The Bridge

"Modern Woman"—a top 10 single from the soundtrack of Ruthless People—served as a preview to Billy Joel's first album following his landmark collections Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2, which summed up his career thus far. The Bridge was meant to start the next phase. With new bride Christie Brinkley on his arm, Joel was more than up to the task. Synthesizers were in vogue, as were songs with sharp melodies—and Joel was a master of both. "Running on Ice" is Joel's take on The Police. "A Matter of Trust" throws in cheesy '80s guitars and shoulder-padded beats, but it still walks away with a confident strut and is among Joel's most underrated tracks. "Baby Grand" pairs him with his hero Ray Charles. "Code of Silence" teams him up with '80s girl Cyndi Lauper. Jazz musicians Ron Carter and Michael Brecker join him for "Big Man on Mulberry Street," where Joel sounds like he's just showing off that he can do anything. Steve Winwood turns on the Hammond B-3, and Joel heads to the Fender Rhodes for "Getting Closer."