The Stranger

Did I think I would like a Billy Joel album to this extent? No. As someone who was born in the UK, Billy Joel was seen as American shlock. I still think Just The Way You Are is a dreadful song, but the rest of it is so good, you forget.

Æ vet æ hørte på den, og det va noen absolutte klassikera av noen låter på albumet, men resten har æ glemt. Det va liksom helt ok, men det e sånn musikk som faren til noen æ kjenne høre på, ikke egentlig sånt æ høre på sjøl.

There's something comforting about Billy Joel. He's always been around, these songs are deeply embedded in the psyche as though they'd always been there. It's like a sign of maturity when you realise he's great, it happens in everyone's life eventually. Great songs, great music.

• Coming into this album, the only song I recognise by name is Vienna, but I also know a handful of Billy Joel's other songs. • Movin' Out starts the album off in a great way, I like the half time in the chorus • The Stranger is a fun song • I really like the story of Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, and the lyrics are so well written • The unison line and flute melody at the start of Get It Right the First Time sounds really cool • Everybody Has a Dream is a nice way to end the album, and the instrumental reprise of The Stranger caps the album off well Favourite song: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

Ah, finally, Billy Joel’s The Stranger. I’ve loved Billy Joel’s music for pretty much my entire life. My parents listened to him a lot when I was growing up, and their fondness for his music definitely rubbed off on me. I really love his songs from the eighties, and a core memory from my childhood was watching the music video for “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and being freaked out by the kid in the Richard Nixon mask (an appropriate reaction). For my ninth birthday, I asked for a copy of River of Dreams on cassette tape, and my aunt came through for me, although neither my aunt nor that copy of the album are around anymore sadly. Billy Joel’s music from the seventies is a bit hit-or-miss with me, and looking at the track listing for this album, I know maybe half the songs here. I’m not sure that I’ll love this, but I’m looking forward to kicking it with the Piano Man today. I didn’t love The Stranger, but I thought it was really good. One of the things that I love most about Billy Joel’s earlier music is that he’s a wonderful storyteller. Yes, I love singing along to “Tell Her About It,” “Uptown Girl,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” but those songs just don’t have the same quality to the lyrics and songwriting that Billy Joel’s earlier music has. Even though I knew quite a few of the songs on this album, I’d never realized how some of them have some really great bass lines. On top of that, I’d never really paid much attention to the Fender Rhodes playing either, but that definitely stood out more to me today. The biggest thing that I didn’t like about this album is that I’m just not that into soft rock. Billy Joel is one of those artists who I’d rather listen to their greatest hits on shuffle, so that I get a good mix of softer songs and more upbeat bops. Some notes on a few individual songs: The guitar on “Movin’ Out” is great, a detail that had escaped me until now. I had never really paid any attention the lyrics before either, but they’re great. I’m not sure if Billy Joel is singing specifically about the immigrant experience in America, or if it’s just a general sense of displeasure with the American dream, but either way, I think it’s some great songwriting. “The Stranger” is awesome. I loved how the song shifted from that piano intro to the funky guitar driven sound for the rest of the song. The bass playing during the Brenda and Eddie part of “Italian Restaurant” is great. This isn’t my favorite song of Billy Joel’s to listen to, but from an objective standpoint, it’s a great song with some awesome storytelling. Listening to this song today made me realize that it’s not just Billy Joel’s voice that I enjoy, but it’s his style when it comes to the delivery of his lyrics that I enjoy too. “Only the Good Die Young” is such a bop, and it’s easily my favorite song on the album. That bass line is outstanding, and the Fender Rhodes playing is awesome. I love his vocal delivery throughout the song, but the way he shouts on the bridge is fantastic. I love the inflection on ‘confirmation’ and ‘information,’ and the second bridge is even better. This might be his best song from the seventies, and my favorite one, barely edging out “Piano Man.” The Stranger isn’t my personal favorite period of Billy Joel’s work, but it shows just what a great artist he is.

Good old poppy album, brings joy when listen

It's astounding to see how much of an outlier The Stranger is among Billy Joel's discography. He has always had a knack for putting out a few great singles per album, but could never really glue them together to form a cohesive record. Seemingly out of nowhere, The Stranger presents a new side of Billy Joel that shows just how capable he is as a songwriter. Sure, the popular world will always remember him for Piano Man, but true fans of Billy Joel know that The Stranger is his masterpiece. Every track on this album has a solemn sentimentality to it while also being incredibly playful and fun to listen to. The album feels so genuine, like talking with an old friend in a silent bar on a Thursday evening. Every track works together to paint a picture of a specific kind of life, a kid who grew up in New York reminiscing about his youth and the opportunities he took and missed. The Stranger takes the absolute greatest parts of Billy Joel and combines them for a brief eternity of Pop perfection.

WORKING TOO HARD CAN GIVE YOU A HEART ATTACK-ACK-ACK-ACK disk gets jammed ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK ACK

Ok I can finally see the Billy Joel appeal, even if his stories stink. Still had a good time.

main character album to walk all alone

Vraiment pas mal, j’ai redécouvert Billy Joël

lowkey was hesitant but it was good #gagged 7/10

Yeah nice

Mis canciones favoritas fueron: the stranger, just the way you are, Vienna, She's always a woman (⭐) y everybody has a dream

Curiously good. “Only the Good Die Young!” Really loved the title track. 1977 was a good year for music with Exodus (Bob Marley) and Out of the Blue (Electric Light Orchestra) in the same year.

La verdad no se hacer reseñas, pero espero con el tiempo ir mejorando, por el momento me gusta, me es relajante escuchar las canciones y hay dos que para mi son top

Incredible album. Vienna is just so good

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 😊

5 of the 9 songs were classics I'd heard before. Jam packed album

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.

we'll get a table near the street in our old familiar place

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 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.

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.

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.

Me gusto, esta bonito :)

Loved it ! The orchestration, voice, themes. Great discovery

This is pretty good.

I basically ignored Billy Joel which I regret. I blame Westlife and Uptown Girl for putting me off him. Some good stuff on here

Høyt jevnt nivå på låtene. Et par virkelig klassikere. Er ikke så glad i åpningslåta, selv om det ikke er en dårlig låt.

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!!

Great album enjoyable and investing

What a badass

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.

genre: disco-ish - vibey / catchy - love the saxophone parts ranking: 9/10

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.

perfecto para viajes de autos easy to listen 4.5/5

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.

Pretty good! Around 3 songs made the cut to my playlist.

I liked it more than expected, I've only known his radio stuff.

I knew more tunes than expected

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

Riktigt skön musik!

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Enjoyable.

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.

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.

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

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.

This was a really good album with some classic songs. Real easy listening album.

Some seriously good songs

With more listens this could be a 5/5. Great album from start to end.

hold up!!! his writing is this fire???

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)

Nice

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.

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

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

This was like Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.

Good album

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

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

Didn't like the extra long trumpet in NY State of mind.

A few songs I knew, Vienna a favourite. 4.

So many hits!!

A solid album by Billy Joel, that deserves it's place in this list.

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

i liked it! some real classics

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.

I was groovin then I was sad. 🙈

This album is quintessential Billy Joel.

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 👌

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

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

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.

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.

Packed with memorable and melodic songs. Very Elton-esque, in a great way.

Nice

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

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.

4/5 - forever an amazing album!!!

Not a big Joel fan, however, this album is fantastic as it showcases the best of Joel at his peak. Fantastic writing, compositions and production.

Billy, no! This album starts of so strong but the second half is marred by a lot of forgettable material. Strong 3.5*

заслуженная 4 за песню про вумен.

Yeahhh this deserves the "one of the best albums ever" acclaim. Damn near perfect until the last two songs.

Going into 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 with fairly low expectations of Billy Joel, I was surprised by how strong the album actually is. Blending pop, rock, and balladry with slick production and memorable hooks, it shows Joel at his sharpest. Tracks like 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯’ 𝘖𝘶𝘵 and 𝘚𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 prove he could write beyond simple radio fare, making this a surprisingly rewarding listen.

Det er først nu det går op for mig, at Billy Joel og Elton John lød ret ens i 70'erne. Der er nogle kæmpe corny sange og nogle kæmpe bops på den her (flere bops)

8/10 - great album, had the lyrics, rhythms and Billy has a great voice

No one's lyrics are clearer than Billy Joel, and some of these songs are great.

Was not familiar with his older catalog, album was pretty enjoyable.

This is a good album, first seven songs are radio hits and the last two are just overshadowed by the heavy hitting first half. Always loved the western-inspired main theme.

A wonderful trip into the Joel Hoel to hang with Sgt. O'Leary, Mama Leone, Brender and Eddie and Tony et al.

Who needs a house out in Hackensack?

actually quite good as I don't typically vibe with ol BJ

What a fantastic album. This entire thing is great.

As many times as I have heard OF Billy Joel, I haven't taken the time to listen to any of his work prior to this. I feel as if I've been missing out on an incredible talent! The writing and lyricism is top notch, and there's some really catchy songs on this album. There were perhaps a couple that were just okay, but for the most part the music was the perfect length and incredibly well performed by Joel. This album just feels timeless.

I enjoyed this sentimental nonsense more than I’d like to admit

This was the first one I got where I’ve been able to grab my vinyl version and put it on at home. I love several of the songs on this album, but lyrically he leaves a lot to be desired. I’d chose Elton over him 9 times out of ten.

Felt more like a collection of songs than an album - final track tried too hard and failed because of it. Classic

Joel’s knack for storytelling shines brightest on The Stranger, with “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” standing out as a masterclass in lyrical narrative. The tale of Brenda and Eddie is vivid, nostalgic, and bittersweet—like flipping through a photo album of lives that didn’t quite go as planned. The album’s musical versatility is both a strength and a slight drawback; while tracks like “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young” have punch and personality, others drift into easy listening territory. That smoothness makes the album accessible, but occasionally dilutes its emotional edge. Overall, for me, it’s a very good album—just shy of greatness due to those softer moments.

3.5 rounded up. Some.classics mixed with forgettable filler.

The songs, the sounds, all top tier. While "The Piano Man" (the song) is probably the most essential Billy Joel album, this would probaby be the essential album. There are so many great, classic songs on the album, it's hard to argue it isn't an essential listen from a formative arist of the late 70s. While I can imagine coming back to this album, Billy Joel just doesn't reach that top 5 star rating for me. He has some great songs, but just isn't one of my favorites. This would be a perfect contender for 4.5 stars, if the rating system allowed for it.

I don't know much about Joel's discography but I'm kind of surprised he's only got this single album on the list. I found it pretty enjoyable. Keywords: "Ack"

Pretty solid album. I like the hits: Movin Out, Just The Way You Are, Only the Good Dye Young, She's Always a Woman. Interesting that Vienna is actually the biggest song - that one's OK.

Heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack!

Great album, though not Joel’s best

A solid album full of hits. I’m usually not in the mood for the ballads but I can’t deny that they are still catchy.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I only knew Uptown Girl and We Didn't Start The Fire - this was nothing like that. Like Elton John if he tried to do storytelling like Bruce Springsteen. Pretty good!

Kinda corny but it’s well made and the songs are all pretty good. I think I’m getting old hahaha.

Lovely

yep this sure is the american elton john alright

It’s got the hits and it’s groovy. I enjoy his voice and the sax solos, ultimately not something I would play for personal enjoyment, but would love to hear in a social setting.

Every time I listen to Billy Joel I can't believe how catchy the songs are and how good his vocals are...and then I forget again

Several iconic songs. Great, consistent sound. Some upbeat stuff mixed with more serious lyrics. 8/10

Très sympa

great album, really enjoyed it

Favourites: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just the Way You Are, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, She's Always a Woman, Get It Right the First time

Undeniably well written and catchy songs with a good honest core to them. It's a bit overproduced and poppy as a whole, but if you can overlook that a little then there's a lot to like.

yeah it's billy joel, yeah it was a pretty good listen top to bottom with some huge hits in there as well, not really my style but gotta appreciate it

Amazing record. Loved the melodies and the storytelling. Every track on here is catchy and made me want to sing along. Favourite Track(s): Movin' Out, The Stranger Least Favourite Track(s): Only The Good Die Young

Class so far. 3 of the first 5 songs are fairly iconic. Not life changing but very good. Not doing enough for 5 stars but super solid album.

Classic album. Likely Joel's most accessible. The album that got me into him. Hit after hit after hit after hit and the only downside of that is the last two tracks do not hit as hard as the preceding seven. They are still great songs though! This is one of my favorite albums and I will continue to come back to it for years to come.

I love it! Best album I’ve listened to so far. It’s got atleast 4 songs that I really like and for me if an album does that than it’s a hit in my books. Billy Joel’s singing is generational; he just has the sauce. Cent rate it 5/5 because I don’t believe in perfect scores but it would be really close to 5/5.

Classic and still good to listen to

Hits like a bowl of bolognese on a cold New York winter evening. Billy made bangers that stand the test of time. A great album.

It always looks like Joel doesn't write songs but he discovers them, as they are immediate and clear.

Great but not Joels best

Something in the back of my head told me that I didn’t like Billy Joel in the same way that I just can’t stand Elton John. Yes it’s a bit schmaltzy, there are over the top flourishes that it doesn’t really need, and some of it is overplayed to buggery but underneath this album is some really good production and some genuinely good songwriting.

Very solid lyric and delivery wise. Reminds me of music i would hear driving with dad as a kid lol. Started strong and ended strong, I kinda see the appeal now.

Oh yeah.

Fun album, quite a few hits, some songs were a bit boring

I had no idea he had such strong religious components. Very talented musicians.

Dette albumet har noe her å gjøre

I’ve never actually listened to Billy Joel beyond the odd single. This was seriously great. Will be returning

This album is almost non-stop hits and it's easy to listen to and enjoy. It's likely the best you get in this area but I always felt Billy Joel was kind of lame. Makes sense to be on the list. Well done for what it is meant to be.

This seems like this is the Billy Joel album you put on a list. I've never listened to it, but I recognize a lot of the song titles. There are a lot of stand out songs on here. They don't feel repetitive. I just find that his voice isn't as strong as the songs. This kind of deserves a 5 for being a really solid album, but it's just not my thing tho.

Had me whistling and thinking

I have a like/hate relationship with Billy Joel, and this album in particular. In the mid-70’s I was having my rock music awakening and my brother loved this album and played it all the time, irritating the crap out of me. And then in college I met my future (and now ex) wife, and she LOVED Billy Joel. Thanks to that fact, I’ve seen him in concert quite a few times. All of that being said, there are songs I like (and even really like), and this album has quite a few of them. When I saw this pop up today I was determined to give it a fair listen. And it f’ing won me over. One of the songs I’ve despised over the years is “Only The Good Die Young” and even that one made me not hate it as much. Damn you Billy Joel. I want to hate your music and I just can’t do it.

loved!

My god! This album must be the gold standard if you're a Billy Joel fan. I swear it would be easy to convince someone they were listening to a greatest hits album if they didn't know better.

Started strong with some big bangers and went out with a little bit of a whimper. Good instrumentation!

Pre good

Great album, love alot of the songs on this. Vienna is my favorite on the album

Beautiful album of some classic Billy Joel tunes

I hope there isn’t another Billy Joel album on this list because this was essentially his greatest hits. Not the biggest Billy Joel fan but undeniable classics sounding like they’re being performed by a Paul McCartney/Elton John hybrid. Very enjoyable

Had a good time with this one. Lots of songs I already knew despite not knowing where they came from before.

You can hear the songwriting is pretty refined and the songs are very well thought. I wouldn't necessarily listen to it all the time, but I feel 4 stars is necessary because it's such iconic music writing. Perhaps I miss having a bit more edge in this sort of music, although I do love pop music.

This album is pretty good. It is melodic and has some of the best Billy Joel has to offer. He is one of a few artists that was able to transcend from the 70s to the 80s but also an artist that was able to perfectly fit that culture. Also Movin' Out is one of the greatest songs ever in my opinion! Favorite Songs: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, Get It Right the First Time Rating: 4/5

Very fun, upbeat album. Great production. Definitely full of bangers. Not much bad I can say about it. I enjoyed all of it and was surprised at how many tracks I already knew.

He really is a piano man.

3.7/enjoyable

Absolute classic album. Every song is a gem. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) The Stranger Just the Way You Are Scenes From An Italian Restaurant Only The Good Die Young She's Always A Woman All fantastic. Staple of classic rock radio in my childhood. Will say, still giving it just a 4 because, despite it being a perfect album, it's just not one that hits me like the ones that I have ranked 5s.

Classic song after classic song, this is the kind of album I would expect on this list.

Loooove

i really enjoyed this album, i liked tge story telling and really enjoyed vienna and movin out

I think this is a really solid album. It’s just really high quality songwriting and there’s more than a few classics. I wasn’t a huge fan of “Scenes from an Italian restaurant”, wasn’t sure how well that sat with the other tracks and it was lengthy but I can excuse the blip.

Interesting album. Its not actually that common to have a "random" album come up that you not only know to a large extent but it also delivers some consistant quality throughout. Even my favourite bands from the past are routinely dissappointing me with albums packing a couple of bangers only to distroy the rest of the album! I dont think this is my go to music style and it does show its age a bit. It is however a enjoyable divergence that immediately gets you engaged in the music so for that reason a solid album I think. Its not top but its above average.

The Stranger is a master class in pop rock, showcasing Joel's unique ability to write infectious and catchy songs with storied subjects and really engage the listener to care about each and every person we meet on this record. Truly an amazing album deserving of every accolade it's received

The soundscape is beautiful. I love the densely packed compositions, full of vibrant horns, hypnotizingly beautiful percussion, and Billy Joel’s unique lyricism.

Good fun with some memorable tunes and imagery. A bit on the cheesy/ overly earnest side in places, but eh it was a different time.

Chillig, angenehm

Better than expected, having only heard ‘drive’ before. Good pop songs, some boring generic rock shite too

Jävligt bra. Mycket fint. Lite tråkigt med Billy Joel i längden. Men mycket fint.

Fuck yeh, turns out I’m a Billy Joel fan!

I love you Just the way you are

The hits are amazing, all time classics. Vienna and Scenes are fan favorite deep cuts for a reason. The other songs, and it’s just two songs really, are almost filler tracks that drop it to less than five stars.

Knowing only piano man, I was ready to shit on this as dad rock, but actually really enjoyed it. Good musicianship, varied tracks, good production, good lyrics. 4* Highlights: vienna, she's always a woman, only the good die young, movin out

Rating: 8/10 Most of his best songs are on this album, was pleasantly surprised by this one.

Billy Joel! The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, She's Always a Woman, Get it Right the First Time, Everybody has a Dream - world class songs. Top stuff, 84/100, but not quite a 5*, which I will try to reserve for only the very best.

Much better than I was expecting. Soulful with complex music. A very pleasant surprise!

perfecto para silbar y pasear buen humor

very very good

I was never a fan of Billy Joel. Many of his songs are just too sweet for me. But there are also some wonderful songs. This album is no exception. Although I enjoyed listening to it, I don't think I'll listen to it again very often. 4/5

Good album! This is close to what I listen to on a daily basis. Some songs were a bit slow for my taste though.

Varierende, men mye bra.

A great album that showcases Billy Joel's talent beautifully. "She's Always a Woman" is the standout track and a well known classic that I really enjoyed listening to. I’m definitely looking forward to diving back into this one again in the near future!

I get why all the 90s sitcoms have intro songs that sound like they do now. A distinct, happy, optimistic sound with great lyrics and a nostalgic feel overall.

Excelente álbum. Muchos ambientes y energías diferentes, no solo entre tema y tema, sino también dentro de cada tema. Por momentos rockero y potente, por otros baladezco y melancólico. A veces peca de ser un tanto cursi y grasa, pero es el estilo de Billy Joel. Creo que dentro de ese estilo encontró ciertas reflexiones en las letras que me resultaron interesantes. La banda suena muy bien, por algo Joel estaba decidido a grabar el álbum con la formación con la que tocaba en vivo.

Really good classic rock album. Not shocked but I definitely underestimated how many songs on here I’d know. 7-8/10, probably an 8 Fav song : movin out

this is my brother's favorite album, so while listening I was placed into the mindset of an angsty 15 year old in the year 2009... Incredibly endearing and sweet album :) Although a few songs really aren't my style his storytelling is pretty irresistible.

I know almost all the songs, and none of them miss. I don't really relate to them, but they're fun to sing along to.

Fantastic record, lyrically excellent, fun and catchy songs, with some great ballads too.

Ongeveer elk nummer op dit album is echt goed. Noah heeft dit geïntroduceerd aan mij, jaren geleden. Goede herinneringen. “She’s always a woman” is mijn favoriet.

To be fair, this album literally made up part of the soundtrack of my childhood, as my mom was a big Billy Joel fan and played it front to back often. These songs are very familiar to me, and in fact, when I was probably three or four years old and my mom came home from the salon with Ash blonde hair while I was used to her brown hair, I reminded her of "Just the Way You Are" when I said "Don't change the color of your hair, just like the song says!" Still, it was a wonderful journey to the past, and I enjoyed listening again today. It's got so many well-known hits.

William Joelllll…

almost perfect pop

Outstanding songwriting/storytelling. Really enjoyed this.

Brilliant!

So many comfort bangers.

I really enjoyed it. I knew more songs than I thought I would.

Buenisimo. 4.5

04/06/2025 It was good but it wasn't perfect.

First 3 songs I really liked. Rest of the album did not quite hit as hard. But I think the songwriting on this in general was just really good.

A soft 4 stars, but i really enjoyed it also got a little emotional over 'shes always a woman'.

Not liking Billy Joel is not a personality trait. The Stranger is an absolute masterpiece and obviously his most successful album due to songs like Vienna and She's always a woman. Vienna is one of my favourite songs of all time (alas that could be because it speaks to me personally as a woman). Cornerstone of his musical career, a solid blend of lots of different genres, although somewhat cheesy at times. - 3.9/5 - HF x What can I say about this album that hasn't already been said? One of Billy's most iconic albums with incredible tracks like Vienna, Just the Way You Are and of course my personal favourite She's Always a Woman, you have incredible lyrics, brilliant mixtures of Blues, Jazz. There's soft beautiful guitar, then the heights of organs and brass backing Billy Joel's breath taking voice. Definitely an album to have on repeat during the summer time, 4/5 - MTW If someone asked "What is the appeal of Billy Joel?", you need only play them this record. If you weren't aware of who he was, you'll no doubt have heard at least 4/5 tracks on 'The Stranger'. Very accessible music which you could play in any café or restaurant in the Western world and nobody would bat an eyelid or complain. Some of the songs are even about just that - everyday life. While I understand the appeal, this record stirs nothing in me. It's lazy to compare Billy Joel and Elton John but I'll do it anyway - if I ever needed this particular musical itch scratched I'd go to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Honky Chateau. In a time when music was going through so many changes and so many artists were pushing boundaries, from prog to glam to punk - BJ is very safe music which people probably needed back then when they were panicking about anarchy and glittery sexual ambiguity. 2.1/5

strooooong 4 but im not in a 5 mood today, absolutely emotionally attached to this album though i cannot lie

Lots of good hits but overall I didn’t feel connected to a lot of the music. It feels almost too safe and radio-oriented for my taste. Vienna is the exception. Vienna made me reevaluate my life choices.

all good songs, but nothing lasting to me

The lore of Vienna becoming popular only more recently is pretty neat

Great album! I know the hits from this album but I've never listened all the way through before

Nice

I quite like Billy Joel's voice. "She's Always a Woman" was surprisingly touching and sweet. I'd listen to it again.

I assume there’s a Best Of album for Joel, but that’s pretty unnecessary. I’d expect it just to be this album, plus one or two other tracks. Hopefully Captain Jack, because that’s about all this is missing.

This could go up to a 5.

I’ve always been about 60% or so on Billy Joel. Never saw him live but was tempted a few times. This is a pretty darn good album though, loaded with hits.

Super good Billy Joel album

Highlight Song/s: Movin' Out and The Stranger I've always dismissed Billy Joel for some reason, not exactly sure why. But this is some really sweet pop rock.

Like having an old friend over

Great!

8/10 I really liked Vienna, moving out, the stranger and everybody has a dream, some songs inbetween fell kinda flat but they were still very listenable

Fantastic album with some good hits. Love me some Billy Joel!

A fair few of these songs were in heavy rotation on *Big 105.9 Miami's Classic Rock Station* and so formed a cornerstone of how I viewed America as a fleeting English émigré. Wistful and tuneful, big and tender, cynical and earnest. The white Stevie Wonder? Fucking nice fretless playing. Favourite tracks: Movin Out, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, Only the Good Die Young

Great album. It would be a 5 if not for some of the schmaltz. It's still a 4/5.

I loved “only the good die young” and “Vienna” but a lot of this I could take or leave. It was good and I can’t give it less a than a 4 because it’s Billy Joel but it’s certainly not a 5 for me

Solid album all the way through. Several classics that stand the test of time.

Before listening: Billy Joel? I mean I’ve liked the stuff I’ve heard from him alright but eh, not the most excited I’ve been for an album. After listening: damn. BJ got hands.

Very enjoyable, session musicians are great!

Some songs are just ok but overall a really good pop album

His peak. A 70s pop masterpiece.

Favorite songs: Only the Good Die Young, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Vienna, Get It Right the First Time, Everybody Has a Dream Least favorite songs: Just the Way You Are 4/5

I'll be honest. As this is my first Billy Joel album to come up on this list, I was ready to come in here and absolutely dog on him for being bland, unoriginal, etc. I gave this record another spin and realized something. This reads like a Greatest Hits album. Now, granted, 6 tracks here were released as singles, but I've heard, literally, a majority of the songs on this album for my entire life, either through my parents (yeah they had Just The Way You Are as their wedding song, too, so what?) or through the radio. The A side is absolutely loaded, I've never seen anything like it. And it's not like the songs are truly bad either - they're catchy and musically well written! The lyrics aren't gonna stun you with their wisdom, but they're relatable. I'm not going to sit here and decree that RADIO MUSIC = BAD, because who am I to act like I know better than what millions upon millions of other people have decided they really enjoy. The criticisms I mentioned above are valid for Billy's other albums, but not for this one. I cannot give this anything lower than 4.5 stars, but I'm bumping this down to 4 because this isn't my favorite album of all time, but the popularity and impact of this album is undeniable.

Know most of these but never listened to it as an album before. Ultimately every song is incredible even if he wasn't as popular when he wrote Piano Man! There is something incessant and irrepressible about the man. Incredible ability to observe people in everyday situations with great eye for detail.

Damn this album has a lot of his bangers. I was never a #1 Billy J fan but you can't deny the talent.

Good Album, Classic.

Billy Joel is an artist I've always assumed I would probably like from the famous songs alone, just never got round to sitting down and listening to an album. And that turned out to be a good call. I even liked Scenes From an Italian Restaurant despite it being 7 and a half minutes long and featuring a pretty cheesy sax solo or two - parts of it made clear where Ben Folds got some of style of playing piano. I am definitely going to listen to this again and try to learn to love the sax solos. 4/5

The Album sounds a bit too likeable. It hits right spots for the mainstream and doesnt take any risks. But it works, i mean its easy listenable. Nothing i can get obsessed over but at least cant hate it. (3.5/5.0)

what an insane start billy joel i think i love you. the stranger..... wauw. WOWWW start to end truly beautifyl

Really enjoyable album, classic Billy Joel.

A big like for my first Billy Joel album ever heard!

Bra, noen tamme sanger

Joel fué quizá una de mis primeras imágenes de un hombre frente a un piano, junto a Elton y luego su música, siempre bien milimétrica técnicamente. Si, gusta y hasta hoy lo recuerdo con nostalgia

It's just a great album with a lot of classics on it.

Best from Billy Joel. Vienna is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Nice, jazzy, Catholic vibe. Concentrated bangers. Movin Out is overrated.

8/10 good vibes. Really liked how it came together. Relaxing album. Made me want to go outside or for a drive

Oh Billy Joel I was not familiar with your game. Excellent album, really close to 5 stars but a lot of the songs you have to be in the right mood for, holding it back slightly. Listening to Movin' Out again while typing and almost broke but sticking with 4 stars.

It's a tough call which is a better album, this or Piano Man. This is an iconic Billy Joel album full of hits, painting East coast stories with a variety of melodies.

Listening to this while watching the sunrise on a treadmill was truly cathartic.

Standard Billy Joel excellence.

BILLY JOEL is AMERICAN CHEESE. I used to be ashamed to say I liked Billy Joel. I'm older now and have come to terms with the fact that this guy has the ability to write songs that reach right inside your chest and wrap themselves around your heart. Sure, he's written some duds too — a few tracks that haven't aged so well because the instrumentation is a little dated and the lyrics are a bit too on-the-nose. With vocals-forward, storytelling central to the song, you've got to be on your game. It's a high-wire act where a misstep is more significant than with bands that can mask weaker writing behind volume and bravado or a deceptive mix. I feel like now I can appreciate things within their context more and get my head into a place where listening to THE STRANGER from 1977 feels easy and I can be more open-minded. Some elements still feel a little clichéd and obviously angled toward a broader listening market, but overall, I can't help but find the record to be a relatively strong showing from the Piano Man.

Another banger, only a couple of weak spots but can't deny how iconic this album is

Only the good die young being right after Vienna needs to be studied Vienna, she’s always a woman, just the way you are… all make me tear up

This was actually a great mood boost at the end of a not particularly good day.

Fantastic album

He's trading in his chevy for a Cadillacacacacac.

“The Stranger” – Billy Joel Let me tell ya somethin’—The Stranger ain’t just an album, it’s a whole freakin’ mood. Billy Joel, our piano man from Long Island, comes in hot in ’77 with a record that’s smoother than a fresh bagel and sharper than your Aunt Rosie’s tongue. First track? “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” And lemme tell ya, if you grew up with an Italian uncle screamin’ ‘bout hard work and Cadillacs, this one hits like Sunday sauce—rich, loud, and a lil’ bit tragic. Now, you got “Just the Way You Are”—forget Sinatra, this is the real soundtrack for slow dancin’ in a Queens diner after midnight. But don’t get too cozy, ‘cause right after that comes “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” and hoo boy, that’s a whole damn Broadway show packed into seven minutes. You got Brenda and Eddie, heartbreak, meatballs, and sax solos—all the good stuff. Billy don’t sing songs; he tells stories, like that one guy on the corner who somehow knows everybody’s business, only with better hair. By the time “Only the Good Die Young” and “Vienna” roll around, you’re startin’ to think this guy’s not just a singer, he’s a freakin’ philosopher with a piano. He’s talkin’ ‘bout temptation, time, and takin’ it easy—stuff your Ma yelled about while throwin’ slippers. The Stranger ain’t perfect, but it’s real, it’s gutsy, and it’s got soul. Just like New York. Forget what the critics say—this album’s a classic, capisce?

Dificil avaliar! Tenho um viés enorme por conta de todas as memórias afetivas que tenho com a musica Vienna, deste disco. E lembro de ouvir ele quando era mais novo e ficar fixado em quase todas as suas faixas. Mas reouvindo ele agora com o projeto e sei lá... Não me pegou tanto quanto na infância! No geral, é um disco muito bem produzido e executado, mas tem alguns momentos que ele me perde um pouco. Mas as boas são MUITO, muito boas ! 4/5

Very good, interesting classic rock album from 70-ties. Could recommend for night with wine with somebody.

Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - 5/4 The Stranger - 3/4 Just the Way You Are - 4/4 Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - 2.5/4 Vienna - 5/4 Only the God Die Young - 4/4 She's Always a Woman - 4/4 Get It Right the First Time - 3/4 Everybody Has a Dream - 3/4

Creepy album cover, but the guy is a great songwriter.

I liked this for the most part. Several good songs with the rest being ok. Some went on a bit too long, but overall this was pretty enjoyable. 4/5

it's such a heartwarming album, all the songs are so gentle and cosy

This album opens with banger after banger after banger. second half tapers off a bit, but an overall great body of work

It had some good songs on it, some familiar some new

Billy Joel's "The Stranger" offers a diverse array of music, incorporating elements of jazz, bebop, and Latin rhythms into orchestrated snapshots of New York during the late 1970s. Collaborating with producer Phil Spectre, this album is more focused and cohesive, with each track featuring memorable melodies, particularly in singles such as "Just the Way You Are", "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "She's Always a Woman", and "Only the Good Die Young". My personal favorites from the album have are "Vienna" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", which exemplify the art of musical storytelling. I believe this Billy Joel's finest and most compete album.