The Stranger - BILLY JOEL****

Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)/The Stranger/Just The Way You Are/Scenes From An Italian Restaurant/ Vienna/Only The Good Die Young/She’s Always A Woman/Get It Right The First Time/Everybody Has A Dream/Untitled

The Stranger was the album that provided the huge commercial breakthrough for singer songwriter and pianist Billy Joel. Features the Grammy winning US No. 3 hit single Just The Way You Are. (US:2 UK:25)

“For the most part his music wasn't anything innovative, but he had a unique style to both his piano playing and singing, which makes his music instantly identifiable. Generally I think of him as a singles artist, but The Stranger is an album that doesn't disappoint. Then again, no less than six of these songs were hit singles, so it's hard to really go wrong here.”

“This is an album where everything comes together, a perfect storm of song writing and performing, of getting the right mix of moods and tempos so that they work together, rather than standing alone in a stark environment. Although each song is memorable, it doesn't feel as though it has drawn all of the spotlight of the album, leaving the rest to make up the numbers.”

“The truth is that people had largely heard this album whether they bought it or not. Five of the songs were hit singles, and the title track and Scenes From An Italian Restaurant got FM radio play as well. Billy Joel's fortunes completely turned around and The Stranger became one of the best selling albums of all time, with good reason. Each hits featured Joel at the top of his form, ranging from the current rock sound on Movin' Out to the piano balladry of She's Always A Woman to the jazzy Just The Way You Are.”

“It may not be the best pop album ever produced but it probably comes close. The production is flawless, and the music has a polish and sheen that was missing from his previous albums. When you combine that with Joel’s increasing maturation as a songwriter you have an album that was appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers”

“Joel's tough but smooth singing voice plays strong over his piano tinklings, whether performing a rocker or a ballad. The album contains many excellent songs, and holds up incredibly well decades since its first release.”