Artist: Billy Joel Album: The Stranger

Year: 1977
Duration: 44:15

A of Billy Joel's The Stranger

Billy Joel is a name we all recognize, whether you're a hardcore fan of the piano man or just a casual listener. His timeless classic, Piano Man, has been a staple in many people's playlists for years. However, in this post, we will not be talking about that song, but instead, we'll be delving into one of his albums that is still regarded as a masterpiece by many – The Stranger.
Released in 1977, The Stranger was Billy Joel's fifth studio album. This album became a commercial success, reaching Platinum certification and producing four successful singles. It is widely regarded as one of Joel's best works, and we are here to explore why.
To better understand the album, we need to consider the musical genre. The Stranger is considered to be a pop-rock album that features influences from various other genres like jazz, blues, and classical music. The album's versatility showcases Billy Joel's ability to write music for a variety of audiences and create a harmonious blend of different musical styles.
One of the best songs on the album is Just The Way You Are. This song is a beautifully crafted ballad that captures the essence of love and relationships. It showcased Billy Joel's vocal range, lyricism and composition skills, and musical arrangements that make the song an all-time classic. It's also important to note that the song won two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is another standout on the album that showcases Billy Joel's storytelling abilities. It's a six and a half minute song divided into three different parts, and each part tells the story of different experiences. The song is dynamic and uses powerful musical arrangements to build anticipation and deliver an emotional climax.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the diversity of styles Joel used. The album's opening track, Movin' Out, is a fast-paced rock song that showcases Joel's songwriting skills as a storyteller and his prowess as a pianist. On the other hand, Vienna is a slow ballad that delivers a strong message about life's pace and its importance, making it one of the most iconic songs of the album.
Despite the album's strengths, there are still some critical points we need to address. The album has a few tracks that aren't to everyone's taste, such as Everybody Has A Dream. Some critics argued that the track doesn't live up to the high standard set by other songs on the album, and they find the song to be overcomplicated and too long for its content.
In conclusion, The Stranger is an excellent exemplar of Billy Joel's musical abilities and has remained a staple of his musical career. The album's diversity of styles, powerful storytelling, and memorable musical arrangements showcase the timelessness of Joel’s music. Although the album has a few misses here and there, it still remains to be one of the best works in his music library. So if you're a music listener who appreciates quality music, give The Stranger a listen; you won't be disappointed.