12 Billy Joel deep cuts

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As a music enthusiast who grew up in the golden age of rock and roll, I must say that this list of deep cuts from Billy Joel‘s discography has been a veritable treasure trove for me. Having had the good fortune to attend several of his concerts over the years, I can attest to the fact that he is an artist who delivers time and time again, both on stage and in the studio.

Billy Joel is often regarded less as a performer and more as a skilled songwriter, or an artist with a unique style that wasn’t commonly seen on concert merchandise like T-shirts.

It appears that there was a discussion about whether Billy Joel’s music falls under the category of rock or not. His nickname “The Piano Man,” given due to his sing-along, story-filled song from 1973, might have caused his music to be perceived differently compared to traditional rock. Some might categorize it as soft rock or pop rock instead.

However, everything shifted when Billy Joel’s album “Glass Houses” was released in 1980. This undoubtedly marked a significant change in his reputation. Notably, Joel intentionally altered his style for this album, incorporating more electric guitar. Over time, it gained recognition as guitar-focused rock music, enriched by skillfully included piano melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. The songs “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “You May Be Right” became chart-toppers, characterized by their catchy riffs. By the time the album’s popularity waned, Joel had garnered a considerable number of new fans.

Indeed, he continues to perform live events, surprisingly so given his confession about disliking his own vocal tone. Moreover, he has openly declared that he’s no longer producing new studio albums.

Joel Goes to the front of the line of Mainstream Pop/Rock

Before the release of “Glass Houses”, Joel enjoyed a streak of success in the 1970s. He released six albums, with his career-defining album being 1977’s “The Stranger”. This album spent six weeks at number two on Billboard’s top albums chart. The album produced various singles, ranging from slow and melodic tunes like “She’s Always a Woman” and “Just the Way You Are”, to more upbeat and emotional tracks such as “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young”.

In the 1970s, it’s clear that Joel had become popular and mainstream. His albums were known for producing lively, easily identifiable tunes. He was a reliable artist, and he wasn’t shy about exploring different styles in his compositions.

In 1978’s album titled “52nd Street“, Billy Joel deliberately sought a unique sound. He enlisted horn players, resulting in a jazzier-bluesier, more bold record. This album climbed to the top of the charts and even earned Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. Among its popular tracks were “Big Shot”, “My Life”, and “Honesty”.

In 1982, Joel maintained his tradition of rock albums by releasing “The Nylon Curtain.” Tracks such as “Pressure” and “Allentown” became major hits. However, for his subsequent album, The Innocent Man (released in 1983), Joel made a drastic shift. This time, he focused on creating original tribute songs honoring influential American artists of the 50s and 60s. While it was an enjoyable listen, some fans found it surprising after “The Nylon Curtain” and “Glass Houses,” as Joel once again strived to produce a unique sound, similar to his work on 52nd Street.

As a 16-year-old, I frequently played “An Innocent Man” by Billy Joel on repeat during our family’s summer road trip in 1984. We traveled from Dodge City to Yellowstone Park, passing through the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. Listening to Billy’s music made for an unforgettable journey.

Joel’s body of work is extensive. For a comprehensive exploration of his less popular tracks, we will delve into albums that showcased his peak creativity, starting with “The Stranger” and ending at “An Innocent Man,” which were released during his most productive period.

#12. “C’etait Toi (You Were the One)”

Speaking of Glass Houses, let’s dive into a lesser-known gem from that album. It’s Billy who delivers some of the finest French lyrics since “Michelle” by the Beatles. This track is sure to provide a lesson in conversational French. You might recall it being played on the TV series Freaks and Geeks.

11. “Rosalinda’s Eyes”

In one section of this track, a flute takes center stage, transporting us metaphorically to Latin America. The sound of whistles, bongo drums, and a lively melody that flows like vibrant colors evoke the image of captivating eyes belonging to a woman. This is the opening song on the sensational 52nd Street album.

#10. “A Room Of Our Own”

In this tune, we have a lively number hailing from the show “The Nylon Curtain”. It’s got a Swing vibe that could easily fit on his “An Innocent Man” record. However, unlike the original, Joel pushes the boundaries with his powerful vocals and calls for a contemporary twist of swing, shake, and roll. The piano takes center stage, reminiscent of a Jerry Lee Lewis solo. Once more, Joel lets the music serve as the art, with each song having its unique artistic space.

9. “Get It Right the First Time”

Joel gives “The Stranger” album’s track a standout status with its mix of hard-edged rhythm (provided by the deep bass guitar) and soft melodies (created by flute interludes). His voice and demeanor seamlessly surpass the song’s musical harmony, adding an endearing “La La La La…La La La Lo” touch that elevates it to a more flowing and joyful experience. This is the one song on our playlist from the exceptional album, “The Stranger”.

8-. “All for Leyna”

In certain regions, songs are issued as standalone tracks (or “singles”), while in others they’re not. For instance, this powerful rock number by Joel titled “Leyna” from the album “Glass Houses” is one such song that was released as a single in Europe and Australia. The piano melody and rhythm are intricately crafted, with energetic guitars and drums adding depth to create an immediate impact on listeners.

7. “Zanzibar”

Among the artists who have timeless deep cuts, none compare to Billy Joel. The song “Zanzibar” from his album 52nd Street has a dedicated fanbase among us Billy Joel enthusiasts. His storytelling is unparalleled by any artist I’ve come across – he weaves tales through music like no other.

#6. “Easy Money”

This is the first song off The Innocent Man album. It’s no wonder because it sets the tone for the rest of the album. It has some steady drums, and a whole lot of nostalgic lyrics. With some horns and a chorus of women, this song is a fun listen as an homage to James Brown and Wilson Pickett. It was the theme song for an underrated comedy movie called Easy Money starring Rodney Dangerfield. The song trails off and brings itself back in classic form. 

#5. “She’s Right On Time”

A Christmas tune? Perhaps not. Instead, we’re talking about an electrifying rock song from “The Nylon Curtain.” This number ticks all the boxes when it comes to Billy Joel’s iconic elements – verses, chorus, a surprise late comeback verse, a rich mix of instruments, and his voice hitting just the right notes. The talent of Billy Joel as a singer often gets overlooked. He breathes life into each song in a unique way. Definitely worth checking out the video for this one too.

#4. “Sleeping With The Television On”

Incredible variety in this track from “Glass Houses”! It starts off with a snippet of the national anthem, followed by the urgent sound of an emergency siren, which smoothly transitions into a steady drum rhythm and complex guitar patterns. Billy Joel delivers his quick-witted lines about falling asleep with the TV on. The song then switches pace for two verses, only to return to another verse and a powerful synthesizer finish – all within three minutes.

3. “Sometimes a Fantasy”

This song is a hidden gem that may have only reached number 36 on Billboard, but it feels like an injustice after each listen. Joel delivers an exceptional performance using various microphone breathing techniques, skillfully integrated synths, memorable drum beats, thoughtful lyrics, and energetic guitars. Starting from a flawless album “Glass Houses”, it initiates with the sound of a push button phone call and ring.

#2. “Stiletto”

Oh, what a delight! The rhythm initially pulsates, then, the crisp snap of fingers, the tinkling of the piano keys, and there’s Billy with a wealth of words to share. Joel’s lyrics are not only hard-hitting but also flexible and profoundly poetic. He demonstrates the essence of true artistry by skillfully blending numerous strengths into one musical piece. This tune embodies elements of blues, jazz, and vibrant urban nights. It’s no wonder that 52nd Street earned the Grammy for Album of the Year. The final two songs we’ll hear are from this album. I believe it’s the jazz vibe that elevates this album to the rank of all-time greats.

1. “Half A Mile Away”

From the get-go, the potential in this piece is evident. A vibrant jazz ensemble kicks off the tune, accompanied by narrative prowess from Joel. The harmonies are seamlessly blended from Joel’s band, demonstrating their worthiness as backup vocalists. This band plays with precision. Midway through the song, they collaborate to elevate themselves musically while maintaining the same rhythm. The jazz ensemble often reappears. While this tune should be iconic, it is only known as a lesser-known gem. I yearn to experience this song live.

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2024-12-18 16:01