Reviews (page 6 of 16)
Incredible album. Vienna is just so good
Most enjoyable songs ------------ * Everybody Has a Dream * She's Always a Woman * Moving Out (* Vienna) ------------
* Kait- an exceptional album. I think I first listened to it during the pandemic. There is something for everyone - stuff for dancin, stuff for smoochin, and stuff for cryin. My favorite were “just the way you are” “Vienna” “only the good dye young” and “she’s always a woman”. this should be on our rotation on the reg. 9.5/10. Didn’t get the extra .5 because Al thinks that’s crazy for the second listen. Perfect • Wedding • Soundtrack * Al-Just, great album all around. I knew a couple of the singles but didn’t realize the whole album was hits. Only complaint is it wasn’t longer. Stand out tracks: all of them 9.1/10
2.5/ - 2 songs stuck out to me but the rest didnt reach deep, Musically soesking it was solid but it didnt speak to me.
Got caught up on She's still always a woman. Loved listening to the album while working.
Great album and one of my favorites from Billy Joel.
I didn’t really expect to like this but I found it really easy to listen to and enjoyed it! I already knew some songs but most were new to me and I think I’d definitely listen to this again. I give it 3.5 stars but I’ll round up to 4 😊
Easy listener with some classic songs you can tap your foot to
Too dramatic for me
Movin' Out - Loved repetitive syllables, great crashes in the drum Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - What is this song about? She's always a woman - Love this song, I want to deep dive into the lyrics to understand it better. Favorite Lines: Vienna -Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while" She's always a woman - She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes, "Oh, she takes care of herself", she's ahead of her time, "she never gives up, she never gives in",
Great album enjoyed every song. Vienna was my go to song for long time.
Simply a classic
She's always a woman and vienna 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙏
Masterpiece. I was about 16 when this album came out and pretty much every song was on the radio. By far his best album which I still listen to today.
No a big Billy Joel fan, but this is an exceptional piece of writing and performance
Між Біллі Джоелом та Елтоном Джоном я завжди оберу Елтона Джона. Але треба визнати наскільки канонічним став семпл зі The Stranger. Взагалі в мене з Біллі Джоелом складні стосунки, деякі пісні сильно подобаються, а деякі зовсім ні. Також в нього доволі цікаві тексти місцями.
I grew up with this album being played in my house and it's nostalgia for me. Not something I'd go out of my way to play but will sing along when it's played. Good songs and lyrics and worthy of a chance at this list but not one I'd seek out.
5 of the 9 songs were classics I'd heard before. Jam packed album
Sounds like a best friend 10/10 Best song-vienna
Definitely could be a study album. I really like Movin Out and She’s Always A Woman. Some weren’t bangers, but maybe I need to give it more of a proper listen.
Very boppy, classic Billy Joel sound with piano and quick lyrics. Movin’ out was my #1 song of the album. It’s a good one to put on the background if you have company because it’s not too bombastic and his voice is smooth & even
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
It started off as a great listen, but it got a little tiresome after a while.
we'll get a table near the street in our old familiar place
Classic vibes and a whole lot of pathos!
Too dramatic for me
Some outdated songs, but overall enjoyable. Always love "Movin' Out"
> The Beatles
I am a billy joel enjoyer. I think if I listened to this more i'd like it more but its not my favorite of his work. I feel like its better as background than blasting headphones.
I think I had gotten him confused with Elton John, who (as of 4/4/26, maybe for no reason) I thought I would find annoying... but turns out I enjoy Billy's stuff!
Loved it. So sing along-able. I knew a bunch of them, and now I know more of them. I put half the album in my liked songs playlist. Hell yeah
No notes, one of the best songwriters of all time
*** Fun fact (written before listening): When I was a kid, I would spent summers in our family's countryside house. Near my room there was a big Billy Joel poster, which my dad put on the wall. I asked my dad if he could show me some of his music, but he told me that he got this poster for free from his friend and didn't had any of his records. I think I was subconsciously annoyed by Billy all this years, because he, with his self-confident smile, wearing sunglasses and looking cool, was a symbol of some good music that exists, but I'll never have a chance to listen too. Now, 25 years later, I can get to hear any music I want within a few seconds and using this opportunity to listen to my "beloved" Radiohead and U2 just because I decided to take a part in some fun challenge. Well, life is good, I guess! Fun fact ends*** Well, this wait was well worth it. I have nothing about piano based pop rock, but it needs to be really good to catch my attention. And during this album I haven't lost attention even for a couple of seconds. His playing is great, his singing and especially his songwriting, which keeps excited during the whole lenght of the album. Probably as good in this style as Elton is. Probably a few more listens and I'll want this poster back.
I didn’t realize how many bangers were on this album. He is so talented. Put me in a good mood.
I enjoyed it and I knew a couple of the songs already. It had a good vibe and I added some of the songs to my playlist.
73/1001 I recently enjoyed the Billy Joel documentary and have enjoyed his music on the radio but have never played a whole album before. This was alright. I’d add Movin’ out to a greatest hits playlist. 5/10
favs: vienna e movin out
billy joel very vibey in general, shld deffo listen to him more!
I enjoyed this far more than I expected. The first two tracks in particular are excellent.
não sei porque eu achava que billy joel era chato, mas fui surpreendida positivamente por esse album. melhores musicas: the stranger, vienna.
A solid album, Vienna is an amazing song
I have severely underestimated Billy Joel. I never put in effort to listen to his music other than his popular ones but omg. Scenes from an Italian restaurant was so much fun I loved it.
A couple good classic jams. Overall a slow vibe.
Again, this project gave me the occasion to listen to an album of an artist I never cared about, and I was positively surprised. This is a pleasant pop album with solid songwriting. While I don't personally get songs like Just the Way You Are (despite being quite celebrated), the upbeat pieces are great.
Great
Me gusto, esta bonito :)
Loved it ! The orchestration, voice, themes. Great discovery
The key to Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is to listen to it sparingly enough that you are freshly bowled over by just how good it is every single time.
This is pretty good.
Monumental
I basically ignored Billy Joel which I regret. I blame Westlife and Uptown Girl for putting me off him. Some good stuff on here
Surprisingly better than I expected. The problem that I have with this album is that the hits are the hits for a reason. They're good - Movin' Out, Just the Way You Are, Only the Good Die You, She's Always a Woman. But they're weighed down in equal weight by Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Everybody Has a Dream, Get It Right the First Time. So after the whole album, it's an equal weight of "that's unsurprisingly good" and "oh yeah, this is why I don't listen to a lot of Billy Joel."
At least it's not "Piano Man."
brilliant b
meh, few tracks are nice
Høyt jevnt nivå på låtene. Et par virkelig klassikere. Er ikke så glad i åpningslåta, selv om det ikke er en dårlig låt.
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.
Intelligent lyrics. Well built music. Definitely crosses between rock and adult contemporary genres which can be disturbing to those who want to only listen to rock and roll. Also is perhaps more sentimental than it needs to be. Still, a fine album.
7/10
So many good songs to sing a long to! A bit heavy on the saxophone though.
LOVE!!
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.
the album is great, it's just not the kind of music i go for but i really enjoyed It.
Great album enjoyable and investing
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.
Boooooring
What a badass
i love this album so much, bc i already know it im just gonna put the cd on later.
trochę pojebane z jego strony że napisał Vienna i she's always a woman a ja musiałam to usłyszeć ,po południu przed drzemka powinno się słuchać
Muy buen disco. Poco Billy Joel me había escuchado en mi vida. Conocía la canción The Stranger porque con 17 años dije “oh como el libro de Camus”, y me ha gustado muchísimo recordarla porque qué pedazo de temardo. Voy a estar silbando esa melodía un mes. Voy a tener que hacerle caso a mi colega Fernando y escuchar muuuucho más Billy Joel.
Good album. Every song is good. Haas a piano rock/light jazz/E&E vibe and Joel has a smooth crooner’s voice. Favorite tracks include Movin’ Out, Just The Way You Are, Only The Good Die Young, She’s always a Woman, Everybody Has A Dream.
Nunca tinha ouvida outras músicas do Billy Joel. Já conhecia Vienna. A outra melhor música é Movin' Out. Outras músicas são Ok. Voz sensacional. Mas as músicas não são interessantes.
Tiene ese ambiente y espíritu neoyorquino de los 80. Pop que quiere ser rock elegante y sofisticado, Letras nostálgicas
Boring, not cohesive and uninteresting. Many songs I’d usually skip. I liked the stranger (song). 2/5
genre: disco-ish - vibey / catchy - love the saxophone parts ranking: 9/10
All my friends who listen to show tunes love this album. I do not like show tunes, although I will concede that The Stranger is a good song.
Wonderfully produced. Amazing lyrically. Just a delightful album.
I went through a stage in the early ‘80s where I listened to a lot of Billy Joel but haven’t heard this album for a long time. It holds up, a well-crafted pop-rock album. The big hit was “Just the Way You Are”, a little soppy but a classic love song and, although I always preferred Barry White’s version, still very good. There is a real feeling of time and place through the album, Italian-American New York, most obviously in the excellent “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” but also very evident in “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and “Only the Good Die Young”, a direct path from Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and West Side Story. Lyrically and musically, the record stands up and, although the quality tails off slightly at the end with “Get It Right the First Time”, which sounds like it was written for Barry Manilow, and the overwrought cod-gospel of “Everybody Has a Dream”, I really enjoyed revisiting.
not interested
Billy Joel is a great storyteller in musician form. Randy Newman croaked so Joel could sing. These songs take me back.
Was okay :/
perfecto para viajes de autos easy to listen 4.5/5
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!
Just the way you are
deu pra entender que ele gosta de um pianinho né enfim, pra mim é bem chato/cansativo/toda música é igual pqp
eh mei repetitivo memo, mas não achei ruim não. gostosim demais pra ouvir arrumano a casa domingo de manhã!!
Movin' out (Anthony's song) 16/20 The stranger 12/20 Just the way you are 9/20 Scenes from an Italian restaurant 13/20 Vienna 8/20 Only the good die young 10/20 She's always a woman 13/20 Get it right the first time 11/20 Everybody has a dream 6/20 Album 10,9/20 Amazing guitar and bass riffs on the upbeat songs Good piano on the slow songs Overall amazing vocals Great diversity of instrument but not a fan of the saxophone I like the upbeat songs more than the slower songs, that's why the rating is low cause there's more slow songs on the album
1. Soft rock vibes 2. Funky, groovy, good song 3. Smooth, angelic, a bit boring, saxophone jazz like 4. Longer ballad song, adventurous, more jazz saxophone solos, soft rock 5. Nice voice piano and drums, 6. Quicker tempo, “clap” beat good, saxophone solo 7. Love song, calmer, soft, 8. Up beat, faster, good drum work, 9. Softer and calmer except the chorus which livens up and is Beatles similar, piano at the end nice, Favourites - 2, 5, 6 Overall rating- 6/10 some groovy songs but overall boring.
Dad had this album on cassette. Incredible opening track. The ending of “Everybody Has a Dream” calling back to “The Stranger” amazing. Dodge from Oliver’s Company ate this one up.
Was it exactly what I expected it to be, brilliant.
day one: the strangers- billy joel (1977) 1. movin' out (anthony's song) - starts a story- expanding on the concept of money and defiance - multiple stories? interconnected? - 1:27 "cadillac-ac-ac-ac" - 1:50 nice slow tone before "moving out" - 2:54 exit with the car, more rock elements 2. the stranger - piano intro... love - one minute intro... yikes - leaning into the rock elements - 2:05 "don't be afraid to try again" - long song but super fast paced - makes it feel shorter 3. just the way you are - very different vibe - jazz solo? sax? - kind of boring 4. scenes from an italian restaurant - slow, mellow - this song is going to be sooo long - not loving it - speeding up, rock elements - better as it goes but not a favorite 5. vienna - this is his popular song - it's shorter so it's a break from the long songs - i like it 6. only the good die young - very different from vienna - this is nice 7. she's always a woman - loving the guitar 8. get it right the first time - loving the vocals - sounds like perfectionism in a naturally messy person - very faced paced 9. everybody has a dream - soooo long - boring after song 8 - i like the chorus rating: 3/5
I think it’s pop
'Nuff said. Vienna and Movin' Out and She's Always A Woman are already on the soundtrack of my life.
Not my kind of music, but I can see why other people like it.
Pretty good! Around 3 songs made the cut to my playlist.
Listened to it twice in a row but I ain't gonna lie..I was bored after three songs. Not for me.
This album was kinda eh for me. Not bad but nothing too exciting. Favourite song is Vienna but I did know that song prior. 2-3 stars for me Very meh, had to get through the bullshit (Italian Restaurant) to reach the good stuff (Vienna). He has a good voice though.
I've never listened to a full Billy Joel project before, much more catchy that I expected.
I liked it more than expected, I've only known his radio stuff.
Love
I knew more tunes than expected
Has a truly tremendously good album cover. The man looks mournfully down on his delicate doll mask, clown-faced and meaningless; it'll hide the sadness, so he just has to put on the brawling boxing gloves behind him and put on his pretty face. It matches the surprisingly (enjoyably, half the time) bleak tone of these tunes - their plays into tragedy, their anticlimaxes and sadnesses matched to a silky smooth Billy Joel tone.... And fucking none of it is interesting. Each of these songs has 25% of the sauce. I've never seen a man give up in every single fucking song and repeat his 'killer line' in lieu of making a chorus, or finishing the song, or driving the story home (only Scenes From An Italian Restaurant defeats this defeatism, i.e surrendering writing the lyrics contained within defeatist music) and it just such an agonizing technical exhaustion atop exhausting content and I didn't find a lot of joy in this one. To make sure I'm not in danger of making a decent and level-headed review, here's some aggravations; DIRTY JOE and his SAD BOY MUSIC SLOP FAIL to ENERGIZE and FASCINATE Really good album cover though.
This album is so infectious! Really liked this one
this was very good. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant was in a league of itself even with the other greats on this album. only one album left!!
Never listened to album but know some of the songs. Hot start. Movin out is a banger. Stranger is another really good song. Great songwriting. Production could be a little better. Whistling is super impressive. Just the way you are is another classic. Great saxophone. Very catchy. First part of Italian restaurant is EH, second half is much better. Fun song. Vienna is so good. Start to finish just a perfect song. Only the good die young is another all timer. No notes. She’s always a woman might be the worst on the album but that’s saying something because it’s still good. I like get it right the first time, more of the same. And a fantastic closer in everybody has a dream. This is a really good album, 0 skips. Billy Joel has it. 4.1 stars
phenomenal!!! loved it!!!
Hum… c’est un bon album, mais qui ne me parle pas plus que ça.
I don't know how to understand Billy Joel. He doesn't really fit into any category I can think of. That can be a good thing, but sometimes not. I was not keen on this album. I recognised a few of the songs but they were a bit plinky plonky.
очень красивно и денсно, приятно под него чуть-чуть поучиться, но не сохранила.
Great great album
It's absolutely excellent F2B
Thoroughly elevator music. Vienna is good, and I like the Glee version of Only the Good Die Young, but otherwise a very lackluster album.
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?
This was a huge record for Billy Joel and, by extension, for rock & roll history. At least 5 of the 9 songs here (see below) are Billy Joel classics you're guaranteed to hear on any greatest hits album ever made (or on easy listening radio on any given day). I totally appreciate the craftsmanship here but it's not my thing. I passively hear these songs so often, and might even sing along sometimes, but that makes it hard to CHOOSE to listen to this record, ya know? We don't have to be strangers, but I don't think we're gonna be friends. Hit List: "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" "Just The Way You Are" "Vienna" "Only The Good Die Young" "She's Always A Woman"
145 Piola. A ratos me recordaba a Elton John. Varias canciones conocidas. Piola.
Välspelat, välsjunget, inte för mig
Definitivt välgjort och känns verkligen som han gör det han ska, men jag känner mig inte som målgruppen.
Riktigt skön musik!
Joel's break through, phil ramone Movin' out Just the way you are Only the good die young She's always a woman
heard most of the songs before, very good album added some to my playlist
Hey, I gave this one a GOOD hoon, about ten listens. I don't hate it, I think I got a lot from it. The era really shows in the songwriting. It's somewhere between the Beatles, Elton John, and Steely Dan. Some real solid grooves on here, not to mention huge HITS. I like a lot of the sonics. Some really rich harmonic ideas. So many long songs and tempo changes...what's up with that?
🔥🔥🔥
General thoughts: As a good piano man, in this album melody reigns. The Stranger revolves around dreams, hopes, adventures. It's conceptual in that regard. A new life full of possibilities and the voices that hinder your path, the alienation of a small dumb boy in a big city. That’s what "The Stranger" entails to me. The album is led by the piano and voice melodies accompanied by some good love-story lyrics, good but not excellent. The arrangements are minimal but precise, everything feels in the correct place. I'd have preferred more bass in the mix to enhance the flow of the melody better though. Little rant. The piano part for the stranger was beautiful, it’s clearly a central piece for the album experience but its hella weird how they incorporated the arrangement using a simple fade-in face-out into the songs instead of standalone album tracks, then there's also the thing about "The Stranger" being actually the second track. I mean they should have made it its own track. Weird decision. Anyways, definitely a night type of album. Full of classics. Outstanding song(s): Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Vienna Weakest song(s): Everybody Has a Dream Get It Right the First Time Cover: An empty department, alone, with only dirty sheets and a dream hanged on the wall. The stranger looks at you, silence speaks. Peak. B/W was also a nice decision. Real rating: 4.11
phenomenal
Enjoyed this. Not sure it's a 5-star classic, but solid with some great songwriting.
Classic Standout songs: movin' out the stranger only the good die young
This is #day480 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... how about some cool late-'70s pop rock? I've never actually listened to Billy Joel before, though the name sounds familiar. As is often the case with this kind of music, I loved the sax and piano, but I did prefer the softer songs. Very musical, all in all. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day481.
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.
I really liked it, especially Anthony song and Vienna. Really nice flow throughout the album. There are however some cringeworthy moments (Italian restaurant in particular), which prevent it from being 5/5
Better than I was expecting. I enjoyed this album
I hate Billy Joel. This album is all too well known to me, and I probably would have given a much higher rating before these songs were ground to dust in the last 40 years. One Star.
So many singles. Pleasure to listen to.
Two weeks ago, I decided to take a temporary break from the Generator so that I could focus on familiarizing myself with the music for my church’s Christmas cantata (which I’m doing drums for). Knowing that Billy Joel’s The Stranger would be waiting for me on the other side of the break was very motivating – he was an artist I only knew a few songs from, but they were almost all songs I greatly enjoyed and I was interested to see how his style would translate into an album format! So, how did I enjoy the Piano Man’s sole Book Album? I suppose my opinion is slightly biased since I knew that “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and “Only the Good Die Young” were certified bops going into The Stranger, but I found it to be a pretty enjoyable listen! Most of the other tracks didn’t quite reach the same heights of those two, but I felt like the B-sides were more memorable than they were on comparable pop rock albums (such as Elton John’s Madman Across the Water). Admittedly, looking at some of The Stranger’s reviews on here has me scratching my head a bit. I can’t tell if people are rating this album low just to be contrarian or if they genuinely prefer music without a shred of commercial appeal, but I feel like rating it any lower than three stars is denying reality. It’s not perfect, but there’s a reason this music continues to cut through the noise almost 50 years later – Billy Joel is a brilliant songwriter and The Stranger sees him right in his element. Highlights: Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, Get It Right the First Time, Everybody Has a Dream
I enjoy this album. One of the last Joel albums I did enjoy. Piano and sax. Most times, this is a recipe for success.
Was alright, but I find I much more into specific Joel sonfs rather than him as a whole. Great storyteller though
Look, they're good songs. Some are almost immaculate. Didn't know this album, could sing 3/4 of it. But they do wash over you like background music in a dive bar. The parts are greater than the sum of the whole on this one. 3.5 but I'll shoot him a 4, an extra .5 for a decent boxing career
Consistently good but nothing super crazy. A diverse collection of cute ballads and some groovy pop rock tunes with the piano acting as the glue to stick the whole project together. An album I can definitely see myself going back to for a nice walk in warmer weather. Highlights: The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Get it Right the First Time
Standouts - Scenes from an Italian restaurant - Vienna - Always a Woman Pre Thoughts: I don't think I've listened to a soft rock album back to front ----Scenes from an Italian restaurant---- This album has hit it's stride with "Scenes from an Italian restaurant" and "Vienna" but I currently don't think it's anything I haven't heard before ----Only the good die young---- I always wonder if these albums were amazing at the time and then everything copied it so now it sounds bland ----Always a woman---- OH THIS SONG! Crazy how much this has stood the test of time. ----Everybody had a dream---- The last 1 minute felt really out of place not really sure what it was doing Post thoughts: I understand why this album is on the list, lots of classics on here and generally enjoyable but it's nothing special imo. 3-4? I'll probably round down unless brain says otherwise
Wow! This is getting added to my library. The music is just right - not too loud, not too slow - just that perfect groove that i can keep on for hours without getting tired. And the lyrics are lovely - thoughtful songs about love, relationship, life - with a bit of humour at the right places.
A classic, not a massive Billy Joel fan but good for what it is, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
She’s always, Restaurant and Only drag this up to a 4.
First time listening to this. It's pretty schmaltzy but he's a fine songwriter. 3 stars, but not one I'd listen to again I'd think.
Not a fan
Some good songs, but not really my cup of tea.
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.
Buen album para cualquier amante de la música. Con toques que recuerdan a Beatles o Fletwood Mac
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
OK
Surprisingly enjoyed
One of the albums I go back to time after time. Featuring the amazing Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Billy Joel's range of styles is perfectly reflected in this album.
Some good hits. Ok in general.
One of the great ones!
I started off pretty well but then rapidly settled in the mid territory. Not really seeing what the fuss is about even if it wasn't terrible...
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.
It's a personal problem, but I’ve always disliked Billy Joel’s music. It’s a visceral reaction that I cannot get around. I know lots of these songs, not by choice, and do not ever want to hear them again. Sometimes they'll get in my head for no reason. I'm not saying this to be cool as I understand it's a thing with some people to dislike Billy Joel, and I'm sure he's a great guy and certainly talented, but I fucking can't stand the music he makes.
Enjoyable.
It was strange that there were a few songs that I loved and sang along to and the rest I wanted to turn off. To have such highs and lows in one album is not something I have come across before.
Sentient schmaltz
p374. 1977. 4 stars. Always felt a bit sorry for Billy Joel - his breakthrough album, all late 70s shiny production, strings and saxophone, came out just as punk appeared. Shame, because there are some fine songs here. Points deducted for the smooth shiny sheen and the occasional lapse into musical theatre, but bonus point for "She's Always A Woman".
Classic 70s album full of hits. What's not to like? Nothing too spectacular though, easy to listen to. 7/10
If you like big open-hearted pop music, this is as good as it gets. It’s not an all-time favourite but it’s wall-to-wall bangers.
Nothing but hits. We don’t respect Billy Joel enough.
Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Ganz okay.
Absolutely fabulous
So fucking good man. “Movin’ Out” is smooth as hell, title track tells an outstanding story, “Restaurant” too. “Vienna” is classic, iconic, and I had “She’s Always a Woman” from the beginning. And what a love song in “Just the Way You Are.” Damn! Last track was mid.
It’s Billy Joel, so, naturally, there’s some bombast. And the album is full of distracting 70s-era stylings. In other words, the album hasn’t aged all that well. But “Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)” and “Only the Good Die Young” are still good listens. Of course.
Amazing record
Some really good bangers. Not a fan of the slow ballad types. Do not beseech Billy joel. Becoming a bit of a Billy fan 😬
Love Billy Joel, great album Vienna is such a good song
A very talented musician and songwriter who makes music for the most regular people alive
Have decided Billy Joel is his generation's ed Sheeran. Gets a bad rap because of some horridly overplayed pop ballads but has a little more (not a lot) under the hood than that.
Could not finish. In fairness, I tried to listen to this while working out. It mostly made me mad in the same way as Steely Dan does, but not the good kind of anger that propels you to work out like a beast.
I mean you're not wrong, but I guess I have limits to how much I like Billy Joel.
You could have just said "Movin' Out is on this one" and I'd have been into it. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant has never done it for me, but overall the album is an absolute vibe by a great artist.
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.
This was a really good album with some classic songs. Real easy listening album.
Some seriously good songs
Put these first four tracks on any album and you're getting five stars.
Not my style.
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
Meh 5/10 maybe 6
Not entirely to my taste although I must confess I enjoyed most of it. Credit where it’s due, Billy Joel knows how to craft a pop song
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.
With more listens this could be a 5/5. Great album from start to end.
hold up!!! his writing is this fire???
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
Hm I haven't listen to a full Bill Joel album, and I did, and hm yeah he is rather talented. Very Elton John-y and cool changes in chord structures etc. I can see why Gene Ween likes this dude.
Bara bangers. Härlig variation på låtarna och lämnar en riktig feelgood-känsla
Perfect album. No notes.
Some of this rocks (Movin Out, Vienna) and some of it I just can’t really get around (Italian Restaurant). Overall fun and jaunty. But a bit whiny at moments too. (3.5 stars)
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.
Nice
ε(^o^)з¸¸♬·¯·♩¸¸♪·¯·♫ | (ಠ_ಠ)┌∩┐ -> ε(´סּ︵סּ`)з
some bangers but too many ballads for my taste. guess billy isnt it for me. still solid and i dont hate it.
Billy Joel can be incredibly hit or miss, so it’s no wonder that this would be cited as his masterpiece - because it’s the album where he puts it all together. There’s not a truly weak song on the record, taking his Piano Man persona and interposing with lots of styles that still feel of a kind. It’s a concept album without a central concept, and incredibly powerful songwriting. Even his lyrics are coherent and cohesive here, which isn’t always a given. It isn’t necessarily amazing or groundbreaking but it is a classic for a reason.
Nice song writing
Really nice. Only the Good Die Young is obviously a classic but several other songs also stand out. I’ll revisit this when the mood strikes.
Come on, it’s Billy Joel!!
Filled withIconic classic songs
Motherfucker made me cry on the A side. I've consumed this for the first time, it's only been a day, the few songs I could criticize tend to grow on you. My least favorite track musically, Only the Good Die Young, is actually a pretty decently written piece of work. I'd like to hear the version from the universe where the drums were to Billy Joel's liking. 4/5
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!
Don’t get it twisted, this is not corny, looking for a paycheck because my manager stole all my money, 1980s “Uptown Girl” & “We Didn’t Start The Fire” Billy Joel. This is 70s Joel, when he still had integrity and put out classic tunes that are still great today. Seven of the nine songs are banger hits. This doesn’t get a 5 because I’m not a big fan of Joel and there are other singer-songwriters that do it better (so it’s not the best example of the genre), but this is a strong 4/5.
Beautiful, catchy melodies
ohhhhhh yeahhhhh
I've only ever heard his singles, never wanted to dig into his albums. He's always come across as a cornball making phony tough guy music for dorks, but it's not the worst music I've ever heard. Listening to this album just strengthened my opinion on him.
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
This was like Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.
Billy is the OG when it comes to making pretty good music that sounds better than it is. Quite a few bangers on this album.
Has not changed my pre-existing opinion that this album sucks.
A classic.
It was okay, Billy Joel doesn't really do anything for me...
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
Good album
#161/1001. Another musical gap in my life filled, this time in the shape and size of a full Billy Joel album, 9 songs, 42 minutes. How does this fixture protect me from the various atrocities laid upon us by mankind? Weakly. I can't really cling on the saxophone solos, or to the "this must be from a musical" feeling. There is no songs to play to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, or to play on repeat while stuck in limbo waiting for the final verdict: bottle of red, bottle of white - perhaps rose instead? There might be a place and time for this, so I'll give it a second spin when they invent space-time and alternative universe travel.
Portada icónica para un ábum que rompió a vender hasta llegar a más de 10 millones, siendo de los que mejor representa los solistas den los setenta. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) con aires de Christopher Cross, el clásico Just The Way You Are o The Stranger que es una de las mejores, marcan el tono del disco. Only the good die young, más rockera, deja a Joel entre Elton John y Bruce, saliendo airoso del envite. Scenes from am Italian restaurant es un ejemplo del talento de Joel, al nivel aquí de Macca, la mejor del álbum junto a dos joyas ocultas como Vienna y She´s always a woman. En el 77 había otro tipo de música, para adultos, y el mejor ejemplo era este. Un disco para escuchar el Nueva York de los 70´s, que sin ser autobiográfico sí que es el testimonio sincero de un músico llevando a buen puerto el caudal que se traía entre manos. La producción de Phli Ramone es pulcra y logra que reluzcan las melodías y el talento de Joel.
Movin’ Out // Just the Way You Are // Vienna // She’s Always A Woman //
Funny coincidence that Songs for Swingin’ Lovers was my last review, where I mentioned that Sinatra cassette always played by my dad on car rides. For many of my friends, Billy Joel was their fathers’ chosen prophet. I never caught the bug back then, never really listened. Maybe I wasn’t old enough. Now, in the era where stillness carries its own charge, I finally hear the appeal. Vienna is a revelation, and The Stranger holds together like a great novel. Melodic, wise, and self-aware in all the right ways.
Is it cool to hate on Billy Joel? I don't know. I like Billy Joel. He's kind of like Elton John but not as good. This is a great album though, absolute classic for sure. It flows really well from song to song, it's fun to listen to, it's got a great vibe to the whole thing. It moves between more upbeat to slow and sappy really well and the balance between the two is great. This is a fun album to put on and listen to while doing something else. It's not complicated enough to sit and listen just for the music, though if you did I don't think you'd be disappointed, but it's more of a soundtrack to whatever you're doing at the time. 4/5
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.
Wow, another album of the kind I had hoped for on this journey! I didn't know many of Billy Joel's older songs and have to admit that every one of the nine songs on “The Stranger” is really great. I especially like the rockier and jazzier moments—or both together, as in “Movin' Out.” Very nice, a must-listen!
What an album!! My top 3 tracks - Moving' out - Just the way you are - She's always a woman
Billy Joel has just never really appealed to me. I even had a teacher back in grade school who was completely obsessed with him—probably wished she could’ve married him. Even back then, his music never seemed all that impressive to me. And now, while I can admit he’s clearly talented, his music still doesn’t really do much for me. I’m not saying it’s bad, but it just kind of exists. Nothing I’d ever seek out on my own.
Didn't like the extra long trumpet in NY State of mind.
He's an undeniable goat... just not my goat. Guy was young asf crying about how old and miserable he is all the time. Amazing instrumentals, fun song structures and unique blends that still are exciting. I just don't really connect with his writing at all
you know... its billy joel
A few songs I knew, Vienna a favourite. 4.
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
Even though it's not my type, lycris are really powerful. I think I'll come back to listen to this again someday. It's a really successful album.
So many hits!!
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
A solid album by Billy Joel, that deserves it's place in this list.
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.
At a certain point a fella’s gotta pick whether he likes Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, or Billy Joel. One is acceptable, more than one is a problem. I picked Paul McCartney. Sorry Billy, I think this kinda stinks.
Not too bad.
Would’ve said I didn’t know any Billy Joel other than Uptown Girl but this album felt very familiar and I really enjoyed it
Really quite enjoyed this!
Album got off to a good start, and I thought I was about to have another pre conceived view ruined. But it all slowed down too much and got too sickly for me.
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
i liked it! some real classics
There's so many pop rock albums. Who decided it was a good idea to have that many pop rock albums? To be honest, I ran out of things to say about pop rock a while ago, and the albums individually are very rarely unique enough for the conversation about this genre's conventions to be an insufficient description of their sound—and that's kind of the main issue. Sure, they might have different influences, different vocal styles, different production styles, accentuate different instruments, and so on, but it just all still sounds like pop rock. I always get the impression that nobody on the production team is trying to make art (although I know they absolutely are), and the output feels the same as a thousand other albums before it. It's so watered down and fundamentally unimpressive that it's hard for me to find even the better examples of the genre fun. It's such a tired and rutted formula that should've become outdated in the 70s but somehow continued to be popular for decades onward. I listen to these albums once and might even enjoy them a little bit, but there’s absolutely nothing that would make me want to return to them later. What is surprising to me is how acclaimed a lot of these albums are. Even people who listen to a lot of music seem to generally like them despite the fact that they never push boundaries or try to introduce something unique. I just don’t get it. As for this album specifically, it's good, I guess. Has some fun parts, has some not so fun parts. But like… whatever, man. It's one of the many, and I can't see myself getting excited about something like this. 7/10
Started strong with Movin’ Out and I enjoyed the whistling on The Stranger. I hated the lyrics on Just the Way You Are. Overall, some good moments but overall left me feeling underwhelmed.
The first song is quite fun, Third song «just the way you are» a more somber song. Its pretty good with a good saxophone. Vienna is a highlight of the album so far, with otherwise decent music, except for the first song, thus far» The final songs are also fine, she’s always a woman is a little slow, but e very beautiful track, then it jumps into get it right the first time, where i did not particularly enjoy the instrumentals or the tempo. Overall, i think its a good album, aswell as incredibly influential, so that cannot be overstated, but its just not quite my vibe.
3/5
Muito bom. Um rock com uma personalidade mais individual.
yeah this was nice : )
This is a good yacht rock album from one of the 1970s' most famous singers. It's well-produced and easy to listen to, and nothing here is too offensive. However, I didn't really enjoy it a whole lot.
Strong album.
I was groovin then I was sad. 🙈
This album is quintessential Billy Joel.
Oh man, I really enjoyed this album. It has a lot of replayability.
This was released on my eighth birthday. Whether I wanted it or not, the hits were a constant part of the soundtrack of my life. With songs like these, I try to imagine what it's like to listen like it's the first time I'm hearing it. The fact is, they just make me FEEL really good. I'm struck by how stripped down the production is. The impression is of a sound so grand and lush, but, with a few exceptions, the tracks are just five or six instruments, and very little effects. There's something about hit makers - Stevie Wonder, Daryl Hall, Elton John, etc. - their misses tend to be cheesy and a little cringe-inducing; and that's true of this album too. And I prefer when he leans into Rock 'N' Roll and away from singer-songwriter and Broadway. So I'm partial to Glass Houses as an album. But the fact is, I loved listening to it.
Likte det. Just the Way You Are er perfekt 👌
Liker det her egentlig, hørte på det i bilen og fikk ikke med meg så mye tekst. Men får lyst å sjekke ut mer Billy Joel nå. 3/5
2-3 et sted Fine låter og melodier Må lese tekstene for å få gått i dybden Blir litt lett og fester seg litt lite når man hører det nå, brotsett fra Only the good die young som jeg har hørt mange ganger før.
Inoffensive
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.
There is an old SNL skit with Bill Murray as a cheesy lounge singer, and as a transition between sets he smarms “Don’t go changin’,” a reference to the ubiquitous “Just the Way You Are.” It was a hugely popular song. But it was never cool, just like its author. Billy Joel is not cool at all. He’s too adult, too straightforward, too clearly trying to cop the sound of other artists. But his songs are amazing. This record has his highest density of great tracks. The A side in particular is one after another. “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is the Long Island National Anthem. That should earn The Stranger at least one extra star. The Stranger is an object lesson in persisting in being who you are; what other people think be damned. Cool or not- Don’t go changin’. FOUR STARS
Кайфыч
ilikeit
It’s The Stranger, man. All killer. Is it my favorite Billy Joel record? No - that’s the Nylon Curtain. But it’s a REALLY solid album. 8.5/10
Bah moua jèm bi1 bili joelle
This is Billy Joel before he went crazy.
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
Hits and good songs!
4 out of 5 One of the great ones from The Piano Man. Almost all songs are bangers. More Billy Joel
Very nostalgic for me growing up in the 80s with parents who were huge on Billy Joel. Quite a few classics on this, hard to give it just a 4 but I don’t think it connects with me on the level I need for a 5.
Incredible
Already one of my favs, this was a great recommendation
It's a bit basic and sentimental but if I think of it solely as a broadway soundtrack, it's quite enjoyable.
I mean, I like to hate on Billy Joel as much as the next man... I have little to follow up on that. Ok, he writes a good pop song. I don't especially *like* any of them, but it's more tolerable as an entire album than I would have thought.
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!
Favorite: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) This album feels good and timeless and iconic. It just feels bigger than itself in such a way. It feels like a 5 star album because it feels larger than life but from my personal ranking system of my own enjoyment of the music itself it's more accurately a 4
Great album. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is the best song on a really strong album. Honestly, Billy Joel screams young boomer or old Gen X to me, and I can never really love his music.
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!
You know, didn't feel like it
Packed with memorable and melodic songs. Very Elton-esque, in a great way.
Nice
Conocía a Billy Joel pero nunca habia escuchado muchas de esas canciones y de ese estilo, amé
4.3 /5 I mean, these songs are iconic and some of my favourites ever: Vienna, She's Always a Woman to Me and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. I love how "played" the songs in this album feel; it's like I can almost see the person playing the piano or harp. I love the soul in so many of these songs, the songwriting is phenomenal is so many places and really gets to you. I can't quite connect the coherence throughout the album though. The mood shifts a little throughout. I love the similarities in strangers and everybody has a dream. The last piano riff I love- ties is up nicely. I mean it's peak Billy Joel. It's fun, exciting, can be midly melancholic, you love and feel the lyrics, you see the instruments, but its an optimistic one.
catchy songs that I recognized and enjoyed listening to
wtf
Billy Joel is one of those artists who feels like he’s always been there. His songs were part of the background of my life growing up, and they still sound timeless today. The Stranger helps showcase why - Joel has a gift for crafting melodies that could land in any decade and still feel perfectly in place. This album is packed with songs that are both easy to listen to and rewarding if you lean in. Whether you’re following the storytelling in his lyrics or just getting lost in the music, The Stranger feels like a record that speaks to everyone.
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