‘Glass Houses’ is a harder rock edge from Billy Joel. But this proves that the balladeer can also rock. A departure from his signature sound, but Joel is after all is a versatile artist.

So if you want to check the songs on this you can go for You May Be Right and Featuring his first #1 It's Still Rock and Roll to Me which were the hits from this album. It still sounds fresh and timeless (this album was released in 1980). Other than that there is Sometimes A Fantasy, Don't Ask Me Why has a cool and laid-back calypso feel. Through the Long Night and C'etait Toi (You Were the One) are stunning and underrated ballads and sure winners to look out for once you put the tone arm on the record. The same would go for the very popular Sleeping with the Television On that has excellent and catchy chorus. The song talks about an examination of desire and alienation in the modern world.

The first half of the album is classic Billy Joel and stands up to the best of his material. The second half is not as memorable and some of the songs barely qualify as filler. This album set the stage for a more hard rockin' venture than his previous works.

The album tends to get overlooked compared to Billy's other albums released during this era. The Number One, Grammy Award winner and American Music Award winning Album of the Year 1980's ‘Glass Houses’ has good moments. This amazing album will forever reign as one of his most popular albums in his stunning career.

As one can tell from the cover photo of a blue-jeaned, leather-jacketed Joel getting ready to throw a rock (a pun on the album title), Joel fans this is the one for you. The American singer – songwriter has a lot in store on this album. Check it out.

Released: 12^th March, 1980

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira