I’m three years late to the party, but I really enjoyed this! I’m a huge Billy Joel fan, so it’s safe to say Kramzer and I couldn’t be more opposite in terms of our views. When he gave The Stranger two stars and ranked it #8 I literally laughed out loud and thought to myself this guy is insane; however, it is great to hear all three of your varying opinions. The world would be pretty boring if everyone felt the same about every musician!
I'm with you, Joe! How dare somebody say he's not a good lyricist! I'm a metalhead primarily, but Billy Joel writes songs that connect with the everyman and I am he.
Billy grew up in a single parent home in Hicksville/Levittown area not Oyster Bay. But both areas have strong blue collar, working class work ethic. Nothing was handed to him. He worked the docks, learned to box, and tirelessly played the circuit of bars, clubs and colleges. His use of characters was an escape from being Billy Joel, from being this kid from a broken home. He never really wrote songs without thinking of another artist. He hated his own voice, his own look. He tried to kill himself and ended up in a psych ward. Billy’s younger days were definitely reflected in the working class people that inhabited his songs.
You hit the spot on that. But despite Billy picking out his shortcomings , he lived, hit the big time on album number 5 with the risk of being dropped, been ripped off twice, but still has enough money to support his family for many generations. Stops writing songs but never became irrelevant.. Closes his residency at MSG despite the fact he could probably continue to sell it out to his dying day…..and let’s not forget he scored Elle McPherson …The went on to marry the hottest woman in the world at that time…..not bad for a regular guy from Hicksville…
52nd Street, The Stranger, Glass Houses, An Innocent Man, Turnstiles and The Nylon Curtain are top of the list in order for me. I have also seen him live twice in the 80s, so I am with Joe here, I am quite the fan. I recognise that musical taste is subjective but to rate 52nd Street and The Stranger lower than top 4 is criminal.
I got your back Joe. Billy Joel remains as one of my two favorite piano players (the other being Elton), an incredible lyricist and just a cool cat that can chat up super models. Win, win, win. Good insights from Kramzer and Jason (looking professional in this vid) but Joe is the Voice Of Reason in this installment. Long live the Piano Man!
As a lifelong Billy Joel fan, I really enjoyed this discussion. The differing opinions made for a satisfying and enlightening review of his work and legacy. I listened to 52nd Street, The Stranger and Glass Houses nonstop as a suburban teenager so those records made a huge impression on me and are still favorites of his. The takeaway here is that Billy Joel was a huge but complex and flawed talent who is a big part of the popular culture and conversation. Really glad Joe urged this discography.
Props to Joe for staying cool about William Joel despite the hate from the others. People love him because of that “bar band” sound. All of his hits are sing-a-longs with simpler lyrics that aren’t offensive. He’s the singer for the masses. One year late to the debate but I recently stumbled upon your channel and am catching up. Love the discussions!
God I hare people that focus on the lyrics it’s embarrassing for them coz they obviously don’t understand music 😂! Just go buy a poetry book dude dyaniwatimean
Agree with Joe . I will forever love Billy Joel for having his breakout album The Stranger be his 5th album instead of his first. I was 14 when it came out. Shortly after saving up the money to buy The Stranger, I discovered 3 albums I could afford to buy in the discount bin: Piano Man, Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles. I felt like I hit the jackpot, and those discount albums remain at the top of my list to this day.
Fantastic video as always Jason and Joe...a fair summary...and I think Jason did a great job of highlighting the hidden gems...my Top list of hidden gems from all the albums...in chronological order... Tomorrow is Today You're my home Souvenir (so underrated, beautiful and sad) I've loved these days Vienna Surprises Where's the Orchestra? And so it goes (just beautiful) Lullabye
Thanks for a fun and entertaining video. This is one of your best rankings so far IMHO. It really showcases your differences as music lovers and to some extent your personalities. Jason was surprisingly polite, and I laughed out loud from some of the punches thrown between Joe and Kramzer. Reminds me of the quarrels I used to have with my friends back in the day when most people still cared about music. We often ended up fighting in front of the CD-player at parties, and we had all the characters in our group of high school friends: The alternative/indie to cool for school guy, the hipster dope smoker, the prog rocker, the classic rocker, the real musician who thought he always knew what he was talking about, the unapologetic Top 40 lover and the discoverer that always were showing off the latest and greatest. As for Billy Joel. I like him. I got 9 of his albums (missing Innocent Man I now realize - which I need to own), plus two live albums and the 3CD version of his greatest hits. He's one of those artists I'd call enjoyable, but not a great album artist that can hold my attention for long. But as a European I haven't been as bombarded with his hits from the radio as you guys probably have. BUt as most big hits artists he's got his share of annoying hits, and songs I've grown tired of. I'm with Jason for this one. As an album I think The Stranger is his most cohesive and solid work. I quite like the big hits too, Just The Way You Are and She's Always a Woman. Keep on keeping on guys! Joe, give them hell on Sonic Youth!
Enjoyable episode. And all credits to the ones that dig themselves through an enitre discography of an artist they're not very fond of. But in the end I'm with Joe.
Although i'm impressed by you guy's musical knowledge (considering how relatively young you are) i sometimes feel you can be too wholly dismissive of whatever artist you're discussing. Kramster flies really close to "obnoxious teen dissing all his parents records" territory here. His comment about Billy sounding like the, at the time, completely unknown Brandon Flowers on one track was a particular low point :) Joel is undoubtedly a bit of a musical magpie but he does have his own voice & has often sung like a dream. His musical talent, lyrical wit & versatility shines through and his direct, down-to-earth approach makes his best stuff a pleasure to listen to IMO. If you think of artists in terms of sounds or colours his body of works like a rainbow & we're all the better for it. Contrary to popular belief, a few of his albums were also well received & they went on to earn him 20+ Grammy nominations & 9 wins.
Part of the "issue", or perhaps it is what keeps things interesting and grounded, is that most channels that do album rankings are done by FANS of the artist. In some ways that makes for a "truer" comparison because the people ranking LIKE the music. Here you often get one person who dislikes or is indifferent to the artist in discussion and I think that is a difficult thing to gauge. There are bands I dislike and I think I'd have a difficult time ranking their albums and they most certainly wouldn't align with someone who IS a fan of said artist.
@@ExileOnMyStreet i know what you mean, but if it was me i'd try to dig deeper to find some more complimentary things to say. I can still find qualities in acts that i don't like much at all.
Man as a lifelong Billy Joel fan and a New Yorker that was brutal to watch... From Kramzers perspective I understand some of his points like how he never had a singing style of his own and he always sounded different.. which is one of the things i loved about it growing up.. McCartney also sang in multiple voices.. anyway pretty brutal to watch but maybe joe will get his revenge next week with the insufferable Sonic Youth
I always found it funny how when Elton John asked Billy Joel “Why don’t you make more albums?”, Billy’s response was “Why don’t you make less albums?” 😂
@@josejones He used “less” in a 2018 interview and “fewer” in a 2016 interview apparently. 😂 In 2018 he said: “There are artists who continue to record because they feel like that's what keeps them relevant. But if the quality of their work deteriorates it drags down the entire catalog. Elton [John] would say to me, 'Why don't you put out more albums?' I would say, 'Why don't you put out less albums?' I didn't want to come out and say, 'You're dragging down your legacy.'" From 2016: “People can say I'm coasting, but I stopped wanting to write songs. It took its toll…I hate writing but I love having written. I just stopped wanting to do it. Elton was always saying, 'Why don't you do a new album? Why don't you write new songs?' And I would reply, 'Why don't you put out fewer albums?' I guess he wants to remain relevant, but if they don't sell, what's the point? I hate to think I'm a nostalgia act, but we all are, anyone who's going to sell out arenas."
There was a time when I couldn't stand Billy Joel, then suddenly I turned a corner and really began to get into it. So many hits I once hated I now absolutely love. Not sure what happened...
The Stranger and 52nd Street some way ahead of the others for me, but all his albums have good songs on them. 1. The Stranger 2. 52nd Street 3. Turnstiles 4. Streetlife Serenade 5. The Nylon Curtain 6. River of Dreams 7. Piano Man 8. An Innocent Man 9. Glass Houses 10. Storm Front 11. Cold Spring Harbor 12. The Bridge
I´m really interested in a Listography of FLEETWOOD MAC - they had so many lineups and changes in sound - should be interesting and a great challenge for you three! ;-)
@@anthonysablan8650 Yes and comparing it all. I'm guess you are either a Peter Green OR a "later day" Mac-fan! Would fun to see if someone likes both and mixes them all over the ranking!
He wrote running on ice for STING to sing. And it was a movie soundtrack. Also, yes, Billy wanted to be a writer for other musicians, but they made him record the songs himself... and then he was a hit, so he kept going.
My wife and I saw Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden with my wife not really a fan. On the way out she grabbed my hand and said, “that was a fantastic concert. I never realized how many of his songs I knew.”
The Nylon Curtain is a CLEAR #1 album for me. After that... Songs From The Attic (I know, Live...but the song really come to life for me in that setting), The Stranger, Streetlife Serenade, and the odd songs on every album...
The run of six albums from Turnstiles (76) to An Innocent Man (83) is as good as it gets if you ask me. You can throw in the brilliant Songs In The Attic (81) as well. Here's how I rank the albums: 12 Cold Spring Harbor 11 The Piano Man 10 Streetlife Serenade 09 The Bridge 08 River Of Dreams 07 Storm Front 06 Turnstiles 05 Glass House 04 An Innocent Man 03 52nd Street 02 The Nylon Curtain 01 The Stranger If included, Songs In The Attic would have been at number 3. Simply a brilliant album.
Kram putting The Stranger at number 8 is one of the weirdest takes I've ever heard. That album is just one of those brilliant universal pop albums. I also never understood why people think he's a bad lyricist with songs like Vienna, Sleeping with the television on, Downeaster Alexa, lullabye, james, Movin Out and dozens more. The man has sold more albums than Micheal Jackson and Elton John for a reason and Its not just for his hits. The man's gotta deep catalogue of gems and everyone here in New York loves him from what I've seen. Thank you Joe for your great taste and bringing some Billy Joel class into listography. Good luck on that Sonic Youth discography, Ya gonna need it.
@@AbbeyRoadkill1 according to Business Insider he is right there at #6 with MJ at #7 and EJ at #8. On wikipedia MJ and EJ are #3 and #4 with Billy Joel down the list a bit.
My rankings usually follow Kramzer pretty closely, but on this one I was with Joe all the way - almost identical lists. Got to say, I really enjoy the episodes where one of you hates the band you're ranking or when two of you totally disagree - as a viewer, watching balance through volatility is far more fun than balance through agreement.
I don't know that I could put the albums in an order at this time. However, I know that I love Turnstiles and The Stranger and that the Streetlife Serenader album is an underrated sleeper. I don't dislike any of his albums. I went into a deep dive with Joel a while back and usually liked about half of the songs or more on each record. He may not be a critical darling, he may always try to be sounding like somebody else, he may not be as rock and roll as far as rock and roll goes, but he's well-worth a Listography review. It may be a "time and place" kind of thing. Growing up when I did - I would have been 10 when the Nylon Curtain came out - you just kind of consumed what you were fed on MTV and didn't judge it too much. Some videos you preferred to others. As sinister as it may sound, we just kind of accepted Billy Joel's music and found it enjoyable as a new record came out every year or so and he released a whole lot of videos. Kramzer, I find your response to Billy Joel interesting. I don't agree with you, but I find it interesting. I am guessing you don't have any children, as "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)" will make you weep once you have a child. I'm wondering what other big artists you guys don't like too much.
I was 14 when Billy Joel became a house hold name with "The Stranger". I was a huge Elton John fan and was a little dismissive of Joel at first but a friend had the album and I liked the deeper cuts. I bought 52nd Street when it came out and I loved it and I thought he really had his own sound. And then came Glass Houses which was my second and last Billy Joel Album. I did not hate it but man my father tortured me about it. He loved to mock me by singing "you may be right or you may be wrong" in the way that only a father can tease a 15 year old girl and drive her crazy -lol. Ended my love of Joel real quick. Also, the way he treated Liberty De Vitto and the other guys ruffles my feathers. However, I still think The Stranger and 52nd Street are classics and have significant meaning to me as part of my teenage years.
Todays pop music: 4 chords/song (I IV V VI BEATO!), Just the Way You Are...22 different chords! Such a trip. Love his song creation and Joe, I am with you, love this man. SO good. Billy is the bridge master. Always the change there and back into the song. In regards to his songs as homages I remember he was on Inside the Actors Studio talking his songs & playing bits, he mentioned that Shameless was an homage to Jimi and how he put chewing gum in his mouth while writing it to help him get into character
Glass Houses is my favorite Billy record and a perfect representation of what Joe was saying - the singles are not what makes this record but the deeper tracks which are phenomenal.
Billy Joel is very interesting in a way, in that he's accused of being too mainstream and radio friendly, yet at the same time his music is obviously very provocative and causes strong reactions. Ironically, the only track by him which I really like is We Didn't Start The Fire, which was a great juke-box favorite back in my college days, and always sounded great after a few beers.
A discussion of the intellectual qualities of Billy Joel's songs is the last thing you hear sitting on a covered sofa while Patrick Bateman takes his axe out behind you.
My Billy Joel discography rankings - Worst to First: 12. Streetlife Serenade (1974) -- "Root Beer Rag" and "The Mexican Connection" are fillers. 11. Cold Spring Harbor (1971) -- The struggling singer/songwriter's debut effort included two of his more memorable hits -- "Everybody Loves You Now" and "She's Got a Way" -- which appeared live on the Songs in the Attic LP in 1981. 10. An Innocent Man (1983) -- Imagine Frankie Avalon, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons singing instead. 9. Stormfront (1989) -- We don't know why he goes to extremes, even to this day. 8. Turnstyles (1975) -- Still an "Angry Young Man" who's living in his own "New York State of Mind." 7. The Nylon Curtain (1982) -- "Here you are in the ninth, two men out, and three men on, nowhere to look but inside..." 6. The Bridge (1983) --- "You've got to learn to relax and face the facts of modern woman..." 5. 52nd Street (1978) -- Then again, it is his life. 4. Glass Houses (1980) -- The tracks on the second side are underrated and underplayed. 3. Piano Man (1973) -- While "Piano Man" is his signature hit, "Captain Jack" is a hidden classic. 2. River of Dreams (1993) -- "All about Soul" is, possibly, my favorite throughout Joel's career. and 1. The Stranger (1977) -- The entire album is mint, from start to finish...a true masterpiece.
I think if you grew up in the 70's (me) Billy Joel has a little more meaning. He was a big part of FM rock radio and every album's release was major at the time. A lot of his stuff has not aged well and if you come to him after his public divorces, legal/money issues with managers/band members, bad 80's videos, he comes across differently than when he was a younger singer/songwriter. I like him--but I like Sonic Youth too. LOL! I'm going to watch that video now! Keep up the good work.
I mean, as a huge Beatles fan AND Bill Joel fan I think Paul McCartney sang in more voices than Joel did. I don’t think that’s a reason to criticise Joel’s songs. I love character driven songs and the imagination that goes into them rather than songwriters who are so limited they can only write about their personal experiences. I think Joel’s lyrics are also great! She’s always a woman is so bitter and angry, but this sentiment is disguised within the beauty of the melody. One of my all time favourite songs for sure. His hits are fantastic. I think the record sales speak for themselves. He also had the good sense to stop producing records in the early 1990s at the top of his game rather than keep on keeping on! Totally agree with Joe on this one. Surprised at the hostility for Billy! In my view, Billy Joel is so much better then Elton John. A lot of Elton’s albums are just unlistenable! Also, huge fan of this channel. Just discovered it and enjoying the debates!
Was at his best whenever he didn’t try too hard. ‘Innocent Man’ and ‘Stranger’ have held up well. Phil Ramone’s insistence on pumping up the drums on everything really hurt many of his songs/ albums.
Love Billy Joel. He is simply good at what he does. He shows up and pumps out hits. That said, there are deep cuts that are great. I get what everyone is saying about him sounding like other musicians. He often did try to be contemporary. It sometimes didn't succeed as well.
At 14, I took all of my babysitting/lawn mowing money to our local department store (Woodward's) and bought my first stereo and a few albums to get me started. The Stranger was one of them. You can only imagine how many times I listened to that album waiting for my collection to grow. I stuck with BJ until An Innocent Man before I jettisoned at least half my library when I fully embraced punk and post punk for the remainder of the decade (and beyond). Billy Joel will always be a nostalgia fest for me, but I enjoy it, dammit! ;D Over time Piano Man through to An Innocent Man (including Songs in the Attic) have made their way into my CD library and I'm pretty sure they'll stay there forever. The others each have a song or two worthy of a playlist, but that's as far as I will ever go with them. 1. The Stranger 2. 52nd Street 3. The Nylon Curtain 4. Glass Houses 5. An Innocent Man 6. Turnstiles 7. Piano Man 8. Streelife Serenade 9. Storm Front 10. The Bridge 11. River of Dreams 12. Cold Spring Harbour
Amazing artist that doesn’t receive enough respect despite his massive sales, accolades and the fact that he can still sell out MSG on a monthly basis. Much respect to Joe during this list. Grew up on LI, where Joel is idolized and where he also still lives. Used to work as a waiter at a restaurant that he used to frequent. One year he had a Christmas party for his entire band, and their families, at the restaurant and he left everyone including the kitchen staff very generous tips. He also performed with his daughter Alexa at the piano after the party was over. We weren’t allowed to record with our phones but it was a cool moment I won’t ever forget. My top 5 Billy Joel albums 1) glass houses 2) the stranger 3) an innocent man (earliest memories of Joel’s Music for me) 4) nylon curtain 5) turnstiles
Agreed, Joel is great who is worthy of people getting more acquainted with his albums. He went out on top, he may not have much presence due to not making albums anymore but his status is still pretty good based on massive sales and strong east coast fanbase.
One of the funniest gags is in the movie Step Brothers, where the climax of the movie features an 80s Billy Joel cover band called Uptown Girl. Everyone in the crowd is begging for them to play Piano Man or anything from the Stranger, and the lead singer starts yelling at the crowd that they STRICTLY only play 80s Joel.
Yerp, I'm with Joe! I listened to his discography all the way through for the first time a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised across the board! I would have to listen to it again to rank it. LOVE Big Shot and Still Rock and Roll to me tho!
I've got Storm Front and River of Dreams higher than basically every other Billy Joel fan, but aside from that Joe is pretty much 100% on point. Boggles my mind having CSH in the top 3, it's basically an album of demos.
Nah, the 1971 mix speed corrected is awesome. Everybody Loves You Now, You Can Make Me Free, Turn Around, Why Judy Why, She’s Got A Way… if youre going of the 1983 mix, aka the “remastered” then yea pure garbage.
Just finished listening to Billy Joel's 13 albums - my favourite song from each album is: Cold Spring Harbor - She's Got a Way. Piano Man - Piano Man. Streetlife Serenade - The Entertainer. Turnstiles - Say Goodbye to Hollywood. The Stranger - She's Always a Woman. 52nd Street - My Life. Glass Houses - Don't Ask me Why. The Nylon Curtain - Goodnight Saigon. An Innocent Man - An Innocent Man. The Bridge - A Matter of Trust. Storm Front - We didn't start the Fire. River of Dreams - Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel). Fantasies & Delusions - Opus 10: Air (Dublinesque).
A great artist, songwriter and pianist. The top three are classics, two five stars and one four and a half. 1. 52nd Street 2. The Stranger 3. Turnstiles 4. Streetlife Serenade 5. Glass Houses 6. An Innocent Man 7. Piano Man 8. The Bridge 9. The Nylon Curtain 10. Storm Front 11. River of Dreams 12. Cold spring harbor
As long as they don't skip the _Keys to Ascension_ albums and instead rank the studio recordings on both of them as one entity, which most people don't do.
Billy Joel is not to everyone's tastes, but I do think his mid-period material has a high quality bar that is easily taken for granted because of how overplayed the hits are or were back when. "52nd Street" is pretty amazing all the way through, and I even enjoyed "The Bridge" a fair bit when I had it. Not someone I seek, but I'm always pleasantly surprised when I check him out.
My favorite Rock artist of all time… i dont care about the hits too much. I find myself playing Turnstiles and Thy Nylon Curtain the most now days. I cant rank them, it would always change.
52nd street is great. BUT!!! The Stranger should of won him album of the year and not 52nd Street but I’m glad he was recognized for one of those two at least. He was robbed regardless the talent pool in 1977.
Good choice Joe! I like the way you guys work in popular mainstream artists with the ones that have more limited appeal. I love your channel, even though I usually only agree with 1 or 2 of you 1. Glass Houses 2. 52nd Street 3. The Stranger 4. Storm Front 5. An Innocent Man
Here in the UK, Billy Joel is a little bit like The Eagles, in that while he did pretty well here (especially An Innocent Man*), he wasn't as huge-selling and his big songs aren't as massively overplayed as they appear to be in the US. As a result, I think, like The Eagles, people rarely express a strong dislike for him over here. I've never owned or heard a Billy Joel studio album, but I have had a greatest hits compilation and I did see him live in about 1990 and enjoyed the show, at a time when a lot of the music I was into was rather more alternative. If I did listen to all the albums and rate them, I wouldn't be surprised if The Nylon Curtain came out as my number 1, for what it's worth. I do remember a review of a Billy Joel album (it may have been The Bridge) in the '80s, where the reviewer said that he was perfectly balanced because he had a chip on each shoulder. This was because he felt that Joel really wanted to be an earnest singer-songwriter but couldn't escape the temptation of producing catchy pop songs. *Uptown Girl goes down a storm here at weddings and other occasions that involve largely middle-aged people dancing.
Fantastic listography...for what it's worth, my Top 12... The Stranger Turnstiles The Nylon Curtain 52nd Street Streetlife Serenade Piano Man Storm Front An Innocent Man Glass Houses Cold Spring Harbor The Bridge River of Dreams
I admire Joe for weathering the storm here. I'm surprised there wasn't much discussion about the song, "Piano Man." I have nothing but harsh things to say about it. In spite of me hating the man's signature song, I'm definitely not a Joel-hater. I admire him for being such a prolific hit-maker for so long. Not an easy thing to do.
I'm very late to this one but as 'Tastes Like Music" is very re-watchable that's no crime. I can see where both Joe and Kram are coming from. Joe is saying that Billy's music makes him feel good and that's okay with me. Kram is pointing out Billy's shortcomings and that is also kosher. Jason is more objective and probably gets the gong (medal) here. Billy is a New York Living Treasure and although not really up my alley was a major artist through those decades.
A really informative and fun watch; thanks, guys. I went into this video, thinking that my copy of ‘The Essential Billy Joel’ is enough; and I still hold that opinion. I’m just not compelled to investigate further. I feel similarly about Elton John, actually: someone whom I’ve often felt Joel is an American version of. P.S. I’m hoping a Rolling Stones listography is on it’s way soon. Jason’s solo-effort was terrific. I’d dearly love to sit through all three of your’s views!
Glad to see you guys take the time for this artist. Kudos to Joe for pushing this one, I'm assuming. I have always held Billy Joel's songwriting in high regards, even though I have taken a lot of flack from certain musical circles over the years. Billy Joel is not a guilty pleasure! Can't believe Kramzer placed 'The Stranger' at #8. Blasphemy! But each to his own of course. I was glad to see him put 'Nylon Curton' so high; I've always felt it was a well crafted and under appreciated album. I had a hunch Jason would place 'Cold Spring Harbor' at the top. It's a shame about the botched pitched on the mastering. Both 'Tomorrow is Today' and 'Got to Begin Again' are among his best tracks I feel.
12: River Of Dreams 11: Streetlife Serenade 10: Cold Spring Harbor 9: The Bridge 8: Piano Man 7: Nylon Curtain 6: Storm Front 5: Turnstiles 4: 52nd Street 3: The Stranger 2: Glass Houses 1: An Innocent Man
I honestly took for granted that The Stranger would be a runaway trifecta at #1. When Kramzer put it at #8 my equilibrium went completely off! AAAAaaAAAhhh!!!!!
I don’t know why it took me so long to get to this. Joes ranking is my favourite (as usual) Only thing I’d change is he had Glass Houses at 4 and for me it’s number one. His only album that I like every song. The Stranger number 2. Allentown is one of his best songs Kramzer not that you’ll ever read this but you are nuts. At least we had the same number 1
Interesting conversation between Kramzer and Joe as to who was more authentically blue collar, Springsteen or Joel. I think all artists are actors to some extent even if they write their own songs. The question is are the characters they create believable or not.
I don't even know or care who is more authentic. But I say Springsteen. Either way, I certainly think Springsteen taps into it far far far better. - kramzer
Especially if you read or listen to Springsteen's excellent autobiography, Born to Run, he makes a point at the very beginning to say the whole working class blue collar thing is an act or homage to people he knew. He points out he started music at early age and it is the only job he ever really had and he made a decent living at it pretty quick and a fantastic living at 26. He says it is even a little embarassing to him at times that he is not the persona he has made a living singing about.
Great video, I love him, for me: 12: Storm Front, 11: The Bridge, 10: River of Dreams, 9: The Nylon Curtain, 8: An Innocent Man, 7: Piano Man, 6: 52nd Street, 5: Glass Houses, 4: The Stranger, 3: Streetlife Serenader, 2: Cold Spring Harbor and 1: Turnstiles.
My favorites are: 1. Turnstiles / The Stranger / 52nd Street 2. Nylon Curtain / StreetLife Serenade 3. Glass Houses Favorite songs: Honesty and She's Always a Woman Also like Piano Man, Captain Jack and She's Got a Way from the other albums Favorite Deep Cuts Scandinavian Skies and I've Loved These Days
1 52nd Street (first lp bought with my own $ in 1979). 2 Nylon Curtain 3 Turnstiles 4 Glass Houses 5 Stranger 6 Piano Man 7 Streetlife Serenade 8 Cold Spring Harbor 9 Stormfront 10 Innocent Man 11 River of Dreams 12 Bridge
I bought Piano Man when I was 16 years old because I liked the song but I didn't like the album. That lead me to think that the guy wasn't for me. A few hits from the 90s which I hated just confirmed my feeling. Still I know a few songs by him I like a good bit, but I was not thinking about diving deeper and your video has only reaffirmed my thoughts. I enjoyed the video nevertheless. I like what you guys do enough to watch you regardless of whether I like the artist. Looking forward to seeing Joe with SY, I sincerely think he will come to enjoy a few albums and a number of songs
One of the funniest Listography's ever! I don't understand the disdain from Kramzer for Joel but love the many looks that he and Joe flash and Jason is kind of "steady Eddie". Joe, you have to check out Fountains of Wayne's homage to the Attack ack ack ack on "Strapped for Cash". That being said, here is my list for what it is worth: 1- The Stranger Five stars 2-Nylon Curtain 41/2 3-Turnstiles 4 4-52nd street 3 1/2 5-Glass Houses 3 1/2 6-Piano Man 3 7-Steetlife Seranade 3 8 An Innocent Man 2 1/2 9 Cold Spring Harbor 2 10 River of Dreams 2 11 The Bridge 2 12 Storm Front 1 1/2
Great lists/convo as always. Here to vouch for The Stranger, maybe just because of its omnipresence during my formative years. p.s. have you guys done Matthew Sweet? (pretty deep bench and some interesting detours!)
Big fan of Billy Joel, even saw him on the Storm Front Tour, great show. My rankings: 12. Cold Spring Harbor 11. Streetlight Serenade 10. Piano Man 9. The Bridge 8. The Nylon Curtain 7. Turnstiles 6. River of Dreams 5. Glass Houses 4. 52nd Street 3. Storm Front 2. An Innocent Man 1. The Stranger
12. The Bridge 11. River of Dreams 10. Cold Spring Harbor 9. Streetlife Serenade 8. Piano Man 7. The Nylon Curtain 6. Glass Houses 5. Storm Front 4. An Innocent Man 3. 52nd Street 2. Turnstiles 1. The Stranger (but those top 3 constantly rearrange depending on the day.)
My top of Billy Joel: 1 Glass Houses 2 The Nylon Curtain 3 River of Dreams 4 Streetlife Serenade 5 Turnstiles 6 The Bridge 7 Cold Spring Harbor 8 The Stranger 9 52nd Street 10 Piano Man 11 An Innocent Man
@@m.e.l.saniepic3419 Es que no lo hice como un top de mejores y peores, sino de los que me gustan más a los que me gustan menos. Porque al final para mí todos sus discos son buenos.
The Stranger is hands down Joel's best album. I have no idea what Kramzer is talking about, complaining about the lyrics. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is a brilliant song and one of Joel's most ambitious. I don't think he ever wrote an ambitious song suite like that ever again in his career. Kramzer speaks vaguely of "awful" lyrics but I don't hear him cite a single example of what he's referring to. Admittedly, Joel is not as great a lyricist as someone like Bob Dylan or Springsteen. But The Stranger has some of the strongest songs, lyrically and melodically, of his career. It's also one of Joel's best sounding recordings.
I just want to say that I watched this clip from beginning to end. It was not the most entertaining one that the three of you have done. However, it was interesting! I admire Joe for sticking up for Billy Joel, an artist he clearly admires. Kudos to Jason and Kramzer for not selling out how they really feel. Honesty is important if you're gonna go through the trouble of constructing a 72 minute clip. It's a lot of listening and a lot of work. My own opinion of Billy Joel is that I always thought he was a great singer/songwriter and piano player. I like many of his songs and can't stand a few of them too. I can't say I was ever a big fan, but in my mind he was one of the best of his genre. The Stranger would be my #1. Thanks gentlemen. Keep it real! Cheers.
You realize, Joe, that _Cold Spring Harbor_ was properly remixed in '83, right? (Although it significantly altered 4 of the tracks: toning down the guitar sound on "You Can Make Me Free" and completely cutting out the 3-minute jam that ends the song, burying the acoustic guitar on "Everybody Loves You Now," burying the slide guitar on "Turn Around," and removing the orchestra from "Tomorrow Is Today.") But kudos for you putting his 'core 5' as your top 5. Also, no mention of "Captain Jack" and the most epic chorus he ever wrote??
1. The stranger 2. The nylon curtain 3. Turnstiles 4. 52nd street 5. Piano man 6. Glass houses 7. Street life serenade 8. An innocent man 9. Storm front 10. Cold spring harbor 11. River of dreams 12. The bridge
My List : 12. Storm Front 11. River Of Dreams 10. The Bridge 9. Cold Spring Harbor 8. Streetlife Serenade 7. Piano Man 6. Turnstiles 5. An Innocent Man 4. Glass Houses 3. 52nd Street 2. The Nylon Curtain 1. The Stranger
I’m three years late to the party, but I really enjoyed this! I’m a huge Billy Joel fan, so it’s safe to say Kramzer and I couldn’t be more opposite in terms of our views. When he gave The Stranger two stars and ranked it #8 I literally laughed out loud and thought to myself this guy is insane; however, it is great to hear all three of your varying opinions. The world would be pretty boring if everyone felt the same about every musician!
I'm with you, Joe! How dare somebody say he's not a good lyricist! I'm a metalhead primarily, but Billy Joel writes songs that connect with the everyman and I am he.
Billy grew up in a single parent home in Hicksville/Levittown area not Oyster Bay. But both areas have strong blue collar, working class work ethic. Nothing was handed to him. He worked the docks, learned to box, and tirelessly played the circuit of bars, clubs and colleges. His use of characters was an escape from being Billy Joel, from being this kid from a broken home. He never really wrote songs without thinking of another artist. He hated his own voice, his own look. He tried to kill himself and ended up in a psych ward. Billy’s younger days were definitely reflected in the working class people that inhabited his songs.
You hit the spot on that. But despite Billy picking out his shortcomings , he lived, hit the big time on album number 5 with the risk of being dropped, been ripped off twice, but still has enough money to support his family for many generations. Stops writing songs but never became irrelevant.. Closes his residency at MSG despite the fact he could probably continue to sell it out to his dying day…..and let’s not forget he scored Elle McPherson …The went on to marry the hottest woman in the world at that time…..not bad for a regular guy from Hicksville…
I agree with Joe on this one. 100%. Billy is a musical icon whose consistency should be admired. Regards!
Amen brother
52nd Street, The Stranger, Glass Houses, An Innocent Man, Turnstiles and The Nylon Curtain are top of the list in order for me. I have also seen him live twice in the 80s, so I am with Joe here, I am quite the fan. I recognise that musical taste is subjective but to rate 52nd Street and The Stranger lower than top 4 is criminal.
I got your back Joe. Billy Joel remains as one of my two favorite piano players (the other being Elton), an incredible lyricist and just a cool cat that can chat up super models. Win, win, win. Good insights from Kramzer and Jason (looking professional in this vid) but Joe is the Voice Of Reason in this installment. Long live the Piano Man!
Yes Joe I’m with you! Billy Joel is legend.
He’s a really bad lyricist; he writes music like a child given adderall.
As a lifelong Billy Joel fan, I really enjoyed this discussion. The differing opinions made for a satisfying and enlightening review of his work and legacy. I listened to 52nd Street, The Stranger and Glass Houses nonstop as a suburban teenager so those records made a huge impression on me and are still favorites of his. The takeaway here is that Billy Joel was a huge but complex and flawed talent who is a big part of the popular culture and conversation. Really glad Joe urged this discography.
Props to Joe for staying cool about William Joel despite the hate from the others. People love him because of that “bar band” sound. All of his hits are sing-a-longs with simpler lyrics that aren’t offensive. He’s the singer for the masses.
One year late to the debate but I recently stumbled upon your channel and am catching up. Love the discussions!
There aren’t very many artists where the lyrics are the main thing that attracts me, but Billy Joel is one of them.
Me too.
Billy joel is brilliant
God I hare people that focus on the lyrics it’s embarrassing for them coz they obviously don’t understand music 😂! Just go buy a poetry book dude dyaniwatimean
@@dondamon4669 😐
yeah I did that with pink floyd and it became my favorite band
Agree with Joe . I will forever love Billy Joel for having his breakout album The Stranger be his 5th album instead of his first. I was 14 when it came out. Shortly after saving up the money to buy The Stranger, I discovered 3 albums I could afford to buy in the discount bin: Piano Man, Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles. I felt like I hit the jackpot, and those discount albums remain at the top of my list to this day.
70's Billy Joel ROCKS! Thx! I agree, I think he's an excellent lyricist.
Leaning more to Joe on this ... loved this video guys ... tremendous stuff!
Fantastic video as always Jason and Joe...a fair summary...and I think Jason did a great job of highlighting the hidden gems...my Top list of hidden gems from all the albums...in chronological order...
Tomorrow is Today
You're my home
Souvenir (so underrated, beautiful and sad)
I've loved these days
Vienna
Surprises
Where's the Orchestra?
And so it goes (just beautiful)
Lullabye
Billy Joel is Pop perfection, I love all of his hits.
Rock*
Thanks for a fun and entertaining video. This is one of your best rankings so far IMHO. It really showcases your differences as music lovers and to some extent your personalities. Jason was surprisingly polite, and I laughed out loud from some of the punches thrown between Joe and Kramzer. Reminds me of the quarrels I used to have with my friends back in the day when most people still cared about music. We often ended up fighting in front of the CD-player at parties, and we had all the characters in our group of high school friends: The alternative/indie to cool for school guy, the hipster dope smoker, the prog rocker, the classic rocker, the real musician who thought he always knew what he was talking about, the unapologetic Top 40 lover and the discoverer that always were showing off the latest and greatest.
As for Billy Joel. I like him. I got 9 of his albums (missing Innocent Man I now realize - which I need to own), plus two live albums and the 3CD version of his greatest hits. He's one of those artists I'd call enjoyable, but not a great album artist that can hold my attention for long. But as a European I haven't been as bombarded with his hits from the radio as you guys probably have. BUt as most big hits artists he's got his share of annoying hits, and songs I've grown tired of.
I'm with Jason for this one. As an album I think The Stranger is his most cohesive and solid work. I quite like the big hits too, Just The Way You Are and She's Always a Woman.
Keep on keeping on guys! Joe, give them hell on Sonic Youth!
Enjoyable episode. And all credits to the ones that dig themselves through an enitre discography of an artist they're not very fond of. But in the end I'm with Joe.
Although i'm impressed by you guy's musical knowledge (considering how relatively young you are) i sometimes feel you can be too wholly dismissive of whatever artist you're discussing. Kramster flies really close to "obnoxious teen dissing all his parents records" territory here. His comment about Billy sounding like the, at the time, completely unknown Brandon Flowers on one track was a particular low point :) Joel is undoubtedly a bit of a musical magpie but he does have his own voice & has often sung like a dream. His musical talent, lyrical wit & versatility shines through and his direct, down-to-earth approach makes his best stuff a pleasure to listen to IMO. If you think of artists in terms of sounds or colours his body of works like a rainbow & we're all the better for it. Contrary to popular belief, a few of his albums were also well received & they went on to earn him 20+ Grammy nominations & 9 wins.
Part of the "issue", or perhaps it is what keeps things interesting and grounded, is that most channels that do album rankings are done by FANS of the artist. In some ways that makes for a "truer" comparison because the people ranking LIKE the music. Here you often get one person who dislikes or is indifferent to the artist in discussion and I think that is a difficult thing to gauge. There are bands I dislike and I think I'd have a difficult time ranking their albums and they most certainly wouldn't align with someone who IS a fan of said artist.
@@ExileOnMyStreet i know what you mean, but if it was me i'd try to dig deeper to find some more complimentary things to say. I can still find qualities in acts that i don't like much at all.
@@alansmithee3336 Agreed!
Completely agree kramzer is totally obnoxious.
Man as a lifelong Billy Joel fan and a New Yorker that was brutal to watch... From Kramzers perspective I understand some of his points like how he never had a singing style of his own and he always sounded different.. which is one of the things i loved about it growing up.. McCartney also sang in multiple voices.. anyway pretty brutal to watch but maybe joe will get his revenge next week with the insufferable Sonic Youth
First time on your channel, enjoyed this. Nice to see Nylon Curtain so high on all three of your lists - probably my favorite work of his.
I always found it funny how when Elton John asked Billy Joel “Why don’t you make more albums?”, Billy’s response was “Why don’t you make less albums?” 😂
That’s that trademark Billy Joel wit. - Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic Maybe we can count on future generations to wipe out all evidence that Victim of Love or Leather Jackets ever existed. 😉
If that's true, I love that he said that. And he isn't wrong, is he? Elton could have kept some of those recordings in the vault during the 80s/90s.
Hopefully he used the word “fewer” instead of “less.” Grammar is important.
@@josejones He used “less” in a 2018 interview and “fewer” in a 2016 interview apparently. 😂
In 2018 he said: “There are artists who continue to record because they feel like that's what keeps them relevant. But if the quality of their work deteriorates it drags down the entire catalog. Elton [John] would say to me, 'Why don't you put out more albums?' I would say, 'Why don't you put out less albums?' I didn't want to come out and say, 'You're dragging down your legacy.'"
From 2016: “People can say I'm coasting, but I stopped wanting to write songs. It took its toll…I hate writing but I love having written. I just stopped wanting to do it. Elton was always saying, 'Why don't you do a new album? Why don't you write new songs?' And I would reply, 'Why don't you put out fewer albums?' I guess he wants to remain relevant, but if they don't sell, what's the point? I hate to think I'm a nostalgia act, but we all are, anyone who's going to sell out arenas."
There was a time when I couldn't stand Billy Joel, then suddenly I turned a corner and really began to get into it. So many hits I once hated I now absolutely love. Not sure what happened...
You saw the light, Paul. You saw the light. - Joe
Your taste for and appreciation for things matured probably.
"Goodnight Saigon" is very powerful experience live because they usually have a group of Vets singing the chorus
The Stranger and 52nd Street some way ahead of the others for me, but all his albums have good songs on them.
1. The Stranger
2. 52nd Street
3. Turnstiles
4. Streetlife Serenade
5. The Nylon Curtain
6. River of Dreams
7. Piano Man
8. An Innocent Man
9. Glass Houses
10. Storm Front
11. Cold Spring Harbor
12. The Bridge
The bridge is an excellent album
I discovered Billy Joel as a child on my own. My parents Loved Chanson and Blues. When I started listening to Billy I enjoyed every second of it.
I´m really interested in a Listography of FLEETWOOD MAC - they had so many lineups and changes in sound - should be interesting and a great challenge for you three! ;-)
That's a good choice that wouldn't be too obvious for either Joe, Jason or Kramzer!
That one would be interesting, especially going through the Peter Green era
@@anthonysablan8650 Yes and comparing it all. I'm guess you are either a Peter Green OR a "later day" Mac-fan! Would fun to see if someone likes both and mixes them all over the ranking!
Fleetwood Mac would be great, just because of all their lineup changes. It's like trying to compare a half dozen bands with with each other.
@@anthonysablan8650 I really enjoy the Kirwan-Welch-records - very underrated!!! "Bare Trees" - what a great album!!!
Billy Joel, in my opinion is a "top tier lyricist."
Agreed. I really don't listen to music for lyrical content, but his lyrics stand out to me a lot more than a lot of other singers/bands.
I guess I have to be from Jersey To like Billy Joel.
He wrote running on ice for STING to sing. And it was a movie soundtrack. Also, yes, Billy wanted to be a writer for other musicians, but they made him record the songs himself... and then he was a hit, so he kept going.
My wife and I saw Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden with my wife not really a fan. On the way out she grabbed my hand and said, “that was a fantastic concert. I never realized how many of his songs I knew.”
The Nylon Curtain is a CLEAR #1 album for me.
After that... Songs From The Attic (I know, Live...but the song really come to life for me in that setting), The Stranger, Streetlife Serenade, and the odd songs on every album...
The run of six albums from Turnstiles (76) to An Innocent Man (83) is as good as it gets if you ask me. You can throw in the brilliant Songs In The Attic (81) as well. Here's how I rank the albums:
12 Cold Spring Harbor
11 The Piano Man
10 Streetlife Serenade
09 The Bridge
08 River Of Dreams
07 Storm Front
06 Turnstiles
05 Glass House
04 An Innocent Man
03 52nd Street
02 The Nylon Curtain
01 The Stranger
If included, Songs In The Attic would have been at number 3. Simply a brilliant album.
Cold spring harbor, worst?? I take it you are more into the hits. Which is fine. But thats definitely how it seems.
Billy joel is awesome if you don't like him you don't like music
The Stranger is an amazing album. I love Billy Joel.
Wrong
Been waiting for this!
Kram putting The Stranger at number 8 is one of the weirdest takes I've ever heard. That album is just one of those brilliant universal pop albums. I also never understood why people think he's a bad lyricist with songs like Vienna, Sleeping with the television on, Downeaster Alexa, lullabye, james, Movin Out and dozens more. The man has sold more albums than Micheal Jackson and Elton John for a reason and Its not just for his hits. The man's gotta deep catalogue of gems and everyone here in New York loves him from what I've seen. Thank you Joe for your great taste and bringing some Billy Joel class into listography. Good luck on that Sonic Youth discography, Ya gonna need it.
🙏 - Joe
I'm not convinced Billy Joel has outsold Elton John or Michael Jackson, not worldwide anyway.
@@AbbeyRoadkill1 according to Business Insider he is right there at #6 with MJ at #7 and EJ at #8. On wikipedia MJ and EJ are #3 and #4 with Billy Joel down the list a bit.
My rankings usually follow Kramzer pretty closely, but on this one I was with Joe all the way - almost identical lists. Got to say, I really enjoy the episodes where one of you hates the band you're ranking or when two of you totally disagree - as a viewer, watching balance through volatility is far more fun than balance through agreement.
I don't know that I could put the albums in an order at this time. However, I know that I love Turnstiles and The Stranger and that the Streetlife Serenader album is an underrated sleeper. I don't dislike any of his albums. I went into a deep dive with Joel a while back and usually liked about half of the songs or more on each record. He may not be a critical darling, he may always try to be sounding like somebody else, he may not be as rock and roll as far as rock and roll goes, but he's well-worth a Listography review. It may be a "time and place" kind of thing. Growing up when I did - I would have been 10 when the Nylon Curtain came out - you just kind of consumed what you were fed on MTV and didn't judge it too much. Some videos you preferred to others. As sinister as it may sound, we just kind of accepted Billy Joel's music and found it enjoyable as a new record came out every year or so and he released a whole lot of videos. Kramzer, I find your response to Billy Joel interesting. I don't agree with you, but I find it interesting. I am guessing you don't have any children, as "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)" will make you weep once you have a child. I'm wondering what other big artists you guys don't like too much.
The longer I watch.
The angrier I got.
I got you. - Joe
SONGS FROM THE ATTIC
the best album that cannot be reviewed as an album
ITS BRILLIANT
I would love if y'all would do a John Prine week
Seconded and I definitely got a ranking list already.
@@thebrood138 how would ya rank his albums
His debut is one of the greatest ever
@@painless465 it's definitely one of my favorites
I was 14 when Billy Joel became a house hold name with "The Stranger". I was a huge Elton John fan and was a little dismissive of Joel at first but a friend had the album and I liked the deeper cuts. I bought 52nd Street when it came out and I loved it and I thought he really had his own sound. And then came Glass Houses which was my second and last Billy Joel Album. I did not hate it but man my father tortured me about it. He loved to mock me by singing "you may be right or you may be wrong" in the way that only a father can tease a 15 year old girl and drive her crazy -lol. Ended my love of Joel real quick. Also, the way he treated Liberty De Vitto and the other guys ruffles my feathers. However, I still think The Stranger and 52nd Street are classics and have significant meaning to me as part of my teenage years.
Todays pop music: 4 chords/song (I IV V VI BEATO!), Just the Way You Are...22 different chords! Such a trip. Love his song creation and Joe, I am with you, love this man. SO good. Billy is the bridge master. Always the change there and back into the song.
In regards to his songs as homages I remember he was on Inside the Actors Studio talking his songs & playing bits, he mentioned that Shameless was an homage to Jimi and how he put chewing gum in his mouth while writing it to help him get into character
Glass Houses is my favorite Billy record and a perfect representation of what Joe was saying - the singles are not what makes this record but the deeper tracks which are phenomenal.
The whole thing is great. It’s his best album imo
Billy Joel is very interesting in a way, in that he's accused of being too mainstream and radio friendly, yet at the same time his music is obviously very provocative and causes strong reactions. Ironically, the only track by him which I really like is We Didn't Start The Fire, which was a great juke-box favorite back in my college days, and always sounded great after a few beers.
He’s even said it’s a stupid song
A discussion of the intellectual qualities of Billy Joel's songs is the last thing you hear sitting on a covered sofa while Patrick Bateman takes his axe out behind you.
My Billy Joel discography rankings - Worst to First:
12. Streetlife Serenade (1974) -- "Root Beer Rag" and "The Mexican Connection" are fillers.
11. Cold Spring Harbor (1971) -- The struggling singer/songwriter's debut effort included two of his more memorable hits -- "Everybody Loves You Now" and "She's Got a Way" -- which appeared live on the Songs in the Attic LP in 1981.
10. An Innocent Man (1983) -- Imagine Frankie Avalon, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons singing instead.
9. Stormfront (1989) -- We don't know why he goes to extremes, even to this day.
8. Turnstyles (1975) -- Still an "Angry Young Man" who's living in his own "New York State of Mind."
7. The Nylon Curtain (1982) -- "Here you are in the ninth, two men out, and three men on, nowhere to look but inside..."
6. The Bridge (1983) --- "You've got to learn to relax and face the facts of modern woman..."
5. 52nd Street (1978) -- Then again, it is his life.
4. Glass Houses (1980) -- The tracks on the second side are underrated and underplayed.
3. Piano Man (1973) -- While "Piano Man" is his signature hit, "Captain Jack" is a hidden classic.
2. River of Dreams (1993) -- "All about Soul" is, possibly, my favorite throughout Joel's career.
and
1. The Stranger (1977) -- The entire album is mint, from start to finish...a true masterpiece.
Captain Jack, deep cut? Lol that songs a staple in classic rock radio to this day.
I think if you grew up in the 70's (me) Billy Joel has a little more meaning. He was a big part of FM rock radio and every album's release was major at the time. A lot of his stuff has not aged well and if you come to him after his public divorces, legal/money issues with managers/band members, bad 80's videos, he comes across differently than when he was a younger singer/songwriter. I like him--but I like Sonic Youth too. LOL! I'm going to watch that video now! Keep up the good work.
I mean, as a huge Beatles fan AND Bill Joel fan I think Paul McCartney sang in more voices than Joel did. I don’t think that’s a reason to criticise Joel’s songs.
I love character driven songs and the imagination that goes into them rather than songwriters who are so limited they can only write about their personal experiences.
I think Joel’s lyrics are also great! She’s always a woman is so bitter and angry, but this sentiment is disguised within the beauty of the melody. One of my all time favourite songs for sure.
His hits are fantastic. I think the record sales speak for themselves.
He also had the good sense to stop producing records in the early 1990s at the top of his game rather than keep on keeping on!
Totally agree with Joe on this one. Surprised at the hostility for Billy!
In my view, Billy Joel is so much better then Elton John. A lot of Elton’s albums are just unlistenable!
Also, huge fan of this channel. Just discovered it and enjoying the debates!
I’ve paused the video to write
Ha ha ha a billy Joel listen through....I never thought I’d hear that let alone on here - love it...
Was at his best whenever he didn’t try too hard. ‘Innocent Man’ and ‘Stranger’ have held up well. Phil Ramone’s insistence on pumping up the drums on everything really hurt many of his songs/ albums.
Love Billy Joel. He is simply good at what he does. He shows up and pumps out hits. That said, there are deep cuts that are great. I get what everyone is saying about him sounding like other musicians. He often did try to be contemporary. It sometimes didn't succeed as well.
At 14, I took all of my babysitting/lawn mowing money to our local department store (Woodward's) and bought my first stereo and a few albums to get me started. The Stranger was one of them. You can only imagine how many times I listened to that album waiting for my collection to grow. I stuck with BJ until An Innocent Man before I jettisoned at least half my library when I fully embraced punk and post punk for the remainder of the decade (and beyond). Billy Joel will always be a nostalgia fest for me, but I enjoy it, dammit! ;D Over time Piano Man through to An Innocent Man (including Songs in the Attic) have made their way into my CD library and I'm pretty sure they'll stay there forever. The others each have a song or two worthy of a playlist, but that's as far as I will ever go with them.
1. The Stranger
2. 52nd Street
3. The Nylon Curtain
4. Glass Houses
5. An Innocent Man
6. Turnstiles
7. Piano Man
8. Streelife Serenade
9. Storm Front
10. The Bridge
11. River of Dreams
12. Cold Spring Harbour
Amazing artist that doesn’t receive enough respect despite his massive sales, accolades and the fact that he can still sell out MSG on a monthly basis. Much respect to Joe during this list.
Grew up on LI, where Joel is idolized and where he also still lives. Used to work as a waiter at a restaurant that he used to frequent. One year he had a Christmas party for his entire band, and their families, at the restaurant and he left everyone including the kitchen staff very generous tips. He also performed with his daughter Alexa at the piano after the party was over. We weren’t allowed to record with our phones but it was a cool moment I won’t ever forget.
My top 5 Billy Joel albums
1) glass houses
2) the stranger
3) an innocent man (earliest memories of Joel’s Music for me)
4) nylon curtain
5) turnstiles
he got more respect back when he was actually naking music - by going quiet he did not really help his reputation
Agreed, Joel is great who is worthy of people getting more acquainted with his albums. He went out on top, he may not have much presence due to not making albums anymore but his status is still pretty good based on massive sales and strong east coast fanbase.
One of the funniest gags is in the movie Step Brothers, where the climax of the movie features an 80s Billy Joel cover band called Uptown Girl. Everyone in the crowd is begging for them to play Piano Man or anything from the Stranger, and the lead singer starts yelling at the crowd that they STRICTLY only play 80s Joel.
I love that part. - Joe
Yerp, I'm with Joe! I listened to his discography all the way through for the first time a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised across the board! I would have to listen to it again to rank it. LOVE Big Shot and Still Rock and Roll to me tho!
I've got Storm Front and River of Dreams higher than basically every other Billy Joel fan, but aside from that Joe is pretty much 100% on point. Boggles my mind having CSH in the top 3, it's basically an album of demos.
Nah, the 1971 mix speed corrected is awesome. Everybody Loves You Now, You Can Make Me Free, Turn Around, Why Judy Why, She’s Got A Way… if youre going of the 1983 mix, aka the “remastered” then yea pure garbage.
Just finished listening to Billy Joel's 13 albums - my favourite song from each album is:
Cold Spring Harbor - She's Got a Way.
Piano Man - Piano Man.
Streetlife Serenade - The Entertainer.
Turnstiles - Say Goodbye to Hollywood.
The Stranger - She's Always a Woman.
52nd Street - My Life.
Glass Houses - Don't Ask me Why.
The Nylon Curtain - Goodnight Saigon.
An Innocent Man - An Innocent Man.
The Bridge - A Matter of Trust.
Storm Front - We didn't start the Fire.
River of Dreams - Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel).
Fantasies & Delusions - Opus 10: Air (Dublinesque).
Joel is great. Stranger is chock full of great. If you grew up in the 70s, his stuff was everywhere, especially '77-82
A great artist, songwriter and pianist. The top three are classics, two five stars and one four and a half.
1. 52nd Street
2. The Stranger
3. Turnstiles
4. Streetlife Serenade
5. Glass Houses
6. An Innocent Man
7. Piano Man
8. The Bridge
9. The Nylon Curtain
10. Storm Front
11. River of Dreams
12. Cold spring harbor
I posted my top 5 above and they are EXACTLY the same as yours. CHEERS!
I always find that the people who demand "sincerity" the most, usually exhibit it the least
I think a ranking of Yes albums by the listography guys would be fun. Great channel by the way!
As long as they don't skip the _Keys to Ascension_ albums and instead rank the studio recordings on both of them as one entity, which most people don't do.
Now there is a lyricist!
He wrote "We didnt start the fire" after hearing "Its the end of the world as we know it".He was very open about that.
Aye, always thought Berry, Buck, Mills & Stipe should get a writing credit.
Billy Joel is not to everyone's tastes, but I do think his mid-period material has a high quality bar that is easily taken for granted because of how overplayed the hits are or were back when. "52nd Street" is pretty amazing all the way through, and I even enjoyed "The Bridge" a fair bit when I had it. Not someone I seek, but I'm always pleasantly surprised when I check him out.
Waaaaayyy to harsh on the bridge. 1 star for what is generally a fine album is over critical for the sake of being over critical
Love Billy Joel! Grew up with him. The Stranger, 52nd street, Turnstiles, The Nylon Curtin, songs in the attic, are my favorites.
My favorite listography's are when there is a wide gap in your opinions of the artist. That makes this, along with Abba my favorite ones.
I agree about the wide opinion gap but I'm still scarred by Abba week. Billy Joel was the win Joe needed after that debacle.
I think I’m taking another L this with Sonic Youth
@@TastesLikeMusic You're An Innocent Man, Joe. This one is on Kram.
My favorite Rock artist of all time… i dont care about the hits too much. I find myself playing Turnstiles and Thy Nylon Curtain the most now days. I cant rank them, it would always change.
Dig the BJ very much. I would say my main go to albums of his are 52nd Street, The Stranger and Glass Houses.
Ok... Giving The Stranger 2 stars...Dude in the pick shirt has absolutely no business reviewing music. haha!
Ahh! Kramzer! The Stranger is his masterpiece! History plays such a role in our tastes
52nd street is great. BUT!!! The Stranger should of won him album of the year and not 52nd Street but I’m glad he was recognized for one of those two at least. He was robbed regardless the talent pool in 1977.
Good choice Joe! I like the way you guys work in popular mainstream artists with the ones that have more limited appeal. I love your channel, even though I usually only agree with 1 or 2 of you
1. Glass Houses
2. 52nd Street
3. The Stranger
4. Storm Front
5. An Innocent Man
Here in the UK, Billy Joel is a little bit like The Eagles, in that while he did pretty well here (especially An Innocent Man*), he wasn't as huge-selling and his big songs aren't as massively overplayed as they appear to be in the US. As a result, I think, like The Eagles, people rarely express a strong dislike for him over here.
I've never owned or heard a Billy Joel studio album, but I have had a greatest hits compilation and I did see him live in about 1990 and enjoyed the show, at a time when a lot of the music I was into was rather more alternative. If I did listen to all the albums and rate them, I wouldn't be surprised if The Nylon Curtain came out as my number 1, for what it's worth.
I do remember a review of a Billy Joel album (it may have been The Bridge) in the '80s, where the reviewer said that he was perfectly balanced because he had a chip on each shoulder. This was because he felt that Joel really wanted to be an earnest singer-songwriter but couldn't escape the temptation of producing catchy pop songs.
*Uptown Girl goes down a storm here at weddings and other occasions that involve largely middle-aged people dancing.
Hey, nice haircut Jason. Not often I'm with Kramz, but Joe deserves Sonic Youth next week.
No one deserves that. - Joe
Fantastic listography...for what it's worth, my Top 12...
The Stranger
Turnstiles
The Nylon Curtain
52nd Street
Streetlife Serenade
Piano Man
Storm Front
An Innocent Man
Glass Houses
Cold Spring Harbor
The Bridge
River of Dreams
I admire Joe for weathering the storm here. I'm surprised there wasn't much discussion about the song, "Piano Man." I have nothing but harsh things to say about it. In spite of me hating the man's signature song, I'm definitely not a Joel-hater. I admire him for being such a prolific hit-maker for so long. Not an easy thing to do.
I don’t hate Piano Man despite it being horrifically over played. - Joe
I'm very late to this one but as 'Tastes Like Music" is very re-watchable that's no crime. I can see where both Joe and Kram are coming from. Joe is saying that Billy's music makes him feel good and that's okay with me. Kram is pointing out Billy's shortcomings and that is also kosher. Jason is more objective and probably gets the gong (medal) here. Billy is a New York Living Treasure and although not really up my alley was a major artist through those decades.
he is a great lyrics writer. Yes not always consistent but maybe twenty great great lyrically written songs.
A really informative and fun watch; thanks, guys. I went into this video, thinking that my copy of ‘The Essential Billy Joel’ is enough; and I still hold that opinion. I’m just not compelled to investigate further. I feel similarly about Elton John, actually: someone whom I’ve often felt Joel is an American version of. P.S. I’m hoping a Rolling Stones listography is on it’s way soon. Jason’s solo-effort was terrific. I’d dearly love to sit through all three of your’s views!
Glad to see you guys take the time for this artist. Kudos to Joe for pushing this one, I'm assuming. I have always held Billy Joel's songwriting in high regards, even though I have taken a lot of flack from certain musical circles over the years. Billy Joel is not a guilty pleasure! Can't believe Kramzer placed 'The Stranger' at #8. Blasphemy! But each to his own of course. I was glad to see him put 'Nylon Curton' so high; I've always felt it was a well crafted and under appreciated album. I had a hunch Jason would place 'Cold Spring Harbor' at the top. It's a shame about the botched pitched on the mastering. Both 'Tomorrow is Today' and 'Got to Begin Again' are among his best tracks I feel.
I’m really glad to be seeing some Cold Spring Harbor love! A truly wonderful start to a career (despite the mixing)
12: River Of Dreams
11: Streetlife Serenade
10: Cold Spring Harbor
9: The Bridge
8: Piano Man
7: Nylon Curtain
6: Storm Front
5: Turnstiles
4: 52nd Street
3: The Stranger
2: Glass Houses
1: An Innocent Man
Great list, Joe! No comment on the other two, haha.
I honestly took for granted that The Stranger would be a runaway trifecta at #1. When Kramzer put it at #8 my equilibrium went completely off! AAAAaaAAAhhh!!!!!
I don’t know why it took me so long to get to this. Joes ranking is my favourite (as usual) Only thing I’d change is he had Glass Houses at 4 and for me it’s number one. His only album that I like every song. The Stranger number 2. Allentown is one of his best songs Kramzer not that you’ll ever read this but you are nuts. At least we had the same number 1
Joe..how do you hang with these guys!!!
It’s been tough all these years. Trust me. - Joe
Interesting conversation between Kramzer and Joe as to who was more authentically blue collar, Springsteen or Joel. I think all artists are actors to some extent even if they write their own songs. The question is are the characters they create believable or not.
I don't even know or care who is more authentic. But I say Springsteen. Either way, I certainly think Springsteen taps into it far far far better. - kramzer
who is more authentic? tom petty
@@TastesLikeMusic yeah. I was thinking about Elton tapping into Americana and doing it convincingly even though he was from north west London.
Elton’s version of Americana is probably the best non-American attempt. - Joe
Especially if you read or listen to Springsteen's excellent autobiography, Born to Run, he makes a point at the very beginning to say the whole working class blue collar thing is an act or homage to people he knew. He points out he started music at early age and it is the only job he ever really had and he made a decent living at it pretty quick and a fantastic living at 26. He says it is even a little embarassing to him at times that he is not the persona he has made a living singing about.
Great video, I love him, for me:
12: Storm Front, 11: The Bridge, 10: River of Dreams, 9: The Nylon Curtain, 8: An Innocent Man, 7: Piano Man, 6: 52nd Street, 5: Glass Houses, 4: The Stranger, 3: Streetlife Serenader, 2: Cold Spring Harbor and 1: Turnstiles.
1. The Stranger (1977) 4.5/5
2. The Nylon Curtain (1982) 4.5/5
3. An Innocent Man (1983) 4/5
4. 52nd Street (1978) 3.5/5
5. Storm Front (1989) 3.5/5
6. Turnstiles (1976) 3/5
7. Glass Houses (1980) 3/5
8. The Bridge (1986) 3/5
9. Piano Man (1973) 3/5
10. Cold Spring Harbor (1971) 2.5/5
11. Streetlife Serenade (1974) 2.5/5
12. River of Dreams (1993) 2/5
My favorites are:
1. Turnstiles / The Stranger / 52nd Street
2. Nylon Curtain / StreetLife Serenade
3. Glass Houses
Favorite songs: Honesty and She's Always a Woman
Also like Piano Man, Captain Jack and She's Got a Way from the other albums
Favorite Deep Cuts Scandinavian Skies and I've Loved These Days
1 52nd Street (first lp bought with my own $ in 1979). 2 Nylon Curtain 3 Turnstiles 4 Glass Houses 5 Stranger 6 Piano Man 7 Streetlife Serenade 8 Cold Spring Harbor 9 Stormfront 10 Innocent Man 11 River of Dreams 12 Bridge
I bought Piano Man when I was 16 years old because I liked the song but I didn't like the album. That lead me to think that the guy wasn't for me. A few hits from the 90s which I hated just confirmed my feeling. Still I know a few songs by him I like a good bit, but I was not thinking about diving deeper and your video has only reaffirmed my thoughts. I enjoyed the video nevertheless. I like what you guys do enough to watch you regardless of whether I like the artist. Looking forward to seeing Joe with SY, I sincerely think he will come to enjoy a few albums and a number of songs
One of the funniest Listography's ever! I don't understand the disdain from Kramzer for Joel but love the many looks that he and Joe flash and Jason is kind of "steady Eddie". Joe, you have to check out Fountains of Wayne's homage to the Attack ack ack ack on "Strapped for Cash". That being said, here is my list for what it is worth:
1- The Stranger Five stars
2-Nylon Curtain 41/2
3-Turnstiles 4
4-52nd street 3 1/2
5-Glass Houses 3 1/2
6-Piano Man 3
7-Steetlife Seranade 3
8 An Innocent Man 2 1/2
9 Cold Spring Harbor 2
10 River of Dreams 2
11 The Bridge 2
12 Storm Front 1 1/2
Great lists/convo as always. Here to vouch for The Stranger, maybe just because of its omnipresence during my formative years.
p.s. have you guys done Matthew Sweet? (pretty deep bench and some interesting detours!)
Big fan of Billy Joel, even saw him on the Storm Front Tour, great show. My rankings:
12. Cold Spring Harbor
11. Streetlight Serenade
10. Piano Man
9. The Bridge
8. The Nylon Curtain
7. Turnstiles
6. River of Dreams
5. Glass Houses
4. 52nd Street
3. Storm Front
2. An Innocent Man
1. The Stranger
12. The Bridge
11. River of Dreams
10. Cold Spring Harbor
9. Streetlife Serenade
8. Piano Man
7. The Nylon Curtain
6. Glass Houses
5. Storm Front
4. An Innocent Man
3. 52nd Street
2. Turnstiles
1. The Stranger
(but those top 3 constantly rearrange depending on the day.)
My top of Billy Joel:
1 Glass Houses
2 The Nylon Curtain
3 River of Dreams
4 Streetlife Serenade
5 Turnstiles
6 The Bridge
7 Cold Spring Harbor
8 The Stranger
9 52nd Street
10 Piano Man
11 An Innocent Man
Bro put his two worst albums at 3 and 4
@@m.e.l.saniepic3419 Es que no lo hice como un top de mejores y peores, sino de los que me gustan más a los que me gustan menos. Porque al final para mí todos sus discos son buenos.
Joe comes through again in a big way! Love Billy Joel.
This shows joe is the least pretentious of the 3.
@@TheARJAY69 Completely agree. Joe is the every man and the glue holding the channel together.
The Stranger is hands down Joel's best album. I have no idea what Kramzer is talking about, complaining about the lyrics. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is a brilliant song and one of Joel's most ambitious. I don't think he ever wrote an ambitious song suite like that ever again in his career. Kramzer speaks vaguely of "awful" lyrics but I don't hear him cite a single example of what he's referring to. Admittedly, Joel is not as great a lyricist as someone like Bob Dylan or Springsteen. But The Stranger has some of the strongest songs, lyrically and melodically, of his career. It's also one of Joel's best sounding recordings.
I just want to say that I watched this clip from beginning to end. It was not the most entertaining one that the three of you have done. However, it was interesting!
I admire Joe for sticking up for Billy Joel, an artist he clearly admires. Kudos to Jason and Kramzer for not selling out how they really feel. Honesty is important if you're gonna go through the trouble of constructing a 72 minute clip. It's a lot of listening and a lot of work.
My own opinion of Billy Joel is that I always thought he was a great singer/songwriter and piano player.
I like many of his songs and can't stand a few of them too. I can't say I was ever a big fan, but in my mind he was one of the best of his genre.
The Stranger would be my #1.
Thanks gentlemen. Keep it real! Cheers.
You realize, Joe, that _Cold Spring Harbor_ was properly remixed in '83, right? (Although it significantly altered 4 of the tracks: toning down the guitar sound on "You Can Make Me Free" and completely cutting out the 3-minute jam that ends the song, burying the acoustic guitar on "Everybody Loves You Now," burying the slide guitar on "Turn Around," and removing the orchestra from "Tomorrow Is Today.")
But kudos for you putting his 'core 5' as your top 5.
Also, no mention of "Captain Jack" and the most epic chorus he ever wrote??
I did know it got remixed. But I have not had a chance to listen to it. - Joe
1. The stranger
2. The nylon curtain
3. Turnstiles
4. 52nd street
5. Piano man
6. Glass houses
7. Street life serenade
8. An innocent man
9. Storm front
10. Cold spring harbor
11. River of dreams
12. The bridge
My List :
12. Storm Front
11. River Of Dreams
10. The Bridge
9. Cold Spring Harbor
8. Streetlife Serenade
7. Piano Man
6. Turnstiles
5. An Innocent Man
4. Glass Houses
3. 52nd Street
2. The Nylon Curtain
1. The Stranger