This is one of my longer videos, but it was necessary! Always gonna deep dive Billy Joel songs. I also just reacted to "Domination" by Pantera on Patreon.com/RobTV. Much love, ya'll!
For sure Rob, you need to at least listen to the title song "The Stranger", I listen to that song every day doing my construction thing up and down 680 and beyond. 👽🗿👽🗿👽🗿
"...Brenda and Eddie are any amount of relationships. We all know Brenda and Eddie. Or maybe we are Brenda and Eddie." It's that right there. You referenced his storytelling as stellar (correctly) but why it hits home so much is that it's relatable. Think back to Piano Man, same deal. The composites are both everyone and no one at the same time. You know them but you don't. Love seeing the channel growth - thanks for the reaction.
Joel revealed on The Stranger 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition DVD that Fontana di Trevi, across the street from Carnegie Hall, was his inspiration for “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” The song’s signature line, however, originated at Benito II at 163 Mulberry Street. A waiter at the Little Italy restaurant asked, “A bottle of white? A bottle of red? Perhaps a bottle of rosé instead?” Joel liked its sound and used the line to open the song. The building that housed Fontana di Trevi was demolished by May 2007 for the construction of One57, a 75-story supertall skyscraper. The Benito II site is now home of the La Bella Vita restaurant.
Yeah - when you write a song that's been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Barbra Streisand(and many others), you KNOW you've written a true classic.
You have to check out The Stranger. It is one of my favorites! It is the story about how you can 2:41 really think you know someone, then realize you don't.
Check out Captain Jack, it is the song that saved Billy Joel’s career. The story goes he was near the end of the road then Captain Jack was played by a Philly station (93.3 WMMR) put Billy Joel on the roadmap! Also his most recent release from a few weeks ago Turn the Lights on is classic Billy Joel.
During your wrap up, you said, "... does not seem like Rock 'n Roll to me." I laughed out loud because you need to listen to Billy's song, 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me".
My aunt recently told me about how she was a young newlywed in NYC and went to a club with a friend because the entertainment that night was a young man known as The Piano Man. I was floored. She got to see Billy Joel before he hit ! His music is authentic and timeless. ❤️
Also, toward the end you said something like “still rock n roll to me” Ironically that is the title to another of his monster hits. You should check that out too. Great work rob.
The Stranger is a track worth checking out. Especially, the Live from Long Island version. Billy is a phenomenal live performer and that’s a standout performance that I go back to again and again.
Billy writes about a lot of personal experiences in his songs. He did play in a piano bar, he did hang out at the village green, a park area in town, in his teen years and he said Brenda and Eddie represent that couple we all knew from High school that peaked too early in life. Most of his songs convey a message that Billy either experienced directly or witnessed. The last song he wrote for an album was called “Famous Last Words” a line in that song is “this is the story of my life” so you are correct that he writes a lot about personal experiences. Love the Billy reactions. Keep them coming. You won’t be disappointed.
My guy, I love watching you react to billy Joel! I grabbed onto something you said, it's still rock n roll to me! He has a song with that exact title bro!
Billy Joel is a living legend for a reason. This song is something he made up about the 2 popular kids from his high school. They meet up years later and they reminisce. Nas actually samples Billy Joel’s song in his version of New York State of Mind. Billy Joel also wrote songs for other people that became hits.
I love that you love and "GET" Billy Joel!!! "And he's up there with RATM - but in a different way" - That hit me hard because I feel the same exact way!!! (I think I even yelled "but in a different way " at the same time you did!!! LOL Great reaction! ❤
Huge fan of Billy Joel & this is one of his best songs. So glad I got to see him live once too as he's currently on his final tour. Not only is he great in the studio, he's incredible to see live too! I've been to many concerts but Billy put on one of the best shows I've ever seen! You should check out The Stranger or Miami 2017 by him next!
hey brother, this is a great story telling song by Billy Joel. And you're right, this was a few separate song ideas Billy had and he decided to do what the Beatles did: find a way to stitch these different ideas into one song! And in the first part, you're right---"cold beer, hot lights..." it isn't rock and roll with the woodwinds and the clarinet, it's a song idea Billy had about some dixieland type jazz. And yet it works in a pop rock song!
Bro, this whole album is pure joy. I love that you love it. PS - I want you know I can see the improvement of your commentary and insight. Good work man.
Great Reaction Video! Billy is the most downloaded musician all time! It's a rabbit hole of all rabbit holes to venture into Mr. Joel. Bob Seger is another songwriter that matches the quality with an amazing singing video
I love the three different songs/stories in one. You get carried along as if you are walking through a restaurant and listening to different patrons’ conversations.
I’ve always thought that Billy was singing this as Eddie, and he and Brenda are meeting at an Italian Restaurant after years have passed. They split up but remained in touch, and after time has passed they occasionally reconnect and reminisce.
Interesting-I always thought it was two friends talking about them because of the pronoun switch--"*I'll* meet *you* anytime you want..." to third person "Brenda and Eddie...when *they* decided the marriage would be at the end of July. Everyone said *they* were crazy...". It feels to me like the narrator and the person at the restaurant were part of the same crowd Brenda and Eddie were in back in the day. Also the way the lyrics wrap up the story of Brenda and Eddie "That's all I know about Brenda and Eddie/I can't tell you more 'cause I told you already..."
@@FloraWest I've always understood it as the story of two old teenage flames reuniting after years apart and they end up talking about Brenda and Eddie, the well known couple about town when they were younger.
Rob I’ve seen billy Joel at least 6 times in concert. Your response and observations as a first time listener are comparable to watching your kids open up their gifts from Santa…. Music is just as valuable to my wellbeing as my family and my basic human needs. Being in a crowd of 40-50,000 people who actually get it, maaaannnnn… I mean, that’s when billy becomes a part of your soul… a force. Art is so open to individual interpretation yet has the ability to keep us all on the same page.. my suggestions if you haven’t already is to DEFINITELY react to NY STATE OF MIND live at the Old Grey Whistle Test… Only the Good Die Young… Vienna…Anthony’s Song…. Movin Out… and you’re spot on with Billy’s songwriting in my opinion… his concepts, lyrics and delivery allow both the wolves of Wall Street’s and lambs of Laymen to connect on a super primal level.. love your reactions Rob!!! I grew up in the 80’s and 90 and I remember the first time I heard RATM….it was the last time I heard everyone else for a very long time ✊🏼
Billy Joel understands people, in general. He can write a story from anyone's perspective from all walks of life. He has a knack for telling stories that are relatable to just about anyone. I think that's why he strikes a chord with so many people Incidentally, if you'd like to hear his vocal showcase, check out An Innocent Man
Definitely autobiographical. Billy grew up on Long Island, N.Y.. My friend Larry was his first bass player, and I was very lucky to have attended the early shows. From the first demo tape, it became obvious that he'd be a huge success. Great reaction. Happy to see younger generations discover all of this incredible music. Check out "Goodnight Saigon", a tribute to Vietnam veterans. Very moving.
Billy Joel is such a great songwriter! I’ve listened to him my whole life. Listen to Angry Young Man with the Prelude. Fastest piano playing you will ever hear!
First, let me say that watching your reaction to Piano Man made me wanna watch more, but watching your reaction to this made me hit subscribe. Seeing your genuine love of Billy Joel is heartwarming. And yes, he does play the piano, guitar, and harmonica!!
Billy Joel is an absolute legend, he never misses. You can't go wrong reacting to any of his tracks. The Downeaster 'Alexa' is particularly close to my heart, and the whole of Storm Front might be my favorite album in his discography.
I would consider Billy Joel’s writing as cinematic. I tend to gravitate toward writers who are cinematic. It’s more than just telling a story. Basically you can visualize the story as a film up on the screen in the theater. I would consider other “cinematic” type writers…Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson), Jim Steinman (Meatloaf) are a few examples
I heard this for the first time earlier this year too and oh my god. this is how it felt for me too! your smile and joy are so infectious, im all aglow rn
Billy Joel has always been one of my favorite artists! I love that you’re discovering him too! Enjoy! A couple of more great old story telling singers are Bob Seeger ( Turn The Page, Night Moves) and Jackson Browne ( Doctor my Eyes, The Loadout/Stay live video) if you haven’t already seen and reacted to them. Oh, and Bruce Springsteen (Thunder Road)
I was definitely one of the ones that requested this and you did NOT disappoint. Great song by one of the greatest artists of all time. Your reaction did it justice. “Hey Billy, you just gon switch it up like that my boi?”😂😂😂
I’ve listened to Billy Joel for many years but the way you describe him and your reaction is making me experience him all over again. Thank you. I’ve learned a lot.
Billy Joel is the most amazing singer/songwriter. Listen to his new release....I could close my eyes and see my younger self swaying to his music.... it's magical
If you want to see another thing about how masterful he is, watch a show called “inside the actors studio“ with Billy as the guest. He goes from playing his music and bridges into playing classical masters like Beethoven and Bach…the guy is a musical genius Love your videos and reactions to RATM and some of these other bangers! 😂🎉
I had the pleasure to watch the musical that ran a few years ago. Most of his songs became a reality on stage. What a beautiful thing. This songs was the center of it all. ❤️🥰
You probably will never read this but I just stumbled on your channel and watched you react to “Piano Man” and enjoyed it tremendously. So I searched for your other Billy Joel reactions and they didn’t disappoint! You’re awesome and you make an old lady laugh! Keep it up. You might wanna check out the Beatles sometime. They will blow you away! Thanks for having an open mind and not being afraid to try unfamiliar things. 🌺✌️
I’m 70 years old and it is refreshing to see young people discover the wonder of early rock. We said the same things in 1977 about “scenes from an Italian restaurant” that you review now. “The Stranger” album is filled with classics. Great review job.
I’ve just finished the Billy Joel tryptic, my first ever videos from you. I’m on a Billy Joel renaissance and the algo fed me you. My comments have different forks. You are the snappiest thinker in first time reacts. You’re not always right, but it’s beautiful what you generate out of it. I feel like doing a react to these three just to add to your dialogue. Because whichever way you took it had meaningful value. I was 6yo when Piano Man released, and still a few years from appreciating him. But then Mom stocked the car with music and my brother just called 8-track memories. Two of the tapes were The Stranger and Glass Houses. Your recognition of his pen helps me become yo, I grew up on his lyrics, it was just a Tuesday for me. So as I indulge in the nostalgia, you serve as a third voice between old me, now me, and you. What a conversation! But you really, really got me when you broke it up for children of Thalomide. I wasn’t even aware. (Emotional pause) I can count on Rob to spill his heart. Now I know a resource to learn about other artists and trust you. Another part of the indulgence is seeing your face change through Piano Man and each other song. The order you chose them served me well as I build the mental web image of the artist. You need to catch Howard Stern’s interview with him. Idk what happened to Stern, but he was brilliant. Billy Joel was Billy Joel, with surprises. That’s why I don’t need to react to you or ‘fix it’ in the comments, so many answers are right there. Yeah, so I dare you to some more White music. Heilung Kriggsgaldr, live at Red Rocks. I love watching your face change and this would be scary to spiritual. Then indulge in the whole concert. It’s not 100% historical, but they love history. All the reactors have done it and it’s my favorite. It’s been an emotional music ride tonight and I’m glad you dropped these videos. Now go get you some Billy Joel 2024. It’s still rock and roll baby.
Great point about how it's harder to express all of that story and emotion in such a short space. I'm an English teacher and tell my kids that all the time when we're doing narrative and poetry writing.
I’m late to this video, but the song is the story of Brenda and Eddie. They are the ones at the Italian restaurant. The song is about how they meet up and reminisce about the past.
Saw Billy at Madison Square Garden and it was definitely in my top 5 live shows I’ve seen (and I’ve been to roughly over 150 concerts in my life). He was sooooo good!! You should check out “She’s Always A Woman”, “The Downeaster Alexa”, “Honesty”, “She’s Got A Way”, “New York State of Mind” and my personal favorite “Goodnight Saigon.” Billy is definitely one of the most prolific songwriters of all time.
Very cool to see someone hearing all of Billy's masterpieces for the first time.... l'm jealous as hell. Enjoy man, he's one of a kind, and he'll be stuck in ur head forever!
Only The Good Die Young was my first favorite Billy Joel song, honestly because it upset my mom, I was 14, it was 1978, and I got a kick out pushing the boundries. Then I started really listening to his stuff, buying the records, and he is still at the ttop of my play list. His storytelling gets me every time I listen to his music
Excellent reaction, brother! You have an appreciation for solid lyricism, especially when used for conveying stories or emotions. That's why I STRONGLY recommend the Billy Joel song Just The Way You Are.
Saw him live at Notre Dame in 22. Still rocks a 3hr show at 73. (75 now). Crowd goes crazy for this song. You gotta hear his brand new single, Turn the Lights Back On. First new song in 30 yrs. 😎
Ah man .. I love when people catch on to a singer .. and "scenes" is a soniic masterpiece .. thankyou so much for your honest and totally appreciative review
From 2002 to 2005, there was a musical on broadway named "Movin Out" which was composed entirely of Billy Joel songs. Brenda and Eddy were the main characters, naturally. I was fortunate enough to visit a relative in NYC during that time and went to see it. Just fantastic.
Rob, I love Billy Joel too, and he is a great song writer, however I didn't see where you have reacted to any Bob Seger (Seeg-r) songs. I would put Bob on the same playing field as Billy.They are both fantastic writers and musicians. Bob plays piano and guitar, Billy plays piano and harmonica. You should check out Turn the page, Night moves, Mainstreet, Hollywood nights, Old time rock and roll, We've got tonight, like a rock. These are just a few of his hits. You had a wonderful reaction, and I think you won't be disappointed listening to Bob. Peace, Bill.
Billy Joel's conversational storytelling approach to songwriting is so great. I love it so much. 😍😍 and seeing you hear it for the first time is so lovely, i'm glad this came across my feed. With fact about me: my mom weirdly restricted the music i could listen to as a kid, but i was allowed to listen to Billy Joel's album Storm Front whenever i wanted. A consequence of which; i can recite the lyrics to "we didn't start the fire" from memory even now at 38 🤣🤣🤣 (it helped me in modern history, actually, since they're roughly in chronological order lol). Second fun fact - Yes that is indeed a saxophone. In fact, at one point in the recording of "Still Rock and Roll to Me" he shouts out his bandmate. (i think it's like "all Right, Rico!" or something) 😄😄 I loved they kept it in 😂
This song is a whole life journey! Man, just do Billy Joel’s whole catalog. The man couldn’t write a bad song if he tried. He’s a masterful storyteller, an American songwriting poet that speaks to relatable everyday life. It’s why he’s so beloved.
Yea man you nailed how I feel about this song - the lyrics are descriptive and relatable and still relevant today. I think he’s one of the greats. Great video - on point
Goodnight Saigon, Pressure, An Innocent Man, Big Man On Mulberry Street, Miami 2017, Tell Her About It. (Some of these are great videos, too.) Billy Joel is a man of many genres, styles, moods and attitudes. He just writes great music and stories. He's actually written a song called "It's Still Rock 'n' Roll To Me". And yes, you should do the whole "The Stranger" album, or the whole of any of his albums. Nice reaction. Really enjoyed it. Oh, and his (IMHO) best love song: Just the Way You Are.
I love watching these. I’m so jealous of you that you get to listen to all of these for the first time. Billy Joel is simply incredible. He has dozens and dozens of songs you’ll adore.
This is one of my longer videos, but it was necessary! Always gonna deep dive Billy Joel songs. I also just reacted to "Domination" by Pantera on Patreon.com/RobTV. Much love, ya'll!
Make sure you watch the live NY State of mind from the Old Grey Whistle
Glad you're enjoying Billy Joel, one of the true all-time masters
Glad you’re back!
For sure Rob, you need to at least listen to the title song "The Stranger", I listen to that song every day doing my construction thing up and down 680 and beyond. 👽🗿👽🗿👽🗿
just ran across your channel today - great commentary - you got my sub
If you want story telling and poignant lyrics -- Billy Joel's "Good Night Saigon". Long song, but totally captivating and haunting.
I totally love the song Good Night Saigon!! One of my all time favorites!!
another of my favourites
Never fails to choke me up.
Awesome song!
Yes! This one!
3 completely different songs that he bridges together flawlessly. His magnum opus.
Bohemian Rhapsody but with real flow
Agreed
I put "Until the night" right up there with it. If "Scenes" is Billy's "Stairway to Heaven", "Until the Night" is his "Kashmir"
“Everybody’s talking bout the new sound
Funny, but it’s still rock and roll to me”
- Billy Joel
Yep
I would pay GOOD money to sit and watch you, in person, live react to the discography of Billy Joel.
I second this. I would love to see a reaction to the "Turn the Lights Back On" music video.
Summer, Highland Falls would be a great one.
@@HalliePV YES! That would be great as well.
Same.
😂
I love how at the end you say "it's not rock n roll to me" because Billy Joel has a song called "It's Still Rock n Roll to Me" lol
And he says "Rock and Roll!" in this song. He apparently thinks it's Rock.
this is my FAVORITE Billy Joel song. The way it sets the scene and tone is such a masterclass in musical storytelling.
Came here to say this. The multiple textures (for multiple scenes) are just genius.
"...Brenda and Eddie are any amount of relationships. We all know Brenda and Eddie. Or maybe we are Brenda and Eddie."
It's that right there. You referenced his storytelling as stellar (correctly) but why it hits home so much is that it's relatable. Think back to Piano Man, same deal. The composites are both everyone and no one at the same time. You know them but you don't. Love seeing the channel growth - thanks for the reaction.
Great comment
Love that in the 3rd movement he says "bottle of whites, bottle of reds" (now plural) because our young wine lovers are now middle aged pill poppers
Joel revealed on The Stranger 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition DVD that Fontana di Trevi, across the street from Carnegie Hall, was his inspiration for “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” The song’s signature line, however, originated at Benito II at 163 Mulberry Street. A waiter at the Little Italy restaurant asked, “A bottle of white? A bottle of red? Perhaps a bottle of rosé instead?” Joel liked its sound and used the line to open the song.
The building that housed Fontana di Trevi was demolished by May 2007 for the construction of One57, a 75-story supertall skyscraper. The Benito II site is now home of the La Bella Vita restaurant.
Please. Listen to New York State of Mind. Billy is a New York boy. It is the epitome of music writing, imo.
Especially the live video from the old grey whistle test
Yeah - when you write a song that's been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Barbra Streisand(and many others), you KNOW you've written a true classic.
New York State of Mind. It was an absolute classic, penned by Billy Joel and the late great Tony Bennett.
You have to check out The Stranger. It is one of my favorites! It is the story about how you can 2:41 really think you know someone, then realize you don't.
I know for a fact Billy Joel himself would have loved watching this reaction, I promise you!
You should listen to movin’ out (Anthony’s song) by Billy Joel. It’s my personal favorite by him and I think you’ll enjoy listening to it.
Agreed!
Check out Captain Jack, it is the song that saved Billy Joel’s career. The story goes he was near the end of the road then Captain Jack was played by a Philly station (93.3 WMMR) put Billy Joel on the roadmap! Also his most recent release from a few weeks ago Turn the Lights on is classic Billy Joel.
I always thought the couple meeting at the Italian restaurant was Brenda and Eddie. This is my favorite Billy Joel song! He’s a genius!
Songs are wonderful you can interpret them however you want and you are right. But he did say in an interview that they are not Brenda and Eddie.
During your wrap up, you said, "... does not seem like Rock 'n Roll to me." I laughed out loud because you need to listen to Billy's song, 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me".
My aunt recently told me about how she was a young newlywed in NYC and went to a club with a friend because the entertainment that night was a young man known as The Piano Man. I was floored. She got to see Billy Joel before he hit ! His music is authentic and timeless. ❤️
This song is like a 3 act play, musically and lyrically changing tempo and mood before coming back to the beginning. Genius.
Check out Billy Joel’s Vienna. Another masterpiece
Slow down you crazy child. We all wish we could go back and tell ourselves something.
This album is a masterpiece. ..period.
Also, toward the end you said something like “still rock n roll to me”
Ironically that is the title to another of his monster hits. You should check that out too.
Great work rob.
The Stranger is a track worth checking out. Especially, the Live from Long Island version. Billy is a phenomenal live performer and that’s a standout performance that I go back to again and again.
He is THAT good live. One of my favorite concerts ever
He was 28 when he wrote this. 28! To have that ability to write this song about nostalgia and longing at 28 is just incredible.
Billy writes about a lot of personal experiences in his songs. He did play in a piano bar, he did hang out at the village green, a park area in town, in his teen years and he said Brenda and Eddie represent that couple we all knew from High school that peaked too early in life. Most of his songs convey a message that Billy either experienced directly or witnessed. The last song he wrote for an album was called “Famous Last Words” a line in that song is “this is the story of my life” so you are correct that he writes a lot about personal experiences. Love the Billy reactions. Keep them coming. You won’t be disappointed.
I love watching your love of Billy Joel, your joy is infectious. I recommend "Vienna" or "New York State of Mind" next.
My uncle played some drums on Billy Joel's album Cold Spring Harbor. Some great underappreciated songs on that one.
I LOVE that album. My first crush ever gave me that record for Valentine’s Day.
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
This is every actual Billy Joel fans favorite song. Love it. Love your reaction. Banger
Truth here.
My guy, I love watching you react to billy Joel! I grabbed onto something you said, it's still rock n roll to me! He has a song with that exact title bro!
Billy Joel is a living legend for a reason. This song is something he made up about the 2 popular kids from his high school. They meet up years later and they reminisce. Nas actually samples Billy Joel’s song in his version of New York State of Mind. Billy Joel also wrote songs for other people that became hits.
I love that you love and "GET" Billy Joel!!! "And he's up there with RATM - but in a different way" - That hit me hard because I feel the same exact way!!! (I think I even yelled "but in a different way " at the same time you did!!! LOL Great reaction! ❤
If you do "New York State of Mind" you must do the live version at The Old Grey Whistle Test.....Straight fire!
Absolutely! That performance is so fabulous! ☮️❤️😎
Bing Bong!!! (also, yes - 100 percent. Definitive version)
Huge fan of Billy Joel & this is one of his best songs. So glad I got to see him live once too as he's currently on his final tour. Not only is he great in the studio, he's incredible to see live too! I've been to many concerts but Billy put on one of the best shows I've ever seen! You should check out The Stranger or Miami 2017 by him next!
He paints such a vivid picture.
One of his lesser known but absolutely amazing songs I’d love to see your reaction to: “And So It Goes”. Very deep…
Not just one of HIS best songs but one of the THE BEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN!
hey brother, this is a great story telling song by Billy Joel. And you're right, this was a few separate song ideas Billy had and he decided to do what the Beatles did: find a way to stitch these different ideas into one song! And in the first part, you're right---"cold beer, hot lights..." it isn't rock and roll with the woodwinds and the clarinet, it's a song idea Billy had about some dixieland type jazz. And yet it works in a pop rock song!
Billy is a pianist, but he tours with a phenomenal full band. You should check this song out live from the Nassau Colliseum.
Yo The Stranger is his best work IMO. That album is legendary. Love the videos cuz
Bro, this whole album is pure joy. I love that you love it.
PS - I want you know I can see the improvement of your commentary and insight. Good work man.
He just made a new song for the first time in 30 years called turn the lights back on!
And it’s great!
Great Reaction Video! Billy is the most downloaded musician all time! It's a rabbit hole of all rabbit holes to venture into Mr. Joel. Bob Seger is another songwriter that matches the quality with an amazing singing video
I love the three different songs/stories in one. You get carried along as if you are walking through a restaurant and listening to different patrons’ conversations.
I’ve always thought that Billy was singing this as Eddie, and he and Brenda are meeting at an Italian Restaurant after years have passed. They split up but remained in touch, and after time has passed they occasionally reconnect and reminisce.
Interesting-I always thought it was two friends talking about them because of the pronoun switch--"*I'll* meet *you* anytime you want..." to third person "Brenda and Eddie...when *they* decided the marriage would be at the end of July. Everyone said *they* were crazy...". It feels to me like the narrator and the person at the restaurant were part of the same crowd Brenda and Eddie were in back in the day. Also the way the lyrics wrap up the story of Brenda and Eddie "That's all I know about Brenda and Eddie/I can't tell you more 'cause I told you already..."
@@FloraWest I've always understood it as the story of two old teenage flames reuniting after years apart and they end up talking about Brenda and Eddie, the well known couple about town when they were younger.
@@sketchseven Yeah, same-flames or friends but definitely not Brenda and Eddie themselves. Yours is a much more concise way of saying what I meant!
Rob I’ve seen billy Joel at least 6 times in concert. Your response and observations as a first time listener are comparable to watching your kids open up their gifts from Santa…. Music is just as valuable to my wellbeing as my family and my basic human needs. Being in a crowd of 40-50,000 people who actually get it, maaaannnnn… I mean, that’s when billy becomes a part of your soul… a force. Art is so open to individual interpretation yet has the ability to keep us all on the same page.. my suggestions if you haven’t already is to DEFINITELY react to NY STATE OF MIND live at the Old Grey Whistle Test… Only the Good Die Young… Vienna…Anthony’s Song…. Movin Out… and you’re spot on with Billy’s songwriting in my opinion… his concepts, lyrics and delivery allow both the wolves of Wall Street’s and lambs of Laymen to connect on a super primal level.. love your reactions Rob!!! I grew up in the 80’s and 90 and I remember the first time I heard RATM….it was the last time I heard everyone else for a very long time ✊🏼
Love this Billy journey you’re on!! Fantastic reactions, sir!👊🏼🤠
Billy Joel understands people, in general. He can write a story from anyone's perspective from all walks of life. He has a knack for telling stories that are relatable to just about anyone. I think that's why he strikes a chord with so many people
Incidentally, if you'd like to hear his vocal showcase, check out An Innocent Man
Definitely autobiographical. Billy grew up on Long Island, N.Y.. My friend Larry was his first bass player, and I was very lucky to have attended the early shows.
From the first demo tape, it became obvious that he'd be a huge success. Great reaction. Happy to see younger generations discover all of this incredible music.
Check out "Goodnight Saigon", a tribute to Vietnam veterans. Very moving.
Billy Joel is such a great songwriter! I’ve listened to him my whole life. Listen to Angry Young Man with the Prelude. Fastest piano playing you will ever hear!
Experiencing that live is just mind bogglingly good. 🙌
Wait till Rob listens to Big Shot! That's quite the story too
First, let me say that watching your reaction to Piano Man made me wanna watch more, but watching your reaction to this made me hit subscribe. Seeing your genuine love of Billy Joel is heartwarming. And yes, he does play the piano, guitar, and harmonica!!
Marc Rivera on sax..Liberty Davito on drums. Billy Joel is from my hometown in NewYork on Long Island! ❤
Loved this reaction, man The Downeaster Alexa is a beautiful and powerful Billy Joel song. I hope you react to that next!
THIS!!! ⬆️
Billy Joel is an absolute legend, he never misses. You can't go wrong reacting to any of his tracks. The Downeaster 'Alexa' is particularly close to my heart, and the whole of Storm Front might be my favorite album in his discography.
Love love love your reaction and analysis to this outstanding song. You say exactly how I’ve always felt about it. Beautiful.
I would consider Billy Joel’s writing as cinematic. I tend to gravitate toward writers who are cinematic. It’s more than just telling a story. Basically you can visualize the story as a film up on the screen in the theater. I would consider other “cinematic” type writers…Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson), Jim Steinman (Meatloaf) are a few examples
Billy is a master of telling a powerful story in a few succinct, powerful lines. AND SO IT GOES is a classic example.
I heard this for the first time earlier this year too and oh my god. this is how it felt for me too! your smile and joy are so infectious, im all aglow rn
Glad you enjoyed it, man! Billy Joel sometimes is so on point, it gives me chills.
Billy Joel has always been one of my favorite artists! I love that you’re discovering him too! Enjoy! A couple of more great old story telling singers are Bob Seeger ( Turn The Page, Night Moves) and Jackson Browne ( Doctor my Eyes, The Loadout/Stay live video) if you haven’t already seen and reacted to them. Oh, and Bruce Springsteen (Thunder Road)
It’s funny, I grew up with my parents playing Billy Joel so maybe I got numb to it, but your reactions have really made me appreciate him again.
I was definitely one of the ones that requested this and you did NOT disappoint. Great song by one of the greatest artists of all time. Your reaction did it justice. “Hey Billy, you just gon switch it up like that my boi?”😂😂😂
Thank you for reacting to the main singer/musician of my childhood. Keep it up!
That correlation between Billy Joel and Nas is so spot-on
HUUUUGE Billy Joel fan, and this is one of the very best! Love your reactions, man.
That “what streak?” popup was hilarious 😂😂
I’ve listened to Billy Joel for many years but the way you describe him and your reaction is making me experience him all over again. Thank you. I’ve learned a lot.
This song is fucking perfect thanks for reacting you’re doing good work fam
Billy Joel is the most amazing singer/songwriter. Listen to his new release....I could close my eyes and see my younger self swaying to his music.... it's magical
If you want to see another thing about how masterful he is, watch a show called “inside the actors studio“ with Billy as the guest. He goes from playing his music and bridges into playing classical masters like Beethoven and Bach…the guy is a musical genius
Love your videos and reactions to RATM and some of these other bangers! 😂🎉
I had the pleasure to watch the musical that ran a few years ago. Most of his songs became a reality on stage. What a beautiful thing. This songs was the center of it all. ❤️🥰
You probably will never read this but I just stumbled on your channel and watched you react to “Piano Man” and enjoyed it tremendously. So I searched for your other Billy Joel reactions and they didn’t disappoint! You’re awesome and you make an old lady laugh! Keep it up. You might wanna check out the Beatles sometime. They will blow you away! Thanks for having an open mind and not being afraid to try unfamiliar things. 🌺✌️
Great reaction. I have a top 1500 songs of all time - this is NUMBER ONE
A true genius and his music stands the test of time.
Thank you for sharing and reacting.
I’m 70 years old and it is refreshing to see young people discover the wonder of early rock. We said the same things in 1977 about “scenes from an Italian restaurant” that you review now. “The Stranger” album is filled with classics. Great review job.
Love your energy and attention to detail man, thanks for a great reaction video!
I’ve just finished the Billy Joel tryptic, my first ever videos from you. I’m on a Billy Joel renaissance and the algo fed me you. My comments have different forks. You are the snappiest thinker in first time reacts. You’re not always right, but it’s beautiful what you generate out of it. I feel like doing a react to these three just to add to your dialogue. Because whichever way you took it had meaningful value. I was 6yo when Piano Man released, and still a few years from appreciating him. But then Mom stocked the car with music and my brother just called 8-track memories. Two of the tapes were The Stranger and Glass Houses. Your recognition of his pen helps me become yo, I grew up on his lyrics, it was just a Tuesday for me. So as I indulge in the nostalgia, you serve as a third voice between old me, now me, and you. What a conversation!
But you really, really got me when you broke it up for children of Thalomide. I wasn’t even aware. (Emotional pause)
I can count on Rob to spill his heart. Now I know a resource to learn about other artists and trust you.
Another part of the indulgence is seeing your face change through Piano Man and each other song. The order you chose them served me well as I build the mental web image of the artist.
You need to catch Howard Stern’s interview with him. Idk what happened to Stern, but he was brilliant. Billy Joel was Billy Joel, with surprises. That’s why I don’t need to react to you or ‘fix it’ in the comments, so many answers are right there.
Yeah, so I dare you to some more White music. Heilung Kriggsgaldr, live at Red Rocks. I love watching your face change and this would be scary to spiritual. Then indulge in the whole concert. It’s not 100% historical, but they love history. All the reactors have done it and it’s my favorite.
It’s been an emotional music ride tonight and I’m glad you dropped these videos.
Now go get you some Billy Joel 2024. It’s still rock and roll baby.
Love your reactions, sir!
PS - Billy Joel coming to LA this October!!!
Watching these reviews gives me a new appreciation for the music I took for granted for so long; really appreciate it!
Great point about how it's harder to express all of that story and emotion in such a short space. I'm an English teacher and tell my kids that all the time when we're doing narrative and poetry writing.
Just saw your piano man reaction and was hoping to see this one! His storytelling is amazing.
It really is
You should check out the live version, it’s even better!!
I’m late to this video, but the song is the story of Brenda and Eddie. They are the ones at the Italian restaurant. The song is about how they meet up and reminisce about the past.
Saw Billy at Madison Square Garden and it was definitely in my top 5 live shows I’ve seen (and I’ve been to roughly over 150 concerts in my life). He was sooooo good!! You should check out “She’s Always A Woman”, “The Downeaster Alexa”, “Honesty”, “She’s Got A Way”, “New York State of Mind” and my personal favorite “Goodnight Saigon.” Billy is definitely one of the most prolific songwriters of all time.
Very cool to see someone hearing all of Billy's masterpieces for the first time.... l'm jealous as hell. Enjoy man, he's one of a kind, and he'll be stuck in ur head forever!
Only The Good Die Young was my first favorite Billy Joel song, honestly because it upset my mom, I was 14, it was 1978, and I got a kick out pushing the boundries. Then I started really listening to his stuff, buying the records, and he is still at the ttop of my play list. His storytelling gets me every time I listen to his music
There is a phenomenal live version of this this, definitely worth checking out.
Excellent reaction, brother! You have an appreciation for solid lyricism, especially when used for conveying stories or emotions. That's why I STRONGLY recommend the Billy Joel song Just The Way You Are.
Saw him live at Notre Dame in 22. Still rocks a 3hr show at 73. (75 now). Crowd goes crazy for this song. You gotta hear his brand new single, Turn the Lights Back On. First new song in 30 yrs. 😎
I love the way you pointed out how this condensed song could actually be a movie or even a TV series. 😊
Came here right after your reaction to Piano Man, and you didn't let me down. It's great to watch your reaction to his stuff. He is an amazing artist.
Great reaction! Love your insights, the enthusiastic props you pay this brilliant artist. Thanks for keeping great music alive! I'll be following you!
The live version from Live From Long Island 1982 will blow you away
Ah man .. I love when people catch on to a singer .. and "scenes" is a soniic masterpiece .. thankyou so much for your honest and totally appreciative review
From 2002 to 2005, there was a musical on broadway named "Movin Out" which was composed entirely of Billy Joel songs. Brenda and Eddy were the main characters, naturally. I was fortunate enough to visit a relative in NYC during that time and went to see it. Just fantastic.
Rob, I love Billy Joel too, and he is a great song writer, however I didn't see where you have reacted to any Bob Seger (Seeg-r) songs. I would put Bob on the same playing field as Billy.They are both fantastic writers and musicians. Bob plays piano and guitar, Billy plays piano and harmonica. You should check out Turn the page, Night moves, Mainstreet, Hollywood nights, Old time rock and roll, We've got tonight, like a rock. These are just a few of his hits. You had a wonderful reaction, and I think you won't be disappointed listening to Bob. Peace, Bill.
I don’t think I’ve heard of him but this sounds interesting for sure!
Billy Joel's conversational storytelling approach to songwriting is so great. I love it so much. 😍😍 and seeing you hear it for the first time is so lovely, i'm glad this came across my feed.
With fact about me: my mom weirdly restricted the music i could listen to as a kid, but i was allowed to listen to Billy Joel's album Storm Front whenever i wanted. A consequence of which; i can recite the lyrics to "we didn't start the fire" from memory even now at 38 🤣🤣🤣 (it helped me in modern history, actually, since they're roughly in chronological order lol).
Second fun fact - Yes that is indeed a saxophone. In fact, at one point in the recording of "Still Rock and Roll to Me" he shouts out his bandmate. (i think it's like "all Right, Rico!" or something) 😄😄 I loved they kept it in 😂
This is my moms favorite song and we've bonded over it for years, incredible track.
This song is a whole life journey! Man, just do Billy Joel’s whole catalog. The man couldn’t write a bad song if he tried. He’s a masterful storyteller, an American songwriting poet that speaks to relatable everyday life. It’s why he’s so beloved.
Yea man you nailed how I feel about this song - the lyrics are descriptive and relatable and still relevant today. I think he’s one of the greats. Great video - on point
Goodnight Saigon, Pressure, An Innocent Man, Big Man On Mulberry Street, Miami 2017, Tell Her About It. (Some of these are great videos, too.) Billy Joel is a man of many genres, styles, moods and attitudes. He just writes great music and stories. He's actually written a song called "It's Still Rock 'n' Roll To Me". And yes, you should do the whole "The Stranger" album, or the whole of any of his albums. Nice reaction. Really enjoyed it. Oh, and his (IMHO) best love song: Just the Way You Are.
I love watching these. I’m so jealous of you that you get to listen to all of these for the first time. Billy Joel is simply incredible. He has dozens and dozens of songs you’ll adore.