Reviews (page 12 of 14)
Billy seems to have some relationship issues. Top notch production though.
inlikey
This album kicks open the door with "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and Billy Joel doesn't stop letting you know how smooth he is for the duration off the album. Beautiful storytelling, great instrumentation, great voice, with minimal lulls. Not quite my style, but a very good listen
Piano driven Classy montage like pop rock Almost too catchy
Not my type of music, but I can appreciate its cultural relevance
Decent album
So many hits but doesn’t talk to me
It's fine. There are a few good songs but I found it a bit boring.
Tiene buenos temas pero es muy meloso. Me hace acordar mucho a temas de Paul Maca en el piano.
кантри в перемешеу с блюзом 5/10
Listened a few times. Recognized a few tracks. Had fun. I like this album more than Piano Man. Folks like Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and the like have always ran together, this 1001 project has been very helpful in separating that knotted ball of yarn.
OK
A few good songs, but mostly too schmaltzy. 3.5 stars
Done
It’s a decent album, and I enjoyed listening to it, but almost immediately after finishing I forgot what it sounded like.
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) 3.7 The Stranger 3.6 Just the Way You Are 3.4 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant 3.7 Vienna 3.2 Only the Good Die Young 3.3 She's Always a Woman 3 Get It Right the First Time 3.1 Everybody Has a Dream 3.1 Score: 3.344444444
I would probably enjoy this more if I kept listening to it. Why am I scared to like Billy Joel, even in secret?
Well written with some cultural canon songs, but it is all a bit too safe sounding for me to really get into it.
Lotsa bangers. Good start to this lil endeavor. Kinda drops off after she's always a woman to me. Everybody has a dream definitely Billy's finest vocal work but weakest song on the album.
It was fun hearing the classics and I definitely get the appeal, especially for the time. It's fairly innocuous background music for me, though
some people i know love this album. i don’t. i get the appeal but who knows maybe it will grow on me
very well crafted, packed with radio staples
I think I am of the same mindset as many others that when I hear the name Billy Joel, I think of Uptown Girl and a small part of my soul dies! This album is better than that and in fact the songs I have heard before are the weaker ones here. It has a bit of funk and hints of Paul Simon and the Beatles. 1970s Joel was obviously better than 1980s Joel.
Not bad Mr piano man, not bad indeed. A strong 3!
Heard it. Scenes from Italian Restaurant is probably the best song Billy Joel ever wrote so I can see why this one is in there. Sure, Billy Joel has a spot in the 1001 this one is as good as any.
Great album. Still sounds fresh. So many hits.
I like Billy Joel. This album well reflects his style and I especially like the title song She's Always a Woman.
Sounds like the music I expect to run in the background of a hotel bar...
Classic but not my style to actively listen to, however does sound pleasant
De to første sange var vildt Nice, resten var alright
Ok
Billy Joel is like Marmite - you either like him or you don't. And I'm not a fan, but I understand his popularity. This album contains a number of his biggest hits, including "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Just the Way You Are", and "She's Always a Woman".
I enjoyed this album. It helped me kinda just zone out and relax. Its feeling helped relax me and it feels like a awesome background music.
Yacht rock.
Hadn't really clocked that Billy Joel is basically the American Elton John. That's not necessarily a negative judgment. My impression is there was quite a bit of this singer-songwriter-y stuff around at the time. This is professional and competent. Can't remember any of the songs the minute after they played. Except for Get It Right the First Time but for negative reasons. Its sort of swing rhythm and exuberant la-la-la-la-la chorus stand out in an annoying way.
Awesome until vienna then it's like he forgot how to make interesting songs.
Quite decent
I feel like it was pretty good but I have forgotten most of it now. Will I listen to again: 30%
Not for me. Yet maybe?
billy joel is a very talented man in that he somehow manages to make an album with only 9 tracks on it feel overlong and bloated. how does he do it! 2.5/5 stars if we're being real
I have listened quite a lot to Billy Joel but didn't this album. It contains several well known songs, though, most of which I like. The others are not so good, though.
Highlights: Movin’ Out, Only The Good Die Young. In a nutshell: all aboard the yacht of rock. Some surprisingly fun jams and reflective world building songs. Many are great, an handful are cheesy. It’s strange that this is the only Billy Joel album on the list. No 80’s Billy Joel. Glass Houses or A Innocent Man should be on here too! Overall: 6/10
Favourite Song: Moving Out (Anthony's Song)
Billy Joel is an awesome songwriter. Although a bit dated, I enjoyed listening to this album this morning. I also reflected on how he retired from songwriting whilst on top of his game (let's just ignore the misfire "middle of the night") Solid 3
Yep, it's Billy Joel - who doesn't like Billy Joel? I like Billy Joel. Fave Track: Just The Way You Are Rating: 3
A bit bland to be honest, I had to stop the disc a few times, put piano man and come back to this album.
Hard not to tap your foot to Billy Joel!
3.5
Billy Joel is a performer and singer of the highest degree, but unfortunately his songs just don't really hold my interest.
I only know about Billy Joel by his famous name, which I see here and there in movies and TV series. Apparently, he is important for TV productions as a reference, but I have never listened to one of his albums. This one was a nice introduction. It still sounds like I am listening to something purposely made in 2024 to sound like something from the 70s/80s, but being really produced around 1970 makes a lot of sense.
Appreciate the talent and really love “The Stranger.”
fun but all the songs sound the same
Listened to the album on a Friday, now reviewing it on a Monday. The only things I remember are that it was ok and "Vienna waits for you". I guess that's something
I want to write this album off as pure unrelenting cheese, but I cannot deny how strong the first two tracks are. I hate ballad Billy Joel, and I despise his signature uptempo corniness, but the intrigue of those first two songs are enough to bring this album up somewhat for me. The title track's verse sounds like a Ronnie James Dio song???? I read another review describing Billy Joel as a lesser Elton John, and while I've definitely always have agreed with that comparison, I have to say it's just the opposite.
I love this lyric melody of the music of 70s' Dramatic, romantic and tender But generally not what I listen to
It's fine.
This album mixes punk energy with modern twists, but it didn’t quite click for me. Tracks like “Neon Nights” have a spark, yet the experimental pieces felt off. This type of music just isn’t up my alley
another enjoyable classic rock album
surprisingly good
Billy Joel is the best. I loved this album.
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.
Bit of gentle listening.
I mean, there's a couple of decent tracks on there, but it's vapid poppy nonsense.
It's okay. Moving out is probably the best song. The rest is kinda just background music.
Finally, a quality album to listen to.
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)
3.5
Like songs from a musical, not for me but I can see others enjoying it 3*.
not my favourite billy joel record
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
A case where I'd have preferred his greatest hits. Or the Kennedy Center Honors performances from 2013.
Gostei! Vou tentar ouvir mais...
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
It has some good songs
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Vienna is just a great song.
Good, but too cheesy.
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
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
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.
A few tracks I really enjoyed in this
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
Pop equilibrado, com a sequência das músicas bem desenvolvida.
Vienna is suchhhh a nice song
its okay
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!
Some real bangers and some real duds
Well-crafted catchy pop songs that I never need to hear again.
was cool but not my thing
Recognized most of the songs here, pretty good
It’s alright
Bien, agradable. Just the Way You Are.
Some great classic songs that alone give this 6/10.
Billy Joel is a classic bit touches to chord with me.
There were a few duds, but overall a pretty good album.
War mir nicht bekannt. Ähnelt teilweise Sting etwas, aber nicht so gut.
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.
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.
Billy Joel is boring
Meh. Not horrible, definitely iconic in its own way, but bleh. Not my cup of meat.
One of my first albums. Had it on repeat because this, to quote someone else, “fed my teenage angsty soul.” This was Billy Joel’s best, before he got pop-y.
Correcto No es demasiado de mi agrado
Exactly what I expected. Just dont like the style of singing 🤷♂️ 3/5 because I can appreciate that the songs arent bad from an objective stance
Alright
Confirmed my general impression of Billy Joel, which is that when he’s writing really specific story songs, he’s great, when he’s writing more generic pop he writes the most vapid pablum.
Lots of classic Billy Joel on this album: Always a Woman, Only the Good Die Young etc. Good stuff.
I find it a bit Elton John-ish
Lot of Elton John influence. Good composition.
There's a lot of good stuff on here but I think I might like this more for the nostalgia and a reminder of a certain period of my life than I do the album itself.
some good tunes, but just felt too old fashioned for me
This for sure has some good songs, but I don't really feel like I'll ever want to listen to the whole thing front to back again. Feels like a solid 3, maybe leaning towards 3.5.
Great listen! I wonder if there ever was a Billy Joel VS Elton John rivalry. Stylistically, they're similar. You don't see many artists who sing while playing the piano at the same time; The piano is the driving force of the song. Which is a shame because it is a beautiful instrument. Lyrics are great in this album. Billy Joel is definitely a story teller, and a good one at that. Surprisingly, the popular song 'Only The Good Die Young' is my least favorite song... The rest of the songs on the album are far better written.
3/5. While I knew the first song already, every other song I had not ever heard before. I wasn’t too much of a fun and didn’t think any of the songs really did anything for me, but at the same time, I can’t say they were necessarily bad.
Billy Joel, I love you just the way you are.
Wow the amount I enjoyed these songs varied wildly. Some tracks I was super into, and others I really, really did not like. Kinda corny overall.
Never listened to much Billy Joel before, so i wasnt sure what to expect. I feel pretty neutral towards this album, definitely not bad, but not for me. My favourite song was Vienna.
"she's always a woman" is gross "movin' out" is good
Was crazy about Billy back then, but in the following decades, he was so overplayed that he'd become elevator music.
Upbeat and well crafted piano pop. Listenable and likeable if you like to listen to that kind of thing, which I don't, particularly.
I didn’t know anything about Billy Joel other than that he is old. This surprised me by being a lot more enjoyable than expected.
Its good dad rock.
No question, this was a monster of an album. The cat was everywhere during my college years. My then girlfriend/now wife knew every word to every song on this record, and the next several too. Me, he just didn’t float the boat. But I figured, this guy must have talent, he’ll keep it going. Nope, instead of continuing to make more hits, he sat on his hands and collected royalty stacks, marrying a new young princess every decade or so. And now here he is, scheduled to barf out the same tired tunes almost 50 years later to sold out, overpriced stadiums. No fucking thanks. Best thing he ever did was marry Christie Brinkley. Hands down. That earns 3 stars.
Ok but not for me
probably the last time i review an albumfrom this site, all of these things outdate me by 40-50 years. 3/5 it's good, kinda, i could see how someone might really love this album, it's just far from my taste, especially in it's lyricism.
enjoyed the listen, but aside from the few standouts, it didn't leave a lasting impression/relisten value for me. maybe i just prefer the other albums with those iconic billy joel tracks that really stick for me, the ones that are more poppy like 'an innocent man' and 'storm front'.
This album has some great songs on it: - Movin Out - Vienna - Only the Good Die Young - She's Always a Woman That said, I don't think this album was necessarily "ground-breaking" or adding anything extraordinarily new to my repertoire. It was between a 3 and a 4 but ultimately leaned towards a three.
A couple of high moments… rest not impressed.
Songs I liked the most -moving out -only the good die young -everybody has a dream (especially the end was a good way to go out) -Also like how Vienna has the French solo in the middle it reminded me of ratatooi
I had a (clearly unearned) hesitation about this album because the 70's British/American Piano Ballad stuff is a little out of my wheelhouse, but that hesitation vanished after the first song. I think it was really smart of Billy to open with 'Moving Out', as he seems to have done so for people like me that held preconceptions about his music. When he shouts he sounds surprisingly similar to Paul McCartney doing his shouting voice, I would have guessed he was a scouser by the way he pronounces some words. I'd be curious if anyone can think of any contemporary artists who perform in this style, as it was very popular in the 70's but seems to have fallen off after the 80s, perhaps wavering in a similar way, or due to, the general transition from acoustic to electronic production. He originally sought Beatles producer George Martin but couldn't secure the bag. It is Billy's best selling non-compilation album. Even though I didn't really recognise any songs by name, many sounded familiar once I heard them and are probably classic and/or sampled. I only checked for a a couple of songs and there are many samples, including Snoop Dogg, Ol' Dirty Bastard of Wu Tan Clan, Xhibit, and Daft Punk (who sampled seperate songs from this album for one song, 'High Fidelity'. Three stars for now for me personally, though I'm sure this is the type of album where time spent and and enjoyability are highly correlational
First half is really great; first 2-4 songs are especially good. Second half starts to lose me. Could be a grower though.
I expected billy Joel to be worse than that was
ak ak ak ak, It was okay. Not my style.
more of a 3.5/5, consistently solid
I was only familiar with the greatest hits from this album, but the rest was pretty good to you. I’ll probably wouldn’t put this on independently, but I wouldn’t object if somebody else suggested it.
Easy to listen to. Good, not great.
Highs are so high but also sounds dated and a little corny. Still a couple of my all time favorite songs. Hate to do it but as a whole album it’s probably a 3
👍
Bien, agradable. Just the Way You Are.
You almost know every song on this album.
Fine. Didn't get me, but I can hear how it blew minds in 1977. More slick than super tramp, less dramatic than Elton john. Nice songs.
Favorite tracks: Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) Rating: 3/5
1. Moving out - 5 2. Stranger - 4 3. Just the way - 4 4. Scenes from ir - 3 5. Vienna - 3 6. Only good Die- 3 7. She's always a woman - 4 8. Get it right - 3 9. Dream - 2 10. Miami - 2 11. Prelude - 3 3.27
Enjoyable album, my first real exposure to Billy Joel and was pretty much in line with what I expected from him having only heard his bigger singles before. Highlight for me was “only the good die young” and the rest were good if fairly forgettable.
Billy can do no wrong
One I wouldn’t have listened to otherwise
An oft-derided storyteller who leads with a strong voice and his piano. Whether modern dismissals of Joel's career (I'd call this rock snobbery) are driven by his own success and the lazy programming of North American radio (the "overplayed" school) or the fact that he's a piano player first (a professor of mine argued that Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his child cousin ruined the piano for rock music for decades; exceptions prove the rule), he deserves another listen. Melodically interesting, lyrically smart and relatable, vocally strong and rangy, Joel fills The Stranger with concise tunes influenced as much by the early 40s and 50s roots of rock & roll (jazz, Tin Pan Alley, the blues, Broadway) and largely avoids getting too bogged down by the oncoming reverb-pocalypse of the production conceits of the 80s (this is 1977, but the tremors have begun you can hear them on Just The Way You Are, which is why it's so schmaltzy). He's kind of like a more-sentimental, less-angry Bruce Springsteen. Give it a shot. Movin' Out is great, you can skip Just The Way You Are it it's too saccharine for you and Only The Good Die Young is an absolute all-time jam.
Not super memorable. Fun storytelling though
微妙にダサい
A bit too slow for my taste but I do love Billy Joel and enjoyed some of his classics.
Nostalgic sound Happy to rediscover
I know all of these songs really well, by osmosis I guess. I suppose there was a time in my youth that I would have put on a Billy Joel album willingly, but that time is not now. I’m giving this a 3 because I can sing along to almost all of the songs, but it is a begrudging 3.
It was alright. Started strong, grew a bit boring around half-way through, ended with a bang.
I’m not a fan of Billy Joel, but this album is wonderful. It has all the hits.
Different to what I was expecting. Not very "we didn't start the fire" like. Much better Some i quite enjoyed. Others passed me by. Overall I think not quite my thing, but not bad. Didn't know "she's always a woman" was by Billy Joel. Highlights: Vienna She's always a woman 3.5
Classic album, one that can be listened to or just 'on' and makes Best of 1001? No Worst of 1001? No But likely give it a 7/10
Neither here nor there for me.
I believe that The Stranger is quite a good album. The songs had a surprising amount of emotion to them and while even though a majority of the album was somber, it also had some fun, rocking songs as well. And there is not a bad song in sight. This album is pretty good for what it is Best Song: The Stranger Worst Song: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Didn't realize I knew half the album before I listened. As a non fan I was surprised by 1) how many songs I knew and 2) the strength of a lot of the songwriting throughout. Not really my type of music but I can't deny the man has talent and his delivery is more often then not on point. I would give it a higher rating but I just don't feel like it was powerful enough for repeat listening at some point down the road.
Definitely some classics on here. Definitely some songs I really don’t like. Let’s split it and… 3 stars
Heart attack-ack-ack-ack/5
милый + вокал его чуть интереснее чем кажется сначала. пошла вспоминать, почему так много говорят про Билли Джоела в сериалах, попутно начиталась в реддите, что стренджер лучший альбом. не знаю, многое показалось устаревшим и даже обидным, но надо продолжить проверку)
Ok album then I listened to a load of his different songs after. Never gave him a chance before.
K: short discontinuous C: Some really good individual songs but not one of the better Billy albums
Enjoyed more than I expected, as is well reflected by the reviews already here. I don't think I'd go back to it though.
I feel like I knew every song on this album, but had never heard it all together. It's... it's a really good album. I enjoyed it a lot. Not a lot of moments I think "I'm going to sit down and listen to Billy Joel" and I certainly did it twice.
Nostalgic. Didn't know that most of his bangers came on 1 album.
pretty decent, but not something I would pick up through choice normally, but still pretty good
Top-notch songwriting? Check. Impeccable playing? Check. Flawless production? Check. A dull and pedestrian venture? Check.
The song the stanger was pretty good, had some rock elements but mostly piano ballads
Not usually a vibe at 7:30 in the morning but still a classic and set a good mood for the day.
Fun fact my dad proposed to my mom while this album was playing and we have it framed in our basement I might not even exist if it wasn’t for this album. This is just bop after bop for me I loved this. I feel a bit pop vibe when I listen to this, maybe it’s just cause I wanna pop dis pussay for billy. Just the way you are made my tip wet. Vienna is forever a classic. Only the good die young is an anthem and everybody has a dream is gonna be my wet dream for the next next couple nights. This album was extremely fun, dig the album cover too soo deep he’s looking right at the stranger. I can totally see how my dad swindled my 14 year old mother into marriage when he was 27 with this album, yeah Canada has pretty loose laws with the whole age of consent thing or whatever it’s called. I give this a Strong 3 soft 4 -B (illy joy)
Good songs but his voice is annoying. All in all not that spectacular.
I had no idea Billy Joel was such a polarizing figure in music. I've always thought his music was okay. I'm not rushing out to buy all his albums, but I'm not changing the station if he comes on the radio either. This album seemed to be one hit after another which I found to be pretty impressive.
This was really good. Very funky and cool. I could play this album while doing something.
Was gonna say I don't know any Billy Joes songs. But the first track on this album is Movin Out. Had no idea that was him. Oh yeah Just the Way You Are. Only the Good Die Young. I know this one too. Whaaaa She's Always a Woman... wow I guess I do know some Billy Joel...
Some classic songs but the transition between some tracks felt a little off.
Scenes from an italian restaurant Is a real banger! Love the 70:ies production sound.
Good.
Good songwriter, good singer, great pianist, but all by all a bit bland, good for the background so to say... Highlights include vienna and she's always a woman
Was never a big Joel fan but this album is not bad. Some songs just weren't my tempo, but the popular/lively ones are good.
Not the biggest fan of billy
Yes, some of the lyrics are pretty cheesy and there is absolutely no edge whatsoever, but this is still a lovely collection of songs. Pretty much every track could have been a single. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Just the Way You Are Date listened: 12/10/23
Anthony’s song moving out it’s really good
A fun listen. I'm completely unfamiliar with Billy Joel's work besides the hits. So it's great to take a deeper dive into him.
Good album to play in the background. Very nice songs, nothing remarkable
This is pretty solid. Not really my type of music, but very boppy. 3.5/5
Some interesting songs, but didn’t get a chance to hear it all.
Bra!
half of this album goes extremely hard (\"vienna\", \"moving out\", and \"scenes from an italian restaurant\" especially), and the rest is exceptionally mediocre. nostalgic album for me though.
Really really well made music that just isn't my thing. It raises the bar in the middle of the road.
I wish I hadn't read the "sounds like Paul McCartney doing an Elton John impression" comments, it's cracked me up!
While it’s got some really great songs (Movin’ Out, Only the Good Die Young), I’ve never been a huge Billy Joel guy. I am NOT a fan of songs like Just the Way You Are and other songs just don’t really stand out to me as all that special. It’s a good album, but not an all-time great in my view.
billy joel feels like dua lipa. popular music for the time that's quite mediocre overall but puts you in a good mood.
i kissed the tiny bartender
3.5
love the first half
Ok
Highlights: "Movin' Out," "Get It Right the First Time," "Always a Woman," "Vienna" As a musical voice, he has trouble getting out from under McCartney and Wonder. The ideas that elevate him from schmaltz are very much in their style. Sure, he is a great performer. The songs have a lot of movement, and he knows how to grab the rhythm in phrases and pull a catchy melody out of them left and right. In that sense, using music to make thoughts felt, his lyrics are very good. But as a vaunted capital-s Songwriter he falls flat. Every song has absolutely zero subtext -- the nuance of a Wiki page about the title, and more than a little narrative confusion. Between the absence of a distinct personal style and any interesting non-musical ideas, it's just a good torchbearing.
Själfull, eftertänksamt
Day 117 The fact that I always thought that Billy Joel was Lionel Ritchie should sound anecdotal nowadays but it did happen. I heard The Stranger for the first time in maybe 2017; I was checking a list of supposedly good records that you could find for just one dollar; they also had Boston, Styx, and Blue by Joni Mitchell, among others I can't remember right now; I listened to it (and all the other albums on that list) once and kind of liked it. In the next couple of weeks I found it in a one dollar bin and bought it. I guess they don't have those bins anymore, or at least not with somehow listenable music in them. Anyhow, I took The Stranger home and played it. Only once. I was deceived, I didn't dislike it but I didn't enjoy it either. It sounded just meh, just like some generic AOR from the 70s. Listening to it now I can understand why this album sold so much at the time: it's all very pretty, easy on the ears, warm. Maybe he's a great songwriter, maybe these songs are all very well written and executed, but it's nothing more than just that, a pleasant listen. Rating: 2 bucks, because of the inflation.
Good work here by the singing pugilist
Billy Joel innit.
Decent elevator music or nostalgia-filled music for 40+ yo boomers. Either way this album is just in the middle of the pack, not great not terrible. Just not very memorable
esse álbum é tão chique, me senti um rico com seu vinho falando coisas fúteis. muito bom, mas não é algo que eu repetiria ultimamente.
I enjoyed. A classic album with some well known hits. All very listenable but wouldn’t want to hear all of them on the radio.
Somehow I'm not convinced of the sincerity, but most of the songs are good. Favorite song: She's always a woman
Leppoisaa piano rockia, mitäpä muuta. Tutunkuuloista viheltelyä vikassa kappaleessa ja Vienna oli ehkä paras
Pretty good
C'est réducteur comme comparaison, mais j'avais un peu l'impression d'écouter une version moins bonne d'Elton John. Je ne trouve pas ça mauvais, mais il manque un petit quelque chose pour vraiment m'accrocher. Clairement Joel est super talentueux, mais je pense tout simplement que son style est moins dans mes cordes. Objectivement, c'est un bon album et je comprends son inclusion. 6/10
WSFMs entire playlist. Still fun
weird sexy saxophone
Better than I was expecting! Of course I'm familiar with Billy Joel, but gun to my head I don't think I could name too many of his songs. Reading the tracklist, I saw "Only the Good Die Young" and was looking forward to that, but there were others on here that I liked too, and "Vienna" was for sure one other that I know pretty well (but never knew the name). A good cinematic quality to this album and the music, the guy knows how to put good music together. I also really like the notion of a piano man, a pianist who's a classic pop/rock staple is rare among all the guitarists. Wouldn't mind another album from Billy. Favorite tracks: Only the Good Die Young, Vienna, Just the Way You Are. Album art: Black and white, but I really like the creepy mask on the pillow. Billy kind of looks like a mix between Paul McCartney and Sylvester Stallone in this shot, not sure if that holds up. 3.5/5
Some really nice tunes here, will listen to more
Good morning, you're listening to Smooth Radio and I'm (insert name of inoffensive DJ). What your mum was listening to in the 80s. and 90s. And probably still now. Well crafted and interesting enough for one listen I guess, but I won't be back. Ack ack ack etc.
Best Song: Only the Good Die Young. Nostalgic (for me), with the catchiest chorus in an album of catchy choruses. Worst Song: She's Always a Woman. An absolute Iowa field's worth of corny. Overall: Great little storytelling songs sung by a voice that's very easy to listen to. Music that feels safe in a good way. Like Ol' Billy's just having a good time playing music, and he wants you to have fun too. And I did. I did have fun.
Great original songwriting here. I like the songwriting more than the songs, though, if you understand. Definitely always alright, just sometimes feels below his level.
I knew more of it than I expected. Great stuff.
There are great songs on this, but there's something that stops a lot of them from feeling great that I can't put my finger on. Still, a very good collection
Solid classic
Starts off very groovy, then he discovers sad piano keys which I also liked but not as much
it was alright moviing out is really good though
Hmm ihan kivaa musiikkia, mutta lyriikat oli hämmentäviä välillä. Onneksi pysyi menevänä, muuten sakottaisin enemmän.
Didnt finish it all the way but billy has got some good jams on this one dawg
Was alright, recognised one or two songs. Good easy listening music that's easy to enjoy.
Not to my tastes but can appreciate some of the craft. Like an American Elton John.
It was fine. Just wasn’t my cup of tea really. I know this album was impactful and extremely well done, it’s just that the genre wasn’t my thing.
Expecting better really. Some good songs, some just filler.
Its pretty decent TBF, but still carries that aged Radio 4 production type.
Some hits here, for sure, but late 70's pop not my thing. I've tried.
The piano is pretty, but so few of these songs hook me in. It's hard to avoid comparing one piano-based rocker to another, but somehow Elton John takes way cheesier material and makes it awesome, where Billy Joel's lyrics are way better yet his songs lack the same wow-factor. Talent all over the place but barely ever amounts to more than sounding like elevator muzak.
I appreciate his talent for songwriting, he is really good at what he is doing. However this album was too sugary pop-rock for my taste. It's not one of those albums I would relisten again soon.
Lots of hits. I can’t do as good a job as Klosterman discussing the merits of Billy Joel.
Doesn't do much for me, but nevertheless a half decent attempt at being a singer- songwriter. It lacks much in the way of edge and grit which you get with others you may want to compare against.
3.5
Honestly, based off the two first songs I thought this would be a 5/5 but there's a few really bland omes in there. Vienna is nice though.
eh, i mean it’s legend…but not my fave.
I knew a few songs. Not bad. Good background music. Don't love it, don't have it. 6-7/10
I liked this one somewhat. Not really my type, but nice enough and better than the average song on the radio. No real dislikes. Knew several songs coming in, none on my list and none added. Overall an enjoyable listen. 6/10
First off this is a great sounding record. Mixed real well. The acoustic guitar textures are almost materializing in front of me on tracks like "Just the Way You Are" and "Scenes from An Italian Restaurant". There are some great grooves on this album with "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" "Get It Right the First Time" (had me bobbing my damn head all over the place), and the aforementioned Italian restaurant song. But I think this one won't make it past a 3/5 rating for me as I just felt like I couldn't relate to it. I can't pinpoint a singular reason why that is but it's the case. Maybe because it feels like musical music? A theme I've used as a crutch to describe why I don't like an album a lot. Maybe it's *too* 80s? I just feel like if I'm stack ranking piano based classic pop music I'd put Elton at the top and Randy (I just love Randy) in second then Billy in third, possibly even further down. Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello just put out a record that I can vibe with way more than The Stranger. Anyway, there's certainly good stuff in here. "Only the Good Die Young" is objectively a classic fun track to dance around to. "Movin' Out" even more so (at least in my opinion). But these are the more upbeat tracks that harken other artists and not Mr. Joel himself which kind of signals to me that I'd rather listen to other artists. Another one that I totally get why it's someone's dad's favorite album of all time but unfortunately I'm not somebody's dad.
I am someone’s dad, but this isn’t my favorite album either. Still, how can you argue with so many huge hits? Here’s how: I am familiar with almost every song, and I like most of them, but none of them are a favorite song. None of them really move me. If Piano Man had been on here it’d be totally different. The closest one for me is actually Scenes from and Italian Restaurant. It reminds me of some great restaurants in NYC (and I’m actually sitting in my favorite restaurant in NYC as I written this). Good but not great.
Nice album with some delitious songs. "Just the way you are" is wanderful.
Enjoyed it. 3 stars.
I enjoyed this one. Every song was sound I’d say. ‘Vienna’ and ‘Always a Woman’ are my stand outs. Strong 3
The title song is great, along with a couple other ones like moving out and vienna. The others are a little bland
3.5/5
3+
Much piano. Much familiar actually, didn't realise
Better than expected. Few great songs, few that just kind of meandered on. 3 stars
Broadwaypop för radion att spela när du är tio och sitter och väntar på att maten ska bli klar. Och just i den genren är det ok.
I don't like Billy Joel as a rule but there's clearly some well written songs on here. There's also some awful cheesy shite that even in the 70s he should have known better
Never listened to this album. Probably heard the songs from it but post 2006 I've only listened to Billy Joel 7 times. Artist #1459 pre listening to this A bit "musical theatre" for my taste tbh
A masterclass in 70s pop/songwriting. Inoffensive tunes with great lyrics. Solid record.
A few good Joel songs. Just hard to listen to a straight album of Joel
Very much a late 70s easy listening classic
Decent in places
The generator refuses to let me out of the 1970s. 6 out of the 7 albums from the past week have been from this decade. Please, move to a different decade. This album was fine. Favorite song: “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”.
Started strong but by the end felt a bit tired.
"Movin' Out" and "Vienna" are huge, but I kind of lost interest half way through. I have nothing else to say about this album, so I'll just casually mention that I've never heard the song "Piano Man" before.
Upbeat, pop friendly, just a Billy Joel album. Didn’t know “Just the way you are” is a Billy Joel original though
I’m not a Billy Joel fan, but I enjoy a few of the songs on this album.
Kinda bland inoffensive old pop rock
I feel like Billy Joel has never quite "clicked" for me. I think, listening to this, it's because I don't feel like his voice matches his songs: to song songs that are a little cheesy, you need to have a voice that just overpowers the feeling of cheesiness. If he could sing like Freddie Mercury, I'd love his stuff. But it comes off a little too earnest, and so it doesn't quite do it for me.
Haven't really listened to much Billy Joel, and this was kinda meh. Not great, not bad.
Movin' Out and Only the Good Die Young are good but Just the Way You Are is oof.
This LP gets off to a hella strong start with 'Movin' Out' and co., a snappy number that my dad loved to parody in my younger years. Nostalgia aside, that streak does continue throughout most of the album even as it wanders through more contemplative tracks such as 'Scenes.' Does get a little cheesy near the end with sappier ballads, but overall the album is still impressive for how much variation in melodic ideas and tempo Joel gets to flex on.
Italian Restaurant och Vienna va kiva
Bill
Billy Boel
i have heard this too many times and im not going to listen to it again
7/10 Uph lag: She’s always a woman Góð background-læra tónlist, svoldið löng lög og þekki þau ekki
It's ok.
Enjoyable album, competently produced, classic tunes. Very of its era. Great songwriting but lacks edge for me.
Billy Joel is an artist I always enjoy listening to and will never choose to listen to. Not sure why, his music is fine, but just never really tickles my fancy enough to want to come back I guess.
Not a huge billy Joel fan. Not bad. Moving out. Some good songs, scenes from an Italian restaurant, the stranger.
is ok
Eh. Not my favorite.
It was fine... Lyrically I can see that there's a lot of skill there, but unfortunately I found some of the songs to be a bit boring so I often zoned out of listening to the lyrics anyway. Maybe I'm just not American enough to really "get" the hype around Billy Joel. Favourite: Get It Right the First Time
Sì, ok… ma dopo un po’ che palle
Enjoyed: yes Listens: 2 Wasn't two bad, just sounds like it was made for musical theatre
It's OK. The title track gives me Steely Dan vibes. I also get some McCartney-esque pastiche vibes. Nothing here is as offensive as Springsteen but I'm not really inspired by the characters Joel creates.
am happy with this album. methinks it sounds a bit like iggy pop? i wonder if he was inspired by him or not.
Not bad