|
|
Music Groups - Billy Joel
William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American musician and pianist, singer-songwriter, and classical composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man," in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to the RIAA.[2]
Wikipedia Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Joel
eBay Link: View Billy Joel on eBay
|
|
| # | Comments |
|---|
| 1 |
I think the difference between "Nylon Curtain" and "Innocent Man" is quite noticeable. The biggest change was the fact that before "Nylon Curtain" Joel wasn't considered MTV friendly. He teamed up with famed music video director Russell Mulcahy to create videos from the album. Suddenly, what began as Joel's social commentary album transformed into the album that made him hip and cool. Joel, a few years after his divorce from his first wife, then met and dated Elle Macpherson and later Christie Brinkley shortly after the album released. He transformed from merely a musician to a superstar. His popularity was at a peak in the early-mid 80s. I think An Innocent Man was a light hearted album celebrating this achievement in life. He finally made it big, so he let his guard down and created an album that might not have been as inspired or as challenging. I still like and consider it his last truly great album, but he had some good songs scattered throughout his last three albums, just not consistent like the other albums. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on July 20, 2012, 11:10 am - (0 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 2 |
I almost voted for post 1983 until I realized even that was one album too late. I didn't care for "An Innocent Man" too much. To me that was when Billy stopped being Billy and started using worn out "gimmickry" (e.g. "yet another 50s revival - oh joy - we didn't get enough of this with Happy Days") to sell records. From then on, gone were the prominent piano parts that were staples of his songs on every album up to The Nylon Curtain, replaced with standard, basic, guitar-oriented pop-rock. An Innocent Man wasn't the worst of this, but it was the start of it. It had a few bright spots, but overall it didn't remind me of a Billy Joel's previous style. It sounded more like Billy singing someone else's songs, even though I'm sure he wrote most of them. "River of Dreams" was good as albums go, but I still hear few hints of "classic" Billy Joel in there. Could be a coincidence, but when I believe he boned seems to coincide with his first divorce / marriage to Christy Brinkley. Makes one wonder if his first wife wasn't the inspiration for his early albums. -- Submitted By: (ParkerTillman) on July 19, 2012, 4:23 pm - (0 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 3 |
John,
I agree it's not one of his best songs. However; the fact that he turned down a seven-figure sum for the publication of his nearly-completed autobiography not too long after his daughter went through some very tough times, DEFINITELY showed that his heart was in the right place. Not that many celebs care enough about their kids to turn down compensated publicity for their sakes but that's what he seems to have done and, if that's the case, I admire him for having that integrity. -- Submitted By: (Pelirojo) on December 4, 2011, 6:52 pm - (0 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 4 |
Billy's heart was in the right place when he did the song You're Only Human about suicide, but it sucked badly. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on December 4, 2011, 11:44 am - (0 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 5 |
I always liked the song about the woman who went to a party and had to show off (you had to be a big shot, did ya?) and the one about being crazy (it just may be a lunatic you're lookin' for). And you know he has some serious game to have bagged Christie Brinkley in her 20s with his less than ideal looks. -- Submitted By: (DolFan316) on May 22, 2011, 6:26 pm - (2 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 6 |
I like the guy too. His songs have alot of heart. (Well, I can't speak for the stuff after about 1983.) My favorite album is The Nylon Curtain. The songs "Allentown" and "Pressure" kick ass, and "Goodnight Saigon" has a very special place in my heart. -- Submitted By: (Soggy9000) on May 20, 2011, 8:05 pm - (3 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
| 7 |
Huge Billy Joel fan. Love his music. Have pretty much all his albums. His hits are great, but some of his better songs are the regular songs on his albums. As a person I know he has his flaws (multiple marriages, addictions, multiple car accidents, etc.), but I still love his music and think he seems like a pretty good guy. Went to his concert in Las Vegas with my wife about two years ago. I think we were the youngest ones there, but still was awesome to see him live. Never boned. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on May 20, 2011, 3:36 pm - (2 votes)
- Login to Vote
|
|
|
Login to See the QUICK COMMENT Box
|
Follow on Twitter!
|
TV Shows: A - Z
Celebrity: A - Z
Music Groups: A - Z
Movie Series: A - Z
Websites: A - Z
Random Topics: A - Z
