Billy Joel On The Timeline of Rock History [REVISED]

A Matter Of Trust: The Bridge To Russia (1987)

Tension - A word that we commonly associate with the Cold War. Tensions between beliefs, tensions between countries, tensions within countries, and tensions within the human race. Tension. Why was such a negative idea spread so far across the world for such a long period of time? Billy Joel asked himself the same question. Tension between American citizens and Russian citizens was at its peak in the late 1980s and Billy Joel, among other Americans, did not see the reason as to why it should be. Politics aside, Billy Joel saw people as people and was tired of the widespread hatred, tension, and the Cold War itself. As a result, he wanted to be able to do something about it and reach people in the best way he knew how- through his music. He decided to embark on a concert tour to Russia and be a social advocate with goals to mend the nations together once again.

The foundation of Billy Joel's plan came from former attempts by artists to spread awareness of social advocacy. Through time, bands became smaller and music became more personal. Artists such as Bob Dylan started including social activist views in their songs in order to make a difference in society. These social activists expressed their views not only through their songs, but in where they sought to perform as well. Rock 'N Roll legend Elvis Presley and Country Music Star Johnny Cash started performing in jails, singing their music to inmates to promote unity under the human condition. They wanted to branch out and make a difference to show that jail inmates are a part of the human race, along with everyone else who enjoys music. At the height of the Cold War, David Bowie embarked on the Berlin Trilogy, a series of concerts performed in Russia to mend ties between the people of Russia and Great Britain. The Beatles had performed in Russia much earlier during the wold war, and David Bowie took the opportunity to follow in their footsteps to become a part of the movement. Despite relations being bad due to war, he wanted to show that the people of Russia are normal, great people who deserve great music. His stance was a symbol of peace everywhere, for his fans and for other people as well. British artist Elton John was later inspired by David Bowie, and so was our American artist: Billy Joel.

In 1987, toward the end of the Cold War when tensions between the United States and Russia were incredibly high, Billy Joel decided to continue what a lot of British artists sought out to do- To mend ties between their country's people and Russia's people. To accomplish this and express his passion for the cause, Joel spent $2.5 million of his own money and got his band on board to go with him. By doing this, according to historyofrussia.org, Billy Joel became the first American rock star to perform in Russia with a fully staged show. During his planning for the tour, Billy Joel arranged for the tour to be filmed as a documentary, so that people who weren't able to attend in person were able to see the impactful difference he was making in Russian and American Society. The documentary covered the tour that consisted of three concerts in each Russian city, Moscow and Leningrad. While he was in Russia, Billy Joel made it a point to show Russians how to have fun at a concert. They had never been to a real rock concert before, so they did not know how to act or what to expect. Though this frustrated Billy Joel because he wasn't used to the audience having no reaction, he was happy to have the opportunity to be performing for the first concert they had all been to. Once completed, Billy Joel's concert tour of Russia was a success. He set out to calm people's fears about the Red Scare, and to unite Americans and Russians back into good relations.

By taking this social activist approach to music and doing something to change society for the better, Billy Joel was adapting to the historic conditions in this rock era that shaped different sounds and songs. When Billy Joel toured the Soviet Union and created an album based on his live performance, he named it "A Matter Of Trust". "A Matter Of Trust" was a song he had written for his previous album, The Bridge (1986), and had added to the setlist for his tour of Russia. Though the song is technically a love song about his own personal analyzation of romance, he felt that the song's title was a perfect fit for what he wanted his tour to accomplish. In order to tie relations back together between American people and Russian people, he proved to everyone that all they needed was trust, because it truly was a matter of trust. One part of the song states, "The cold remains of what began with a passionate start". This is an indirect reference to the Cold War because it began with a passionate start, but ultimately dragged on and took 44 years to complete. The passionate start in the song is a reference to World War II, where America and Russia were originally allies. Another part of the song states, "You can't go the distance with too much resistance". This statement proved true in regard to these international relations, not just literally but figuratively as well. Billy Joel's theory was that once the countries started trusting each other again instead of resisting each other, any rising disputes would be solved in a more mature and logical manner.

Two years after visiting Russia for his tour, Billy Joel came out with his next album, Storm Front. Storm Front included a song called Leningrad that Joel wrote based on his experiences in Russia. He writes this song about the perspective of a man named Viktor who grew up in Russia during the Cold War, versus his own perspective growing up in America during the Cold War. One of the most powerful lines of the song that represents Billy Joel's view is, "Haven't they heard we won the war, what do they keep on fighting for?". Based on a true story, he and Viktor met in Russia at the end of the song and became lifelong friends to symbolize the unity of both countries. This social activist approach is just one example of an approach Billy Joel took to music through history, but it is extremely significant for the time period, and made a difference in American and Russian lives and relations. Billy Joel asserted the idea that improving the relations between the United States and Russia was simply just a matter of trust. Through this, Billy Joel incorporated rock and social activism, and therefore became a prominent part of Rock History among all of the other artists who took the initiative to do so. With this significant tour, Billy Joel demonstrated that tensions through relations can disappear just as quickly as they arose, but whether or not they improve is only a matter of trust.

Album Review: The Stranger (1977)

The Stranger (1977)

The year is 1977 and Billy Joel is ready to start a new album! Up until this point, he had released several albums, but none were hits. He wasn't aiming for The Stranger to be a hit... he was just getting his band together to finish the songs they started to write, but never finished. That's what The Stranger was all about- reformatting the broken pieces of songs-in-the-making and turning them into masterpieces. Unexpectedly, Joel's new album turned out to be his biggest hit, showing that unfinished songs that are dug up from the past can sometimes be the greatest achievements. Assuming that this is because an artist looked at the song twice with a different perspective each time, it makes sense why these songs are so versatile and reach so many listeners on a personal level. Overall, The Stranger is about Billy Joel's "maturing" and "adulting". When the album came out, he was starting to get middle aged and settle down, so most of the songs on The Stranger align with that concept. Whether it's taking a glimpse into his past and reminiscing about old times, or appreciating his new middle aged life for what it is, this album is about growing up and accepting the reality of adulthood.

To perfectly coincide with the beginning of his maturity, Billy Joel starts his album The Stranger with a song called "Movin' Out". What better way to start a new phase of your life than to move out of where you used to live? Especially if that phase is from immaturity to maturity. Billy Joel chooses to incorporate this song as his first of the ten songs on the album to set himself up for his new life of maturity, growing up, and settling down. He goes on to continue the album by expanding the knowledge of himself through self discovery, love, reflection, and aspiration. This whirlwind of life is all a part of Billy Joel's growing desire for a calmer and more together life, and it provides the characteristics he needs for personal growth. If I had to describe The Stranger in one word, it would be Growth. Billy Joel finds everything he needs through growth, and as a person listens to the album, they can feel him growing in each song through different emotions and musicality.

The album starts relaxed, and then continues to tell a story in itself about Billy Joel's personal growth. After the first few calm songs that show Billy Joel's adjustment to settling down, the middle of the album brings a whole new excitement to it. Listeners responded extremely well to the middle, making songs like 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' and 'Vienna' some of the most famous songs on the album. Both of these songs have a common theme: Reminiscing. 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' goes into detail about his high school days with his friends Brenda and Eddie, and 'Vienna' is about going to Vienna, Austria to meet up with his father for the first time in fifteen years. When this album was being written, Billy Joel was at the time in his life where he wanted to put the past behind him, and make his life better from that moment on. The instrumentals and the sounds of these songs are also very similar, because they have a slow and reflective feel to them. In both songs, the prime instrument is the piano played by Billy Joel himself. It's no wonder that these songs not only became some of his biggest hits, but were placed right in the center of the album The Stranger.

The album as a whole presents the idea that Billy Joel is maturing and settling down because, although some songs are classic fun Billy Joel, a lot of them are serious and sincere as well. He wrote the most sincere songs on the album, 'Just The Way You Are' and 'She's Always A Woman', for his wife at the time, Christie Brinkley. In addition to other aspects of maturity such as moving on from the past, Billy Joel adds this sincerity and wears his heart out on his sleeve with these pieces. The album starts out sounding rock-and-roll, is filled with sweet-sounding ballads in the middle, and it sounds reflective toward the end of the album. His last song, 'Everybody Has A Dream', is a beautiful harmony with a mix of being reflective of the past and having aspirations for the future. This is the perfect song to end The Stranger with because the song itself sums up the album's message. Everybody's dreams are different, but everyone has a common dream: Happiness. Everybody has a dream, and to make that dream come true, one must let go of the past and put his or her energy toward aspirations for the future. Billy Joel did it... now it's everyone else's turn.

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.