Billy Joel, a classically-trained pianist, was signed to Columbia Records in 1973. The title track to Piano Man, became a US Top 30 single and sowed the seeds of a highly successful recording career. However, Joel refused to bow to corporate demands for commercially-minded material and despite enjoying hits with two subsequent albums, Street Life Serenade and Turnstiles, it was not until 1977 that his fortunes flourished with the release of The Stranger, which eventually surpassed Bridge Over Troubled Water as Columbia's best-selling album. Joel's 1979 album, 52nd Street, spawned another smash single, 'My Life' while the singer's first US number 1, 'It's Still Rock 'N' Roll To Me' came from a subsequent release, Glass Houses. His image as a popular, uncontroversial figure was shaken with The Nylon Curtain, which featured two notable 'protest' compositions, 'Allentown' and 'Goodnight Saigon'. However he returned to simpler matters in 1984 with An Innocent Man which included the effervescent best-seller 'Uptown Girl'. In 1997, he announced that he would not be writing any pop songs in the foreseeable future, concentrating instead on classical scores.
Digitally remastered by Ted Jensen (Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
Personnel includes: Billy Joel (vocals, harmonica, piano); Steve Khan, Mark Rivera (various instruments); Eric Gale, Russell Javors, David Brown, Larry Carlton, Gary Dalton, Don Evans, Hugh McCracken (guitar); Tom Whitehouse (pedal steel guitar, banjo); Toots Thielmans (harmonica); Phil Woods (alto saxophone); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Ronnie Cuber (baritone saxophone); David Sanborn (saxophone); Jon Faddis (trumpet, synthesizers); Joseph J. Shepley, John Gatchell (trumpet); Riachard Tee (piano, organ); Leon Pendarvis (organ); Michael Omartian (keyboards); Doug Stegmeyer, Wilton Felder (bass); Liberty DeVito, Ralph MacDonald, Jimmy Bralower (percussion); Rory Dodd, Peter Cetera, Donnie Dacus (background vocals).
FABULOUS! I have worn out the cassett tape TWICE listening to this compilation. Figured it was time to get the CD! Submitted by Susan (Southern California, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
I Liked The Songs My Life Good Alblum Joel I Love You You Did A great job! Submitted by Vince_Gill (wallingford,ct,usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
So Great, So Great These albums are great, they have almost every great song from this awesome artist, i've listened to them a lot, definitly worth 28 bucks, get it!!!! Submitted by Brian (Georgetown) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Definately not the best compilation of all time! Although a very good album if you like his music, there is a difference...
Submitted by a reviewer (Scotland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Awesome This album is easily the greatest compilation of all time. Every song -and when I say every song, I mean every song song-is a classic. Every single one is great. It's amazing. When you go to record songs from it on to tape or MiniDisc, you'll find yourself without enough space to record onto. If you don't have this album, buy it. Buy it right now. There has to be a reason why it's the third highest US selling album of all time. Find out why for yourself. Submitted by a reviewer (Kirkwood, MO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Have you heard this album?
Buy Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2 (1973-1985) CD
Buy Billy Joel - Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2 (1973-1985) Posters From Allposters.com
FABULOUS!
Definately not the best compilation of all time!
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