The last pop album (for now). The title track is a gospel-charged banger. “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” is a sadder sequel to “The Entertainer.” “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” is the perfect closing track to a pop career. Weird highlight: “All About Soul” feels like a Broadway showstopper.
The breakthrough. The title track is inescapable (and wonderful), but don't sleep on “Captain Jack” or “The Ballad of Billy the Kid.” This album sets the template: storytelling over ivories, with a slight country twang. Essential track: Piano Man (obviously), but give “Travelin’ Prayer” a spin for the banjo. The Golden Run (1974–1980) This is the "Godzilla" era. Hit after hit after hit. billy joel discography blogspot
The homecoming. He moved back to New York and you can feel the subway grime in the grooves. “New York State of Mind” is a jazz standard. “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” is an apocalyptic masterpiece. Vibe check: The best album to listen to on a rainy city night. The last pop album (for now)
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The Piano Man’s Playbook: A Deep Dive into the Billy Joel Discography Weird highlight: “All About Soul” feels like a
The transitional record. Featuring “A Matter of Trust” and the duet “This Is the Time.” It also has “Modern Woman” (from the movie Ruthless People ). It’s inconsistent, but when it hits, it hits hard. The Late Era & The Classical Turn (1989–2001) Storm Front (1989) The comeback (volume 2). “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a history lesson in 4 minutes. “Leningrad” is unexpectedly touching. And “I Go to Extremes” is the ADHD anthem we didn’t know we needed.