Every Billy Joel Album Ranked Worst To Best

Joel's third studio album, Streetlife Serenade came during a difficult time in the young songwriter's life. He had spent the last few years in LA, where he had recorded his first two records, and by the time 1974 came along, he was sick of the west coast lifestyle and ready to return to the bustling state of New York.

Unfortunately, this leads to some problems with the album, which basically plays like an angry series of rants and complaints about Los Angeles. The song "Los Angelenos" in particular shows a man bitter and homesick, and for the most part he struggles to escape his negativity and really lean into the stronger, more thoughtful aspects of the album.

The best track on the record is probably "The Entertainer," a witty and well-crafted look at the life of a musician and how difficult it can be to make the album you want without upsetting the producers or the fans. Even with this song, though, the album falls a touch flat, too full of cynicism for the melodies and social observations to be properly enjoyed.

Best Songs: The Entertainer, Roberta, Souvenir