ABSTRACT
Billy Joel's recordings reflect a diverse body of interests, ranging from "classical" music to rock. But regardless of the chosen style, Joel is able to alternate between the learned and the vernacular worlds of counterpoint and harmony depending upon what he is hoping to express with his poetic text. This essay explores two Joel songs that are essentially contrasting character studies: "James" (1976) and "Laura" (1982). James, a friend of the singer, is a sensitive writer who "pursued an education" while the unschooled singer became a practicing musician. Laura, on the other hand, is an aggressive woman who traumatizes the singer. Each song contrasts the singer's tonal language with one more learned and conservative (for "James") or more freely vernacular (for "Laura").
