This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0074646938423 Format: Enhanced, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Label: Sony Manufacturer: Sony Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Sony Release Date: October 20, 1998 Studio: Sony Sales Rank: 1339 MPN: 69384
Amazon.com essential recording: This, pop superstar Joel's breakout LP, came years after he first hit the charts with the novelty-ish "Piano Man." In the meantime, the New York-based songwriter released two lackluster and stylistically confused platters that blunted interesting songs with a sound that was neither Elton mellow nor Elton attitude. Produced by Phil Ramone, The Stranger took those who had written Joel off as a one-hit wonder by surprise ("Just the Way You Are" was among the biggest hits of 1977) and it remains a solid introduction to Joel's restless muse at a crucial point in his career. It invited a few comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, with its prominent sax breaks, hard-edged rebel-rockers ("Only the Good Die Young"), and slice-of-life dramatics ("Scenes From an Italian Restaurant"), recounting life in a lower middle-class (Eastern Urban) setting; but Joel's chameleonic, formalist approach to pop wasn't to be so easily pigeonholed (Glass Houses, The Nylon Curtain, An Innocent Man...). --Don Harrison
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - The album that introduced Billy Joel
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, ... Read More
Rating: - Used goods sold as new
I bought this product and the last track was scratched. Strange for a new CD right. I am still awaiting a refund.
Rating: - 5 Star Music + Great Sound, Besides!
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).
Rating: - The Album that turned the Piano Man's keys of ivory into rightfully Platinum and a long legendary career 30 years on
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 ... Read More
Rating: - No Stranger? Get It
Billy Joel is kind of my guilty pleasure - He's one of the most revered musicians or at least very popular of today yet I never quite got him. Until more recently when I decided there was a time I really liked some ... Read More
- Used goods sold as new
- No Stranger? Get It