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Billy's career had been building gradually prior to the release of this album, but this album made him a major star in America, spawning four hit singles, two of which (Just the way you are, Moving out) also became British hits at the time while a third (She's always a woman) made the UK charts six years later. The other American hit (Only the good die young) didn't chart in Britain.Of all the hits, the standout track is Just the way you are, which was also a UK hit for Barry White less than a year after Billy's original made the UK top twenty. Many artists in several genres of music have covered Just the way you are, proving just how good the song is.Among the other tracks, there is a great story song - Scenes from an Italian restaurant. It lasts for over seven and a half minutes so it could never have been released as a single. Vienna, Get it right the first time, Everybody has a dream and the title track are all excellent album tracks.Although there are only nine tracks on this album, the playing time is over forty minutes and every song is brilliant. Among Billy's many excellent original albums, I rate this one as second only to An innocent man.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Musically, critically and commercially one of Billy Joel's finest albums 'The Stranger' has set standards of the popular song, it also shows a man very much on top form in the singer/songwriter category. With 'The Stranger' Joel has touched the pulse of pop perfection, and outcame such songs like 'Movin Out (Anthony's Song' - a fun narrative pop song with one of the most catchiest choruses I've ever heard. 'The Stranger' (a song on the album with the same name) - a dark funky rock song with an oriental guitar riff, not to mention the beautiful piano introduction. 'Just The Way You Are' - need I say no more. 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' is one of Joels best written songs, jazz, rock and roll and romance all thrown into this pop epic. It is Joels 'Bohemian Rhapsody' if you like. 'Vienna' is tranquil and poignant and 'She's Always A Woman' empathises with any man who's ever been in love, a song of such beauty and significance. Melody, Harmony and Orchestration all have high standards and just pure enjoyment in this masterpiece. This is a must have for Billy Joel fans, but even if you don't particularly like his work this is an elagant addition to anyones collection. A true classic from the Piano Man

Rating: 5 out of 5

Has Billy Joel ever written a song which is as true, and as fine a blend of by turns wistful and cutting lyrics with understated piano melody as "Always a woman"? Has anyone? Any man who's ever been out with a woman will recognise something in these lyrics. This is only one of several stand-out tracks on the album however. "Scenes from an Italian restaurant" brilliantly showcases three different styles of Joel's music on one track and the piano solo which introduces "Brenda and Eddy.." is worth the price of the CD itself. "Just the Way you are" is one of the classic love songs and has a genuine feel that the Barry White cover lost. There are a few tracks on the album which I consider fillers but these are more than compensated for by the above and also the likes of the "Moving Out" and "Only the Good Die Young".

Rating: 4 out of 5

When it came out in 1977, The Stranger became Billy Joel's first very successful reaching no.2 in the album charts. It produced Record of the Year, "Just the Way You Are" and many other great songs. After all 6 songs from this album has gone to his greatest hits. The album is further enhanced by its ongoing theme of The Stranger with it's mysterious tune and epilogue. This is a fantastic album and I recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Musically, critically and commercially one of Billy Joel's finest albums 'The Stranger' has set standards of the popular song, it also shows a man very much on top form in the singer/songwriter category. With 'The Stranger' Joel has touched the pulse of pop perfection, and outcame such songs like 'Movin Out (Anthony's Song' - a fun narrative pop song with one of the most catchiest choruses I've ever heard. 'The Stranger' (a song on the album with the same name) - a dark funky rock song with an oriental guitar riff, not to mention the beautiful piano introduction. 'Just The Way You Are' - need I say no more. 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' is one of Joels best written songs, jazz, rock and roll and romance all thrown into this pop epic. It is Joels 'Bohemian Rhapsody' if you like. 'Vienna' is tranquil and poignant and 'She's Always A Woman' empathises with any man who's ever been in love, a song of such beauty and significance. Melody, Harmony and Orchestration all have high standards and just pure enjoyment in this masterpiece. This is a must have for Billy Joel fans, but even if you don't particularly like his work this is an elagant addition to anyones collection. A true classic from the Piano Man

Rating: 5 out of 5