Album Review: Glass Houses (1980) [REVISED]

Glass Houses (1980)

People who are familiar with Billy Joel know that there is a major difference between softer 70s Billy Joel and outspoken 80s Billy Joel, but where did the transition begin? When Billy Joel released Glass Houses in 1980, he was already deep into his music career, and eagerly finding ways to keep his music fresh. With the start of a new decade, it was an opportunity for him to branch out and try something new. Billy Joel's attempt with this album was to show a new type of Joel emerging that can withstand any emotion and be reckless without a cause. With the motivation to go for something edgier, Billy Joel created Glass Houses to be a "harder-rock" type album. The album name, "Glass Houses", comes from the famous quote: "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". 

You May Be Right

The song begins with an alarming shattering of glass to demonstrate Billy Joel throwing the rock at the glass house to destroy his old image. The intro alone creates the message that basically gives a "I'm a new man, this is me now, don't get in my way" rebellious teenager vibe. The lyrics of the chorus, "You may be right, I may be crazy, but it just might be a luuuuunatic you're looking for!" take his careless, rebellious streak to the next level. The continuous complimentary background guitar and drum throughout the song give a rock'n'roll type feel, and the rockin' old-sounding guitar solo personally makes me feel like I am at a 1950s high school dance where everyone is rocking out to the newfangled music. From listening to the guitar throughout the song, the listener can make the connection with the guitar and Billy Joel. Both are on the older side of popular music... but still classic and simply awesome.

Sometimes a Fantasy

Riiiiiinnngg. Riiiiinnnggg. The second song also begins with a sound effect- the sound of an old phone dialing and ringing, followed by a sudden strum of an electric guitar that alerts the listener forward, right into the song. The drum keeps a steady but energetic beat in the background, and Billy Joel's voice is echoey like he's singing into an old rock'n'roll microphone, giving the song an "Elvis" vibe. 

Don't Ask Me Why

This song is very relaxed, giving off a Caribbean vibe... but don't ask me why. The end of the first verse explains the concept of the whole song: "Don't wait for answers, just take your chances, don't ask me why". The title of the song itself has a relaxed tone to it as well, giving the message that Billy Joel is just flowing through life, without a reason for anything and without a care in the world. The relaxing music starts picking up, starting off with Billy Joel's hands sliding up the piano at rapid speed from pitch to pitch, in a climactic piano glissando. The soothing maracas, xylophone, clapping, and Latin-style piano give the instrumental part a fun, carefree touch to the song, and goes right into the last verse. But don't ask him why, because he simply doesn't care enough to know. 

It's Still Rock and Roll to Me

Classic. This is a song that majorly contributes to the overall meaning of this album. Throughout each verse, the guitar changes pitch, as if it is trying to find which style of rock it belongs in. In addition to this, each verse ends with the lyrics "it's still rock and roll to me". This gradual decline symbolizes the change of the definition of rock throughout the decades, as well as the change of Billy Joel's style. In the end though, it is all "still rock and roll" to him. He appreciates all genres of music and believes that each type has something special to add to the art. Nostalgia plays a big role in the album itself, but in this song specifically, because it shows that Billy Joel is reminiscing about the golden age of rock n' roll and longing for a golden age of life. During the instrumental break, Billy Joel's band totally jams out, to old rock. The saxophone blares in, almost as if to say, "This is old rock! And this is awesome!!''  It's Still Rock and Roll to Me leaves the listener saying, "man, I really like old rock and roll", and leaves him or her with an eagerness to hear more. 

All for Leyna

Ah! The old soft side of Billy Joel finally shines through. While taking his frustration out on this song, Billy Joel identifies with any person who's ever been suddenly turned down or "ghosted" by someone they love. The way Billy Joel sings the song itself is extremely intense, and at one point he screams "STOP!!!!", because he is trying to knock some sense into himself and realize that Leyna is not coming back to him. This song is so filled with so much passion and emotion, that the listener can't help but relate to Joel on a personal level because everyone is constantly trying to get a hold of their emotions. The song ends with him yelling "All for Leyna!" over and over again, still banging the piano keys with the guitar, bass, and electric keyboard in unison. These sounds together start fading into the background, showing that even though the song is over, the feelings still persist.

I Don't Want to Be Alone

Who does??? Another laid-back song that takes a look into Billy Joel's emotions. The calming effect of the electric guitar smooths the moment when his ex wants him back... because she doesn't want to be alone anymore. The smooth saxophone solo toward the end clarifies that Joel feels the same way, and the ending of the songs ends with a positive tune, as opposed to the mysterious tone in the beginning of the piece. 

Sleeping With the Television On

The drum beat basically carries this song through repetitive beats and lyrics. I've never personally been a fan of this song because there is nothing unique or special about it, like the special touch Billy Joel adds to his other songs... but it's still catchy, and it's not something I'd necessarily skip over on my playlist.

C'etait toi (You Were the One)

A relaxed song again, a nice break from the aura of the album. Billy Joel sings right from his heart in this piece, and the listener can tell from the heavy way he carries his voice. The first part of this song is in English, and the second part has the same lyrics, but in French. French is one of the most famous romance languages, so it's no surprise that Billy Joel chose French to accompany the song he pours his broken heart out into. Despite the fact that I know/taught myself the whole French part of this song, I do not otherwise speak French. Billy Joel: inspiring young Chloes all around to take on a new language in order to sing along to his song. 

Close to the Borderline

Aaaaaaand we're back to the old-rock guitar and echoey microphone vocals! It's a fun tune and the guitar is most certainly the focus point of this song. The song as a whole, even though it is fun to jam to, gives the true idea of what it's like to be overwhelmed with stress. An accurate representation along with some great music... but I'm not surprised, because his is Billy Joel.

Through the Long Night

The last song... and the last impression. Billy Joel chooses to end Glass Houses by yet again showing his sensitive side, with a soft lullaby for his girlfriend who can't sleep due to nightmares from her bad past. The prominent instrument is the soft, repetitive guitar picking throughout the song, but the bass saxophone has an incredibly soothing effect that hums the listener right to sleep. Unambiguously put, this song is absolutely enchanting.

The new image that Billy Joel tries to create for himself with this album fails to ultimately present itself as anything but an attempt. It starts with a lot of songs that fit his "new style", but ends with songs that show the emotional side of him once again because, as an artist, he cannot help himself. He wrote some pretty convincing songs, but overall he shows that is still the same old Billy Joel we know and love. Sure, he has a rebellious streak, but that's nothing compared to his sensitive side. Billy Joel's emotions are what make his music so extraordinary, and they are what connects him to all of us, personally. Looks like his Glass House was made of Plexiglass.