The Stranger, Billy Joel’s 5th studio album, has and will always hold a special place in my heart. It allowed me to delve into the depths of older music, expanding my personal music taste to places I didn’t even know existed until I had the experience of these captivating tracks. The “Piano Man” lives up to his name, however, effortlessly blends various instruments and innovative tactics. Using these tactics, he truly elevates this looping storyline into the timeless masterpiece it is revered as today. While this album sparked controversy with the hit “Only the Good Die Young,” which wrongly dubs the album anti-Catholic, its popularity soared and proved that nothing could hinder the power of this love story. Woven into all nine tracks, the up and down battle of love totals for a runtime of 43 minutes. In such a concise runtime, does Billy Joel successfully captivates his audience with his storytelling and fulfill the intended purpose of the album?

Yes, he does.

Introduction

I couldn’t seem to pick one central topic that Mr. Billy Joel succeeded at the best. His vocal abilities are truly exceptional, captivating the audience with every note. Furthermore, the intricate melodies produced by his masterful piano skills add a touch of elegance and depth to his music. Moreover, his creative use of various instruments and sounds enhances the composition, creating a multi-dimensional development of the beat. It is worth noting that his lyrics, though seemingly straightforward, possess a depth and complexity that meshes seamlessly with his vocal style and the overall rhythm. Lastly, his storytelling ability shines, with each song offering its own unique narrative that connects back to the overarching theme.

Background

Before the commercial success of The Stranger, Billy Joel was nearing being dropped by his record label, Columbia Records. His previous album, Turnstiles, was a big flop. Although Joel had utilized other bands in his previous works, he opted to record everything himself. He initially wanted George Martin to produce the album, but ultimately went with Phil Ramone. Martin had interest in working on the project, but wanted to bring in his own band, of which Joel refused. The album was recorded in three weeks in mid 1977. It was released in September of 1977 and was met with instant success. The success of this project led him to maintain his label deal and gave Billy Joel the jolt back onto his stardom.

Storytelling

After listening to the final song, “Everybody has a Dream,” the listener is immediately connected back to the second track on the album “The Stranger.” You may ask yourself why this is of importance; however, it comes down to the intricate nature of his storytelling. Each song has a purpose or story that connects with it, which really resonates with the listener, or at least me, after each track. Take, for example, “Movin’ Out’ (Anthony’s Song)” or “She’s Always a Woman,” where Billy questions the steps taken to achieve the American Dream, or that no matter how flawed or perfect a girl, she’ll always deserve proper love, both connect with each song respectively; while, “Just the Way You Are” was written as a love message to his first wife, showcasing that each song definitely has its purpose to the album.

Message

While each song has their own unique and profound meaning, the overarching message beautifully resonates with the intricate complexities of love. This sentiment, although founded upon my personal interpretation, is reinforced by the ever-evolving vibe that cascades from one song to another. The profound shift from the soulful melodies of “Vienna” to the spirited anthem of “Only the Good Die Young” serves as compelling evidence that the songs fluidly fluctuate in tone. Such deliberate oscillations in mood could be intentionally orchestrated to reflect the diverse manifestations of love explored throughout the album. Initially, love blossoms effortlessly, conspicuous and undeniable, requiring minimal effort to attain. However, as The Stranger progresses, a profound shift occurs. Billy finds himself entangled in a passionate pursuit, fighting tooth and nail to win the affection of his desired companion. A single misstep proving catastrophic, annihilating any trace of intimacy. Importantly, his instrumental work shows this, with the help of drummer Liberty Devitto, bassist Doug Stegmeyer, and saxophonist/organist Richie Cannata, that truly tops off the tone of each and every song.

Vocals

Continuing with the vibe switch, Billy’s vocals seamlessly adapt to the change-up in beats, and effortlessly, I must add. While it is true that his vocals vary from one song to another, he demonstrates an impressive ability to change his vocal tone within each song. This may not initially appear as a remarkable observation, but it enhances the overall depth of the musical transition. This remarkable quality is especially evident in “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” where the introduction and conclusion feature quieter, more serene beats, yet his verses in the song elevate the tempo. The switch emphasizes the battle for love, particularly in the song’s narrative where two individuals have transformed from lovers to strangers. Beyond the shift in tone, Billy’s vocals consistently shine throughout the project. While he may not possess the highest vocal range, as often found in many contemporary songs, he adjusts his tone to match the requirements of each moment, tying everything together.

Conclusion

The Stranger has managed to withstand the test of time and continues to be part of many people’s music rotations. While it is close to being flawless, there is a minor flaw in the track list towards the end, where the rather weaker songs lay. Taking into consideration the lackluster ending, I would rate this album as a remarkable 9.3 out of 10.

The Weakest Track: “Everybody Has a Dream,” which falls short in terms of vocal quality and instrumental arrangement. Additionally, its placement as a seven-minute track at the end of the album, with nothing making it a distinctive track, sets it back.

The Strongest Track: The standout tracks are “Vienna” and “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” However, “Vienna” holds a deeper connection to the album’s message, solidifying it as the strongest song amidst a strong tracklist.

Song Rankings:

1. “Vienna”
2. “Only the Good Die Young”
3. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”
4. “The Stranger”
5. “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”
6. “Just the Way You Are”
7. “She’s Always a Woman”
8. “Get It Right the First Time”
9. “Everybody Has a Dream”

Final Notes

Song rankings are always subject to change over time, so don’t take these too to heart. They also are just my opinion, and I do hold a slight bias with a few of these songs. With that being said, I would love to hear your opinions, so leave them in the comment section below. We also suggest subscribing to our blog: to do so, go under the tab “Contact” and fill out the form. That will allow you to receive emails of new blogs. Finally, go give The Stranger a listen for yourself.