Don’t Be Afraid…To Listen to This Entire Album [VIDEO]

Something about this album cover has always freaked me out. Billy Joel's (November 1973) breakthrough features a very creepy portrait of the singer that looks like it's going to come alive and whisper something to you at any moment. But if you dare to listen to the whole album I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

There are so many great tunes on this album it is difficult for me to pick my favorite, the title track never gets old of course and Captain Jack is very well known and is as awesome as it is edgy.

How the above track is a 'deep cut' is beyond me, 'The Ballad of Billy the Kid' is very radio friendly and the piano runs (at 3:34) never fail to melt my brain.

The overall blue collar desperation feel that the lyrics evoke in songs like 'Ain't No Crime' and 'Worse Comes to Worst' resonate with me just as much at age 41 as they did when I was 20. The only downside is that they make videos like this one that much more tragic.

But, as I've said on a few occasions, when I sell millions of albums writing happy songs about marrying a super model, I shall allow Mr. Joel to make fun of me all he wants.

I couldn't leave out 'Traveling Prayer'. There's just no way I could leave it out without being afraid the album cover would haunt my every dream as punishment.