Album: The Bridge (1986)
Thoughts: Very 80s, but unfortunately the songs feel a bit cheesy. That said, catchy “A Modern Woman” could be my favorite Billy Joel track of the 80s. The album featured several guest appearances, including Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper.
Favorite tracks: A Matter of Trust, A Modern Woman
Album: Storm Front (1989)
Thoughts: A rock n rock album, which has an epic feel due to the themes that are explored.
Favorite tracks: We Didn't Start the Fire
“We Didn't Start the Fire” is a fast-paced song that cataloged a list of historical events, trends, and cultural icons from after World War II (when Joel was born) until 1989.
Album: River of Dreams (1993)
Favorite tracks: River of Dreams
The album cover was a painting by Joel's then-wife, Christie Brinkley. In 1993, Rolling Stone gave her the Top Picks award for "The Best Album Cover of the Year”.
I liked "River of Dreams" although I think Rolling Stone said gave the cover the worst cover of the year. Some of Billy Joel's stuff in the 80s weren't very good due to the production. I remember a video for a song where a guy was about to jump off a bridge only for Billy Joel to convince him through song to not do it. I would've jumped.
ReplyDelete@thevoid99: I got the info from wikipedia that the artwork won an award,maybe it’s inaccurate(happens).
DeleteI don’t remember that video(I guess it’s from the 1986 Bridge album). Don't jump man...
Oh I quite like Billy Joel though I don't listen to his stuff much any more. “We Didn't Start the Fire” was one of my fave and I think I quite like 'River of Dreams' as well.
ReplyDelete@Ruth: Billy Joel has put out great songs, but you have to go way back to find the good stuff.
DeleteRiver of Dreams song is not bad, glad you enjoyed it.
I remember my niece trying to figure out the words to We Didn't Start the Fire. I had to help her with ones like "children of Thalidomide" because she had never heard about it. She actually learned several things in post-WWII history from this song. And it's also catchy.
ReplyDelete@Chip Lary: Nice story about your niece. The lyrics are kind of a history lesson, and yes, a cachy tune.
DeleteThese albums are really hard to take if you love his 70's stuff. They're a bit of a slap in the face, and part of why I think he's lazy.
ReplyDeleteHe got REALLY pedestrian after his divorce, not to mention a bit preachy. It's all very unnatractive.
Ha ha ha ha - love that comment above - I would've jumped! :)
(Great series Chris - thanks for the memories / analysis)
@Lisa: These albums certainly are very different to his 70s work. There are a few tracks I like from those three LPs, especially the singles.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, I had a blast listening for the first time to all his studio albums. So why not share my experience of the music?