Rating: 7.5/10
By 1980, Billy Joel was tired of being branded as a soft-rock, ballad artist, and set about creating his first rock and roll album. I think he did a relatively good job, though a lot of the songs on Glass Houses are anything but rock and roll.
In this post I’ll be ranking the songs on Glass Houses from worst to best. Hope you enjoy!
10. Close to the Borderline (Track 9)
This song isn’t bad, but it’s definitely not one of the more memorable songs from Glass Houses. I like the instrumental, but the actual vocals and lyrics don’t do much for me.
9. C’etait Toi (You Were the One) (Track 8)
I enjoy this song much more than Close to the Borderline. I don’t understand the French parts, of course, but I don’t really mind. This song gives me Turnstiles (especially Say Goodbye to Hollywood) vibes, which is a win in my book.
8. Sometimes A Fantasy (Track 2)
This song is catchy, and I like the phone dialing in the beginning, but it wasn’t one of my favorite songs off the album.
7. Through the Long Night (Track 10)
This is a very pleasant and calming way to end the album, but it doesn’t really fit with the rock and roll sound Billy was going for (not that I think it was supposed to). Regardless, it’s nice to listen to.
6. I Don’t Want to Be Alone (Track 6)
This song marks the point on this list where all the songs from here on out are my favorites from the album. Not only is the title of this song relatable, but the song itself is really fun and catchy. The story it tells is cute, and Billy’s voice sounds really nice. “I don’t want to be alone anymore, I was checking you out, I was just making sure. No, I don’t want to be alone anymore, and I want you tonight although you hurt me before. It didn’t matter that I felt like a fool, ’cause I forgot when she walked through the door. I said I’m sorry but she said it was cool, and I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
5. Sleeping With the Television On (Track 7)
This is a song about two people who like each other, but are too afraid of being hurt to talk about it. It’s very catchy, and the instrumental is fun. Really, it’s the topic of the song that makes me like it. “I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more a fool who’s not afraid of rejection. All night long, all night long, I’ll just be standing here ’cause I know I don’t have the guts to come on.”
4. All For Leyna (Track 5)
This song, while a little weird, is a fun listen. It really suits the rebellious teenager persona Billy was going for on this record. The verses and chorus have a sense of intensity and desperation about them, and it’s just a fun, angsty-teenage-boy song (I’m a girl, but still).
3. You May Be Right (Track 1)
This is probably the most genuine rock and roll song on the album, and it’s a great opener. Glass Houses opens up with the sound of breaking glass, setting up the overarching theme of teen rebellion and uncertainty. This song is a blast to listen to, and has some interesting lyrics. “Remember how I found you there, alone in your electric chair. I told you dirty jokes until you smiled. You were lonely for a man, I said take me as I am, ’cause you might enjoy some madness for a while.”
2. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me (Track 4)
This was the biggest radio hit for the album, and I totally see why. It’s irresistibly catchy, and the the drums are infectious. Plus, it’s kind of an anthem for a whole generation of music-lovers. The lyrics aren’t particularly clever or profound, but I don’t think they had to be. That wasn’t the point of the song.
1. Don’t Ask Me Why (Track 3)
I saw someone say that this song is McCartney-esque, and I couldn’t agree more. This is by far my favorite song from Glass Houses. Like, none of the other songs come even close to it. And the thing is, I don’t know why I like it so much. I guess I just really like the instrumental, as well as his voice, which sounds really nice here. Plus, this song sounds like it could be on The Stranger, which, as I said with Turnstiles, is always a win. It’s also kind of funny that this song is my favorite from the album, because it isn’t rock and roll at all (I’d argue it’s lightly reggae-inspired). “You can say the human heart is only make-believe, and I am only fighting fire with fire. But you are still a victim of the accidents you leave, as sure as I’m a victim of desire. All the servants in your new hotel throw their roses at your feet. Fool them all, but baby I can tell, you’re no stranger to the street. Don’t ask for favors, don’t talk to strangers, don’t ask me why.”
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