Billy Joel

Includes wonderful songs from a talented artist. Some of my favorites are "You May Be Right", "Just The Way You Are", "Big Shot" and "New York State Of Mind" - Interestingly, in the 2008 Presidential Primary race, New York Senator Hillary Clinton earned more Votes than any other Presidential Primary candidate in American history (hillaryclintonforum, the denver group)

This product was delivered to me in good order. I would order from this vender again.

Bily Joel has always been a great music maker. This CD is a great collection of those songs. I enjoy this CD very much.

One of the best of our time, just a great library of music and one heck of a good man. So many songs and his writing, words and music tell so many stories and in this collection has it all and can listen to it often from cover to cover. Another unique talent that we have yet to see anyone upcoming of similar talent.

This dual CD set contains some of the most well-known (and well-loved) Billy Joel hits from his heyday (during the 1970s and 1980s). Though, he still continues on today, many of the tunes featured here really defined his career during that time. They include his signature song, the soulful and bittersweet "Piano Man," "New York State of Mind," "Just The Way You Are," and the infectious "Only the Good Die Young." And that's just disc one. Disc two includes "My Life" (for me, this will always be remembered as the theme song to "Bosom Buddies") and "She's Got a Way." Whenever I hear this music it really settles my nerves, makes me feel good to be alive and gives me a perspective on the curve balls that life throws at me. I think you'll feel the same. This definitely should be a part of your CD collection.......

If you never bought a Billy Joel album, and let's face it you must a least 2 or 3, this is a must buy. It covers it all. Get ready ipod.

This past year has shown a great reminder of how influential Billy Joel's music still remains. With the recent re-relase of Billy's landmark 70's album, The Stranger, it reintroduced his songs well, to an audience and younger generation that hadn't yet heard any of Billy's classics. While he hasn't yet released a new record since 1993's River Of Dreams, his music still is just as timeless as you could imagine. But back in 2001, Billy Joel had a well-rendered hits collection, The Essential Billy Joel, which eventually introduced a whole line of double-album collections for others like Journey, Michael Jackson, and recently Elvis Presley, to a affordable price and great additions to record buyers. Now, Billy's Essential is getting a expansion, but is that expansion worth going to extremes over?

The Essential Billy Joel 3.0, expands the 2001 Essential collection by adding a 3rd disc to the collection, at the same affordable price. The songs reflect from Billy's reign of pop hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's noble and well, and have been remastered very well. As before if you've bought the original Essential Billy Joel before, you get the same tracks from the first 2 discs, which include his classics like Piano Man, River Of Dreams, New York State Of Mind, and his soulful duet with the late Ray Charles on Baby Grand, Uptown Girl, We Didn't Start The Fire, and My Life. The extra disc brings in a few additional tracks from Billy's legendary career that were overshadowed from the original collection that are big favorites like Pressure, This Is The Time and Big Shot. Sadly, my only complaint is that the extra disc could've honestly brought in more of Billy's great songs that also were missed like The Stranger, Keeping The Faith and You're Only Human (Second Wind.)

All in all, despite a few overshadowed classics, The Essential Billy Joel does a decent job at expanding the collection, but could've brought more songs in appeal to the hard core fans, but handles as a much better collection of Billy classics at the exact same affordable price as was before. If you haven't yet owned a Billy Joel record, than this would definitely be a great compilation to start. I'd absolutely recommend this as a must buy for any one who still thinks Billy Joel didn't start the fire.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B+

Price: A-

Remastering: B+

Overall: B+

If you're looking for one CD that encompases Billy Joel's entire career, this is definitely it. Actually, it's a 3-CD package that contains ALL of his hits. The 2-CD release, "The Essential Billy Joel" left out several Billy Joel hits, including "Worse Comes To Worse", "Angry Young Man", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", "Big Shot", "All For Leyna", "Pressure", and "This Is The Time". Those songs are on this CD, along with the 36 songs on the original "Essential" CD. If you're a long-time Billy Joel fan like myself, you'll love this CD!! It's sheer perfection, as far as I'm concerned. Buy it!!

this is a classic album that everyone knows. I already listen to the tape all the time and am just trying to upgrade to keep up with the times

The is the album (or I should say CD) that defined Billy Joel as a pop music force. It is truly some of his best work. While he was already recognized by "Piano Man" and a few other songs that got FM airplay, he had not produced any big selling albums before this one came out in 1977.

The songs "Movin Out" and "Just the Way you Are", along with "She's Always a Woman" and "Only the Good Die Young" were, and still are, hugely popular.

If you haven't heard the whole album, you have to give a listen to "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and "The Stranger".

I listened to this for the first time in years, and was reminded what a talented and prolific songwriter Billy Joel is.

I bought this product and the last track was scratched. Strange for a new CD right. I am still awaiting a refund.

I won't write a lengthy, positive review. On that score, I'll just say that this is one of those rare albums/tapes/CDs whare ALL the songs got heavy radio play (U2's "Joshua Tree" is another).

My point in writing is that, having had this on CD since at least the early '90s, I finally (10 years later!) got this 1998 24-bit remastered version from amazon.com. It has *so* much more life, detail and space to it than the original CD version. I don't (yet) have an SACD player, so I can't comment on that critically acclaimed version; and the jury seems to be out on this year's remaster. This, though, I can highly recommend.

Btw, this isn't an exercise in nostalgia ... this is timeless music.

New York native Billy Joel released his fifth album The Stranger in November of 1977.
Prior to The Stranger, Billy was almost seen as a pop one-hit wonder thanks to the title track from his 1973 album Piano Man (despite the fact FM rock stations played "Captain Jack" and "New York State of Mind"). However, pop radio ignored him. It was in the summer of 1977 that Billy and producer Phil Ramone (famed for work with The Carpenters and Paul Simon) went into A&R Recording Studios in New York to record Billy's fourth album for Columbia, which (had it not sold) might have been his last time at bat. Is the album the classic it is or some artifact from a bygone time, read on and find out.
We start the album with a great rocker out of "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" which is driven by piano and guitar. Next is The Stranger's title cut which its intro and outro (also repeated at album's end) sounds like it could have been recorded for a Bogart film before giving way into another great rocker. Next we slow things down with the album's famous ballad "Just The Way You Are" (which won the 1978 Record of the Year Grammy) and was Billy's biggest hit up until that point. He almost left it off the album had it not been for female singers Phoebe Snow (who appears on the album's last track) and Linda Ronstadt persuaded Billy to release it and the rest is history. The first half ends with the epic centerpiece of the album is "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" which is almost like listening to one of the medleys on The Beatles' Abbey Road as it's three songs stitched into one and one of the sections told the tale of the rise and fall of Brenda & Eddie.
"Vienna" starts the second half of the album off and was one of the lesser known songs on the album but a great number. Next is the acoustic guitar and piano driven rocker "Only the Good Die Young" which is still a great number though some religious groups cried foul and some stations banned the record. Next is another classic ballad out of "She's Always A Woman" which is a nice ballad. We then have another rocker out of "Get it Right the First Time" which is a great piece. We end with the gospel sounding ballad "Everybody Has a Dream" which is a nice track and the album ends with the reprise of The Stranger's title cut's intro and outro this time with an orchestra.
The Stranger paid off as it hit #2 on the Billboard album chart upon release and became Billy's first Platinum selling album and righfully sold to date 10 million copies in the US alone.
In 1998, The Stranger was re-released in a remastered version which soundeed better than the 1980s sterile CBS release and includes all original LP art.
Recommended!

I watched this documentary on PBS and was so enthralled with it I ordered it. I am a teacher and one of the classes I teach is "The History of Popular Music" and another is 'Beginner Piano.' I showed this documentary to students in both classes.

As a (music) history teacher I feel it is important for students to appreciate the roots of music history. It is also a great way for students to be exposed to music legends.

As a piano teacher I was very impressed with Billy Joel's playing of "Root Beer Rag." I have never heard it before and watching him play it on the piano was equally impressive. I wanted my piano students to see how fast his hands played as well as hear the music.

Good compilation from an artist that has proven talent, from an artist that has shown us what he is about. Includes "Moving Out", "Miami 2017". "Stranger", "She's Got A Way" and "New York State Of Mind" - Interestingly, in the 2008 Presidential Primary race, New York Senator Hillary Clinton earned more Votes than any other Presidential Primary candidate in the history of America (hillaryclintonforum, the denver group)

If you are a Billy Joel fan & do not have this set you MUST get it. The live performance at the Old Whistle..etc. is unique. You see Joel in his early years when he still was not the megastar he is today. He puts unbelievable energy into his performance. You can sense that he is still not secure but wants to impress. His sax player is also phenomenal musician, extremely versatile & talented. The reproduction of the notebook he used to write down lyrics is fascinating & gives the reader a sense for Joel's incredible creativity. All this & more, including a current interview with comments by Joel where he explains many of the hows & whys of what he did. Example, the Italian restaurant that inspired the song.

the extras what makes it worth getting the concert and the movie dvd. How fast 30 years go. It seems like yesterday. I got the stranger long time ago on cd so its a duplicate but its different because of what was mentioned before the concert and dvd makes it better.

very dissapointed advertised as a 3cd and 1 dvd set deluxe edition received a 2 cd 1 dvd set 5 stars for quality of the musis and dvd

have contacted amazon about this but have had no reply from them

for future purchases will wait till available in shop before i purchase.

I purchased this set on sale the day after Thanksgiving and couldn't wait to play it. I leave it in my car and play it all the time. A few months back I saw Billy Joel with my husband and teenage son at the last play at Shea, the second night when Paul McCartney and others appeared!! It was great, the last time I was at Shea for an outdoor concert was when I saw The Rolling Stones and I was pregnant with my son that went to the Billy Joel concert with me. Billy Joel never disappoints, and I can't wait till he comes out with a DVD of the Last Play at Shea, but until that day, I will continue to enjoy this CD of all my favorite songs by Billy Joel. I also like the one CD that has Billy Joel answering questions regarding his songs and playing his songs in what sounds like an intimate setting. Buy this set if you want to have all of Billy Joel's favorite singles in one set. The sound quality is excellent. The set also comes with the words to the songs which is great.

I love Billy Joel and it is great to have all of my favorites in one collection.

I purchased this for my mom who is a huge Billy Joel fan! She has seen him in concert so many times throughout her life (I've seen him a few times along with her). I know that every one of Billy's albums are her favorite, but I wanted to buy her a cd with most of his greatest hits so she could keep them in her car. She is very happy with this set. She loves the information in the booklet/sleeve. Her only complaint was that her all-time favorite song was missing from this collection..."You're My Home". But, luckily she has that song on another cd. :) I plan on buying this set for myself in the near future.

I always loved Billy Joel and was looking for a collection of his greatest hits. From what I see on this compilation, there is no need to purchase additional CD's to "fill in the gaps." I am quite pleased with the sound quality as well.

I purchased this collection to prepare for seeing Billy Joel in his 1st appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.Despite monsoon conditions THE PIANO Man proved to be quite THE ENTERTAINER!
Now I can listen to Captain Jack whenever.......

Haven't listened to this album in a long time, and the return was well worth it. Especially, "Summer, Highland Falls". How could I have gone that long without listing to this cut? It still sounds contemporary, in fact, some of the new crowd would be well served to take a page from this Pop Master....

"Turnstiles" is an important album in the career of Billy Joel. After the success of "Piano Man", Joel took a step back with "Streetlife Serenade". Joel had to choose his next path carefully. The album opener, "Say Goodbye to Hollywood, is followed by "Summer, Highland Falls", a great tune that unfortunately has never gotten much credit, except maybe with the diehards. After the rather forgettable "All You Wanna Do Is Dance", the classic "New York State of Mind" gets the record back on track. "James", a song Joel wrote about a childhood buddy, and "Prelude/Angry Young Man (which has opened virtually every show on Joel's 2 year-plus tour) are gems. "I've Loved These days" is up next, followed by the album closer, "Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway), a science-fiction story describing the destruction of New York City. Overall, a fantastic album. Following the disappointing "Streetlife" and preceding the absolute classic "The Stranger", "Turnstiles" should not be overlooked.

'Turnstiles' was a natural evolution of the Billy Joel persona. This is music that sounds as good in the studio as it would 'live' with only a piano and because the music is so strong a quartet or even a small orchestra is just background mood. 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 in this album, where the multi-layered harmonies blend beautifully with the diverse rhythms of each song.

TURNSTILES, Billy Joel's fourth album, is one of several major themes. I'll now explore some of them.

First, many of the songs have a traveling theme. Such locations as Miami Beach, Hollywood, and Chinatown are mentioned in "New York State Of Mind", with "Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)" citing Broadway, Miami, Norfolk, Queens, the Bronx, Mexico, Brooklyn, Harlem, and 42nd Street, all in one song. The latter song, which closes the album, is sung from the point of view of retired baby-boomers living in Florida.

A second, and even more important theme, present on this CD is the fact that you really can't keep living in the past. The song "I've Loved These Days" has a line "Let's drink a toast to how it's been", yet also says "We'll have to change our dated ways", which indicates that while we can remember what things were like in the past, we have to live in the present. This explains why I gave up food-related functions at my old school in favor of looking good for my favorite actresses, as well as why some of my old schoolmates are trying to put their past behind them by siding with authority figures against me. The same theme runs through the opening cut, "Say Goodbye To Hollywood." Pretty deep stuff for a 27-year-old singer-songwriter.

Overall, TURNSTILES is a record about time and what its passage means, and led to me plastering my wall with gorgeous actresses as a deterrent to attending food-related functions at my old school. Along with the hard-rocking GLASS HOUSES, this is one of Billy Joel's best CDs ever.

An excllent production. Billy Joel at his Best. Miami 2017 is even better live than in the Studio.

Another fantastic Billy Joel album-- with Joel continuing his rocking of the world in 1978.
He added a jazzy feel to his classic rock in this one which features such classics as the lively "Big Shot", the heartfelt "Honesty", and the assertive teenage statement of youth "My Life".
Another fantastic addition to your Joel collection to treasure.

Joel has a fair number of albums, yet 52nd Street and The Stranger are the two Billy Joels which Rolling Stone chose to include in their list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. I can't argue with The Stranger--certainly Joel's greatest album--but 52nd Street? It does include some essential American pop songs (Big Shot, My Life), and my one of my personal favorites (Zanzibar with its rollicking instrumental solo and catchy chorus). Furthermore, it is a coherent album (jazzy and cool and full of New York City) something that Joel sometimes has trouble putting together. However, if you're buying classic Billy Joel, I feel like 1) Glass Houses or 2) Piano Man are the better albums. Certainly, both have a greater range of musical styles than 52nd street, but ultimately, is musical coherency everything?

This album, along with The Stranger, is in my opinion, Billy Joel's best work. When I first purchased it in the 70s, I was in high school, and liked it because it was "New York" music. My favorites are the beautiful "Until the Night", and "Rosalinda's Eyes".

If you are a fan of Billy Joel, or if you just like well composed music, you should own this.

After over 10 years of struggling to hit it big, Billy Joel suddenly became an overnight sensation with his 1977 release "The Stranger," a timeless pop masterpiece that sold over seven million copies and generated four Top 40 hits as well as won Joel a few Grammys for his mantle. With his star suddenly burning, Joel was quick to come up with a followup to match the unprecedented success of his breakthrough album. The result was "52nd Street," which managed to match its predecessor in terms of sales as well as quality.

The album begins with its three big hit singles. First up is the crunchy in-your-face rocker "Big Shot," a stinging damnation of fame and the arrogance that comes with its first taste. With its bombastic riff and biting Billy vocal, "Big Shot" is an absolutely Joel classic, and remains a thrill in concert.

Next up is the Sinatra-esque ballad "Honesty," in which Billy openly and sincerely expresses his most important value in a relationship. With its passionate vocal and thoughtful lyrics, "Honesty" will get under your skin with its haunting beauty.

Next up is the album's biggest hit of the three, "My Life," a chugging declaration of youthful independence with some of Joel's most intricate keyboard fills and a punchy in your face rhythm underscored by its obnoxious (in a good way) chorus. Another Joel classic that remains a concert highlight.

With the hits out of the way, we dig into the lesser known album cuts, which begin with the zesty jazz opus "Zanzibar." A classic Joel portrayal of New York nightlife, many label this track is overindulgent and pretentious, but I'm of the opposite opinion. While it doesn't match the previous album's epic number ("Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"), "Zanzibar" carries a zest and flavor all its own that makes a landmark Joel track. The horn solo that closes out the track is incredible.

Next comes my favorite non-album track. "Stiletto" starts of with a dark, ominous sax solo before a few finger snaps underscored by a thumping bass line lead into Joel's hellraising piano stacattos, rivaling "Angry Young Man" and "Root Beer Rag" as the prime example of Joel's unbeatable keyboard prowess.

The mood changes once more with the mellow, Latin tanged "Rosalinda's Eyes," a tender love song reminscent of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." It's a great song and one I wish Billy would dust off in concert.

Next comes another New York centered rocker, the thrilling "Half A Mile Away." With is opening horn roars and Billy's gritty vocals, this is one of the album's highlights and one of his best songs.

"Until The Night" is an epic ballad, and one of his all time bests. A big fave among die hard fans, it's a little lengthy, but Billy keeps it fresh and honest, and the result is an honest, passionate love song.

The album's brief title track closes thigns off. It's nice, but easily the most disposable track on the album. Fortunately, with the advent of cd burners and stop buttons, you can easily end the album with "Until The Night" and let it go out on a high note.

"52nd Street" is another pop masteriece by one of the genre's most talented and influential individuals. Buy it immediately if not already owned.

This is the original urban sound of New York.

Billy Joel interjects Rock, Soul, Latin, Jazz, Italian pop and at the same time funking it to various rhythms in this wonderful album of the urban Latin-Italian experience in New York or any other major North American city.

52nd Street is conceptualized like a musical and Billy's vocals have the characterizations of a young urban Latino. The infectious melodic passages with their rhythmic variations and precise lyrics make you feel and live the life on 52nd street; visiting bars, hanging around rooftops, cruising waitresses, complaining about loudmouth girlfriends at fancy parties, claiming your independence, drinking with friends and falling in love.

The second to last song culminates in a big passionate number, like you would hear in a musical and the title song only comes in at the end after a long silent pause and is a short jazzy number like the closing credits of a show.

One of my favourite albums.

Got he cd in great shape, in good time, & geat songs on it. Thanks!

Billy Joel's Greatest Hits, Volume 3 rounds out the collection of his biggest and best songs. Of course, a complete Billy Joel collection would include more than this CD and Volumes 1 and 2; but you do get a lot for your money with this third album of hits.

"Keeping The Faith" has an awesome, funky beat with great percussion as Billy sings this out strong. "A Matter Of Trust" is much more of a true rock and roll song with a side dish of pop; Billy sings this brilliantly without a superfluous note. This song about the importance of trust in a love affair hits home for me and many other people I have talked with about this song. Moreover, "Baby Grand" is a stunning duet that has Billy team up with the immortal Ray Charles. They sing and play their two pianos flawlessly; and the key changes throughout the song make this a remarkably fine ballad.

"We Didn't Start The Fire" rocks hard as Billy sings to reflect how the world has always been busy with both good and horrific events; the "fire" represents historic events both great and awful. "I Go To Extremes" features Billy rocking out loud as he sings this awesome number about manic-depression. The melody rocks and Billy Joel never sounded better!

"Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" is a tender piece that impresses me greatly; and "Hey Girl" is another unblemished performance with a soul/R&B approach by Billy Joel. The album ends beautifully with "Light As The Breeze;" Billy sings this with sensitivity and panache.

The liner notes include the lyrics and the artwork is very nicely done.

Billy Joel's fans will like this album. This CD is also well suited for a casual Billy Joel fan who doesn't want to purchase every single Billy Joel CD out there. However, as some other reviewers have noted, some songs are still missing from all three albums of Billy Joel's "greatest hits." For example, where is "Modern Woman?" Where is "Honesty?" What about "Sometimes A Fantasy?" However, the third "greatest hits" Billy Joel album is so strong even on its own that I will give it five stars anyway.

A more complete collection that the three "greatest hits" albums would be the CD set entitled "Billy Joel: Complete Hits Collection".

Doesn't have all his works, but is a nice blend of some of his earlier work, up to his last album of new work released in the 90's. Some of the work from the mid to late 90's isn't Bill Joel material in my mind. It's o.k, I can still hear his roots in there, but it's not the Billy Joel I grew up listening to and loved.

Don't get me wrong. Billy Joel is Great. But this vol. 3 cd should have new songs added to the collection. Out of 17 songs there are only 6 that are new to the greatest hits collection. If you already have Vol 1 and 2 thinking that Vol 3 is the next series. You are mistaken! Vol 3 is over 75% of vol. 2.
It is a good cd. But I already had all but 6 songs. Maybe they should have found some more of his great music. Or called it a mini addition to his Vol 1 and 2.

The great thing about Billy Joel is you don't have to wonder about the lyrics of his songs,his diction is crystal clear and every word can be understood. One gets the feeling he is telling his life story in song, sometimes romantic,sometimes down and blue and at times really exuberant. Lullabye is so tender,Leningrad a meaningful tale and To Make You Feel My Love worth the price of the CD all by itself. These songs touch all the emotions and you'll find yourself joining in on some of the lyrics. A stunning array, five absolute stars!

Of the three albums released between 1971 and 1975, "Piano Man" is easily the best of Joel's recorded output from that period. It is by far his most cohesive and polished of the three ("Cold Spring Harbor" and the following year's "Streetlife Serenade" are the other two), and it includes some of the best material in his catalogue.

"Travelin' Prayer" is a mock country number set to a fast paced hodown rhythm as Billy, an admitted atheist Jew from Long Island, feably attempts to ask God to look after his loved one "far across the sea." Though it seems like a filler track, it is actually a very solid number, and the structure of the melody and the way it is arranged on record is nothing short of amazing. The blending of the piano with the bass and drums is beautiful, and the banjo playing is awesome.

Next comes the album's title track, which obviously needs very little to be said. Though Billy has done more complex and impressive material both lyrically and melodically, this song easily personifies Billy and is deserevedly his signature song. A true classic with rich lyrical detail and a timeless melody.

"Ain't No Crime" is a gospel rave-up with beautiful harmonies and tough, rollicking rhythm. This song was a major staple of Billy's live set list in the 1970s', and was even more exciting in that conext.

"You're My Home" is a beautiful, atmospheric ballad with great lyrics and some hugely impressive instrumental work. The guitar strumming on the intro is incredibly beautiful and one of the most complex arrangements Billy ever wrote.

"The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" is probably the second or third most well known tune on the album after the title track, an epic tribute to the Old West with fantastic lyrics, a piercing, atmospheric melody and arrangement, and a raw, powerful Billy vocal. I've seen Billy perform this song live three times, but I have yet to hear a version match the unbridled passion and intensity of the studio version.

"Worst Comes To Worst" is another, solid catchy albums that hold sits own against the album's stronger tracks. The lyrics are very clever and Billy's sly vocals adds an extra flair to them.

"Stop In Nevada" is another epic number, a tride and true 1970s' folk rock ballad reminscent of Poco, Bread and various other bands of that ilk. There are many great lines in this song ("With some money in her pocket, she's a rocket on the Fourth Of July"), and the song paints a vivid picture of the longing and detemination present in the 1970s', especially amongst females of the era. Great song.

"If I Only Had The Words" and "Somewhere Along The Line" are perfectly crafted MOR pop ballads, and should've been bigger hits than they were. The latter song sounds especially Elton John influenced, who at the time was the premier rock pianist until Billy hit his stride four years later with "The Stranger."

We come to the album's closing number, "Captain Jack." Ah, how hard it is to put my feelings towards this dark, brooding masterpiece in the word. A darkly atmospheric attack on the decadence of the early 1970s' drug culture post-Vietnam, this song is arguably the best thing Billy ever recorded. With its grim singalong chorus and graphic imagery (lines about masturbation, nose picking and smoking pot), this song is an absolutely chilling experienece that is also a pure crowdpleaser in concert.

"Piano Man" might not be a masterpiece, but it's definitely an exciting look at what was to come for the boy from Hicksville, Long Island.

This is Billy Joel's second album but his first with Columbia Records. It's also the first of two albums recorded in L.A. before returning to his native New York. The title track (his signature song) became one of his popular hits before the "The Stranger". According to Joel, the characters in that song were actual people while he was a lounge singer in L.A. There's the seven-minute anti-drug song "Captain Jack". "Travelin' Prayer" and "Worse Comes To Worst" were minor hit singles. Other noteworthy tracks include the historically inaccurate "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid", "You're My Home" about his then-wife (she's the "waitress" in the title track) and "If I Only Had The Words". The enhanced portion of the CD features a live version of the title track performed at Yankee Stadium in '89.

I first purchased this title on cassette years ago and it's one of the few titles in my collection in which I liked every track. I found it interesting though that the other musicians and singers were not credited. At any rate, I'll recommend this to any rock fan in general. If you're a die hard Billy Joel fan this is definitely essential.

Total Time-43:32

Billy Joel's Piano Man album on Columbia Records remains one of his best ever; and anyone who enjoys good solid rock from the 1970s will enjoy this CD very much.

The track set opens with "Travelin' Prayer." Listen for some great drums, fiddle, banjo and piano to create a country flavor for this ballad. Billy's voice is rich and full of masculine warmth--terrific! "Piano Man," the title track for this CD, leaves nothing to be desired. It starts with some great harmonica playing; and when Billy Joel comes in "Piano Man" takes off like a jet! Billy sings some portraits of people who come to the bar where he plays piano. Moreover, "Ain't No Crime" is a beautiful, gospel flavored number with a backup chorus that harmonizes to perfection as Billy sings it well!

"The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" gives us a country/western flavored arrangement as Billy sings the story of Billy The Kid and even compares himself to Billy The Kid but in a more positive light. Billy Joel sings "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" flawlessly.

"Worse Comes To Worst" actually has a catchy melody that reflects the optimism Billy's character feels that he'll get by no matter how hard life gets; and this song has a great early 1970s rock and roll beat to it! Listen for some great key changes on "If I Only Had The Words (To Tell You)," too.

The album ends strong with the ballad called "Captain Jack." Billy delivers this flawlessly with panache and sensitivity. Great!

The artwork impresses me--how's about that cover photo?

Billy Joel remains a titan in the music industry; and this title is well deserved. Billy is one of the very few versatile artists who can evoke whatever emotions he wants his audiences to feel with every song he sings or records. I highly recommend this fine CD to anyone who likes great rock music from the early 1970s.

Enjoy!

I can't believe Billy Joel's Piano Man hasn't become a classic album that everyone needs to own. We're talking about a solid collection of songs. Some of the songs here sound like something Barry Manilow would do, except of course, in the typical Billy Joel songwriting style.

"worse comes to worse" HAS to be one of his most underrated songs. I love that one. "captain jack" is another song I can listen to over and over and get caught up in the smokey atmosphere and quiet vocals, until the loud chorus comes crashing in. It's awesome.

I also love "travelin' prayer". It reminds me of "the entertainer". Maybe it influenced that song, I don't know.

The only reason I didn't give Piano Man 5 stars is because the title song is a bit overplayed, and I'm tired of it. It doesn't really interest me anymore. I understand it was the song to turn Billy Joel into a worldwide phenomenon, but I don't care for it much anymore. The rest of the album rules.

I believe Billy Joel is a great musician
but I think his songwriting is only good, not
incredible.. he doesn't swing like Elton John...
there's just something missing on this album..
the songs are all a little too square.. but
the man is undoubtedly talented and this just
might not be my style of music.. I still recommend
it for the average music fan