The Stranger

A classic in all ways. Record has 6 songs on it you know the words to even if you’ve never listened to it. So well played and recorded.

Billy Joel established himself with 'Piano Man' four years before this but then subsequent albums flopped and he nearly got dropped by his label. He originally wanted George Martin to produce this album, but eventually settled on Phil Ramone who he would continue to work with. Joel was never a favourite of the critics and you can see why to some extent - talented and too good to be true at the point where he could almost appear smug and this album is released within weeks of Never Mind The Bollocks. But it's classic songwriting and holds up fantastically. Just The Way You Are and She's More Than A Woman are MOR radio classics played to death but are of course two of the finest love songs ever written, and up there with some of McCartney's finest. Him not being a depressed smackhead strumming a guitar then killing himself the year after doesnt make these songs any less cool. Elsewhere, the 7 minute Scenes from an Italian Restaurant and Vienna became live favourites, and the album is bookended nicely by Movin' Out and the lovely Everybody Has A Dream whistling us out in style. It sounds to me a lot like a concept album of the 1970s in common with Born to Run or Bat out of Hell but in a moonlit Manhattan, a Taxi Driver but with more hope alongside the fears. 9.5 out of 10.

Perfection✨

Honestly this is just really an excellent album. A lot of the songs just kinda blow me away with the beautiful instrumentation. The vocals are nice too but I really appreciate the music. "Movin' Out" and "The Stranger" are an awesome one-two punch to start the album. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" has some really strong sections. "Get It Right the First Time" is really awesome too. I've barely ever listened to Billy Joel. Some of these songs are familiar of course. But listening to this album is a really great experience.

i love this album so much, bc i already know it im just gonna put the cd on later.

Wonderfully produced. Amazing lyrically. Just a delightful album.

This is one of my all time favourite albums. So happy to have a reason to listen to it today. Every track is just exceptional!

'Nuff said. Vienna and Movin' Out and She's Always A Woman are already on the soundtrack of my life.

Love

This album is so infectious! Really liked this one

phenomenal!!! loved it!!!

Great great album

It's absolutely excellent F2B

According to some of the other reviews it’s considered cringe or uncool to like Billy Joel. Well it isn’t to me. C’mon, he’s a good songwriter. You don’t feel something while listening to Movin’ Out or Vienna or really any song on the Stranger?

Joel's break through, phil ramone Movin' out Just the way you are Only the good die young She's always a woman

🔥🔥🔥

phenomenal

For some reason it's never occurred to me to listen to a full Billy Joel album. I know and like a handful of his biggest hits, but now having listened to an actual full album, I just can't wait to discover more. As simple as this album is, it's just so well crafted and perfectly put together and uses each individual moment to its full potential.

Really enjoyed this despite never being a big fan of BJ. Full of hits and no filler. 10/10

Not necessarily as an album in its entirety, but most of the songs here have played important parts in my life. Almost everything on the album has a specific memory or name attached to me. For example, one of my daughter's favorite songs is Vienna, which I found out when she was probably 15. I don't know how she encountered it, but she put it on a playlist of "songs your dad listens to" and sent the list to me. I'd never even heard the song before! But now, it's one of my favorites too because it makes me think of my little buddy. Don't Go Changing makes me think of my wife. I wish I could have written it for her. Only the Good Die young has been a staple of pop for me for the last 45 years, and my aunt Virginia likes to make jokes about it. Movin' out carries a message I understood too late, but I'm working on incorporating into my life. This is a very special album to me. And it spite of the weaker last two songs, it gets a hard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.

At first glance this album seems like just another Billy Joel album. Then as you get into him, you find out that - this is the album with only the good die young - and this is the album with scenes from an Italian restaurant - and this is the album with just the way you are - oooh and this one has Vienna too! Next thing you realize is that it’s a great albun. And that’s how they get you

One of the great ones!

Several songs that are big hits, and no real filler. I was thinking ‘Vienna’ was a sleeper gem but turns out it’s his #2 song on Spotify (what rock have I been under?).. Perfect album length, great songs that can be both dissected or played in the background.. 4.5/5

Billy Joel at the height of his prowess. A great balance of fun, heartfelt, and earnest. Love this album.

Nothing but hits. We don’t respect Billy Joel enough.

Absolutely fabulous

If you’re going to grab a Billy Joel album this is the one. So many good songs and moments. The intro of the piano on Always a Woman gives me goosebumps every time.

Put these first four tracks on any album and you're getting five stars.

42 minutes of the most expertly crafted tunes of the 20th century

There’s not even Billy on the list

Heard it before. I do like Billy's music quite a bit. This is my 2nd favourite album from him and since my beloved Glass Houses aren't on the list then The Stranger gets a perfect score 5/5

When I was a child, I was convinced that Billy Joel was Italian-American. My mom played the Greatest Hits album all the time, and she was Italian, so I guess that’s where this assumption came from? He’s not Italian though, but somehow he still is good Italian-American representation. Can make a fantastic album. My husband was listening on this one and liked the “ACK ACK ACK”s on Moving Out.

Good ol William Joel. Never listened too an album by him i realise, although this album has some of my favourite songs by him (Vienna and Movin’ out) and ive found a new fav in She’s Always a Woman. Great album highly enjoyed and recommend, will definitely listen to more albums by him. 9/10

I just love this album so much

Bara bangers. Härlig variation på låtarna och lämnar en riktig feelgood-känsla

Perfect album. No notes.

Just tune after tune. Although they do feel a teensy bit samesy by the end, I can't justify giving it less than a 5.

much like Bruce Springsteen, BJ is one of those artists I appreciate more as I get older. I really enjoy his storytelling and how grand he makes everything sound. This album rewards patience and close listening, if that makes sense.

“Bottle of red, bottle of white. Whatever gets me laid tonight” - Billy Joel

What an album! At least five great songs and the whole thing is solid. One of my favorites by him. And the lyrics!

ohhhhhh yeahhhhh

Happily got to review an album I once owned, back in the days of physical media. Really enjoyed listening again; there are some cracking songs but for me the standout is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Other favourites include Only the Good Die Young and Just the Way You Are.

I don’t know if my trip to Italy manifested this album to me, but hey, it took more than 300 albums to get to Billy Joel. And while I can go on how it’s bullshit this is his only album here while I get subjected to endless psychedelic, Britpop and Neil Young, I’ll keep it brief. I fuck with Billy and it’s an achievement of itself that The Stranger’s got so many hits. From Only The Good Die Young to Just the Way You Are, the range and diversity is incredible. Maybe I’m biased as a fellow New Yorker, but I always got a sense of homeliness from Billy. Yeah, that’s corny, like that scene from Spider-Man 2 on the train, you know the one. That sense of nostalgia of the backyard parties we would have every summer, when my family was bigger and more connected. Billy Joel’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s sure as hell mine. Favorite track: Scenes From An Italian Restaurant Other hits: Only the Good Die Young, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just the Way You Are, She’s Always A Woman, Get It Right The First Time

A classic.

Billy Joel has always been a favorite but I mostly just knew his greatest hits albums growing up. Yes he has been derided over the years for having overly literal songs, but all his hits are crowd pleasers and this album is no exception. The storytelling and instrumentation is great here, as he moves from straight-up rockers to ballads to sagas. Don't have a heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack just enjoy the ride. Favorites: Movin' Out, Italian Restaurant, The Stranger, Vienna

Great album, nostalgic

What a fucking classic.

It’s strange to me this album isn’t discussed more.

Anyone who doesn’t give this 4 or more need to sit on the naughty step. Timeless. Almost hit after hit after hit.

One of the top 10 best records ever. I’m the history of music

Bit of a guilty pleasure for me this one. One of his best albums.

Not familiar with much of Billy Joel’s work but I really enjoyed this. Some really lovely songwriting and piano work, some surprise rockier moments, and some great orchestrations. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - enjoyed going through the movements and imagery of the song, an unexpected treat. Was umming between a 4 and 5 but think it has to be 5 - on a few listens and I can’t fault much really.

Lots of memories of this one. I grew up with it, it was an album my sister had and played constantly. So it's one that has seeped into my consciousness from the beginning. It has my favorite Billy Joel song, "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," a great encapsulation of a relationship in a 8 minute song with its shifts in tempo and some furious piano and sax. And it launched him into stardom with sings like "Just the Way You Are" and "Only the Good Die Young." I might have put his album "The Nylon Curtain" on the list in addition to this one but there's no arguing the greatness of this album. It was the one where he really came into his own and put it all together.

Billy Joel's magnum opus. Piano Man is a great song but for me, Joel is a one-album wonder, and this thing goes incredibly hard. He nails the soft rock sound on songs like Just The Way You Are without being sappy like he definitely comes across more later in his career. And the hooks of Movin Out, Vienna, Italian Restaurant, are all-timer hooks that I belt out every time. As overly sentimental or corny as some of Billy Joel's stuff is, he made one of the best albums of the 70s, I absolutely love this one

Production is sublime. First time giving this album a full listen, very much enjoyed it, I've always loved moving out, but Vienna is magnificent, really all the songs are, 70s pop music at its peak. Came out the same year as Star Wars, which is insane to me.

One of the earliest cassettes I bought as a kid

This is actually one of my favorite all time albums. Every song is great, but my top 3 are: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, and The Stranger. 5 out of 5 stars.

First impressions when today’s pick appeared: Seriously? the uptown girl guy?… bleurghhhhh After listening: why have I slept on this?? Just great McCartney-esque pop songs. It isn’t cool in any way but this is now my go to answer for ‘guilty pleasure’. Really enjoyed every song here. Highlights Scenes from an Italian restaurant, Vienna

Strong album.

Oh man, I really enjoyed this album. It has a lot of replayability.

Billy Joel could write a song! Scenes from an Italian Restaurant showcases it all- one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. She’s Always a Women is another highlight. Packed with hits and songs everybody knows. Fantastic record.

Кайфыч

ilikeit

Bah moua jèm bi1 bili joelle

I always forget how many iconic songs Billy Joel has, and then I come to find out so many of them are one this album?? Even though it wouldn't be the first thing I'd choose to listen to, I can't deny how just damn good this album is. Just an absolute blast to listen to from start to finish, in almost an unexplainable way

Incredible

Already one of my favs, this was a great recommendation

This is a masterpiece of pop music storytelling. The first seven tracks (including the divisive Scenes from an Italian Restaurant) are classics of the genre for a reason. They are brilliant musically and lyrically. The reminaing two songs are much less familiar, but I think that they would have been just as successful had they been released as singles. The album has to be in the top 10!

What a great songwriter! I like lyrics that are clear and concise, and Billy Joel's are often just that. Fun melodies, great instrument lines, unforgettable riffs and sax lines. Interesting that the theme to The Stranger comes back one more time at the end. Makes it almost feel like a concept album. Great stuff!

Conocía a Billy Joel pero nunca habia escuchado muchas de esas canciones y de ese estilo, amé

This album is just brilliant. It has 9 songs, and 5 were definitely hits, over half the album. Movin' Out, Just the Way You Are, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Only the Good Die Young, She's Always a Woman, every one of those is a classic. The rest of the album isn't just filler, Vienna is great, Get it Right the First Time has some funk inspiration to it. Overall great album, classic album

I was expecting some Billy Joel on this list, and after 917 albums, I finally get one. I think this is the one Billy Joel album I've heard before, and it's pretty great. He's an underrated singer, and this is a pleasant listen-to-anytime album. Best track: Movin' Out

Amazing 10 out of 10

10/10 Favorites: She’s Always A Woman Vienna

Fantastic album, probably his best album. 7 out of 9 songs are wonderful. Great writing, great music!

One of my favourite albums. Beautiful. It may be a bit melodramatic but I like especially the love songs. Just the way you are reminds me of my wife (She's always a woman a little less so) and it always makes me cry: Joels description of difficulties in the marriage and how he endures them strike a chord with me. btw: If you're reading through my reviews: My wife decided to stay with me after she said she gave up all hope.

Heerlijk. Gewoon goeie muziek

6/5

Amazing

I know this one

Stone cold classic

It’s like unfair how many hits are on this one

Músicas Longas e muito boas

I really liked every song on here, should really listen to Billy Joel more often. Could by naming my favorites here but it'd end up as just naming the entire track list. Billy Joel is a brilliant songwriter and singer like many of this era, and this is probably his best album. Nice combination of hits and well known fan favorites on display. Very varied, good runtime and something that pretty much everyone can enjoy.

Rounding up a little bit, but a surprising 5 for me. I knew the singles and they’re bangers, but the other tracks are also very strong and evocative.

Banger after banger. Can't believe that there is only one album by Billy Joel on this list yet many bands I've never heard of before have two albums. I shouldn't question it too much.

I mean how could it I not give it 5 stars

Discount Elton John is pretty good!

Billy Joel is my personal favorite artist ever. So this is an automatic 5 stars. What a fantastic album. Goes from power pop to ballad and everywhere in between. This really showcases Billy's artistic range well.

Easy 5 star. One of the greats of all time.

Love this album. Maybe a top 10 album for me? No misses. Vienna a top 10 fave song too.

Never had a chance to listen to and of his albums front-to-back, so this was the first the first time. Amazing thing was that i have heard every single song from it beforehand, so it felt not as an ordinary album, but as a Best Of release for me.

It may be a perfect album.

8.7

My main complaint with this album is that I've heard it 10,000 times

Lots of classics. Almost all of them, shockingly. I'm not the biggest Billy Joel guy, but this is a great one. First album on this journey, so starting with 5 stars feels like a lot, but it's kind of hard to give anything less.

Highlights: "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" and "She's Always a Woman"

End peters out a bit, but the rest of the album is classics.

What a banger of an album. First time listening to Al album from Billy Joel and it’s just so good. So varied from track to track. This one will definitely be in the rotation. That said, that’s an album cover that probably would have spooked me when I was five. Favorite tracks: The Stranger, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young

This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and it’s one I've more than familiarized myself with well before even going into this list. Despite Billy Joel’s previous albums having critical acclaim, the sales didn’t quite match up, so The Stranger was a necessary release to practically save his career, and what a record to do it. The Stranger is an apt title for this album, you're introduced to these characters you’ve never met before, and like a picture book, Billy Joel perfectly encapsulates their pains, their struggles, how they grow up, how they change, how they love, and their desires. In other words, it’s like if the Beatles' A Day In The Life was an album, where something people may only view as mundane is expressed with such conviction you get invested in their hopes and dreams. As for the title track itself, it's like getting a peek into a facade many people may put on, and it's a reminder to the listener that The Stranger, these masks you put on, aren't inherently good or bad. Instead, it's something you do as a form of trying to change yourself, and it can be alright to make mistakes when allowing these Strangers to control you. The closer by far hits so close to the heart, Everybody Has a Dream is one of Joel's most introspective pieces. Coming from a time where he didn't know for certain if he had the capability of providing for his family, it's almost like he's calling himself a failure for half of the runtime. Still, he humanizes himself, he reminds us of his own dream, of settling down to be alone with his wife. Then ending it on The Stranger motif, it’s like Billy Joel is directly reminding you that even the people you’ve never met or even thought about all have these types of dreams, as if to remind you to treat everyone with compassion despite these facades people put onto themselves My absolute favorite song on the record is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, which puts you in the front seat of a full on gossip session. It's so upbeat despite the failings mentioned in the relationship, and the story of two lovers who slowly and mutually fall out of love after being on a perpetual downslope of living with eachother, permanently changed because of it, makes this practically the perfect parallel to the thesis of this album. With a near-perfect runtime, the pacing is almost flawless, and it's filled with songs you'll hear on countless Billy Joel Greatest Hits compilations. Sure they may be a bit overplayed nowadays, but they're classics for a reason, and this album holds a soft spot in my heart

A fantastic album, can’t believe I’ve never heard it in full before.

Always a Women reminds me of all the bars I never sat in, moochily drinking the martinis i never ordered on those late late Saturday nights I never stayed up for. How’s that for invented nostalgia? But that’s Joel’s gift, making us feel like the everyman . And I’m not a man, either. But it’s The Stranger that Im really giving him a 5 for.

That was definitely a classic. Loved every minute!

Quintessential. 5 outta 5 Classic.

This is one of Joel's best albums with a couple rockin songs a love song and a romantic one. The songs are tracked in a thoughtful order. Great music!!

5/5, is there really any doubt? Billy Joel is an icon, and The Stranger is packed full of hits, and is just an absolute treat front to back.

This has been one of my favourite albums since it was released. My favourite track remains Always a Woman, but I can listen again and again to Vienna, The Stranger, Only the Good Die Young, Movin’ Out and Scenes From an Italian Restaurant and never get tired of them. A solid gold hit album - love it

Incredible album. Joel's fifth. Put together with his touring band. Just watched the first part of the new (2025) BJ documentary. I need to finish part 2 after my listen through this album.

Bardzo dobry, fajny balans instrumentów plus genialny wokal

Genuinely one of the best albums I've ever listened to. It has my 2nd and 3rd favourite Billy Joel songs on it (Vienna and Scenes from and Italian Restaurant). Also so many songs on here the made me want to learn piano in the first place, which I am now incredibly grateful for. Too influential, on myself, to give it less than a five.

Loved every song

Just the best album by Billy Joel! I loved it and it made me relax for a while!

I was absolutely dreading this. The only song I know of Billy Joels is Uptown Girl and I cannot stand that one. Luckily enough though it isn’t on here and this album is bloody BRILLIANT . Genuinely surprised how much I liked it. Turns out I had actually heard Shes Always A Woman before but the Fyfe Dangerfield version, I just never realised it was a cover. Brilliant song but I do prefer the cover. Top Track -Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

I won't apologize for loving Billy Joel's music. Yes, there is some real crap in their but his catalogue is as strong as almost every individual artist in history. This album is filled with catchy, sing to yourself numbers. the stories are always real to me and that is where he sets himself apart.

Love this album! <3

I mean, it's just simply put one of the greatest albums of all time. 7 of Joel's biggest hits or best songs and often both, with 2 lesser known deep cuts that are still incredible. "Get It Right the First Time" might be my favorite Joel song ever. The piano playing is top notch, just listen to that solo in "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant"!! This album is just so ridiculously well made in nearly ever measure. I can't even find fault with this. Pure magic committed to tape

I’m currently in my Billy Joel era, so listening to The Stranger feels perfectly timed. I love Joel’s voice in his 70s work—warm, distinctive, and full of character. His ability to tell a story within a single song is remarkable, and when all those songs come together, the album paints a complete picture. The Stranger is packed with highlights and stands as a true showcase of his songwriting brilliance. Favourite track: It’s hard to choose, since so many feel like 5/5 classics. But Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just the Way You Are, and Vienna stand out for me. Least favourite track: Every song here has its place—there isn’t a weak moment. Album artwork: A cool, slightly quirky cover that suits the album well.

ultra

Wow. Amazing that this many great songs are on one album. “Movin’ Out” is a killer opener. It’s like a Beatles song with a theatrical sweep! And the title track right afterwards is fantastic. It sounds like Steely Dan, which is some of the highest praise I can give a song 😂 But Billy Joel has his own style too. He’s a great showman. I resisted his music when I was younger, and now I’m not sure why. I guess I found him a little cheesy. Parts of “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” are a little corny, but it’s an epic song filled with ear worms. I only learned recently that “Only the Good Die Young” is about a guy trying to convince a Catholic girl to sleep with him. I don’t know how I missed that before. It’s such a funny premise. I had already liked it, but it got so much better once I realized that.

This is an obvious 5/5. "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Just the Way You Are", "Only the Good Die Young" "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" are all truly incredible music compositions. So many sing-along moments, so many hooks, great energy, and instant joy. I imagine when this record came out it was spun on record players until the vinyls got worn out. Awesome, awesome record.

What a masterpiece from Billy Joel. Dude can sing. Real nice flow to this album and could easily listen all day and play for company.

Pure nostalgia

Smooth music, and I had not expected I would like it so much given it has no real edge. 4.6 stars

Альбом просто блестящий! В этот раз понравился весь, даже середина, не столь классная (но всё равно интересная), как начало. 10 из 10. Понравился и голос исполнителя, и душевность песен, и общая жизнерадостность и душевность. Редкий случай, когда придраться практически не к чему.

Tooting my own luck here. 5 amazing albums after many, many, duds. Thank you 1001 generator for smiling on me this week! Time to change my medications back to I’m sane. Billy Joel’s and mine best relationship by far. Thought out story telling that shows his timelessness. Really great compositions and piano. Voice that is iconic. Thanks Billy! 9.1

Maybe the best BJ album of them all. Great upbeat vibe, consistent across the entire album.

One of the best pop rock albums I’ve heard bangers front to back

Well it's about damn time, being 882 albums into this list! I know there are a lot of opinions out there, and this is very disputable, but for my money, Joel is, and has been since 1973, America's songwriter. There's a reason his songs have endured the test of time, and it's because how well the resonate to a mass audience. No matter who you are, what walk of life you come from, or circumstances you've lived under, you can relate to Billy Joel's lyrics. He's a master at crafting simple, infectious hooks, all while challenging typical song structure. The Stranger is where we really get to understand this. This album is flawless. There is obviously not a bad song in the bunch, and it truly gets better upon each subsequent listen. I've been listening to Joel for nearly 20 years, and digging into his discography is always an absolute delight, but nothing quite hits as hard as The Stranger.

such an iconic album, just classic song back-to-back easy 5

Phenomenal album, Billy Joel absolutely nails it here

Straight up Bangers

Stranged

Thought I hated Billy Joel, I might have been wrong.

Great songs without any wasted space from start to finish. A benchmark for what a great album should be.

1. fun horn lick 2. pretty piano intro with a whistling solo, chef's kiss. great song, the outro wrapping the whole song up like that was a nice touch. 3. absolute classic, sax solo takes it to another level. every song needs a sax solo. phil woods, i see you.... 4. more sax? yes.....so many sections! his band is absolutely killer and its on display in this song. 5. showcase of billy's singing with minimal backing. he good. accordian solo? hell yeah! 6. another bj classic song. another great example that all good songs have a sax solo. more evidence that all songs need a sax solo. 7. another great song. great use of the mellotron, love to hear it... 8. the band is back! laa la laaa laa laa la laaa. great track placement on the album bringing the tempo up after the ballad. what a great album, so many great songs. i am very pleased with the amount of sax solos in this album. i love that the album outro is the theme from the title track, ties the whole album together as a singular piece.

Mmm... Definitely part nostalgia but mostly in it's timeless beauty, I love this. Billy Joel is a story teller. Some of his stories are just that, about people going through life, wins and loses. But I can't sing along without tearing up. It could be nostalgia, but it is less petty than that. I don't recall better days or whatever. I live for now, and my life is today. No. It is more about how Billy Joel music touches ones soul. It is not trivial or commercialized. It is about life and trying to make sense of it. And it is very powerful indeed.

Banger after banger, solid 5

As a young’un I only really knew Uptown Girl. So never really took him seriously. I have since discovered some quality stuff from old Bill. This one has huge tunes from start to finish. Simpsons: Yes

If this were a football match, Billy would be 7-0 up at half-time and cruise home with a 10-0 victory. I don't think I can pick a favourite track off here coz they are all so darn good!!!!

I’ve listened to this album so many times but not for so long. I went in Blind, obviously I knew The Stranger would be on there but beyond that I didn’t know what else. BANGER. AFTER. FUCKING. BANGER. I’m singing along, I’m vibing. It’s so fucking good. The closest Joel comes to a bad track is Get it Right The First time and honestly I think it’s a good song that looks a bit shit in comparison to the rest of the album. Oh my good, possibly best Album on this list for me even if I admire other artists more. 5 is not enough.

Iconic. Master songwriter and storyteller. Impossible to overstate his influence. For me, his best

Just doesn’t miss. The stranger I always find haunting at the start. Scenes is such a good mid album mix up. Vienna probably my favourite Joel. Then you still have absolute classics littered throughout. Finishes on an upbeat too and stuck me in a cracking mood

sooo good

Movin Out will be very stuck in my head. Vienna of course is one of my very top songs. Very interesting album to listen to right before the start of sophomore year and also interesting considering the less than ideal day I’ve had emotionally. But hey Vienna waits for me!

Love billy joel sound an incredible album.

Awesome, hadn't heard the back half but the front is all routinely still played

So good! I forgot how many great hits are on this and knew every word of z7 of 9 songs. Also just watched part of the documentary which was great.

Might be his best album. Scenes, Vienna, Moving Out... solid 5 for me.

I know it all by heart.

Tough to believe how many hits are on here. All the songs are unique while still feeling like they are cut from the same cloth. I love and know all the songs by heart besides the closing track. Even though I think that's the weakest song, it still works well in the context of the album and love the addition of the Stranger melody at the end to put a nice ribbon on the album. It's not even worth listing favorite tracks as it'd just be the tracklist. 16th perfect album, 762 albums in. Rating: 5.0

One of the greatest albums of all time. Every single song is a classic.

- i like the consistency of the melodies without sounding monotonous. - living for the saxophone - ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK - “everybody has a dream” is a great closing song - the whistling emphasizes the “everyday man” feeling of the album for me, and i like the subtlety of that. - 10/10 tbh

Goated

Classic album. Great all the way through

never listened to him much, but now he's got my heart. Also as a Vienna local this is so special.

Album full of hits, didn't know all of these songs came from one album. Great listen, loved listening to it

In my opinion, the best he ever did. Both in music and lyrics. After all he is the piano man!

Amazing album!

Sometimes it’s a little bit much, but the middle run of songs from “Scenes” through the end is staggering. Production is lush and Joel lays it all out there. Full of stories and feeling. I come back to certain songs on this album a lot.

Another El Classico from my student days. If you aren't awestruck by the timeless beauty of 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' (amongst many other jewels) then it's probably best to stick to alternative hip-hop. Sorry kids, we used up all the best music 😐

Good job Billy Joel. Many many hits.

4.5 Oh yeah Billy

Six stars at a minimum. Seven if you got em.

Here's the thing. I'm a sucker for a few things. Some of those include: piano riffs, amazing storytelling, upbeat catchy tunes, interesting singing flair. And guess what? This album has all these and more. It's the best of pop, it's some of the best of Billy Joel. I have a sweet spot for my man Billy. I truly don't understand the disdain he receives. It's pop people!!! Stop expecting it to be anything anything but that! You could MAYBE make an argument for soft rock or pop rock, but that's about it. I love the way he adds ambiance to his songs to really sell the stories, they feel nostalgic and immersive and they're just feel good songs that have been through the tests of time and held strong! I don't think Billy Joel has to be anyone's favorite artist but everyone has a soft spot for at least one of his songs. And the Stranger has many of the songs that people love. It's a great album and I stand by that.

Great album

just straight 5 stars. no discussions

What a stellar album. I remember when I first discovered Billy Joel, and I'm still just as much in awe of his talent today as I was then. You might think The Stranger is a greatest hits album if you didn't know better. I could go on and on, but I've got so much to do and only so many hours in a day. This is one of my favorite albums, and Vienna is one of my all-time favorite songs. With this particular listen, I spent some time with the melodies and arrangement in She's Always a Woman. It tugs at heartache and nostalgia and is really quite perfect. The lyrics are great, of course, but even if you take them away, it's still an exceptionally beautiful song. I'm glad I got to listen to this today.

Yes - would listen to again. Just they way you are a love ballad. The musicality of the whole album, liveliness ❤️ the only song I didn't like only the good die young. Overall 4.5

Joel’s best, by far!

Starting with Movin' Out is peak, the rest of the album is pretty decent too

Ja tak. Elsker

I had the biggest religious experience of the year with this album. 10/10

Iconic songs.

Classic songs you just can’t help but sing along with!

This album slaps. I knew some of the hits, but now realizing the whole album is just hits.

The Stranger is the sound of someone sitting across from you at a diner at 1 a.m., explaining love, loss, and their unhealed father wounds—with a killer piano riff between every paragraph. It’s romantic. It’s tragic. It’s weirdly theatrical. It’s every late-night overthinker’s personal soundtrack. This album isn’t just music—it’s emotional dramaturgy for people who can’t afford therapy but own candles. ⸻ Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: A romantic crisis in 9 acts. Feels like a Broadway show fell in love with a dive bar and started monologuing about fidelity. Favorite Track: “Vienna” – because it’s basically a soothing slap to the face. Like Billy looked into your soul and whispered, “Stop panicking. You’re just twenty-something and annoying.” Consistency With Me: 7.2/10 Why: Look, I don’t wear cologne or get misty at the phrase “old neighborhood,” so not every track hits home. But “The Stranger” and “Vienna”? Those two know me. They’re sarcastic, layered, existential—like me with a fedora and a glass of wine I didn’t pay for. ⸻ This album is the sound of someone realizing their ex moved on and their dreams didn’t come true—but somehow they’re still classy about it. And you’re here for it. I know you. You absolutely stare out the window during “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” like you fought in a war you made up.

The thing about Billy Joel is that he’s awesome

Not heard this before, I loved it. Nothing majorly ground breaking musically but just good songs, catchy melodies and strong performances. Not sure Billy Joel gets the credit he deserves.. I don't know how influential he is but this record is just great to listen to

A surprisingly great album with some really good songs in it. Before listening to this I thought Billy Joel made annoying piano pop songs but I actually loved this album.

hit… after hit… after hit… after hit… after hit… after hit… after hit… after hit… after hit. to me, billy joel always sounds a bit like a jerkoff making show tunes. but this album is perfect.

"The Stranger" provides a rich sound with cold lyrics. A cynical take on the American Dream, the album's lyrics remain relevant today. The tracks are some of Joel's best works as a songwriter, feeling varied enough to not be boring but not too much to feel discordant.

Not the flashiest of Billy Joel albums, but that is not to its detriment. Feels good songs about growing old and growing in love. Some of these were already on my phone, and some will be joining it. Glad I own this album.

Billy Joel was one of my mum's favourite artists. As a kid in the 70's I was constantly listening to his songs - and all I can say is "thanks Mum". This is one of his best albums, not one weak track on it. He released a lot of great music, even into the 80's. Listening to this evoked such strong memories. An easy 5 stars!!!!!

Just a very very good album. 5 Star

Hits galore. Never listened to this album before but have heard every song

Wow! This is a greatest hits album! Had never listened this album all the way through! Easy 5 stars!

Hits, hits and more hits. Hell of a collection of songs.

Phenomenal album. So many hits on this album it is crazy but all the songs are just as good today as they were when they were released. The album has stood the test of time.

Solid

Hell of an album to listen to on America's birthday.

It’s always a little concerning when a “known” band comes up - is it going to be an oasis situation or a Franz situation? This shit ruled. I expected it to and was happy to be correct. 9 awesome songs. It made me sad to be alive because it means I’m not good.

Best song - Just The Way You Are

Joel and Elton John have a shared distinct sound combined with excellent songwriting that is so great to listen to. Peak pop

Record label: Billy, how about a "best of" Billy:: Here Label: These are all new Billy: Give it a few years. Label: Holy Schnit! Damn this is good. 5.

Classic album.

Today I learned that basically every Billy Joel song I know—other than "Piano Man"—is on this album. And now it makes total sense why The Stranger blew up the way it did. Even as someone who doesn’t call himself a Billy Joel fan, I have to give credit where it’s due. The man knows how to write a song. He’s a master at painting scenes with words. Whether it’s the bittersweet story in "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" or the raw honesty in "Vienna," you can see every moment play out like a movie. And then there's "Only the Good Die Young" and "Movin’ Out" which both still hit like they just came out yesterday. He’s got the voice, the piano chops, and the storytelling. Honestly, it’s rare to find all three in one artist. Favorite song: Movin' Out

Iconic album, artist and songs. The sound has held up well all these years later. This is damn near a Greatest Hits collection with "Movin' Out", "Just The Way You Are", "Scenes...", "Vienna", "Only The Good Die Young", "She's Always A Woman" and "The Stranger". Someone had their creative juices flowing that year! 9 songs total, 7 are standards on the radio, that's nailing it. Over 10M albums sold in the US, a ton of hits, longevity, influence on so many other artists, this one has what it takes to be in the Top 1001 for sure. If you lived under a rock and never heard it, this one is one you should hear before you die, fan or not.

i fell in love with this album the first time i heard it, and it still holds up. equal parts nostalgia, hopeless romanticism and effortless cool. this is an all timer. highlights: “movin’ out (anthony’s song)” “the stranger” “scenes from an italian restaurant” “only the good die young”

Excellent, my brother loves this album.

Really good - another surprise knew all the songs.

Echt een geweldig album. Ik was bijna vergeten HOE goed Billy wel niet is. Movin’ Out, The Stranger, Vienna en natuurlijk Scenes. Ik hou hiervan

the storytelling is vivid, the arrangement is good, but they don't impress me that much at first. but as soon as the accordion solo in the middle of "vienna" began, the album finally validates itself as the album which represents 70s pop rock at both its cheesiest and its finest. 5/5

HAVE THIS ON VINYL

Pfffff amo a billy

One of my all time favorite Billy Joel Albums. Throws me back to high school whenever I hear these songs. Timeless. Great album!

Boah, einfach nur ein geiles Album! Just the way you are, die Piano Tracks, She's always a woman, wirklich klasse Songs und Arrangements. Mehr von sowas bitte! 5 Sterne

Fantastisches Album. 4,5 Sterne, kann man 5 geben? Ich weiß es nicht.

Great album, the first song is ridiculously catchy

Music for retirement homes. Still amazing though. 10/10

God this is damn near perfect. Its a 5 star record just listen to it. Honestly the only small small blemish I can think of is the closing track harps on the main theme or motif for a bit too long. But its perfect of its like 90 seconds shorter. Listen to this man and all his very good music. I shouldn't like this even half as much as I do but damn it I love this stuff

Bravo, Billy.

love as always

Many great tunes.

It's Billy Joel.

Such a great album Back to back bangers Influenced so much music

Sing us a song you're the piano man (I know it's not on the album but allow it). Billy Joel is one of the greatest musical talents of all time. I would listen to his music from front to back-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack. He says he put his madness into his music; he must have had a lot of madness. It's hard to pick a favourite song. I regularly think how great it would be to be able to smash out Vienna or She's Always a Woman on one of those piano's at a station. Faultless 5 stars.

I’ve listened to this album a lot and fully expected to rate it 4 stars but it was so good had to give it 5

One of the greatest albums ever, Joels magnum opus pretty easily. Glad I was able to listen to this fully again.

Each of Billy Joel’s 4 previous albums have “that” song on them - “The Stranger”, from beginning to end, is all “that” song; back to back classics that cemented him as music’s great, New York storyteller.

I didn't realize how many of Billy Joel's hits came from this one album. Classic! ❤

Not enough stars

Classic Billy Joel, I loved it!!!!!

Listened before?: Yes! Constantly, in middle and high school Absolutely love this album.

It’s a classic album.

Whole album not a 5 but select songs push it up that way

"Just the way you are". Phil Ramone produziu. 4,5 estrelas.

Muito bom

Fantastic album with truly no misses. Beautiful imagery combinated with emotional lovesongs make a great album. My personal favourite might be 'Just The Way You Are', beautiful lovesong.

Dit is één dag (of twee) nadat het nieuws over Billy Joel zijn ziekte uitkwam. 'T is dus met een dubbel gevoel dat ik luister naar de deze. Maar desalniettemin is dit een fantastisch album. Van het vrolijke deuntje van Only the Good Die Young tot het meezinggehalte van Vienna en het breekbare She's Always a Woman. Ik hoop dat ik nog ooit de kans krijg om deze legende live te zien. 5.0

Uncle Willie sure knows what he's doing

I didn’t realize how many of Billy Joel’s hits were on this album specifically. I feel like this is one of those albums where everyone can find a track they really like, and the rest still feel great. I could see myself putting this into my regular rotation of full play albums for roadtrips or something similar.

Great album

Billy Joel’s music feels like a hug. Vienna has been a comfort song for me for a little while now, but the rest of his music is nostalgic and wonderful. The piano is beautifully composed and the melodies just take me away to a place where I feel safe. I definitely enjoyed this album and would listen to it again and again.

The last 2 songs are fine, but the rest of the album is just classic after classic--Joel was in the pocket for sure. My dad had this one and I was very fond of it, reminds me of drives in the car when that whistling starts for The Stranger--which is a weird song!

It's amazing how many top hits Billy Joel has. This album was full of great songs. I'm not usually a fan of singer-songwriter music, but Billy Joel is one of the exceptions. The man just knows how to write good music.

Lots of top tier songs in this album. And the man can sing. I like the complexity of some of the compositions.

Classic! Listened to a million times

Sentimental attachment to this and other Billy Joel albums from 70s and early 80s. Amazing storytelling and musicianship on his best album.

Classic. I loved it, again. 5⭐️

Great one

Favourite songs: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna

Complete

Awesome

I can’t believe how many hits are on this. Masterful.

Engaging, gentle and fun all at once. Maybe one or two songs that feel more fillery but no bad songs

My love for Billy Joel runs deep, Glass Houses being one of the first records I ever wore out, You May Be Right being one of my first lessons in rock-'n'-roll. The Stranger is another in a long list of examples of his genius. I fail to recall at what point in my life I came to memorize every word of Only The Good Die Young, but it definitely happened at some point, and it was a joy to realize. And honestly, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant is such a great song, I'd probably give this a five even if the eight remaining tracks were garbage. But if course, no. Movin' Out, Just the Way You Are, She's Always A Woman. Ridiculous, really. Was he listening to Eagles when he wrote Everybody Has A Dream? And will somebody PLEASE bring back the fucking saxophone?!?! 5

Just a classic. She's Always a Woman is still the top track to me.

Easy 5. Album is GOAT'd, bangers all around. Awesome instrumentals and vocal work. Billy Joel is dope! Hard to pick a fave but I'll just say 'Just the Way You Are'

Enjoyable listen. Some great songs.

What an album. Great stuff.

The first Billy Joel album I ever heard. I love all these songs and think these are solid songs.

This was on serious rotation for me in grade school — not sure why I never got it on CD. But I remembered the lyrics to every song, and even the slow sappy tracks are inspired and brought comfort. I think "The Stranger" may be my favorite tune on the album, it always struck me as profound. I may have grown a little bit out of that, but it's a great tune. Hell, maybe my favorite of all his songs. I never really noticed how "Just The Way You Are" has a production flavor reminiscent of 10cc's remarkable "I'm Not In Love." Nice touch. "Italian Restaurant" might qualify as a guilty pleasure: It's hard not to sing along, and I love Liberty DeVitto's drumming on this (and everything else). "Vienna" is another that spoke to me back in the day, and it was like visiting an old friend. I kinda forgot how impactful this album was to me. And as a Catholic school boy, "Only The Good Die Young" was something of a rallying cry. This one scores for being packed with excellent songs as well as the nostalgic time travel listening to it was for me today. Thanks, Billy!

I've always liked Billy Joel. He's a good songwriter, and he has a gift for melody others would kill for. I've never been a super fan (I basically just like the hits), but I've also never understood how it became fashionable to hate on the guy. I mean, yeah, he can be a little cheesy, I guess, but it's a good, melty cheese that makes for a killer sandwich. Anyway, this album is insane. His label was ready to drop him. Told him he needed a hit or else. He said hold my beer motherfuckers, and produced what is essentially a greatest hits album. The band is tight, and the arrangements are fun. It's a bit cheesy. It's a bit rock-and-roll. But it's definitely a killer sandwich.

Every song is like opening a perfect gift from someone who really gets you. I had this on 8 track and my brother and I would sing Movin' Out, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Thanks to Billy I realized at 10 that yeah, the sinners are definitely more my vibe. Vienna consistently brings me to tears. I forgot about the closing song and how perfectly it zips up this great joy ride that is The Stranger.

I love the vibe of this album.

Good songs

Banger after banger really. Had heard most before but enjoyed the ones I hadn’t. Just a great album overall Specific rating - 4.8 Fav song- moving out Least fav- scenes from an Italian restaurant

Jam packed with great songs, found it quite difficult to pick a least favourite because of how much I liked them all.Movin’ Out Favourite: Least: The Stranger

Very comforting and nostalgic album for me, love u Billy Joel <3 Favs: Movin’ out (Anthony’s song), The stranger, Just the way you are, Vienna, She’s always a woman Least fav: none

10/10 masterpiece

Incredible. Personally my favorite of all his albums

I dreaded listening to this. Billy Joel? What why?!? I was dead wrong. This album is a masterpiece and Billy Joel is a master of melodies.

A must have classic!

Wow. Packed with hits.

A wonderful collection of songs.

Can be partial to a singer/songwriter and this gets five stars as it contains She’s Always A Woman To Me.

Perfect album. I didn’t realize how many of Billy Joel’s iconic songs were on the same album.

I’ve always have heard Billy Joel’s hits but I would never consider myself a fan. I like a lot of his songs and this was the first time sitting down and listening to one of his albums for the first time. I’ll say this, he’s immensely talented and a great songwriter and performer. His music just doesn’t resonate with me. This is still a fantastic album regardless.

Beautiful vocals and intricate instruments. dreamy, ethereal and uplifting feelings.

the second side definitely gets a lil less precise/ambitious, tho i like it v much anyway. the A side tho is p much perfect...wall to wall literary, intricate, dense, and yet entirely approachable bangers. joel's melody and harmony instincts at their best are the perfect combination of Rich and Unpredictable and Entirely Digestible, a kind of populist artsiness that v few non-beatle non-pink floyd superstars have managed in their lifetime. im p sure my dad loves this album. not sure i forgive joel Entirely for uptown girl but this is a good argument!!

well damn this ruled

Terminei de ouvir esse álbum as duas horas da manhã, mesmo assim ainda queria mais uma faixa para aproveitar mais um pouco dessa obra. Queria poder dar mais do que apenas cinco estrelas.

Straightforward classic.

One of my all time favorite albums.

Going into this listen, I did not have the greatest impression of Billy Joel, mainly because of songs like Piano Man and Uptown Girl. But I liked the laid-back, piano-driven atmosphere of this diverse collection of nine.

Already loved many songs on here. New appreciation for Just the Way You Are this time. Way better than Bruno lol

Pretty good

so good. nothing but bangers

This made me join the Billy Joel hype train Choo-Choo

This is close to what a perfect pop album might. Catchy, fun, and enjoyable to sing along to.

From the opening seconds of “Movin’ Out” the whole album is amazing. The songwriting momentum slows down towards the back half, but even those songs are stellar compared to what most artists produce. I’m a bigger fan of piano being a complimentary instrument as opposed to leading a track, but Joel makes it work. IMO his best album.

Just amazing. Did not want to listen to it today, but it really turned my mood around. Listening to the full album made me have a deeper appreciation for Billy Joel.

One of the best story tellers in the history of music. The tie ins of melodies throughout the album get me every time. This is one I’ve heard many times before but I’ll never turn down the chance to listen again. Would rate higher if I could.

Holy shit, this is good!

This was fucking great, Collin was wrong for hating Billy Joel

Billy. Mate. What were you on when you put this absolute masterpiece together?

Classic album. Hard to say what the best part of it is since it all works beautifully but his lyricism and songwriting are particularly good, and really complimented by the instrumentation in a way that makes this more than the sum of its parts. Iconic songs on here

4/5

Wiem, że Billy Joel jest kiczowaty. I że ogólnie jest to muzyka dla normików. Ale no niestety chyba jestem normikiem, bo uwielbiam te płytę. Potrafię te kawałki słuchać godzinami. Lubię zarówno melodie jak i teksty, dają mi sporo radości. Więc chociaż chciałabym być ponad taką muzykę i rozkoszować się bardziej ą ę utworami to będąc w zgodzie ze sobą muszę dać 9/10.

Forgot how great this album. It’s like every song is awesome. Italian restaurant, Stranger, Moving Out, Always a Woman some of my favorites of Joel’s.

I have listened to the before and absolutely love this

I get why Billy gets some of the hate he does but this album is great. Feels very New York in the late 70s. Love most of the songs on here, last one and “Just the Way You Are” were my least favorites but otherwise just phenomenal. Does what he does best at his best.

It's like a 4.5. Fantastic album, has staying power. Most of his best are right here.

I started to listen to this weeks ago when Japanese Breakfast ranked this as her perfect 10 record and you know what? It's filled with basically all bangers no filler.

*gordon ramsay voice* finally, some good fucking food

The best part of a Billy Joel album, to me, will always be his instrumentation and arrangement of his songs. A plethora of instruments come together on just to create one complete song. I honestly think it's really incredible. Say whatever you want about his lyricism/storytelling on these songs, because they're not the best, but they never take away from the music itself. This album is also just full of hits and some of my favorite Billy Joel songs. Like I ended up putting over half the album on my favorite songs lol. I can't help but love this album. Favorite Song(s): Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, She's Always a Woman

Wow...what an album. It's a no skipper for sure. From Billy's talented piano playing, to the perfect singing, to the amazing band behind him...this album is perfect. The reoccurring "Stranger" motif that gets played again to close the album...chills. You can tell this album meant a lot to Billy and is deep for him. I'm really trying to remove my bias as this is the first album I've ever owned on vinyl, but yeah...simply perfect. Liked Songs: The entire album

liked songs: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Get It Right the First Time Fantastic. 4.5

It's a nice surprise that some familiar songs are here. It has some nice melody and rhythm even if parts of some songs sound a bit out of place. 🥇Just the Way You Are 🥈She's Always a Woman

This album rules. I have no notes.