What makes That's Not Her Style by Billy Joel notable?

The album features the hit single 'We Didn’t Start the Fire,' which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, sparking widespread cultural conversation about historical events. This track's unique storytelling format and rapid-fire references to pop culture established it as a defining work of the late 20th century, illustrating Joel's ability to blend entertainment with serious commentary. In 1990, Billy Joel was transitioning from the commercial success of his previous album, 'Storm Front,' which had solidified his place in mainstream music. 'That's Not Her Style' was released during a time when he was exploring more mature themes, reflecting on relationships and societal issues as he approached the peak of his career.

How many songs are on That's Not Her Style?

That's Not Her Style has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

That's Not Her Style

Billy Joel · 1990

19 min · 4 tracks · pop rock

A blend of soft rock and contemporary pop, marked by intricate melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect personal narratives.

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Top tracks — play these first

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That's Not Her Style — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of identity and expectation, showcasing Joel's nuanced songwriting and vocal delivery.
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We Didn’t Start the Fire — This song stands out for its innovative structure, weaving together historical events into a catchy narrative that critiques societal complacency while remaining highly memorable.
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Until the Night — With its lush arrangement and romantic longing, this track highlights Joel's ability to convey deep emotion through both lyricism and melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied tempos and lyrical themes but lacks a strong cohesive narrative across tracks.

What we noticed

The first track features a steady mid-tempo groove with layered instrumentation that builds throughout.
The second track employs rapid-fire lyrics and a driving beat, creating a sense of urgency and historical reflection.
The third track shifts to a slower tempo with a focus on vocal harmonies and emotional delivery, contrasting with the previous song.
The final track is characterized by its soft piano arrangement and romantic themes, providing a gentle conclusion to the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Features the hit 'We Didn’t Start the Fire,' enhancing Joel's mainstream recognition.
Themes: societal complacency· historical reflection· romantic longing
Career context: In 1990, Billy Joel was transitioning from the commercial success of his previous album, 'Storm Front,' which had solidified his place in mainstream music. 'That's Not Her Style' was released during a time when he was exploring more mature themes, reflecting on relationships and societal issues as he approached the peak of his career.
Stylistic neighbors: Elton John· Carole King· James Taylor