{"product_id":"billy-joel-stranger","title":"Billy Joel - Stranger","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"290\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eBilly Joel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e reached a creative tipping point with The Stranger, an album that balances pop precision, emotional depth, and classic songwriting instincts in near-perfect harmony.\u003cbr data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"206\"\u003eIt is the record where Joel stopped chasing approval and started trusting his voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"769\"\u003eOriginally released in 1977 by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eColumbia Records\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, The Stranger arrived as Joel’s fifth studio album and became the defining statement of his early career. Created during a period of artistic self-doubt and personal reset, the album reflects a sharpened sense of confidence, both lyrically and musically. This release has since come to symbolize the foundation of Joel’s enduring 50-year legacy, bridging singer-songwriter intimacy with arena-ready ambition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"1317\"\u003eMusically, The Stranger thrives on contrast and restraint. Just The Way You Are delivers smooth, understated devotion wrapped in jazz-leaning elegance, while Vienna offers reflective wisdom that grows deeper with every listen. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) injects streetwise grit and piano-driven punch, and Scenes From An Italian Restaurant unfolds as a multi-part epic that showcases Joel’s flair for narrative and arrangement. Producer Phil Ramone’s crisp, uncluttered touch lets each song breathe while keeping the album cohesive and timeless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1653\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePressed on standard black vinyl, this edition preserves the warmth and balance that made The Stranger an instant classic. More than a hit-filled milestone, it remains a masterclass in songwriting craft, revealing new emotional corners with every spin and reminding listeners why Billy Joel’s songs continue to feel unmistakably human.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alliance Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54211884024137,"sku":"190759392010","price":0.81,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0970\/7329\/9785\/files\/4312687-3132205.jpg?v=1776399820","url":"https:\/\/vintagespinvinyl.com\/products\/billy-joel-stranger","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}