The Stranger

by Billy Joel

The Stranger cover art

Produced by Phil Ramone, 'The Stranger' marked Billy Joel's critical and commercial breakthrough by capturing the kinetic energy of his live touring band within a sophisticated studio framework. The album's songwriting presents a collection of detailed, character-driven vignettes about New York life, such as the multi-part epic 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,' balanced by iconic, smoothly-produced ballads including the Grammy-winning 'Just the Way You Are.' This combination of street-savvy storytelling, diverse musical arrangements, and pop craftsmanship cemented the album as a landmark of the singer-songwriter genre.

Genres

  • Pop Rock
  • Soft Rock
  • Piano Rock

Tracklist

  1. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
  2. The Stranger
  3. Just the Way You Are
  4. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
  5. Vienna
  6. Only the Good Die Young
  7. She's Always a Woman
  8. Get It Right the First Time
  9. Everybody Has a Dream