Released 37 years ago this October
Storm Front
Billy Joel · 1989
44 min · 10 tracks · pop rock
A blend of pop rock and introspective balladry, showcasing Joel's storytelling over polished production.
Top tracks — play these first
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That’s Not Her Style Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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We Didn’t Start the Fire — This track stands out for its unique structure, weaving together rapid-fire historical events into a catchy chorus that became an anthem of its time.
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The Downeaster “Alexa” — This song reflects Joel's connection to Long Island and the struggles of local fishermen, blending poignant storytelling with a memorable melody.
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And So It Goes — A tender ballad that showcases Joel's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability, it serves as a contrast to the more upbeat tracks on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic pop rock with introspective ballads, showcasing strong songwriting and polished production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo in 'That’s Not Her Style' and maintains a consistent energy level through the first five tracks.
- Tracks like 'We Didn’t Start the Fire' and 'I Go to Extremes' feature prominent hooks and repetitive choruses that emphasize their themes.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, with 'And So It Goes' concluding the album on a reflective note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- thought-provoking storytelling moments
- steady, consistent energy levels
- reflective late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Features the hit 'We Didn’t Start the Fire,' boosting Joel's recognition.
- Themes
- historical reflection· Long Island struggles
- Career context
- Released on October 17, 1989, Storm Front was Billy Joel's 11th studio album, coming after the massive success of his previous record, The Bridge. At this point in his career, Joel had solidified his status as a leading figure in pop-rock, yet he faced challenges in maintaining commercial relevance amid evolving musical trends.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elton John· Carole King· James Taylor
Tracklist
- 1 That’s Not Her Style Start here 5:10
- 2 We Didn’t Start the Fire 4:51
- 3 The Downeaster “Alexa” 3:45
- 4 I Go to Extremes 4:24
- 5 Shameless 4:26
- 6 Storm Front 5:17
- 7 Leningrad 4:07
- 8 State of Grace 4:30
- 9 When in Rome 4:50
- 10 And So It Goes 3:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Tunnel of Love
Bruce Springsteen
Shares introspective storytelling and polished production with themes of love and struggle.
Sleeping with the Past
Elton John
Combines pop rock sensibilities with reflective lyrics, echoing personal and historical themes.
Building the Perfect Beast
Don Henley
Features a blend of rock and introspection, focusing on personal narratives against a polished backdrop.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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