When Storm Front was released in 1989, the biggest hit was "We Didn't Start the Fire," which sounds dated now with its synth chorus and choppy shout-singing. But even without that song, it's a classic album; Joel doesn't settle for singing the same song over and over like some bands of today. The album covers the spectrum of his oeuvre, from the girl-focused rock opener "That's Not Her Style" to the beautiful piano ballad "And So It Goes," which closes the album.
One of Joel's songwriting strengths is his ability to craft a narrative through the use of a distinctly seperate voice for the lyrics of a song; he can successfully seperate the speaker of the lyrics from his identity as the author. His narrators are frequently blue-collar or downtrodden, seen throughout his career from "Piano Man" to "Allentown" to my favorite on this album, "The Downeaster 'Alexa,'" a Celtic-tinged folk ballad. His other sea-faring song "Storm Front," featuring Joel in full eighties bombast and backed by horns and gospel singers, isn't as effective and betrays the age of the album.
After relistening to Joel's penultimate pop album, I was reminded both of his songwriting abilities and occasional missteps. I hope he someday reconsiders his retirement and releases another album, and maybe someday I'll be able to have the money and opportunity to see one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time perform live.
Listen:
Billy Joel - The Downeaster "Alexa"
Billy Joel - And So It Goes