Billy Joel – The Stranger

Album Info

Artist: Billy Joel

Title: The Stranger

Year: 1977

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Tracklist

  • 1. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) (3:30)
  • 2. The Stranger (5:10)
  • 3. Just the Way You Are (4:50)
  • 4. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (7:36)
  • 5. Vienna (3:34)
  • 6. Only the Good Die Young (3:55)
  • 7. She's Always a Woman (3:21)
  • 8. Get It Right the First Time (3:56)
  • 9. Everybody Has a Dream (6:36)
  • 1. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (5:11)
  • 2. Prelude / Angry Young Man - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (6:04)
  • 3. New York State of Mind - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (8:19)
  • 4. Just the Way You Are - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (4:56)
  • 5. She's Got a Way - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (3:31)
  • 6. The Entertainer - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (6:09)
  • 7. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (7:35)
  • 8. Band Introductions - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (2:01)
  • 9. Captain Jack - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (6:51)
  • 10. I've Loved These Days - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (4:28)
  • 11. Say Goodbye to Hollywood - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (6:45)
  • 12. Souvenir - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1977 (2:09)

Review

So, Billy Joel's "The Stranger" dropped in 1977 and absolutely changed the game for him. It’s like the stars aligned when he teamed up with producer Phil Ramone for the first time. Joel was almost out the door with his record label before this album catapulted him into stardom. Talk about a comeback story!

The track list here is nothing short of a musical buffet. You've got "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" getting you into a groove, and "Just the Way You Are" pulling at your heartstrings. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is practically a novella set to music, weaving intricate stories and melodies together. The whole album is a goldmine, with gems like "Vienna," "Only the Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman" anchoring Joel’s live performances for years.

Phil Ramone’s production is on point, blending polished studio sound with the raw energy of Joel’s live band—Doug Stegmeyer, Liberty DeVitto, and Richie Cannata. It feels both smooth and gritty, creating a vibe that’s genuine and deeply felt.

And the Legacy Edition? It’s got a bonus disc of a previously unreleased 1977 Carnegie Hall performance. Joel's piano skills shine, and the band’s dynamic presence brings the house down. Seriously, it’s an essential listen if you're a fan.

In the end, "The Stranger" is a beautiful example of Billy Joel's genius as a songwriter and performer. It’s packed with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and themes that never get old. Listening to it now, you can still hear its impact on today's music scene. - Sienna

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