Junk Box Jury

Taken from the LP ‘Glass Houses’ | (CBS SCBS 86108) March 1980

Walking away from 52nd Street where the smart musical departments are, the next chapter in our hero’s story finds him kicking a few cans around over on the East Side.

This album is a surprise, showing few compromises with his last works. It’s a bit like comparing a work by Van Gogh with the Mona Lisa (intellectual spot chums). But in keeping with much of Joel‘s work, this album has an obsession with the constant bustle of city life.

“You May Be Right”, with its rather crass opening of the sound of breaking glass, is the most straightforward track on the album. An amusing account of mild paranoia and easily missed references that take two listens to fully appreciate.

“Sometimes A Fantasy” finds Joel leaping aboard his comedy roundabout and this song is a perfect foil for the last track.

“Don’t Ask Me Why” is heavy on Latin American influences with its wobbling maraca beat and Joel donning white tie and jacket to perch briefly on the bar stool. It’s a song that relies on Joel’s heavily phrased vocal impact and a particularly smooth chorus line.

“It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me”, is an incisive comment on the over indulgent stars and maybe even a jibe at some factions of the music press. Fortunately the depressing bite of the lyrics is cut short by an uplifting piece of sax, that cuts across just at the right moment.

Billy Joel | “All For Leyna” | (CBS)

“All For Leyna” is a panorama as bold as an aerial view of the New York skyline. Joel tells a familiar story of a wayward girl but he handles it with such passion that the theme is given a fresh lick of paint.

“I Don’t Want To Be Alone” is another song about losing and “Sleeping With The Television On” completes something of a trilogy.

“C’ Etait Toi” (You Were The One) is the softest touch on side two and is unashamedly wet eyed. Joel sings in French for part of the time and by golly they’ve even brought along an accordion player.

“Close To The Borderline” jars you out of the relaxation and it’s a vicious drama about guns and street hoods. The sparse arrangements on the song only serve to complete its effect and Joel storms through the lyrics like a burly New York cop wielding a night stick.

The pressure eases off again with the closing track, “Through The Long Night”, an unabashed love song to be delivered by flickering candlelight.

Quite an album (Robin Smith, Record Mirror)

Billy Joel | “All For Leyna” | (CBS)

Good to see there are still some Americans who don’t bland out when they meet with success.

It’s a mistake to see this New York tough guy as a balladeer anyway, but even so the emphasis here is really on punch – musical as well as honest lyrics – with harder, more aggressive material from a man who writes good songs like other people tell jokes.

Not many Joel classics but still a satisfying performance. (Smash Hits)

Singles taken from the album:

“All For Leyna” / “Close To The Borderline” (CBS S CBS 8325) 03/80
“You May Be Right” / “Through The Long Night” (CBS S CBS 8643) 05/80
“It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me” / “Through The Long Night” (CBS S CBS 8753) 07/80
“Don’t Ask Me Why” / “C’Etait Toi (You Were The One)” (CBS S CBS 9031) 10/80

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cost of record: £1.50
from: The Children’s Society