Billy Joel - The Bridge (1986)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

Joel had a good run in the late '70s/early '80s, but this album marks the point when he started to lose me as a fan. After having a few great concept albums (attempts at rock with Glass Houses, serious Beatlesque music with Nylon Curtain, and a doo-wop album with Innocent Man), this thing is just inconsistent as if Joel wanted us to know he could please everybody. To that end, we get duets with Cyndi Lauper and Ray Charles, a big band number, a movie soundtrack theme song, and attempts at power ballads. To his credit, you can hear piano on this album instead of only synths. That was rare in '86. Now it sounds dated and I'm not saying it's a bad album, but this release just doesn't measure up to its predecessors. I guess disappointing is the word to use.

Press of the time:

• High Fidelity: "only once here, on his duet with Ray Charles, does Joel reach that high point."
• Rolling Stone: " a smart, sophisticated collection of songs"
• Smash Hits (8 out of 10): "Polished and palatable to boot."
• Stereo Review: "it's a nice little record"
• Robert Christgau: B

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: #7 (Sept 20, 1986)
• Billboard Pop CD: #3
• CashBox CD: #4
• Rolling Stone: #6

Tracks: I don't think there are any real stand-out tracks here, but the better cuts are This Is The Time, Baby Grand, Big Man On Mulberry Street, and Getting Closer (with a wicked organ solo from Steve Winwood). I'm not a fan of A Matter Of Trust, Temptation, and Code Of Silence (Not a fan of Cyndi Lauper, so there ya go).

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: This reminds me of the summer of 1986, which I spent in San Antonio. Sure I lived with my parents and worked part-time at a Sizzler steakhouse, but I got to spend my off time exploring a wonderful city that has so much to offer. This album got plenty of playing time as I drove around the city in the Markmobile. Those were good, carefree times.

Previously revisited for the blog:
To Make You Feel My Love (1997)
Songs in the Attic (1981)
Glass Houses (1980)
52nd Street (1978)
The Stranger (1977)