"The Stranger" is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released on September 29, 1977, through Columbia Records. This album marked Joel's first collaboration with producer Phil Ramone, who would work with him on several subsequent albums.
Prior to The Stranger, Joel faced the possibility of being dropped by Columbia Records after his previous album, Turnstiles (1976), performed poorly on the charts. Determined to make a stronger impression, Joel sought to feature his touring band—comprised of drummer Liberty DeVitto, bassist Doug Stegmeyer, and multi-instrumentalist Richie Cannata—on the new record. He initially considered legendary producer George Martin but ultimately chose Ramone, who appreciated the raw energy of Joel's band.
The recording process took about three weeks, resulting in a polished yet dynamic sound that propelled Joel to new heights. The album spent six weeks at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and produced four Top 40 hits, including "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "She's Always a Woman," and "Only the Good Die Young."
The Stranger is widely regarded as Joel's breakthrough album, earning two Grammy Awards in 1978, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are." It became Columbia's best-selling album, surpassing Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge over Troubled Water, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. The album has been celebrated in music history, appearing on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
Beyond its commercial success, tracks like "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and "Vienna" have become enduring favorites in Joel's live performances, solidifying The Stranger's legacy in pop and rock music.
