How a maritime warning flag and a new producer redefined Billy Joel's sound
In short: Released in 1989, Storm Front marked a pivotal shift for Billy Joel. Beyond the chart-topping success of his historical rapid-fire anthem, the album featured a complete overhaul of his backing band and a fresh production approach, guided by Mick Jones of Foreigner to capture a new, driving rhythmic intensity.
When Billy Joel released his eleventh studio album, Storm Front, on October 23, 1989, it signaled a departure from his established creative routine. Seeking a change in direction, Joel enlisted Mick Jones, the guitarist and songwriter from the band Foreigner, to produce the record. This collaboration was suggested by Eddie Van Halen, and Joel later noted that he drew inspiration from Peter Gabriel’s 1986 hit Sledgehammer to achieve the album’s distinct, driving rhythm section.
The album’s aesthetic shift was mirrored by a significant restructuring of Joel’s long-time backing band. Following the release of his previous studio effort, The Bridge, Joel dismissed rhythm guitarist Russell Javors and bassist Doug Stegmeyer. Their roles were filled by new musicians, including Joey Hunting and Schuyler Deale, while percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Crystal Taliefero joined the ensemble for the first time. Despite these personnel changes, core members like Liberty DeVitto, David Brown, and Mark Rivera remained to anchor the new sound.
Storm Front proved to be a commercial success, becoming Joel’s third album to reach the top spot on the U.S. charts and earning five Grammy Award nominations. The cover art features a maritime storm warning flag, specifically representing wind forces 10 to 12 on the Beaufort scale—the highest intensity category. The album’s reach extended beyond Joel’s own performances; in 1991, country star Garth Brooks recorded a version of the track Shameless, which topped the U.S. country charts and successfully crossed over into the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating the enduring resonance of the material.
The production process involved a wide array of talent, from the Hicksville High School Chorus providing backing vocals on one track to the technical precision of engineers like Tom Lord-Alge and Jay Healy. Joel himself contributed across a variety of instruments, including the clavinet, accordion, and Hammond organ, showcasing a versatility that defined this transitional period in his career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Storm Front (album)
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