12 of Billy Joel’s greatest deep cuts

Was there a discussion about whether Billy Joel was considered cool? It appears that such a conversation took place in the past, likely during the late 1970s. I can vividly recall bands like Boston, Kansas, Foreigner, Journey, and Styx being popular, with their tour schedules often printed on their t-shirts. These bands not only produced excellent music but also had an enigmatic aura surrounding them, much like the intriguing, edgy designs of their album covers.

Joel was primarily recognized for his songwriting skills, or as a solo performer with a unique style. I don’t recall seeing many Billy Joel concert t-shirts around.

It appears there was a discussion about whether Billy Joel’s music fit into the rock genre or not. His nickname “The Piano Man,” given due to his sing-along, story-rich song from 1973, might have led people to categorize his music differently than typical rock. Some may have labeled it as soft rock or pop rock instead.

Billy Joel goes to the front of the line of mainstream pop/rock

However, everything shifted when Billy Joel’s album “Glass Houses” was released in 1980. This undeniably marked a significant change in his musical reputation. Notably, he intentionally altered his style by incorporating more electric guitar into the album. Over time, it gained recognition as a rock album characterized by skillfully layered guitar work, piano melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.

1. “Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “You May Be Right” dominated the charts, boasting catchy riffs that resonated with many. By the time the novelty of the album wore off, Joel had gained a multitude of new fans.

2. The songs “Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “You May Be Right” ruled the charts, featuring memorable riffs that struck a chord with listeners. As the excitement surrounding the album subsided, Joel managed to win over numerous new fans.

Indeed, he continues to perform live, even though he’s openly stated that he’s never been fond of his own voice. Additionally, he’s announced his decision to stop creating new albums.

Before his work on “Glass Houses”, Joel had an impressive streak of success in the 70s. He released six albums, with his career-defining album being 1977’s “The Stranger”. This album held the second spot on Billboard’s top albums chart for six consecutive weeks. The album produced a variety of hits, including the soulful and melodic songs “She’s Always a Woman” and “Just the Way You Are”, as well as the more energetic and emotional tracks “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young”.

Without a doubt, by the 1970s, Joel had firmly entered the mainstream. His albums were consistently filled with lively, easily identifiable tunes. He was a dependable artist, and he wasn’t shy about demonstrating versatility in his songwriting.

In 1978’s album “52nd Street,” Billy Joel intentionally sought a unique sound by recruiting horn players. This led to an album with a jazzier, bluesier, and bolder feel. Remarkably, it reached the top of the album charts and even bagged Grammys, including the prestigious Album of the Year award. Among its chart-topping hits were “Big Shot,” “My Life,” and “Honesty.

In 1982, Joel carried on his rock album tradition by releasing “The Nylon Curtain.” The songs “Pressure” and “Allentown” were popular hits. However, for his next album, The Innocent Man (released in 1983), Joel took a drastic turn. Instead of sticking to his usual style, he focused on creating original tribute songs honoring influential American musicians from the 1950s and ’60s. While it was enjoyable, it was somewhat surprising after “The Nylon Curtain” and “Glass Houses.” Much like he did with “52nd Street,” Joel intentionally created a sound that was significantly different for this album as well.

As a 16-year-old, I vividly recall playing “An Innocent Man” multiple times on my Walkman during our 1984 family road trip from Dodge City to Yellowstone Park and the Grand Canyon via the Rocky Mountains. Billy’s music created an unforgettable soundtrack for that journey.

Joel’s collection is extensive. For a closer examination of some less popular tracks, we’ll explore albums that marked his rise to fame and peak period, spanning from “The Stranger” to “An Innocent Man”.

12. “C’etait Toi (You Were the One)”

Speaking of “Glass Houses”, let’s dive into a lesser-known gem from that album. Billy, as always, delivers some top-notch French lyrics reminiscent of “Michelle” by the Beatles. This track is sure to provide a lesson in the language. You might recall it from an episode of the TV series “Freaks and Geeks”.

11. “Rosalinda’s Eyes”

In one section of the song, a flute takes center stage, creating an imagery that metaphorically transports us to Latin America. The sound of whistles, bongo drums, and a melodious rhythm with vibrant fluidity echoes the captivating charm of a woman’s eyes. This is the opening track on the extraordinary 52nd Street album.

10. “A Room of Our Own”

This tune hails from “The Nylon Curtain” with a swing vibe, reminiscent of what could have been on his “An Innocent Man” album. However, instead of maintaining his usual pitch, Joel pushes his vocals to their depths, and infuses the track with contemporary energy, urging himself and his bandmates for a fresh take on shake, rattle, and roll. The piano takes center stage in a way that echoes a Jerry Lee Lewis solo performance. For Joel, every song serves as its own unique piece of art, and this one is no exception.

9. “Get It Right the First Time”

With a powerful bass guitar beat and subtle flute notes, Joel elevates this track from “The Stranger” album to a more obscure, yet impactful level. His voice and demeanor seamlessly blend with the music’s structure, adding a friendly touch through repeated “La La La La…La La La Lo.” This results in a more fluid and joyful rendition of the song. Notably, this is the sole track on our list hailing from the exceptional album, “The Stranger”.

8-. “All for Leyna”

In certain regions, songs are issued separately as singles rather than elsewhere. For instance, this powerful rock track by Joel is from his album “Glass Houses”. The piano melody, combined with energetic guitars and drums, aims to make the name Leyna familiar. Remarkably, it was launched as a standalone single in Europe and Australia.

7. “Zanzibar”

If any artist has well-known lesser-known songs, it’s Billy Joel without a doubt. “Zanzibar” from 52nd Street is particularly popular among his fans. As always, his storytelling is some of the best in the industry. He uses music to guide us through stories, much like a tour guide. I recall a bar/club in my hometown named Zanzibar. I was eager to explore it, but I had to wait until I turned 21 years old. There was an enigmatic quality about it. It was located at the end of a strip mall…a questionable one with a neon sign.

6. “Easy Money”

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that this tune is the opening track from the captivating “The Innocent Man” album. It truly lives up to its billing, establishing a distinctive mood for the collection that follows. The rhythm is steady, propelled by pulsating drums, and the lyrics resonate with a deep sense of nostalgia. With a dash of horns and a chorus of enchanting female voices, this song is a delightful tribute to the legendary James Brown and Wilson Pickett. It even graced the soundtrack of the underrated comedy film “Easy Money,” starring the hilarious Rodney Dangerfield. The track gracefully concludes, only to resurface in its classic form, leaving listeners eager for more.

5. “She’s Right On Time”

Could this be a Christmas song? Unlikely, it’s actually an energetic rock track from the album “The Nylon Curtain“. This song truly hits the mark with all of Joel’s signature elements such as verses, chorus, a late comeback verse, a wide range of instruments, and his voice harmoniously tuned. The talent of the singer in Joel often goes unnoticed, but he undeniably excels and uniquely carries every one of his songs. Don’t forget to check out the impressive video that accompanies it as well!

4. “Sleeping with the Television On”

Incredible variety showcased in this track from “Glass Houses”. It starts off with a snippet of the national anthem, followed by the sound of an emergency siren, transitioning into a consistent drum rhythm accompanied by complex guitar melodies. Later on, Jon delivers his witty remarks about sleeping with the TV on. After two verses, the tempo shifts, then it switches back to another verse and a powerful synthesizer. All this within just three minutes.

3. “Sometimes a Fantasy”

This song is something of an unexpected hit, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard charts, but it seems incongruous after each subsequent listen. Joel delivers a stellar performance using creative microphone breathing techniques, strategic synths, memorable drum rhythms, captivating lyrics, and energetic guitar work. Kicking off from an impeccably executed opening sequence featuring a push-button phone call and ring tone, it hails from the flawless “Glass Houses” album.

2. “Stiletto”

Man, oh man! The rhythmic snap of fingers, the jingle of piano keys, and there’s Billy, bursting with words. Joel’s lyrics are raw, adaptable, and poetically profound, showcasing true artistic mastery by blending numerous strengths into one musical piece at a time. This tune carries blues, jazz, and vibrant reminiscences of bustling nightlife. It’s no wonder that 52nd Street snatched the Grammy for Album of the Year. Lastly, the next two songs we’re about to listen to are from this album. I believe it’s the jazz vibe infused in this record that elevates it to an all-time great album status.

1. “Half A Mile Away”

From the very beginning, the potential is evident in this piece. A vibrant jazz orchestra kicks off the tune, with Joel narrating a tale. The harmonies are seamlessly provided by Joel’s group, demonstrating their exceptional skills as backup vocalists. This band performs in perfect harmony, showcasing their tight and cohesive performance.

During the heart of the melody, they harmonize and strive to elevate their performance artistically, all while maintaining the same rhythm. The jazz ensemble frequently unites in this fashion. Though this piece is destined for legendary status, it’s often considered a lesser-known track. I yearn to experience this song performed live.

2025-02-22 17:00