All that one needs for a perfect taste of how the young, angst-filled musician felt is a listen to "The Entertainer" and the accompanying lyrics. While other tracks exhibit a more or less bitter tone, this song definitely sees the peak of what Joel attempted to express. And as it turns out, the highly fueled and frantic nature helps make said song sound lively and vivid. In fact, between the almost back-to-back ordering of "The Entertainer" and the classic, fast-piano instrumental "Root Beer Rag," the rest of the album can begin to sound dull. Quite a few songs here are on a slower pace than what audiences likely expected after Piano Man, with a calm Sunday afternoon vibe embodying them.
Make no mistake, however, for Streetlife Serenade isn't in short supply of the style of tracks which Joel has probably written about more than any other: the ladies. "Roberta" and even "Los Angelenos" can be taken in this light, both of which feel like siblings next to each other. That is, the music is fairly relaxed, upbeat (even when slow) and sung with a mildly romantic voice. Much of the rest of the album falls into a similar mold, which is found during these two points. Granted, some exhibit this better than others, including "Last of the Big Time Spenders" and opening track, "Streetlife Serenader" by the time it builds up. Really, Streetlife Serenade turns out to be a mix of songs which either feel fitting for a leisurely afternoon, or at a bar (namely during a karaoke night).
Billy Joel doesn't make much progress from Piano Man to this album. If anything, one might say that the highlights of the former overshadow what's present here. A couple more rebellious moments than usual aside, this is essentially the Piano Man doing what he does most comfortably. As such, it's a very basic and easy album to pinpoint; one that's best for casual listeners.
Tracklist for Streetlife Serenade:
1. Streetlife Serenader
2. Los Angelenos
3. The Great Suburban Showdown
4. Root Beer Rag
5. Roberta
6. The Entertainer
7. Last of the Big Time Spenders
8. Weekend Song
9. Souvenir
10. The Mexican Connection
Make no mistake, however, for Streetlife Serenade isn't in short supply of the style of tracks which Joel has probably written about more than any other: the ladies. "Roberta" and even "Los Angelenos" can be taken in this light, both of which feel like siblings next to each other. That is, the music is fairly relaxed, upbeat (even when slow) and sung with a mildly romantic voice. Much of the rest of the album falls into a similar mold, which is found during these two points. Granted, some exhibit this better than others, including "Last of the Big Time Spenders" and opening track, "Streetlife Serenader" by the time it builds up. Really, Streetlife Serenade turns out to be a mix of songs which either feel fitting for a leisurely afternoon, or at a bar (namely during a karaoke night).
Billy Joel doesn't make much progress from Piano Man to this album. If anything, one might say that the highlights of the former overshadow what's present here. A couple more rebellious moments than usual aside, this is essentially the Piano Man doing what he does most comfortably. As such, it's a very basic and easy album to pinpoint; one that's best for casual listeners.
Tracklist for Streetlife Serenade:
1. Streetlife Serenader
2. Los Angelenos
3. The Great Suburban Showdown
4. Root Beer Rag
5. Roberta
6. The Entertainer
7. Last of the Big Time Spenders
8. Weekend Song
9. Souvenir
10. The Mexican Connection