Billy Joel's iconic album, The Stranger, released on 1 January 1977, is a masterpiece of soft rock that has stood the test of time. This captivating collection of tracks, released under the Columbia/Legacy label, showcases Joel's incredible talent and versatility as a musician.
The album kicks off with the energetic 'Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)', followed by the hauntingly beautiful 'The Stranger', and the romantic 'Just the Way You Are'. The tracklist also features the epic 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant', a fan favourite that showcases Joel's storytelling ability. Other notable tracks include 'Only the Good Die Young', 'She's Always a Woman', and 'Get It Right the First Time', all of which demonstrate Joel's unique blend of rock, pop, and jazz influences.
The Stranger also includes a series of live recordings from Billy Joel's 1977 performance at Carnegie Hall, New York, featuring renditions of 'Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway)', 'Prelude / Angry Young Man', and 'New York State of Mind'. These live tracks add a new layer of depth to the album, capturing the energy and excitement of Joel's live performances.
With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, The Stranger is a substantial and satisfying listen that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Billy Joel's soulful voice, masterful piano playing, and thoughtful songwriting make this album a must-listen for fans of soft rock and beyond.
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