Artist: Billy Joel Album: Glass Houses

Year: 1980
Duration: 1:03:29

A of Billy Joel's Glass Houses Album: A Classic 80s Experience

Billy Joel, a multi-talented musician who needs no introduction, has given the world some of the most memorable melodies that continue to resonate with listeners across generations. His album, Glass Houses, released in 1980, was his seventh studio album, and a departure from his traditional music style. The album features an amalgamation of genres like rock, pop, and new wave, which was a significant departure from his past ballads. In this post, we will critically review the Glass Houses album, assess its musical merits, and explore some of the most innovative aspects of its musical style.
To understand the album, it is essential first to understand the artist. Billy Joel is a versatile and well-known American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He has been in the music industry for over five decades and has given the world some of its most iconic hits, such as Uptown Girl, Piano Man, and My Life. Glass Houses marked a significant shift in Joel's music style, as he transitioned from his roots in Jazz to infusing more rock and pop sounds.
The album's most significant draw was its blend of genres, which appealed to a broader audience. Joel wanted to experiment with new sounds, and Glass Houses is a testament to that effort. Some of the best songs from the album include You May Be Right, It's Still Rock and Roll to Me, and Don't Ask Me Why. The album's lyrics are relatable, giving listeners a glimpse into Joel's feelings about life, love, and society.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Glass Houses album is the sheer variety of sounds and rhythms incorporated. For instance, the song You May Be Right blends the elements of rock, ballad, and punk-rock, leading to a unique musical experience. The outro solo in the song All for Leyna is a masterpiece where Joel displays his musical prowess, effortlessly flowing from piano keys to an electric guitar solo.
While the album was a commercial hit, there are some critics who believe that it does not match Joel's best works. Some songs, like Sleeping With The Television On and Close to The Borderline, feel incomplete and lackluster due to clunky instrumentation issues, and a reflective of the hiccups of Joel's experimentation with new sounds. However, the sheer musicality and Joel's passion for trying out new sounds compensates for any lacklustre aspects of the album.
In conclusion, Billy Joel's Glass Houses album marked a significant departure from his traditional music style and incorporated eclectic sounds of new wave rock, and pop to appeal to a more significant range of listeners. The album was a commercial success and has some of the most memorable and relatable works of Joel's career. While critics may argue that Glass Houses is not Joel's best work, the album's unique blend of sounds and rhythms displays Joel's musical genius, and willingness to experiment with new sounds overshadows any shortcomings. If you've yet to listen to the Glass Houses album, I highly recommend that you rectify that immediately, give it a listen, and immerse yourself in a masterful music experience that has stood the test of time.