Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Truly a landmark album from the 70's, May 29, 2002
In my mind, it was the singers like James Taylor, Neil Diamond, and Billy Joel who shaped the music of the '70's and powerfully influenced pop music of the following generations. I might get argument in my feeling that there is noticeable influence by both of the other singer/writers in Billy Joel's output, and that's no putdown because he still has his individual style, even if flavors of the other two are there. "Travelin' Prayer" is indeed a strong opening song, one that expresses love for the woman while portraying a feeling that there is a being listening, though he doesn't really know how to talk to that being. "Piano Man" is of course the signature hit. But "You're My Home" and "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" are definitely significant, and "Stop In Nevada" deserves recognition. And the conclusion, "Captain Jack", is up there with the best of the '70's. If you're at all into the influential music that started in the 70's, you need at least one Billy Joel CD, and there is much more depth in this one then you'll find in a collection that just has his major hits.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ballad Of Billy Joel, December 28, 2000
Piano Man is the album that helped Billy Joel first grab the public's ear. The title track is an irresistible sing along number that has earned its place as a classic. The song's omnipresence overshadows the fact there are a couple of songs on the album that are even better. "Captain Jack" is a sprawling wide-open number that Mr. Joel sings with the perfect growl. "Worst Comes To Worst" is another tale about a lounge singer with a much more bouncy beat. "Piano Man" has become his signature number, but "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" should be. Much like the former, the latter tells of his life. Opening up with a cowboy sound, the song shifts and moves back and forth and is one Mr. Joel's best. "You're My Home" is a gift to his wife while "Stop In Nevada" has a nice beat. The album is dragged down by some lesser tunes like "Ain't No Crime", "Travelin' Prayer" and "Somewhere Along The Line".
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fine early Billy Joel album, September 28, 2007
Billy Joel's Piano Man album on Columbia Records remains one of his best ever; and anyone who enjoys good solid rock from the 1970s will enjoy this CD very much.
The track set opens with "Travelin' Prayer." Listen for some great drums, fiddle, banjo and piano to create a country flavor for this ballad. Billy's voice is rich and full of masculine warmth--terrific! "Piano Man," the title track for this CD, leaves nothing to be desired. It starts with some great harmonica playing; and when Billy Joel comes in "Piano Man" takes off like a jet! Billy sings some portraits of people who come to the bar where he plays piano. Moreover, "Ain't No Crime" is a beautiful, gospel flavored number with a backup chorus that harmonizes to perfection as Billy sings it well!
"The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" gives us a country/western flavored arrangement as Billy sings the story of Billy The Kid and even compares himself to Billy The Kid but in a more positive light. Billy Joel sings "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" flawlessly.
"Worse Comes To Worst" actually has a catchy melody that reflects the optimism Billy's character feels that he'll get by no matter how hard life gets; and this song has a great early 1970s rock and roll beat to it! Listen for some great key changes on "If I Only Had The Words (To Tell You)," too.
The album ends strong with the ballad called "Captain Jack." Billy delivers this flawlessly with panache and sensitivity. Great!
The artwork impresses me--how's about that cover photo?
Billy Joel remains a titan in the music industry; and this title is well deserved. Billy is one of the very few versatile artists who can evoke whatever emotions he wants his audiences to feel with every song he sings or records. I highly recommend this fine CD to anyone who likes great rock music from the early 1970s.
Enjoy!
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is Billy Joel's 
