I never took this song as fighting against newer music. I think it’s more like his love letter to Rock and Roll. He’s saying no matter what genre of Rock and Roll, whether it be punk, funk, or new wave, I still love it, and it’s all just Rock and Roll to me.
Agreed, Billy Joel always self-deprecatingly said he's not talented himself but is a good impersonator. Some songs he is a chamber/classical musician, others have a jazz feel, others are rock, others are poppy. He seems to love absorbing whatever the musical style of the day and either simply enjoying it or incorporating it into his music.
@@arifeannor9573 I think it's a little harsh to say they heard it "wrong" as opposed to "they only picked up on part of the message." Because, to be fair, he is actually saying a little bit of what they're talking about. In the verses, Billy sets a pattern of expressing a thought about "why does it matter if I wear/do/like/drive this or that?" followed by a line (with the doubled-voice) of the trend-slaves laying out the rules of the current fashion. Like: BILLY: What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearin'? TRENDY PEOPLE: Can't you tell that your tie's too wide? or BILLY: What's the matter with the car I'm driving? TRENDY PEOPLE: Can't you tell that it's out of style. So, on that point, J&A are right. In his narrative, the trendy people who are caught up in the specifics of the currently fashionable genre are pushing him to conform to the current trend (or else be considered out of touch, out of fashion, a square, etc). And he's answering them with the rest of the song, saying that he doesn't care about the specifics of each genre, each new style, and the fashion doesn't matter... it's all just rock 'n' roll wearing different clothes. And he loves it all. He even takes a little shot at people who get caught up in a particular style of music and don't like when it changes to something new -- pretty relevant on a reaction channel where comments regularly feature older folk complaining that all new music is garbage and "the only good music" was back when they were teens and young adults (no matter what generation they are) -- when he says, "Everybody's talkin' bout the new sound's funny, but it's still rock 'n' roll to me." Billy embraces the old, he embraces the new. It's all rock 'n' roll and if you get caught up in the specific uniform of a time or genre of music - whether it's the currently fashionable one or the one you grew up with -- he's kinda mocking you. So, yeah, they had half of the message. Just missed the main thesis that "rock" is an umbrella term that is really a spirit more than a specific style.
I think you have it right. I think he is saying even though the new music sounds different or funny it is till rock n roll like the older stuff. In part I think it is an apology for new wave or the new sound that was coming out in the late 70's and early 80's. More synths and other changes. He is saying it is still cool. It is still rock n roll.
@@johnplaysgames3120 good music is good music. genre locked is simple way to live and rock n roll is a feeling of good music more than a genre. But I take your point.
Great reaction! Yes, Billy Joel can be fun! Two of my favorites are "You May be Right" and "Only the Good Die Young." Total bad boy hits of the 80s! You'll love them! 💖💖
DV, I was talking one early afternoon to my old gang from our neighborhood, those of us who survived Vietnam and all the tribulations since then ... as we took a shot of Wild Turkey that sat on the formica bar counter next to our beer bottles of choice. I made this statement to the four of them as the afternoon sun came through the window, putting a shine on the bar. "You've all heard the saying, 'only the good die young." They all nodded yes, a couple with smiles. "So" I asked. "What does that say about us survivors?" One turned and said, "Evil. Pure evil." 😎
Billy is outstanding. His 70's songs were mostly piano based, then 80's were more guitar and R&B based. Check out a great R&B song from him called "The Longest Time". "Keeping The Faith" is another fun and unique song to react to.
"The Longest Time " and "Keeping the Faith" are great songs! I think they have a 50s sound. "Allentown " is a different side to him that reminds me of John Mellencamp with its emphasis on working class families. I hope they react to a lot more Billy Joel 💖
This song came out in the 1980's, after bands like Blondie and Talking Heads made it big. Billy is saying, "yeah, that's cool; but it's still (just) rock and roll to me." A great message from someone who by then was a top-selling, Grammy-winning artist.
I’ve loved Billy Joel my entire life. I used to get picked on in the late 70s, early 80s for loving his music. Now, 40 years later, those people are all over Facebook posting pictures of seeing him in concert, and I’m like, didn’t you steal the Billy Joel button off my jacket and throw it out, because you thought he was trash? 🤔
This is a classic by Billy Joel. Other songs by Billy Joel: 1. A Matter of Trust 2. Keeping the Faith 3. You're Only Human (Second Wind) 4. And So It Goes All wonderful songs! All of his work is beautiful! I've been listening to him since I was 10 years old. I'll soon be 50! I love Billy Joel just as much today as then, maybe more.
One of his more rockin' songs, this was a huge #1 hit for him in 1980. I remember buying the 45 for this song. The next one should be "You May Be Right." That one rocks even more! Also, you have to hear my absolute favorite, "The Longest Time."
Thank you! I’ve been looking through the comments, waiting for someone to mention this gem. It’s definitely worth watching. Something that makes you think, “Those are real musicians there!”
Not many songs give me literal chills every time I hear them. Three that do are Billy Joel songs: "Downeaster Alexa", "Goodnight Saigon", and "Leningrad".
I think Amber is referring to River of dreams. You can experience every type of music from this man. He is capable of anything and proves it time and time again.
"Tell Her About It" is one of the best _advice_ songs out there. It's the polar opposite of "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
Great reaction to one of Billy Joels great compositions. You've got to check out one of Billy Joels classic bangers, " The Stranger ". Fantastic eb and flow !
Billy Joel is quite possibly the most well rounded musician/songwriter ever. He plays the full spectrum and does it well. From love ballads to funk, he’s able to do it all.
Yiu asked for more fun songs from Billy and there are plenty, but he also has a softer side, as shown with She's Got a Way and especially, And So It Goes. These are two very beautiful songs, just the way Amber likes them. 🙂
I've always marveled at the smart and intelligent lines in this song, especially this throwaway line " You could really be a Beau Brummell baby If you just give it half a chance. " Beau Brummell was famous in early 19th century England for his outrageous fashion sense and witty sayings. His extensive wardrobe was so lavish that he squandered a huge inheritance keeping up appearances.
I was born at the start of the 90s, but my parents made damn sure I had a firm appreciation for the classics. I just envy folks like you for being able to fully appreciate that first listen!
You need to do MORE Billy Joel ❤ I had the incredible privilege of seeing him twice. Once in LA when I was just 16, then later in life in NY on Jones Beach. Both times he was amazing ❤ Billy Joel! Y’all need to listen to “You May Be Right” and “Prelude/Angry Young Man” 👌🏽
Great song! He has so many great one's, like Honesty, She's Always a Woman To Me, You May Be Right, Don't Ask Me Why, Just the Way You Are, My Life, Uptown Girl, and of course, Piano Man!
I can't hear this song without hearing the intro to "Don't Ask Me Why" right after. That's a recommendation. Also "Matter of Trust" (video). If you like fun Billy, this video, shot impromptu on the Lower East Side, fits the bill. Other fun Billy off the top of my head: "You May Be Right", "Easy Money", "All For Leyna" (not fun per se, but GREAT beat and insane piano, too).
He's got so many bangers. One that is a bit under the radar, but I love (and Jordan will too for its piano, keyboards, and staccato style like Toto's Hold the Line) is All for Leyna. Check that out and you'll see another rock and roll side of Billy Joel.
I was so fortunate to see him in concert in his prime. He was standing on a very tall speaker and jumped off of it and split his pants from one end to the other end, he just stopped and said well that's show biz and just kept going. 😋😋 He was and still is phenomenal all around the whole package!!!
In my opinion, one of the most creative popular musicians in both lyrics and melody. Try one which few have heard, unless they had the album ('Streetlife Serenade'), 'Los Angelenos'.
From the Glass Houses album that really opened him up to a whole new audiences. You would love "Big Man on Mulberry Street" the piano, horns, and big band sound in general just fantastic!
Now THIS was the very first Billy Joel song I ever heard. Heavy radio rotation, and a friend gave me the 45 of this song! What is that you say? What's a 45?! 🤣😭 Boy I'm old!
There's a live video called "Billy Joel - New York State Of Mind (from Old Grey Whistle Test)" (that was a live music show on British TV) I think it's from 1978 and the performance is mind blowing.
The album did well when it came out. This particular song was a favorite to sing back in the day, (1980). Just a lot of fun. Other great tunes from the "Glass Houses" Lp were "You May Be Right" and my personal favorite, "Sometimes A Fantasy"...
In my mind, this was sort of a commentary about musical "gatekeeping" -- talking to those people who say, "Hey, if you don't dress like this, you're not a real ..." Or, "New Wave/Punk/Funk isn't rock & roll!" But Billy was saying: dress like you want, listen to the music you like, don't worry about being trendy or fashionable -- and anything that has a beat that makes you wanna get up and dance is what I call rock & roll.
Quick story- my father travelled pretty extensively for business when I was younger. He was in Chicago, and walked to a favorite restaurant of his, and the place was really busy. My Dad was at a corner booth table when the maitre’d came and asked him if he’d mind having two guys sharing his table because the really needed to dine and dash. Pop said, “Sure.” The guys sat down and small talk ensued, mostly with one of the gentleman, while the other was quiet and had sunglasses on. He explained to my Dad that they were musicians and needed a light meal before their show. My father replied, “ I think it’s great you can make a living doing that.” The guys left and kindly paid for my Dad’s meal. As my father was leaving the maitre’d asked if he had any idea who paid for his dinner. My Dad- “Well, one of them said they were musicians.” It was David Brown and Billy Joel. My father had no clue whatsoever. Boy, I miss you, Pop.
"It's Still Rock and Roll To Me" (1980) was Billy Joel's 1st #1 (2 weeks) on the Billboard Hot 100 chart & his 13th single to chart at that point in his career.
Actually this song came about because the music media after his previous album 52nd street (which contains Big Shot) came out. They referred to Billy Joel a pop singer and complained about all of his songs being piano driven. So this song was his reply.
This music video came out a year before MTV. Billy sings the vocals live here and in the other music videos from this album: “All For Leyna” and “Sometimes A Fantasy”.
There are still so many Billy Joel songs for you to discover. Definitely don’t sleep on his slower ones. I saw someone mention “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” and I think that might be one of my favorites by him and underrated, in my opinion. That song always makes me think fondly of my short time living in Western Massachusetts for work. The song was also named after his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel who is quite a talented musician in her own right. “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” is another one for his daughter. Such a beautiful song.
“Only the Good Die Young and You May Be Right are both Billy bangers! And great song to sing to Luca at bed night is the song her wrote for his daughter “Lullabye”
This was Billy doing New Wave/Punk. Also called skinny tie music. Wide ties were from the sixties/seventies. He's wearing the skinny ties here. He's saying he can do the new changes because it's still Rock and Roll to him. This was from Glass Houses. You May Be Right is another good one from the album.
I’ve loved Billy’s music since I was in high school in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I saw someone suggest “Only Human” (Don’t Forget Your Second Wind) and that’s the one I came here to suggest/request too. It’s up-tempo and very catchy but it has a serious message about not giving up on life…to keep going because things will get better. It’s based on his experience from his early twenties when he attempted suicide and ended up in a psychiatric ward for a couple of weeks. The music video is really great … bonus: you even get a few bars of him playing “Piano Man” on a harmonica. Sending love and blessings from 🇨🇦!
Just wait until you guys hear "The Longest Time" - layers and layers of acapella Billy. It's not only something amazing to behold, but also incredibly fun!
Billy Joel...helluva musician, loved the world over, music catalog is OUTSTANDING!! As a person, seems like just a regular guy that caught a break and never forgot where he came from! I once heard the story of him purchasing his own front row tix for some of his fans at almost all his concerts...good guy!!❤ Check out, Matter of Trust.
I love this song! It’s a true Billy Joel classic! I often quote these lyrics because as he says, hot funk, cool punk, new wave, etc. it all still rock and roll to me!! Music is so related and I hate when people try to separate it! I feel he was saying all these different variations are still rock and roll! He wasn’t knocking punk, funk, or new wave (all of which he mentioned) but he was saying they are all still rock and roll and I agree! Rock and roll comes in many forms! Of course, new wave was all the rage and it was still rock and roll!❤❤
Glad to see you get into Billy Joel. He keeps on going. I saw him in 1978 on the 52nd Street tour. Great show with lots of energy. Piano Man is 50 years old this year and blew me away when I first heard it. You said you already did my favorite song of his, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant. I'll have to find it and see what you thought. The entire album The Stranger is a masterpiece. Please look into more songs from it. Another one you have to listen to is Goodnight Saigon. Amazing lyrics that will touch you.
Billy Joel is timeless. I got my first album. Songs in the attic when I was in 4th grade . You really need listen to the Ballad of Billy the kid. It's a story telling song. Right up your alley 😊
Great reaction guys, and while you're on Billy Joel, do yourselves a favor. There's an incredible song called "Baby Grand" with him and Ray Charles that has a special place in my heart, partially because my family and I knew Ray very well, but also because it doesn't get any better than hearing and watching these two masters sing and play the pianos together.
I think what Billy's actually saying in the lyrics is "yeah, the styles change, trends come and go, but the specific 'fashions' of each trend don't really matter... it's all just rock 'n' roll." Which, tbh, is something I think relates pretty well to what you've discovered with your own musical journey on this channel: "Rock 'n' Roll" is an umbrella category that's more of a spirit than a specific style. It's the music of the youth bringing their own flavor to their generation, rebelling against the styles of their parents (generally), and celebrating their own identities. In every decade you've visited with your reactions, there's been great rock music, and that 'great rock music' can sound VERY different from one generation to the next, even one genre to the next, but it all has that same spirit at the center of it and THAT'S what Billy is celebrating here. The current flavor of "rock 'n' roll" is temporary but the spirit at the center of it is forever. You can hear it especially in lyrics like: - "it doesn't matter what they say in the papers cause it's always been the same ol' scene" - "hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk, it's still rock 'n' roll to me" - "next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways, it's still rock 'n' roll to me" - "everybody's talkin' 'bout 'the new sound funny,' but it's still rock 'n' roll to me" I'd also argue that you can extend this same idea of "the spirit of rock" back to even before "rock 'n' roll" was a thing. Go back to the jazz, swing, blues, and whatnot of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s and you see that, even before "rock music" was an idea, every generation was making music that their parents hated and thought was ruining society, the youth, and the world. The spirit of "rock" has been with us from the beginning -- probably from the moment the first caveman banged two rocks together in a rhythm and their elders got angry and tried to make them stop -- even before anyone invented a word for it.
I love how you described him! He's all the spices! I've always said Billy Joel doesn't just have one style.Not one song of his sounds the same or even close to another song of his.
He is so awesome! There's a hit Billy Joel song appropriate for every mood. You've got to get around to "Only the Good Die Young". It's a hard driving upbeat song like this one but is a totally unique masterpiece of lyrics, arrangement (as Amber mentioned cadence) and instrumentals...first of his songs I heard as a kid and was like "WHO IS THIS?!?!". Been a dedicated fan ever since.
Hello guys, best to your lovely family. Billy Joel is a riot in my house, with my little one running around dancing to his music. He could do everything. He did a great rock song, "Matter of Trust", and also a song we sometimes listen to on a long ride called "Baby Grande" with the great Ray Charles, one of his last songs. I know you guys will get to Don Henley with 'The Boys of Summer", an artist you have not done as a solo artist. The great Eagle, had a great solor career himself in the 1980's. I explained in another post, how we almost lost him to Crohns. Thank you for bringing some fun music, that we enjoy along with you. Be safe guys.- Mrs. king.
A MATTER OF TRUST has always been one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. I know his catalog is soooo deep but I’m anxiously waiting to see you react to it.
I never took this song as fighting against newer music. I think it’s more like his love letter to Rock and Roll. He’s saying no matter what genre of Rock and Roll, whether it be punk, funk, or new wave, I still love it, and it’s all just Rock and Roll to me.
Yeah, they deff heard it wrong.
Agreed, Billy Joel always self-deprecatingly said he's not talented himself but is a good impersonator. Some songs he is a chamber/classical musician, others have a jazz feel, others are rock, others are poppy. He seems to love absorbing whatever the musical style of the day and either simply enjoying it or incorporating it into his music.
@@arifeannor9573 I think it's a little harsh to say they heard it "wrong" as opposed to "they only picked up on part of the message." Because, to be fair, he is actually saying a little bit of what they're talking about. In the verses, Billy sets a pattern of expressing a thought about "why does it matter if I wear/do/like/drive this or that?" followed by a line (with the doubled-voice) of the trend-slaves laying out the rules of the current fashion. Like:
BILLY: What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearin'?
TRENDY PEOPLE: Can't you tell that your tie's too wide?
or
BILLY: What's the matter with the car I'm driving?
TRENDY PEOPLE: Can't you tell that it's out of style.
So, on that point, J&A are right. In his narrative, the trendy people who are caught up in the specifics of the currently fashionable genre are pushing him to conform to the current trend (or else be considered out of touch, out of fashion, a square, etc). And he's answering them with the rest of the song, saying that he doesn't care about the specifics of each genre, each new style, and the fashion doesn't matter... it's all just rock 'n' roll wearing different clothes. And he loves it all.
He even takes a little shot at people who get caught up in a particular style of music and don't like when it changes to something new -- pretty relevant on a reaction channel where comments regularly feature older folk complaining that all new music is garbage and "the only good music" was back when they were teens and young adults (no matter what generation they are) -- when he says, "Everybody's talkin' bout the new sound's funny, but it's still rock 'n' roll to me."
Billy embraces the old, he embraces the new. It's all rock 'n' roll and if you get caught up in the specific uniform of a time or genre of music - whether it's the currently fashionable one or the one you grew up with -- he's kinda mocking you.
So, yeah, they had half of the message. Just missed the main thesis that "rock" is an umbrella term that is really a spirit more than a specific style.
I think you have it right. I think he is saying even though the new music sounds different or funny it is till rock n roll like the older stuff. In part I think it is an apology for new wave or the new sound that was coming out in the late 70's and early 80's. More synths and other changes. He is saying it is still cool. It is still rock n roll.
@@johnplaysgames3120 good music is good music. genre locked is simple way to live and rock n roll is a feeling of good music more than a genre. But I take your point.
Great reaction! Yes, Billy Joel can be fun! Two of my favorites are "You May be Right" and "Only the Good Die Young." Total bad boy hits of the 80s! You'll love them! 💖💖
I was working in the US (Chcago) when this came out. Similar time as You May Be Right. Both songs bring me back.
DV, I was talking one early afternoon to my old gang from our neighborhood, those of us who survived Vietnam and all the tribulations since then ... as we took a shot of Wild Turkey that sat on the formica bar counter next to our beer bottles of choice.
I made this statement to the four of them as the afternoon sun came through the window, putting a shine on the bar.
"You've all heard the saying, 'only the good die young."
They all nodded yes, a couple with smiles.
"So" I asked. "What does that say about us survivors?"
One turned and said, "Evil. Pure evil." 😎
@@LesterMoore Ah, what a brotherhood! Thank you for your service.
70s for "Only the Good Die Young."
"She's Always a Woman" is an amazing and unforgettable ballad. That's definitely worth listening to sometime.
"ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG" is another good one !!! 👍
Agreed
A lot of people don't know he teamed up with the great Ray Charles for a soulful rendition of "Baby Grand."
Ditto "Honesty" and "Lullabye", and while it's not a ballad "Pressure" is fun too, though the video was hard for my younger self when it came out :)
I 2nd this! ♥
Billy is outstanding. His 70's songs were mostly piano based, then 80's were more guitar and R&B based. Check out a great R&B song from him called "The Longest Time". "Keeping The Faith" is another fun and unique song to react to.
Second 'Keeping The Faith"
I love both of those songs and I also love an innocent man.
Definitely “Keeping The Faith.”
The whole album of An Innocent Man is brilliant.
"The Longest Time " and "Keeping the Faith" are great songs! I think they have a 50s sound.
"Allentown " is a different side to him that reminds me of John Mellencamp with its emphasis on working class families. I hope they react to a lot more Billy Joel 💖
Billy Joel is a class act. Doesn't matter what shade of rock 'n' roll it is, it's STILL rock 'n' roll. Love it!
Give Just a Fantasy a listen.
@@Jims_Camera_at_dawn "Sometimes A Fantasy" is an excellent song. Gives me some early Toto vibes!! Thanks Jim 👍.
@@Jacob_D4433 Thanks for getting the title right. It's been a long day here.
@@Jims_Camera_at_dawn No problem, Jim. Thank you for the song recommendation!
This song came out in the 1980's, after bands like Blondie and Talking Heads made it big. Billy is saying, "yeah, that's cool; but it's still (just) rock and roll to me." A great message from someone who by then was a top-selling, Grammy-winning artist.
I loved talking heads ,David Byrne was/is a genius and it's true funky rock..actually it's all based on jazz rom the 30s ,40s,50s.
I am so glad to see younger people appreciate the artists that I grew up with. Billy Joel always makes me happy!
I’ve loved Billy Joel my entire life. I used to get picked on in the late 70s, early 80s for loving his music. Now, 40 years later, those people are all over Facebook posting pictures of seeing him in concert, and I’m like, didn’t you steal the Billy Joel button off my jacket and throw it out, because you thought he was trash? 🤔
This is a classic by Billy Joel.
Other songs by Billy Joel:
1. A Matter of Trust
2. Keeping the Faith
3. You're Only Human (Second Wind)
4. And So It Goes
All wonderful songs! All of his work is beautiful! I've been listening to him since I was 10 years old. I'll soon be 50! I love Billy Joel just as much today as then, maybe more.
I second the first 2 recommendations.
One of his more rockin' songs, this was a huge #1 hit for him in 1980. I remember buying the 45 for this song.
The next one should be "You May Be Right." That one rocks even more! Also, you have to hear my absolute favorite, "The Longest Time."
"The Longest Time", "This Night" and "Innocent Man"... my 3 favorite Billy Joel songs and all from the same album.
Both excellent songs! I can't wait for them to do You May Be Right :)
Your aging yourself, I wonder if Jay or Amber have seen a 45, not just a picture.
I agree with "The Longest Time".
A matter of trust is another rocker
My Dad died last week, and I've been gone handling his affairs and laying him to rest. This is a wonderful song to return to; thank you!
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. 🙏
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss.
@@magneto7930 ty
@@muriel2267 ty
Jay/Amber, you'll Love his "The Stranger", "All About Soul", "Only The Good Die Young" and "She's Always A Woman" !!!!
Pressure!
You got it right Amber. New Wave music was becoming more popular when this song came out. This song takes me right back to High School. We loved it!
He managed to make the transition and remain relevant through that sea change in the music scene.
@wiltchamberlainisthegoat344I hear you and give you an amen. I was a Freshman. Such great times with the best music. And barely any of it recorded 😉
Love Billy Joel. Recommended it a few times. You really need to hear New York State of Mind. Great piano and awesome sax. You will love it.
And if possible it should be from his Old Grey Whistle Test performance. Absolutely outstanding.
@@johnlane1206 YESSSSSSSSS
Thank you! I’ve been looking through the comments, waiting for someone to mention this gem. It’s definitely worth watching. Something that makes you think, “Those are real musicians there!”
I remember in an interview once that he said he wrote most of New York State of Mind in like 15mins. Incredible! The sax solo is *amazing.*
@@RD-gi3iq Oh, I bet that was amazing! They’re both incredible performers.
Love this one. Have you guys done Biily Joels Only the Good Die Young yet? If not you should check it out, its a great one.
Not many songs give me literal chills every time I hear them. Three that do are Billy Joel songs: "Downeaster Alexa", "Goodnight Saigon", and "Leningrad".
Yes, if "Goodnight Saigon" doesn't give you chills, nothing will.
I remember the first time hearing "Goodnight Saigon" and I'm looking all over the sky to see why helicopters are flying overhead.
I can’t listen to Goodnight Saigon without getting emotional…especially the live version with the Veterans singing.
Absolutely agree, same three song's I choose
Downeaster Alexa is a must! Great, lesser known Joel tune.
A fun little catchy tune. I am glad I saw him in concert. He is a talented musician.
I saw him Houston and he did a hand stand on his piano at one point. Was amazing.
He was my very 1st concert. He was a tough act to follow!
@@brucer2152 Saw him in Wichita when 52nd Street was out. It was awesome.
@@janicetrimmell6897 oh yeah. I was a fan when I heard the stranger and piano man.
I loved him in concert. I have seen him multiple times, he has been my favorite musician for years.
Billy Joel is one of my faves! Please listen to his song "She's Got a Way" because it's such a beautifully gentile love song. Just him and his piano ❤
One of my favourite all time artists. The guy is a legend.
Seen Billy live in Cardiff what a showman absolutely love this song great choice
"You May Be Right" is another Billy Joel song in this vein.
this one was mind blowing hearing it as a kid.
I think Amber is referring to River of dreams. You can experience every type of music from this man. He is capable of anything and proves it time and time again.
"Tell Her About It" is one of the best _advice_ songs out there. It's the polar opposite of "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
Billy Joel - Pressure! - One of my Favorites
also - Only the Good Die Young.
Love both of these songs... They def need to react to them. ❤
Great reaction to one of Billy Joels great compositions. You've got to check out one of Billy Joels classic bangers, " The Stranger ". Fantastic eb and flow !
Love this one, thank you😊 Would love to see "Downeaster Alexa"!!
I loveeee Downeaster Alexa! Underrated song imo.
@@allieren totally agree. Makes me tear up every time, especially with the video.
Great performance by Billy, and OMG Richie Cannata on sax. I'm still in love.
Billy Joel is quite possibly the most well rounded musician/songwriter ever. He plays the full spectrum and does it well. From love ballads to funk, he’s able to do it all.
Yiu asked for more fun songs from Billy and there are plenty, but he also has a softer side, as shown with She's Got a Way and especially, And So It Goes. These are two very beautiful songs, just the way Amber likes them. 🙂
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I've always marveled at the smart and intelligent lines in this song, especially this throwaway line " You could really be a Beau Brummell baby
If you just give it half a chance. " Beau Brummell was famous in early 19th century England for his outrageous fashion sense and witty sayings. His extensive wardrobe was so lavish that he squandered a huge inheritance keeping up appearances.
Wasn't my generation lucky to have all the awesome music ? I swear kids it was hoping in my time 70s 80s 90s 😍
I was born at the start of the 90s, but my parents made damn sure I had a firm appreciation for the classics. I just envy folks like you for being able to fully appreciate that first listen!
I was born two-and-a-half weeks into the 1960s. It is SO great to hear much younger people truly digging the sounds I grew up with.@@Skiergold
“And so it goes” is a beautiful ballad by Billy, my favorite
Love 🥰 that song!
And this was his big launch into the 80's, he came in roaring!
What a way to kick off a shiny brand new decade, eh? :)
The Longest Time and She’s Always A Woman are two other Billy Joel songs worth checking out!❤
You need to do MORE Billy Joel ❤ I had the incredible privilege of seeing him twice. Once in LA when I was just 16, then later in life in NY on Jones Beach. Both times he was amazing ❤ Billy Joel! Y’all need to listen to “You May Be Right” and “Prelude/Angry Young Man” 👌🏽
"You May Be Right" is a fundamentally necessary Billy Joel track...🤩
Please, please, PLEASE! You need to hear Baby Grand! It's a duet with BILLY JOEL and RAY CHARLES! You'll love it!
Great song! He has so many great one's, like Honesty, She's Always a Woman To Me, You May Be Right, Don't Ask Me Why, Just the Way You Are, My Life, Uptown Girl, and of course, Piano Man!
You forget how many goof songs
Allentown. We didn't start the fire
@@ralphpalPressure, Don't Ask Me Why, Just A Fantasy, etc.
Vienna
So many great songs! 🥰
@@ralphpal So glad to Allentown mentioned!
Another fantastic Billy Joel song is "She's Always A Woman" - wonderful songwriting!
I can't hear this song without hearing the intro to "Don't Ask Me Why" right after. That's a recommendation. Also "Matter of Trust" (video). If you like fun Billy, this video, shot impromptu on the Lower East Side, fits the bill. Other fun Billy off the top of my head: "You May Be Right", "Easy Money", "All For Leyna" (not fun per se, but GREAT beat and insane piano, too).
He's got so many bangers. One that is a bit under the radar, but I love (and Jordan will too for its piano, keyboards, and staccato style like Toto's Hold the Line) is All for Leyna. Check that out and you'll see another rock and roll side of Billy Joel.
Can't go wrong with Billy Joel
I love Billy's quirky songs. Christy Lee is one of my favorites of his!
*Billy Joel - she's always a woman to me* one of his most iconic songs
His Music is SO GREAT! Just LOVE All of It! SURPRISE Sax, Amber! Thanks You Guys. :)
I was so fortunate to see him in concert in his prime. He was standing on a very tall speaker and jumped off of it and split his pants from one end to the other end, he just stopped and said well that's show biz and just kept going. 😋😋 He was and still is phenomenal all around the whole package!!!
In my opinion, one of the most creative popular musicians in both lyrics and melody. Try one which few have heard, unless they had the album ('Streetlife Serenade'), 'Los Angelenos'.
From the Glass Houses album that really opened him up to a whole new audiences. You would love "Big Man on Mulberry Street" the piano, horns, and big band sound in general just fantastic!
Man, I love Big Man on Mulberry Street. Jazzy/Bluesy Billy Joel
Big Man on Mulberry Street was used for a dance sequence in Moonlighting with Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.
It has been uploaded on here too.
You have to hear "Pressure" one of my favorite Billy Joel song
If you've not heard The Longest Time yet (apologies if I've missed it), I'd highly recommend it. The vocal harmonies are spectacular 🥰
Now THIS was the very first Billy Joel song I ever heard. Heavy radio rotation, and a friend gave me the 45 of this song! What is that you say? What's a 45?! 🤣😭 Boy I'm old!
Yes, same here. There's something special about the production too, it's new (wavish) sounding, yet it's still rock'n'roll...
LOL! I still have my late mother's 78s . . . even older!
There's a live video called "Billy Joel - New York State Of Mind (from Old Grey Whistle Test)" (that was a live music show on British TV)
I think it's from 1978 and the performance is mind blowing.
I've recommend this for the last 7 or 8 Billy Joel reactions. Hopefully this is the time.
Love Billy Joel. Check out his live performance ( from Shea Stadium ) of Prelude / Angry Young Man
Yes! This song is an ear worm for sure! One of my favorite Billy Joel songs…then again they all are!
Another one of Billy Joel’s many flavors - “Big Man on Mulberry Street” is a sound all its own.
The album did well when it came out.
This particular song was a favorite to sing back in the day, (1980). Just a lot of fun.
Other great tunes from the "Glass Houses" Lp were "You May Be Right" and my personal favorite, "Sometimes A Fantasy"...
"Sometimes a Fantasy" such a great tune
I loved those too!
@@anthonyfoster6742 ~ I love it...
@@janhofschulte6229 ~ Definitely...👍🎵🎸
In my mind, this was sort of a commentary about musical "gatekeeping" -- talking to those people who say, "Hey, if you don't dress like this, you're not a real ..." Or, "New Wave/Punk/Funk isn't rock & roll!" But Billy was saying: dress like you want, listen to the music you like, don't worry about being trendy or fashionable -- and anything that has a beat that makes you wanna get up and dance is what I call rock & roll.
"Tell Her About It" was another great Billy Joel song.
Quick story- my father travelled pretty extensively for business when I was younger. He was in Chicago, and walked to a favorite restaurant of his, and the place was really busy. My Dad was at a corner booth table when the maitre’d came and asked him if he’d mind having two guys sharing his table because the really needed to dine and dash. Pop said, “Sure.”
The guys sat down and small talk ensued, mostly with one of the gentleman, while the other was quiet and had sunglasses on. He explained to my Dad that they were musicians and needed a light meal before their show. My father replied, “ I think it’s great you can make a living doing that.” The guys left and kindly paid for my Dad’s meal.
As my father was leaving the maitre’d asked if he had any idea who paid for his dinner. My Dad- “Well, one of them said they were musicians.”
It was David Brown and Billy Joel. My father had no clue whatsoever.
Boy, I miss you, Pop.
"It's Still Rock and Roll To Me" (1980) was Billy Joel's 1st #1 (2 weeks) on the Billboard Hot 100 chart & his 13th single to chart at that point in his career.
Actually this song came about because the music media after his previous album 52nd street (which contains Big Shot) came out. They referred to Billy Joel a pop singer and complained about all of his songs being piano driven. So this song was his reply.
This music video came out a year before MTV. Billy sings the vocals live here and in the other music videos from this album: “All For Leyna” and “Sometimes A Fantasy”.
Billy Joel is my second favorite artist behind Paul Simon and I love listening to people listen to him, you guys are great.
His song "For The Longest Time" is a throwback to the 1950s/60s Doo wop groups, all vocals, acapella.
There are still so many Billy Joel songs for you to discover. Definitely don’t sleep on his slower ones. I saw someone mention “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” and I think that might be one of my favorites by him and underrated, in my opinion. That song always makes me think fondly of my short time living in Western Massachusetts for work. The song was also named after his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel who is quite a talented musician in her own right.
“Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” is another one for his daughter. Such a beautiful song.
Downeaster Alexa is one of my favorite and, like you said, very underrated
“Only the Good Die Young and You May Be Right are both Billy bangers! And great song to sing to Luca at bed night is the song her wrote for his daughter “Lullabye”
Next Joel song I’d recommend is “The Longest Time”. It’s my favorite of his.
This was Billy doing New Wave/Punk. Also called skinny tie music. Wide ties were from the sixties/seventies. He's wearing the skinny ties here. He's saying he can do the new changes because it's still Rock and Roll to him. This was from Glass Houses. You May Be Right is another good one from the album.
I’ve loved Billy’s music since I was in high school in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I saw someone suggest “Only Human” (Don’t Forget Your Second Wind) and that’s the one I came here to suggest/request too. It’s up-tempo and very catchy but it has a serious message about not giving up on life…to keep going because things will get better. It’s based on his experience from his early twenties when he attempted suicide and ended up in a psychiatric ward for a couple of weeks. The music video is really great … bonus: you even get a few bars of him playing “Piano Man” on a harmonica. Sending love and blessings from 🇨🇦!
Just wait until you guys hear "The Longest Time" - layers and layers of acapella Billy. It's not only something amazing to behold, but also incredibly fun!
Billy Joel...helluva musician, loved the world over, music catalog is OUTSTANDING!! As a person, seems like just a regular guy that caught a break and never forgot where he came from! I once heard the story of him purchasing his own front row tix for some of his fans at almost all his concerts...good guy!!❤ Check out, Matter of Trust.
"You may be Right" and "Only the Good Die young" are 2 more great Billy Joel songs.
I love this song! It’s a true Billy Joel classic! I often quote these lyrics because as he says, hot funk, cool punk, new wave, etc. it all still rock and roll to me!! Music is so related and I hate when people try to separate it! I feel he was saying all these different variations are still rock and roll! He wasn’t knocking punk, funk, or new wave (all of which he mentioned) but he was saying they are all still rock and roll and I agree! Rock and roll comes in many forms! Of course, new wave was all the rage and it was still rock and roll!❤❤
Yeah! It’s a very extensive family, but there’s plenty of room at the table.
I’m a veteran I love good night Saigon. True song of Vietnam. You need to play this one.
Zaps me right back to high school. I LOVE this song!
Two of my favorite Billy Joel songs are You May Be Right & Keeping the Faith
Alright my babies.....I really wish that I had the privilege to see this artist ‼️His catalog is timeless ‼️💯🔥🔥🔥
"You may be right (I may be crazy)" is one of his most fun early songs.
Glad to see you get into Billy Joel. He keeps on going. I saw him in 1978 on the 52nd Street tour. Great show with lots of energy.
Piano Man is 50 years old this year and blew me away when I first heard it. You said you already did my favorite song of his, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant. I'll have to find it and see what you thought. The entire album The Stranger is a masterpiece. Please look into more songs from it. Another one you have to listen to is Goodnight Saigon. Amazing lyrics that will touch you.
How about a LULLABY for his daughter??
I think you'll have watery eyes once you hear it! "Goodnight My Angel".
Billy Joel’s ‘Shades of Grey’ is wisdom for the ages. You FEEL it.
Bopping to this at 12 years young, good times!
This is the first song I ever heard by Billy Joel and my 2nd favorite after We Didn't Start The Fire
One of my favorite Billy Joel songs is She's Always A Woman . Actually kind of a bittersweet song.
Billy Joel is timeless. I got my first album. Songs in the attic when I was in 4th grade . You really need listen to the Ballad of Billy the kid. It's a story telling song. Right up your alley 😊
You still haven't watched Billy's coolest on stage character. New York State of Mind at the Old Grey Whistle Test. All-time GREAT performance.
Great reaction guys, and while you're on Billy Joel, do yourselves a favor. There's an incredible song called "Baby Grand" with him and Ray Charles that has a special place in my heart, partially because my family and I knew Ray very well, but also because it doesn't get any better than hearing and watching these two masters sing and play the pianos together.
Came to comment for this song such a fabulous duet
I think what Billy's actually saying in the lyrics is "yeah, the styles change, trends come and go, but the specific 'fashions' of each trend don't really matter... it's all just rock 'n' roll." Which, tbh, is something I think relates pretty well to what you've discovered with your own musical journey on this channel: "Rock 'n' Roll" is an umbrella category that's more of a spirit than a specific style. It's the music of the youth bringing their own flavor to their generation, rebelling against the styles of their parents (generally), and celebrating their own identities. In every decade you've visited with your reactions, there's been great rock music, and that 'great rock music' can sound VERY different from one generation to the next, even one genre to the next, but it all has that same spirit at the center of it and THAT'S what Billy is celebrating here. The current flavor of "rock 'n' roll" is temporary but the spirit at the center of it is forever.
You can hear it especially in lyrics like:
- "it doesn't matter what they say in the papers cause it's always been the same ol' scene"
- "hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk, it's still rock 'n' roll to me"
- "next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways, it's still rock 'n' roll to me"
- "everybody's talkin' 'bout 'the new sound funny,' but it's still rock 'n' roll to me"
I'd also argue that you can extend this same idea of "the spirit of rock" back to even before "rock 'n' roll" was a thing. Go back to the jazz, swing, blues, and whatnot of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s and you see that, even before "rock music" was an idea, every generation was making music that their parents hated and thought was ruining society, the youth, and the world. The spirit of "rock" has been with us from the beginning -- probably from the moment the first caveman banged two rocks together in a rhythm and their elders got angry and tried to make them stop -- even before anyone invented a word for it.
I LOVE THIS SONG:) So great that you listened to it today. Keep on listening to his songs, because you will always have fun, and enjoy them!
I love how you described him! He's all the spices! I've always said Billy Joel doesn't just have one style.Not one song of his sounds the same or even close to another song of his.
Love Billy Joel 🥰🥰🥰
So many great songs! "Allentown " tells the story of working class families, one of my favorites from him.
"You May Be Right" is another rocking Billy Joel song.
He is so awesome! There's a hit Billy Joel song appropriate for every mood. You've got to get around to "Only the Good Die Young". It's a hard driving upbeat song like this one but is a totally unique masterpiece of lyrics, arrangement (as Amber mentioned cadence) and instrumentals...first of his songs I heard as a kid and was like "WHO IS THIS?!?!". Been a dedicated fan ever since.
Hello guys, best to your lovely family. Billy Joel is a riot in my house, with my little one running around dancing to his music. He could do everything. He did a great rock song, "Matter of Trust", and also a song we sometimes listen to on a long ride called "Baby Grande" with the great Ray Charles, one of his last songs. I know you guys will get to Don Henley with 'The Boys of Summer", an artist you have not done as a solo artist. The great Eagle, had a great solor career himself in the 1980's. I explained in another post, how we almost lost him to Crohns. Thank you for bringing some fun music, that we enjoy along with you. Be safe guys.- Mrs. king.
If you ever get the chance to see him in concert... please do everything you can to get there. He's amazing
Another fun Billy song is “You May Be Right”
He's a great and very humble musician. He has no bad albums.
A MATTER OF TRUST has always been one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. I know his catalog is soooo deep but I’m anxiously waiting to see you react to it.
Not a big Billy Joel fan but this is a good song. Iconic sax solo
Congrats on 400K! Great reaction. Love Billy Joel