When one thinks of the best classic rock songwriters, one often thinks of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. Both artists produced music in overlapping eras, and both are associated with excellent storytelling in their music. However, according to Springsteen in a new documentary, Joel is the better melody-maker.
The new two-part documentary series Billy Joel: And So It Goes is quite a long venture, clocking in at nearly five hours long. Somewhere in that very long documentary, Bruce Springsteen makes an appearance to talk about his contemporary. And to the surprise of fans, he got a little bit self-deprecating. Or maybe the Boss is just a humble guy.
In Billy Joel: And So It Goes, Bruce Springsteen talked about the respect he has for Joel. Honestly, I recommend watching the doc on HBO Max when it drops this Friday. A few famous contemporaries of Joel make an appearance, and the whole of the doc explores one of the most legendary careers in music.
Springsteen not only talks about how much he respects Joel, but also about the similarities and differences between the two musicians. It’s sure to be an enlightening look into Joel’s life, that’s for sure.
Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel Are Powerhouse Songwriters, but the Former Thinks the Latter Is Better When It Comes to Melody
Back to the subject in question. Springsteen said that both he and Joel were “bridge and tunnel” artists, and that they both wrote a lot about where they came from.
“But we wrote about it using slightly different tools,” said Springsteen.
Surprisingly, Springsteen admitted that he thinks Joel’s melodies were superior to his own.
“I’m obviously more identified with New Jersey, so I came more out of a folk rock-and-roll background,” Springsteen continued. “Billy is still more identified with New York, he had all that Broadway and Tin Pan Alley, which is why his melodies are better than mine.”
I’m sure more than a few music historians and fans of classic rock will debate that admission. But I have to admit, it’s pretty admirable how humble Springsteen can be. No ultra-competitive rivalries, here.
The first part of Billy Joel: And So It Goes is set for streaming release on July 18 on HBO Max. The second part is slated for release on July 25. Sadly, Joel had to recently cancel all of his tour dates in the near future to recover from an illness. Springsteen’s recent tour just wrapped up.
Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage
