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The Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1997 cover

The Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1997

Billy Joel

Album 1997

About this album

Sound: "A vibrant tapestry of pop rock anthems blending storytelling with infectious melodies and emotional depth."

Where they were

Released in 1997, 'The Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1997' encapsulates Billy Joel's prolific career at a time when he was transitioning from arena rock star to a more reflective artist. This compilation brought together his most notable tracks, serving as a retrospective following his last studio album, 'River of Dreams' (1993), and highlights his enduring impact on popular music.

Why it matters

'The Complete Hits Collection' achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and later being certified multi-platinum. This collection not only showcases Joel's vast array of hits but also serves as a cultural touchstone for the late 20th-century pop landscape, influencing numerous artists across genres.

Essential tracks

  • "Piano Man" — This quintessential anthem encapsulates Joel’s storytelling prowess and ability to evoke nostalgia, making it a defining moment in his catalog.
  • "We Didn’t Start the Fire" — This track stands out for its rapid-fire historical references, reflecting the socio-political climate of the late 20th century while showcasing Joel's unique lyrical approach.
  • "Just the Way You Are" — A tender ballad that won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, representing Joel’s softer side and intimate lyricism.
  • "Uptown Girl" — This upbeat track exemplifies Joel's ability to craft catchy pop songs with a retro flair, becoming one of his signature hits that defined the '80s sound.

Release Date

October 13, 1997

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Piano Man 5:39
  2. 2 Captain Jack 6:57
  3. 3 The Entertainer 3:40
  4. 4 Say Goodbye to Hollywood 4:39
  5. 5 New York State of Mind 6:05
  6. 6 The Stranger 5:09
  7. 7 Scenes From an Italian Restaurant 7:36
  8. 8 Just the Way You Are 4:51
  9. 9 Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 3:30
  10. 10 Only the Good Die Young 3:54
  11. 11 She’s Always a Woman 3:20

Disc 2

  1. 1 My Life 4:44
  2. 2 Big Shot 4:02
  3. 3 You May Be Right 4:13
  4. 4 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me 2:58
  5. 5 Don’t Ask Me Why 2:59
  6. 6 She’s Got a Way 3:02
  7. 7 Pressure 4:37
  8. 8 Allentown 3:48
  9. 9 Goodnight Saigon 7:02
  10. 10 Tell Her About It 3:50
  11. 11 Uptown Girl 3:16
  12. 12 The Longest Time 3:39
  13. 13 You’re Only Human (Second Wind) 4:49
  14. 14 The Night Is Still Young 5:26

Disc 3

  1. 1 Keeping the Faith 4:38
  2. 2 An Innocent Man 5:19
  3. 3 A Matter of Trust 4:12
  4. 4 Baby Grand 4:05
  5. 5 This Is the Time 5:00
  6. 6 Leningrad 4:04
  7. 7 We Didn’t Start the Fire 4:48
  8. 8 I Go to Extremes 4:24
  9. 9 And So It Goes 3:38
  10. 10 The Downeaster “Alexa” 3:44
  11. 11 Shameless 4:27
  12. 12 All About Soul (remix) 6:01
  13. 13 Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) 3:35
  14. 14 The River of Dreams 4:11
  15. 15 To Make You Feel My Love 3:53
  16. 16 Hey Girl 3:57
  17. 17 Light as the Breeze 6:12

Disc 4

  1. 1 Spoken Intro: Music Concepts 10:18
  2. 2 Scenes From an Italian Restaurant (live unreleased version) 7:50
  3. 3 Beatles Influence 5:18
  4. 4 Hard Day’s Night (live unreleased version) 2:53
  5. 5 Why Vienna? 9:28
  6. 6 Vienna (live unreleased version) 3:41
  7. 7 History Through Music 4:31
  8. 8 We Didn’t Start the Fire (live unreleased version) 5:13
  9. 9 Music Source 9:14
  10. 10 The River of Dreams (unreleased original studio recording) 5:20
  11. 11 Piano Bar 7:46
  12. 12 Piano Man (live unreleased version) 6:31

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