Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
Released in September of 1983, Billy Joel had spent the mid to late 1970's establishing himself as the Piano Man and an accomplished songwriter whose ballads and rockers were instant hits. But it was now the 1980's and while his rock status was undeniable, he was feeling like he wanted to honor the music that inspired him as a kid in the 50's and 60's. This song captures the feel of 50's vocal bands with tight harmonies and do-whop background singers. Just listen to how he says "ti-yi-yime" and "my-yi-ind". He's channeling Frankie Valli.
Written from the perspective of a blue-collar working guy that is trying to woo an "uptown" rich girl, its both catchy and memorable all while being a simple toe-tapper. And that's how hits are made. As a result, it made it to #3 on the US charts.
The video stars Billy as a mechanic at a service station and he and the other mechanics are quite good at singing but only marginally good at choreography. Then a limo pulls up and out pops a supermodel, played by Christie Brinkley. She seems smitten but then I guess since they eventually ended up married, she was. They eventually divorced after 9 years together. The nice thing is that they both say they remain good friends. I guess she'll always be his Uptown Girl and he'll always be her singing mechanic.
Please enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment