This Night is Billy’s masterpiece.
I’m a 90s baby with parents born in the 50s. Grew up listening to the “Essential Billy Joel” CD we had for long trips and such. I had exposure to his chart toppers but, of course, those greatest hits albums left out some gems.
My dad passed away a few years ago and his favorite was Keeping the Faith. After watching Billy’s HBO documentary, I started digging deeper into each album. “An Innocent Man” is def my favorite concept album of his, you can tell he went all out paying tribute to legends from his youth.
But, my god, This Night is an absolute masterpiece. Can’t believe I slept on it for so long! The modernized Beethoven melody, arguably Billy’s best display of vocal range, the plot of the song. I can picture myself at a high school dance in the 50s “breaking the rules” to this tune. It’s beautiful, fun, nostalgic…it’s perfect. Anyone else agree?