Billy Joel: The Stranger
Columbia CS 69384
Stereo/Multichannel Single Layer
Pop/Rock
Billy Joel (acoustic piano, vocals, electric keyboards, synthesizers)
Doug Stegmeyer (bass)
Liberty DeVitto (drums)
Richie Cannata (tenor and soprano saxes, clarinet, flute, organ)
Steve Khan (six and twelve string electric guitars, acoustic rhythm guitar and high string guitar)
Hiram Bullock (electric guitar)
Patrick Williams (orchestration)
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Comment by JrL3 - July 1, 2017 (1 of 2)
This is one of those rare essential albums that received all the right attention. It is so good that half of tracks on the 1st CD of Greatest Hits Vol 1 & 2 is from The Stranger. The multi-channel mix is one of the best I have heard which fills the room with distinct centered vocal and instruments in the channels. The stereo is excellent too except you need to turn your amp up about 10db to equal the 5.1 output.
I compared Just The Way You Are 'stereo' with the re-mastered GHV1&2 CD and this is full, clear and clean; especially when the chime sounds like it is right there. That great CD version now sounds thin and I noticed some slight tape noise on the track that never bothered me until now. The 5.1 has a full presence that provides perfect bass without even using a subwoofer. When you turn the sub on it kicks! It even has a nice sleeve around the case and an 8 page booklet with all the lyrics. Usually you don't get an artists best album released this way. This is a must own!
(The version I have says 491184 6 on the spine UPC 5099749118461 and was just released in 2017. I guess they only made a few thousand since mine is numbered with a total of 4 digits. This is not the Mo-Fi stereo version.)
Comment by Foxman276 - July 5, 2022 (2 of 2)
This is an first/early generation SACD. It does not showcase the full power of the format, but it is a noticeable improvement in fidelity over the redbook CD. I always listen to SACDs for details I have never heard on vinyl or CD, knowing the SACD is capable of revealing things not possible on the lower fidelity cousins. I have heard several details that make me smile on this disc. The sound is also warm and engaging. It isn’t a home run but it is very good indeed.
(Stereo only review)