Turnstiles – BILLY JOEL***

Say Goodbye To Hollywood/Summer Highland Falls/All You Wanna Do Is Dance/New York State Of Mind/ James/ Prelude-Angry Young Man/I've Loved These Days/Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Down On Broadway)

At the time of the release of Turnstiles pianist Billy Joel was relatively little known to the record buying public. Some of his best songs are here and within a year he would become a major star. (US:122)

“This was recorded at a beautiful moment in his career: producing himself for the first and only time, so this album's finally free of the overproduced sound that could be heard previously. Apart from that it was also recorded before he became a superstar with his follow up. As a bonus, he had a collection of excellent songs as well.”

“Joel's return to NYC sees him reclaim control of his career and then go on to become a huge star. The joyous Say Goodbye To Hollywood sets the tone perfectly, as does the wistful New York State Of Mind. The rest of the record is pretty decent too.”

“The album features some of Billy Joel’s most consistent songwriting. The vocals and particularly the musicianship are first rate, having used the members of his stage band rather than studio musicians for the recording process. It would also effectively conclude the first phase of his solo career that was piano based for the most part without the polish of his most popular work. It would, however, yield a number of enduring songs that would be concert staples throughout his career.”

“There are few artists who make sophisticated music sound so simple. The poetry flows from his singing voice like waterfalls and the piano blends harmonies that are bluesy, jazzy and rock 'n’ roll. Joel never sounds rehearsed and especially here, where the multi-layered harmonies blend beautifully with the diverse rhythms.”

“We all know Joel is a talented artist, and his rich piano work that infiltrates this are by turns snappy and lush, classic Billy Joel. Additionally, his lyrics on this record are insightful and knowing, if at times a little self-possessed.”

“Turnstiles is the reoccurring lyrical theme of leaving a place like LA and returning home to New. Overall the record seems to be one of reflection and moving on, combined with some the best melodies of his career, which makes Turnstiles the hidden gem of Billy Joel's albums.”