Piano Man (Billy Joel album)
Piano Man is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in November 1973. The album marked Joel's commercial breakthrough, largely due to the success of its title track, "Piano Man," which became one of his signature songs.
Background:
Following the failure of his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971), and subsequent legal battles with his record label, Joel relocated to Los Angeles and performed under the pseudonym "Bill Martin" in a piano bar. This experience heavily influenced the songs on Piano Man. He signed with Columbia Records in 1972.
Content:
The album features a mix of ballads and rock songs, showcasing Joel's songwriting and piano-playing abilities. Lyrically, the songs explore themes of escape, disillusionment, and the struggles of everyday life. Beyond the title track, other notable songs include "Travelin' Prayer," "You're My Home," and "Captain Jack."
Production:
Piano Man was produced by Michael Stewart and engineered by Larry Elliott. The album's sound is characterized by Joel's prominent piano playing, backed by a band featuring drums, bass, guitar, and saxophone.
Reception:
Piano Man was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. The title track reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over time, the album has gained a strong following and has been certified 4x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album helped solidify Billy Joel's position as a major figure in popular music.
Track Listing:
- Travelin' Prayer
- Piano Man
- Captain Jack
- The Entertainer
- Worse Comes to Worst
- Stop in Nevada
- If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)
- Somewhere Along the Line
- You're My Home
- Ain't No Crime