uniqueness.

Pleasantly surprised. Liked it. 3.5

American Elton John. Some great songs on here but found some really boring.

It was alright. 3 stars.

Having to listen to this again almost gave me a heart attack-ack-ack-ack. Joel's ivory tickling doesn't tickle my fancy, and I'm not sure this changed the trajectory of music for the better or worse. When he's not trying to put you to sleep, it's not that bad. He gets an extra star here ONLY because of Russia live punk meltdown years later.

Just the way you are ! ❤️

Billy Joel seems a farce, I’ll never listen to one of his song again the same way after seeing the serie The Boys. 😂

Nice surprise! I barely knew the name, and I was expecting some 60s rock’n’roll vibe but instead I got bouncy Supertramp-like grooves and Elton John-style mid-tempos. Super clean and maybe a bit too polished, but honestly, there are some really good tracks. Totally works for me today!

some catchy songs but overall not my style of music

With the fact that I dispise the song 'Piano Man', I was prepared to have a bad experience when I was to have my first listen. But honestly, I ended up liking it a lot more than I expected. What I don't like about Piano Man is that it sounds too melodramatic for my taste. However, the tracks presented here have a lot more energy and power than anticipated. Even though I said I liked it more than I though I would, that doesn't mean I loved it. I still don't feel anything from piano rock from the most part, but I least I didn't disliked it or had a bad time.