Billy Joel's 1977 studio album, The Stranger, is a true masterpiece of the singer-songwriter genre, showcasing Joel’s exceptional talent as both a lyricist and a musician. This iconic album is not only a significant milestone in Joel's career but is a timeless classic in the history of popular music and one of the best albums released in the 70s.
The Stranger is so impressive that it could be seen as Joel’s magnum opus; although, there are so many of his albums that could fall into that category that to categorically make that statement, without further reflection, would be obtuse. Nevertheless, as you listen to The Stranger, Joel’s fifth studio album with nine distinctive tracks, you’ll experience a multifaceted journey through a wide range of emotions and storytelling. It’s, subsequently, a difficult album to fault for every track is worthy of inclusion and the combination contributes to the album's overall brilliance.
Also impressive is the sonic reproduction of the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream; an Apple Digital Master. While there are countless releases of The Stranger, the Apple Music stream does offer a reproduction that I consider to be perfect. Having listened to these songs for decades, I can attest that while there may be a better mastering to be heard, the Apple Music stream is so good that I see no reason to explore over 200 editions to find the one that best suits my subjective tastes. It is one of those moments when I’m reminded that the greatest enjoyment in the appreciation of listening to music is the music itself. Hence, if this version excites you as much as it does me, then that is all we will ever really need.
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) launches the album with a bang, but it’s also a jolt if you’re not expecting the sudden introduction. Nevertheless, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) is a catchy tune that is perfectly suited to Joel’s overall style and is a fantastic way to open The Stranger.
The Stranger has an opening that would suggest it's a softer tune, but as enchanting as that introduction is, The Stranger melds into an incredible pop-rock number that is not only a standout but is also the perfect title track. Additionally, while some may dislike the shifting styles, I adore the reprise towards the end of the song for it is the perfect bookmark to an incredible tune.
Just The Way You Are is a smooth ballad that has become a timeless classic. Yes, it is a little dated but the patina of another time is part of its appeal for as it continues to age, it becomes even more impressive.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is an epic tune and is one of Joel’s greatest hits. It really is a masterpiece and while I acknowledge that term is overused, I can’t think of a better way to describe this wondrous piece of music.
Vienna is a beautiful song that highlights Joel’s vocal and piano performance. If only all B-sides could be this impressive as it's one of Joel’s many hidden gems.
Only The Good Die Young picks up the tempo with an energetic rock ’n’ roll vibe. While one of the more popular tunes from The Stranger, it is far from Joel’s strongest song. Yes, I do enjoy it when playing this album, but I also don’t seek it out on its own. It isn’t the controversial aspect concerning the lyrical interpretation, for I rarely pay attention to lyrical meaning and depth, instead choosing to enjoy the human vocal as another instrument in the mix. It’s just that I consider it to be an album-only tune; a thoroughly enjoyable one, but not one worthy of its reputation.
She's Always A Woman is the greatest song Joel has ever written and recorded. I could listen to this tune on repeat indefinitely for it is, arguably, the most tender and delicate love song in all of recorded music history. Music, truly, doesn’t get any better than this.
Get It Right The First Time was always going to be overshadowed by She's Always A Woman and while I would have preferred a different sequencing, whereby this tune appeared before She’s Always A Woman, Get It Right The First Time is a solid album-only song that further enhances The Stranger and ensures that it’s my favourite album from 1977.
Everybody Has A Dream is a beautiful gospel-inspired closer that leaves a lasting impression and further showcases Joel’s songwriting and musical abilities. While Everybody Has A Dream is largely lost to those who haven’t listened to the album in its entirety, it’s their loss because it not only encourages me to spin the album again but it allows me to sit and contemplate the music I’ve just heard; an aspect that all music lovers should be able to experience every time they play music. It’s even more paramount as Joel’s masterful whistling, from The Stranger, is once again reprised and closes the album out perfectly.
The Stranger is an album that presents a wide range of musical styles and lyrical themes, showcasing Joel's versatility. Its diversity is a probable factor in The Stranger being an enduring classic that has not only stood the test of time but will remain relevant to music lovers for as long as humanity continues to exist. The Stranger is, subsequently, a must-listen for anyone interested in the singer-songwriter genre or the history of rock and pop music, for they really don’t make music like this anymore.