About this album
Where they were
By the time 'An Innocent Man' was released in August 1983, Billy Joel was enjoying mainstream success following his commercial peak with 'The Nylon Curtain' in 1982. This album marked a stylistic shift as he embraced the doo-wop and Motown sounds of his youth, showcasing his versatility as an artist while solidifying his status in popular music.
Why it matters
'An Innocent Man' achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and producing multiple hit singles like 'Uptown Girl' and 'Tell Her About It'. The album's nostalgic sound resonated widely, earning critical acclaim and contributing to a resurgence of interest in classic pop styles during the early 1980s.
Essential tracks
- "Uptown Girl" — 'Uptown Girl' stands out for its infectious chorus and catchy melody, encapsulating the album's playful essence and evoking classic pop influences.
- "The Longest Time" — This track showcases Joel's vocal range and ability to evoke nostalgia through its doo-wop harmonies, making it a quintessential representation of the album's sound.
- "Tell Her About It" — 'Tell Her About It' combines upbeat rhythms with heartfelt lyrics, illustrating Joel's knack for blending emotional storytelling with pop sensibilities.
- "An Innocent Man" — The title track conveys the album's central themes of love and vulnerability, enhanced by its soulful arrangement that harks back to earlier musical eras.
Release Date
August 8, 1983
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Easy Money 4:05
- 2 An Innocent Man 5:18
- 3 The Longest Time 3:37
- 4 This Night 4:18
- 5 Tell Her About It 3:51
- 6 Uptown Girl 3:17
- 7 Careless Talk 3:47
- 8 Christie Lee 3:30
- 9 Leave a Tender Moment Alone 3:56
- 10 Keeping the Faith 4:42
