BILLY JOEL River of dreams REACTION - First time hearing

[@garychambers6848]

My father died at 82 . He was WW2. Vet with dementia.... He would wander in the middle of the night looking for the "river of dreams" (Death)...I had this song played at his funeral....Listen to the song again with that frame of mind.......

[@HarriBestReactions]

RIP to your dad

[@freedomluvr5126]

I agree with your reverence for this incredibly talented artist, but I do not agree that he was underappreciated. He is the 7th largest selling musical act in history behind only the Beatles, Garth Brooks, Elvis, The Eagles, Led Zepellin and Michael Jackson. Billy has sold over 85 million albums - so far. Laying out hard-earned cash shows appreciation better than any other means.

[@katscully]

Agreed but in the bigger picture, Joel is underrated & sometimes disrespected.

[@joemiranda7382]

I call bs

[@iainsmith2434]

There is a graphic on KZbin that shows the top 20 album sellers every year from 69- 2010 and Billy Joel enters in 1974 and doesn’t leave the top 20 until 1994 after River of Dreams peaked. No other artist is on there continuously for that amount of time.

[@KABZProductions]

Your information is incorrect. Billy is past Garth and the Eagles. And has over 150 million records sold.

[@Flint92]

Actually he sold more than 150 million. He decided to hang it up when he was on top. From 1994 Grammys and a little dig during the song after the People at the Grammys cut to break while Frank Sinatra was speaking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYGmqWOihJaZldk

[@hazelmaylebrun6243]

I adore this song. As a Christian woman (not the "church lady"... just a Jesus lover), when I heard this the first time, my heart leapt. I was just enamoured with it, and my all I could do was cry out to God, "He's asking for an answer from you. Please, give it to him. Thanks." This song is incredible and he obviously has deep waters in there.

[@avmavm777]

Everyone has different reactions to songs and that’s fine. Billy Joel is an atheist though, so the song is more about the search for meaning everyone goes through in tough times

[@jacjr6193]

Billy Joel to me is like the Rocky of music. He wasn’t critically acclaimed as some of his peers. However, he was definitely beloved and held in high regard by millions of music fans. He’s a guy who didn’t seem that much different from the people sitting in audience. Didn’t matter if it was the front row or the nose bleeds. He could’ve passed for the guy sitting next to you in a dive bar after the show. That’s how much of a connection he has with fans. From the minute he became a common name on the radio with the Piano Man album until today still selling Madison Square Garden and other arenas across the US. Which is impressive considering he hasn’t released any new albums since River of Dreams. He’s an icon of music and a champion of the people especially in his hometown and state of Hicksville and New York respectively.

[@JCourts2k23]

Couldnt agree more, this by far is my favorite song of his

[@Bob-pw7rf]

He's from my hometown..Hicksville NY

[@Historian212]

You’re quite wrong about the underappreciated part. Have you even checked? He’s won 7 Grammy awards, including the Grammy Legend award, and received the Kennedy Center Honors award, to name just a few. He’s collaborated with Paul McCartney, among many others. He’s been embraced by fans from his hometown area, Long Island, since before “Piano Man.” I know, because I grew up there listening to his earlier music. He’s deeply loved, and has been since the 1970s.

[@jacjr6193]

@@Historian212 so just to be clear I said wasn’t as critically acclaimed as some of his peers. Meaning despite Joel’s fantastic career he’s never held as highly by critics as say someone like Bruce Springsteen (20 Grammy Wins despite only having written one number 1 hit in his career. Which was the cover of Blinded by the Light by Manfred Manns Earth Band). As for his hometown sorry gang my bad. He was born in the Bronx but grew up on Long Island after his family moved when he was one. Out of curiosity were you listening to The Echoes/The Emeralds/The Lost Souls, The Hassles, and/or Attila when listening to his earlier material? If not then I will say I do like Cold Spring Harbor even though Billy has said in interviews he never liked the production of the record.

[@nickavenoso7851]

I think the thing I appreciate about Billy is that he cares about his fans and he tries his best to put on a good show rather than do it for the money. As someone who grew up in New York, I have a deep connection with Billy’s music.

[@CB-gr1uk]

This guy is one of the best in music that there ever was! His talent is immense. I agree with you totally!

[@NathanVeenstra]

And the versatility he displays!

[@debbiechang5781]

Every now and then I forget how many wonderful songs Billy Joel has created and how diverse his music is. Thanks to Jami and Harri for reminding me 🌺✌️

[@NathanVeenstra]

Same!

[@debbers]

This is my favorite song by Billy Joel!

[@IrishKack]

Your face says it all! Isn’t Billy Joel just phenomenal?! Saw him around 1990 in concert with Elton John. Greatest show ever!

[@denisepaul7274]

I bartended though the 80’s and in the right place with the right crowd there were two songs that if someone started singing the whole bar would join in - Don McLean’s American Pie and Billy Joel’s Piano Man. Singer/Songwriters are a special breed and Billy Joel is one of the very best. An American treasure

[@flanflinger37]

BJ is without doubt one of the best songwriters in the last 50 years. Every track I’ve heard of his is quality with great lyrics and melodies.

[@therese4963]

Harri your face was pure joy. I loved your reaction. This is one my favourite Billy Joel songs.

[@waltw4537]

Did you hear Billy sing "Gloria" at the very end of the fade? That's an old classic doo-wop song, by the Savoys and many others. So he's paying homage to the good old days... Thanks for the back story of the tune.

[@katherinebosse5706]

This song makes me have an almost soul-shattering experience, the lyrics, his voice and the doo-wop beat combine into a gospel hymn. It gives me goosebumps every time. To hear him LIVE is on my bucket list for sure!! Thanks Harri…have been waiting for this a long time! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@marybaillie8907]

Loved how your face lit up Harri, from the first bongo beat. Billy Joel and the choir were so entertaining. His song writing is above and beyond. Not to mention his musical talents. Thanks Harri. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@HarriBestReactions]

It was joyful!

[@marybaillie8907]

@@HarriBestReactions Perfect definition. 👍✌🇨🇦

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Crystal owning the percussion!!

[@dedehe7582]

@@HarriBestReactions I could tell you really got into this song HARRI, I love watching you react

[@surlechapeau]

Harri, I'd recommend his "All About Soul' next for you!

[@kmach1000]

Yeah! Beautiful!

[@Spinspiel]

I can't help thinking I hear a definite "Paul Simon" influence from Paul's "Graceland" period.

[@SpotWorksLNC]

From the same album do “It’s All About Soul”. Very powerful song.

[@Beaver1224]

To give you a little more insight into who Billy Joel is: in '94, he performed this song live at the Grammys. Frank Sinatra had received a "Grammy Legend" award earlier, but got played off while still giving his thank you speech. So, a little later, when Billy is performing (and can't be cut), he intentionally, and overtly, extended the pause before the last verse (and threw in a little commentary). Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYGmqWOihJaZldk

[@wvman2374]

Billy Joel has always been my favorite artist; I taught myself to play piano from his music when I was younger. Also was a huge Frank Sinatra fan, my Italian grandparents played him all the time. I remember watching the Grammy's that year and I about lost it when Billy did that for Frank!

[@HarriBestReactions]

😀😀

[@eddiemoney1093]

I know in my heart that billy joel has wtitten at least thirty absolute bangers since river of dreams and he's just been sitting on them.

[@SueProst]

You should do the lullaby he wrote for his oldest daughter. Goodnight my Angel. Sweet song.

[@nickavenoso7851]

Billy said that he didn’t even want to write this song. He woke up with the hook in his head and tried to shake it off, but it stayed with him even in the shower. He ultimately knew that he would have to write this song or it wouldn’t leave him alone. The story with the $30 million goes that in August 1989, Billy figured out from an audit that Frank Weber, his manager and former brother-in-law, was siphoning money and undermining him. He fired Weber after learning about this and after River of Dreams he was ultimately unable to release a lot of music due to a severe recording contract he signed.

[@dalemurray1318]

It's a Gospel song. His wife Christie Brinkley left him shortly after this song came out. She was the inspiration for "Uptown Girl"

[@chetstevens4583]

He performed this songs at the Grammys(?) and they wanted him to shorten the pauses between the verses, so he ended up chanting "valuable ad space here" or something to that effect instead of having the silence.

[@pattytyndall1021]

Oh Harri, you gotta watch the music video of this song…it’s fabulous!

[@ROCCOA65]

This is the BEST BILLY JOEL reaction video I’ve seen! I truly adore your review. Watching you experience this song for the first time is absolutely PRICELESS!!

[@emmafarr770]

Billy Joel has the Midas touch with that voice of gold if you want to rock out of your chair listen to darling I don't know why I go to extremes love you Harry be safe be well you and yours

[@debbiemickelson5448]

You might want to listen to Italian Restaurant by Billy

[@surlechapeau]

he did kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJaqkmaAq62BqtU

[@seanscanlon9067]

Harri has reacted to that already. What amuses me about his reactions to Billy Joel songs is how he will suggest Piano Man has to be his best song and then he later reacts to Goodnight Saigon and describes it as incredible, then does Scenes From an Italian Restaurant that he labels a masterpiece and I just kept thinking, wait until you hear (insert song title) by Billy. Billy's body of work is outstanding.

[@matt75hooper]

All his songs have very clever lines.......perhaps his best song.

[@dedehe7582]

Something I’d never lose, it’s something somebody stole!!!!.... I love it!!!!

[@danielfardella1622]

Billy was introduced when he was with the "Hassles" and wrote their songs. We played covers of "Givin Up" and noticed his talent then, when he was unknown. Later I was introduced to him at his home in Oyster Bay by a friend who went to HS with him! Very cool.

[@WBCRO]

Billy is at the pinnacle of my fav songwriters and singers. I love how your face instantly lit up when you began listening! ☀️ I’m accustomed to hearing a longer version of this song; it seems like the version you listened to was faded out too soon. 🤷‍♀️

[@alecboyce1998]

In the early '90s, my grandpa visits a friend's farm (Horton's farm) in Glastonbury Connecticut. He hears they're filming parts of the River of Dreams music video inside the barn and goes over there for a visit. He proceeds to chat up Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley. Keep in mind, my grandpa has no idea who they are. He calls my mom, living in New Hampshire at the time, and tells her about the experience. She is understandably livid and asks him, "Dad, don't YOU KNOW who BILLY JOEL is? He says, "No, but his wife was awfully nice!" My mom tells me this story years later, and is shocked at how clueless he is about the cultural zeitgeist. Some people are just in the right place at the right time, I guess.

[@chrscmo]

Brother, you really need to come to America and go see Billy. He has a residency at Madison Square Garden and plays there regularly. He also still does concerts all over the country but it's not a tour...just one here and there every now and again. That's true about his brother in law but this song seems to be more about searching for spiritually that he once had. Perhaps it's both. Thanks for another good one!

[@nedleyolpal]

Harri you have barely scratched the surface of Billy’s catalogue, if you want to hear great vocals please listen to, Careless Talk, Leave A Tender Moment Alone, The longest Time, This Night, All About Soul, A Minor Variation, oh and Shameless.

[@ebenclukey7293]

Those high parts are not sung in falsetto. That's the proper technique of less pressure and full voice.

[@blueplanet7278]

This is my son's favorite song he sings it all the time. He passed away aged 32 on the 3rd of June 2022.

[@jmartinez9332]

Billy Joel actually went out of his way to avoid award shows TV shows and interviews you would see him here and there but that was his style he was not ever really looking for the extra attention. By the way he was married to the biggest model in the world and Christie Brinkley and they said when they got married it wasn't a marriage it was a merger. I was considered myself the biggest Billy Joel fan in the world and I was always disappointed that he was never on the award shows even though he was nominated very often and won a lot but that's just the way he was he wasn't seeking attention kind of reminds me of Elvis who was kind of a mystery guy he did his shows sold out stadiums but you never saw him on TV those days. You rarely saw Billy Joel on The midnight special and you never saw Elvis on any of those shows which as a kid always kind of disappointed me. In those days you didn't have KZbin or the internet or 500 channels to look for the content you wanted you had to go through the newspaper and things like that just to find out who's playing where so it was very difficult.

[@trevorholden7423]

Perfect Harri, I'm right with you at every step brother, cannot even fathom how you would recover from such a betrayal.. But Billy did and that is so honorable and so much beyond the the call of duty!

[@ym61]

From the same album, “The Great Wall of China” is specifically about his brother in law ripping him off. It’s a great, Beatles- Lennon-type song

[@cindyphifer970]

My favorite song by him

[@kimking6036]

This is one of those songs you don't want to end. Sometimes I just put it on repeat ♥️

[@MAGIKMARTIAN9526]

IT CAN ONLY BE SEEN BY THE EYES OF THE BLIND- WHAT A LINE

[@gerdier86]

Listen billy joel cold spring harbor. His first album that is incredeaple.

[@reneerocha1796]

Genius songwriter. I hope he knows how special he is

[@fluffylobster2916]

The music video was filmed in my home state on the Connecticut River, it's right by the highway, and everytime I pass it I think of this tune.

[@sherrybrown6136]

Only of my all time favorites from him!

[@willcool713]

In an interview, he said he wrote the song, because he thought of the beat in the shower and it got stuck in his head as an earworm. Writing it out was the only way to make it go away. He said he still doesn't know where it came from, because it didn't connect to anything in his life, it just sort of showed up and wrote itself. It was Colbert, I think. At least, I watched it about the same time I watched the Colbert interview where he ranks his top five songs (he put Scenes from an Italian Restaurant at number 1). It might have been the same interview, or another that KZbin suggested. Maybe he said something different in another interview, but, whatever, still one of my favorite songs of his.

[@isebmazo2140]

Until the Night by Billy will blow you away as well

[@judgildea]

New York State of Mind Old Grey Whistle Test...my..God..lol

[@patrickwellington4214]

Bill Joel was a singer I always enjoyed listening to, he was just so versatile.Note the vocal agility ,the man goes from baritone right up to falsetto so effortlessly. The backing vocals are lovely and the song just makes you tap your feet.

[@honestabe1940]

Check out the Kennedy Center Honor to Billy and the praise from Tony Bennett of Billy as a great American Songwriter.

[@samfusco8158]

This song explains my belief in religion perfectly. My favorite song, its just perfect.

[@RadCenter]

One of my favorite Billy Joel songs! I wish more reactors would listen to some of Billy's less-famous songs. IMO they're better than the famous ones.

[@RadCenter]

I think "Travelin' Prayer" would blow you away.

[@johnpalmer5367]

Harri it is so wonderful to see you reacting to this song the same way I did when I first heard it. It always brings tears of joy to me.

[@TracyfromNC]

My fave Billy Joel song!

[@alexakl6445]

I never knew that about his ex-brother-in-law and the song coming from that experience. It's got to hurt deeply to be betrayed like that from someone you thought cared about you. Thanks for sharing that and thank you for reacting to one of my favorite songs of his!

[@paulm.5979]

This album is great, every song is good. All About Soul s the same so catchy and you just want to move. I saw him on this tour, was great!

[@Lakeshore14]

The super multi-talented Billy Joel. Thank you for your reaction Harri. 😊

[@richardconnolly4835]

I think you would enjoy New York State of Mind - a tribute to a state that Billy clearly loves.

[@lynnie6633]

And that is the reason he wrote "Angry Young Man". He wrote it about himself.

[@kellygirl923]

The most underrated musician of our time. Billy is a musical genius. He wrote all the words and music to all his songs.

[@bigjay123]

I thought it was 'I go walking'(in the middle of the night). 'For the Longest Time' is a good one too.

[@HarriBestReactions]

😀😀

[@marybolletta1106]

Wow. Never heard the story. Thank you for the insight. Love watching your reactions. They’re spot on!

[@barbarjinx3802]

Billy Joel’s most amazing and highly unlikely accomplishment is bedding Christie Brinkley, the most beautiful woman in the world for a few years (after Bo Derek and before the 90s supermodels).

[@ericksoderquist8612]

This is in my top 5. I don’t know how many times I’ve been there.

[@alanw737]

I am about to go see my 5th Billy Joel concert. This won't be enough. What a showman.

[@godbluffvdgg]

The video for this is very touching...It touches the soul...

[@gerdier86]

Next cold spring harpor. One of his best.

[@vandoraginther6421]

Love this song. Billy Joel a very talented singer. The lyrics, the sound and rhythm are great. Love your reaction Harri!!!

[@djdelugach2402]

Out of Billy Joel's multiple classics, this is my all-time favorite. It hits all the right notes and the lyrics are so deep.

[@Darmesis]

Booyah! Billy is DEFINITELY an ALL-TIME GREAT! 👍

[@classicrocklady6288]

Oh, how I wish you had done the video. It's epic! What an amazing song!

[@Cindrbell]

There are so many Billy Joel hits, masterpieces. Brilliance. This is only one of them, but not the best of the best! If u limit this to his only talents... U r most definitely missing out.

[@kathydennison1801]

He’s a stars star!

[@lisahaverluk4037]

Just so good..no words 😅😊😮😊😊😊

[@suzie4417]

Love your reaction Harri 💎💎💎☮️💜😻🇨🇦

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thanx Suzie

[@Jaysun1]

I've been going down the Billy Joel rabbit hole with your videos the last few days. I honestly forgot how many great songs this man has in his catalog. He must have at least 25-30 hit songs. Billy Joel just might be the greatest songwriter that's ever lived.

[@Straydogger]

Check out "Light As the Breeze". The amazing version he did.

[@ToABrighterFuture]

And just think: you've still got a few more of the deeper tracks on "An Innocent Man" to discover. And "A Matter of Trust." And "Goodnight, My Angel."

[@jdubsk8r]

My first time watching your channel -great reaction! I will be back sir!

[@mclizzard2928]

It's an incredibly beautiful song, and his vocals are pristine. I highly recommend his live performance at the 1994 Grammys. It's even better.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Infectious love you

[@cathyhetzel5944]

The best concert I have ever seen! GREATEST!

[@riccardoangeli802]

Leave a tender moment alone... Live con Tootsie Tielemans 👏👏👏👏👏

[@mannyjacobowitz5571]

I love your Billy Joel reactions, and it's sad that you've come to the chronological end of the journey, his final album. Still, there are LOTS of great songs in Billy's catalogue to go back and review. If you want to hear him really stretch his voice, have you heard "Innocent Man" or "The Longest Time" yet?

[@seanscanlon9067]

Harri has reacted to An Innocent Man already and made the Ben E. King and The Drifters connection, but I do not think that he has done The Longest Time yet.

[@The_Maeus]

“Until the Night”

[@HarriBestReactions]

The longest time? I dont think so..Sounds familiar though

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@HarriBestReactions It is an acappella/doo-wop song where Billy sings all of the parts himself, then they overlay his various voices all at once on the recording.

[@NathanVeenstra]

I LOVE “For The Longest Time” @@seanscanlon9067, as well as “Uptown Girl”, which Westlife didn’t really do any right IMO.

[@brianorzel1873]

You want soul? On the same album (The Bridge), Billy does a duet with Ray Charles, "Baby Grand". Billy can do it all!

[@kmach1000]

Speaking of soul, "All about soul" is great too!

[@seanscanlon9067]

+Brian Orzel - Not trying to be a dick here but that is a different album to the one this song is on.

[@brianorzel1873]

@@seanscanlon9067 My bad. I thought they were both on The Bridge.

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@brianorzel1873 No problem and I did not want to reply flippantly, but the single The River of Dreams is from the album River of Dreams.

[@Vennegoor10]

Was a big Joel fan in the 80s when a teen, and didn't know how to react to this when it came out in 90s, was so different from what had come before. Now I'm much older I completely get how good it is. He is an immensely talented man.

[@nickperkins8477]

This is a pop spiritual. Tremendous song by Billy Joel!!

[@michaelc8111]

His lyrics are amazingly written.

[@angelarasmussen1800]

I agree with you. Billy Joel doesn't get enough credit. He is one of my top 10 for sure... Maybe top 5. He blends so many styles so well ❣️🎶

[@HarriBestReactions]

He doesnt at all Angela

[@riccardoangeli802]

Piano Man unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio... E dal vivo sempre meglio ....

[@jamishops]

Thanks for the great reaction Harri.

[@davidbentley145]

A nice one here...How are you brother Harri....I see you boppin along to this....it is kinda infectious for sure...

[@kearnsey64]

Amen brother!!

[@syx3s]

i'd look like an idiot if i wore that shirt but this good man turns it into one of the coolest shirts i've ever seen.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Hahahaha..dont be hard on yaself!

[@howtodoitdude1662]

A simple progression and yet so much creativity to make this song unique! Appreciate the details like how the pauses increase before each chorus. His vocals were top notch on this song. He should have won Grammy for best song and album!

[@CharleneRoozRE]

You just never know what you get with Billy Joel! I saw him live twice (once with Elton John)... he is just as amazing in person!! One of my favourite artists of all time. ❤

[@johndavidson5228]

I enjoy listening to this on one of my CDs every once in a while. Live it. Thanks for your nice reaction.

[@jjflash1645]

I’ve seen him in concert a number of times and am proud that we both live on Long Island. All of his songs are GREAT.

[@angelarasmussen1800]

I never knew that back story. Thank you. That makes it so much more poignant. I had forgotten how many Billy Joel songs were master pieces.