CD-Charts Position 1
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Billy Joel Greatest Hits: Vol. 1-2 (2CD)

by: Billy Joel

Release Date October 20, 1998
The most helpful review on Amazon right now praises that this "remastered" edition of Billy Joel's Greatest Hits sounds better than the original. I have no idea what that person was listening to, but it sure wasn't the same set of CDs that I got.

I compared this new release to the original CD release, and the original blew it completely away. Not only is the audio quality muddier in general, but there's an obnoxious emphasis on the bass line and bass drum. I don't remember where, but in one review I saw researching this edition, it said something along the lines of "Now the bass SOUNDS like it should." No, it doesn't. It's just louder. This CD, like most "remasters" I've bought, is also dynamically compressed. So it's REALLY annoying ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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The Stranger: 30th Anniversary [Limited Edition] (Deluxe Boxed Set - 2 CDs + 1 DVD)

by: Billy Joel

Release Date July 08, 2008
If you are a Billy Joel fan & do not have this set you MUST get it. The live performance at the Old Whistle..etc. is unique. You see Joel in his early years when he still was not the megastar he is today. He puts unbelievable energy into his performance. You can sense that he is still not secure but wants to impress. His sax player is also phenomenal musician, extremely versatile & talented. The reproduction of the notebook he used to write down lyrics is fascinating & gives the reader a sense for Joel's incredible creativity. All this & more, including a current interview with comments by Joel where he explains many of the hows & whys of what he did. Example, the Italian restaurant that inspired the song.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

The Stranger

by: Billy Joel

Release Date October 20, 1998
I bought this product and the last track was scratched. Strange for a new CD right. I am still awaiting a refund.

CD-Charts Position 4
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The Stranger: 30th Anniversary [Legacy Edition] - 2 CD Set

by: Billy Joel

Release Date July 08, 2008
New York native Billy Joel released his fifth album The Stranger in November of 1977.
Prior to The Stranger, Billy was almost seen as a pop one-hit wonder thanks to the title track from his 1973 album Piano Man (despite the fact FM rock stations played "Captain Jack" and "New York State of Mind"). However, pop radio ignored him. It was in the summer of 1977 that Billy and producer Phil Ramone (famed for work with The Carpenters and Paul Simon) went into A&R Recording Studios in New York to record Billy's fourth album for Columbia, which (had it not sold) might have been his last time at bat. Is the album the classic it is or some artifact from a bygone time, read on and find out.
We start the album with a great rocker out of "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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52nd Street

by: Billy Joel

Release Date October 20, 1998
After over 10 years of struggling to hit it big, Billy Joel suddenly became an overnight sensation with his 1977 release "The Stranger," a timeless pop masterpiece that sold over seven million copies and generated four Top 40 hits as well as won Joel a few Grammys for his mantle. With his star suddenly burning, Joel was quick to come up with a followup to match the unprecedented success of his breakthrough album. The result was "52nd Street," which managed to match its predecessor in terms of sales as well as quality.

The album begins with its three big hit singles. First up is the crunchy in-your-face rocker "Big Shot," a stinging damnation of fame and the arrogance that comes with its first taste. With its bombastic riff and biting Billy vocal, "Big Shot" is ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

1973-97-Complete Hits Collection

by: Billy Joel

Release Date August 28, 2001
I purchased this for my mom who is a huge Billy Joel fan! She has seen him in concert so many times throughout her life (I've seen him a few times along with her). I know that every one of Billy's albums are her favorite, but I wanted to buy her a cd with most of his greatest hits so she could keep them in her car. She is very happy with this set. She loves the information in the booklet/sleeve. Her only complaint was that her all-time favorite song was missing from this collection..."You're My Home". But, luckily she has that song on another cd. :) I plan on buying this set for myself in the near future.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Turnstiles

by: Billy Joel

Release Date February 01, 2008
"Turnstiles" is an important album in the career of Billy Joel. After the success of "Piano Man", Joel took a step back with "Streetlife Serenade". Joel had to choose his next path carefully. The album opener, "Say Goodbye to Hollywood, is followed by "Summer, Highland Falls", a great tune that unfortunately has never gotten much credit, except maybe with the diehards. After the rather forgettable "All You Wanna Do Is Dance", the classic "New York State of Mind" gets the record back on track. "James", a song Joel wrote about a childhood buddy, and "Prelude/Angry Young Man (which has opened virtually every show on Joel's 2 year-plus tour) are gems. "I've Loved These days" is up next, followed by the album closer, "Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway), a science-fiction story ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Piano Man

by: Billy Joel

Release Date October 20, 1998
This is Billy Joel's second album but his first with Columbia Records. It's also the first of two albums recorded in L.A. before returning to his native New York. The title track (his signature song) became one of his popular hits before the "The Stranger". According to Joel, the characters in that song were actual people while he was a lounge singer in L.A. There's the seven-minute anti-drug song "Captain Jack". "Travelin' Prayer" and "Worse Comes To Worst" were minor hit singles. Other noteworthy tracks include the historically inaccurate "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid", "You're My Home" about his then-wife (she's the "waitress" in the title track) and "If I Only Had The Words". The enhanced portion of the CD features a live version of the title track performed at Yankee Stadium in '89. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Vol. 3

by: Billy Joel

Release Date August 19, 1997
Billy Joel's Greatest Hits, Volume 3 rounds out the collection of his biggest and best songs. Of course, a complete Billy Joel collection would include more than this CD and Volumes 1 and 2; but you do get a lot for your money with this third album of hits.

"Keeping The Faith" has an awesome, funky beat with great percussion as Billy sings this out strong. "A Matter Of Trust" is much more of a true rock and roll song with a side dish of pop; Billy sings this brilliantly without a superfluous note. This song about the importance of trust in a love affair hits home for me and many other people I have talked with about this song. Moreover, "Baby Grand" is a stunning duet that has Billy team up with the immortal Ray Charles. They sing and play their two pianos flawlessly; and the key ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Cold Spring Harbor

by: Billy Joel

Release Date February 01, 2008
Even thought the album was recorded and then released accidentally recorded at the wrong speed, it still shows the true potential of Billy Joel. Some of the songs have been re-recorded live on later albums but this album is still one of my favorites, along with Streetlife Serenade,Turnstiles,and 52nd Street.