The allure of stardom often intertwines with the creation of myths, shaping our understanding of artists. As a devoted admirer of Billy Joel since approximately 1983, the release of HBO’s new documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” presented an opportunity to re-evaluate his impact and legacy. This article delves into the documentary, examining its revelations about Joel’s personal life, his creative process, and the cultural context that shaped his career.
This review explores the key themes of the documentary, from Joel’s early struggles and his complex relationship with his first wife and manager, Elizabeth Weber, to his battles with critics and his exploration of existential themes in his music. By analyzing these aspects, this piece aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the documentary and its significance for both longtime fans and newcomers to Billy Joel’s music.
Ultimately, this documentary review reflects on the enduring appeal of Billy Joel’s music and the insights gained from understanding the man behind the piano. It highlights the personal and creative forces that have shaped his career and the lasting impact of his songs on generations of listeners.
Early Influences and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in a household filled with ragtime music, a fondness for pianists was instilled early on. The documentary sheds light on Joel’s early musical endeavors, including his time with the band Attila. These formative experiences shaped his musical style and set the stage for his solo career. The early struggles and influences detailed in the documentary provide valuable context for understanding Joel’s later success.
“I didn’t really care about the personal; it was the music that worked on me,” as Holmes stated, highlighting the significance of Joel’s musical talent. The documentary reinforces this notion by showcasing his exceptional songwriting abilities and piano skills. It also touches on the challenges he faced early in his career, including a botched first album release.
Understanding these early influences is crucial for appreciating the depth and complexity of Billy Joel’s music. The documentary effectively illustrates how his upbringing and early musical experiences contributed to his unique sound and songwriting style. By highlighting these aspects, it offers a more complete picture of the artist and his journey.
A Music Biography About Music
One of the documentary’s central arguments is that Billy Joel’s career was built on his songwriting, piano playing, and live performances. These three elements combined to create a unique and enduring appeal. The documentary emphasizes the importance of his live performances, which often get overshadowed by his studio albums. Through archival footage and interviews, it captures the energy and charisma he brought to the stage.
“If the documentary has a thesis, it’s that Billy Joel built a career on an especially potent combination of three strengths: songwriting (especially melodies), piano playing and live performance,” Holmes notes. The documentary supports this thesis by showcasing numerous examples of his musical talent and stage presence. It also explores how his songwriting evolved over time, reflecting his personal experiences and observations.
The documentary effectively connects Joel’s life experiences to his music, illustrating how his personal struggles and triumphs influenced his songwriting. By highlighting these connections, it provides a deeper understanding of the emotional depth and authenticity of his songs. The emphasis on his live performances further enhances the appreciation of his talent and charisma as a performer.
Elizabeth Weber: The First Wife
Elizabeth Weber, Joel’s first wife and manager, plays a significant role in the documentary. The film portrays her as a crucial figure in his early career, highlighting her business acumen and musical instincts. Despite facing challenges as a woman in the male-dominated music industry, she played a vital role in shaping Joel’s success. The documentary corrects the record, giving Weber the credit she deserves.
“But the documentary makes clear that there is very little chance Joel would have had the career he did without her,” Holmes asserts. The documentary provides ample evidence to support this claim, showcasing Weber’s contributions to his career and her unwavering support. It also addresses the misconceptions and criticisms she faced during their marriage and professional partnership.
By shedding light on Elizabeth Weber’s contributions, the documentary offers a more balanced and nuanced perspective on Billy Joel’s early career. It acknowledges the challenges she faced and celebrates her achievements, providing a more complete and accurate portrayal of their relationship and professional partnership. This re-evaluation of her role is a significant aspect of the documentary.
The Problem of Cool
The documentary explores Billy Joel’s complex relationship with rock critics and the issue of “coolness.” Despite his commercial success, Joel often faced criticism for not being edgy or anti-establishment enough. The film delves into his insecurities and his attempts to gain acceptance from the rock establishment. It also examines the biases and prejudices that may have influenced the critics’ perspectives.
“And the more it bothered him that critics hated him, the more they hated him, because nothing is less cool than being bothered that people don’t think you’re cool and actually complaining about it,” Holmes observes. The documentary captures this dynamic, highlighting Joel’s frustration and his attempts to defend his music. It also acknowledges the validity of some of the criticisms, while also questioning the motives behind others.
The exploration of the “coolness” issue provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the music industry and the challenges artists face in balancing commercial success with critical acclaim. It also raises questions about the role of critics and their influence on public perception. By addressing these issues, the documentary offers a more nuanced understanding of Billy Joel’s career and his place in music history.
Misery Loves… Music
The documentary highlights the theme of existential dissatisfaction in Billy Joel’s music. His songs often explore feelings of emptiness, restlessness, and the search for meaning. These themes resonate with listeners of all ages, contributing to the enduring appeal of his music. The documentary suggests that Joel’s ability to tap into these universal emotions is a key factor in his lasting success.
“Something that Hyden says late in the documentary struck me as particularly wise and probably relevant to my teenage self: that Billy Joel writes about ‘existential dissatisfaction,’” Holmes points out. The documentary supports this claim by analyzing the lyrics and themes of his most popular songs. It also explores how his personal struggles and experiences may have influenced his songwriting.
The focus on existential dissatisfaction provides a deeper understanding of the emotional depth and complexity of Billy Joel’s music. It also sheds light on the connection between his personal life and his artistic expression. By highlighting these aspects, the documentary offers a more complete and nuanced appreciation of his music and its lasting impact on listeners.
Conclusion
HBO’s “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” offers a comprehensive and insightful look into the life and career of a music icon. From his early struggles to his commercial success and critical battles, the documentary explores the various facets of his journey. It also sheds light on the personal and creative forces that have shaped his music, providing a deeper understanding of his artistic expression.
One of the key takeaways from the documentary is the importance of Elizabeth Weber in Joel’s early career. The film corrects the record, giving her the credit she deserves for her business acumen and musical instincts. It also highlights the challenges she faced as a woman in the male-dominated music industry, making her story all the more compelling.
Ultimately, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to his music. It offers a balanced and nuanced perspective on his life and career, providing valuable insights into the man behind the piano. After watching the documentary, revisiting his albums feels like a new experience, filled with a deeper appreciation for his talent and his lasting impact on music history.
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