Billy Joel's debut album, "Piano Man," released on November 7, 1973, under the Columbia/Legacy label, is a timeless collection of soft rock gems that showcases Joel's exceptional songwriting and piano prowess. The album spans a generous 1 hour and 41 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of tracks that blend introspective lyrics with memorable melodies.
The album opens with the title track, "Piano Man," a poignant narrative that has become one of Joel's most beloved songs. Other standout tracks include the reflective "You're My Home," the storytelling "The Ballad of Billy the Kid," and the upbeat "Captain Jack." The album also features live recordings from an April 1972 session at Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio in Philadelphia, PA, providing an intimate glimpse into Joel's early performances.
"Piano Man" is a testament to Billy Joel's enduring talent and his ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on a deep level. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, this album is a must-experience, offering a blend of studio polish and raw, live energy that captures the essence of Joel's artistry.
(P) 1973 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 2010 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Travelin' PrayerBilly Joel
Piano ManBilly Joel
Ain't No CrimeBilly Joel
You're My HomeBilly Joel
The Ballad of Billy the KidBilly Joel
Worse Comes to WorstBilly Joel
Stop in NevadaBilly Joel
If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)Billy Joel
Somewhere Along the LineBilly Joel
Captain JackBilly Joel
Introduction by Ed Sciaky - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Falling - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Travelin' Prayer - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Travelin' Prayer - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Billy the Kid - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
The Ballad of Billy the Kid - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to She's Got a Way - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
She's Got a Way - Live at Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PA - April 1972Billy Joel
Intro to Everybody Love You Now - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Everybody Loves You Now - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Nocturne - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Nocturne - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Station ID and Intro to Turnaround - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Turnaround - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Long, Long Time - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Long, Long Time - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Captain Jack - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Captain Jack - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Josephine - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Josephine - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Intro to Rosalinda - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Rosalinda - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel
Tomorrow Is Today - Live April 1972 At Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR Radio, Philadelphia, PABilly Joel