You can think that. I have thought that. But when somebody comes out and says it, it sounds too definitive and too extreme.
It's like saying Malin Akerman is the worst actress ever. There are a lot of wannabees out there who never get to the level Billy or Malin have achieved.
So yeah, Uptown Girl has to be one of the sappiest songs ever (and a lousy video with crappy choreography), but New York State of Mind is sort of a classic or a standard for the city.
Rosenbaum's argument is more than a little strange. He has utter contempt for Billy Joel and he sees contempt in all of Joel's songs: contempt for "losers" and "little people."
I don't see that in the songs at all, and I don't think Rosenbaum can have it both ways -- putting Billy down as a loser and crummy entertainer and attributing contempt for losers and crummy entertainers to Billy Joel.
I think Billy sees himself as very similar to the people he things about and any contempt is all Ron Rosenbaum's.
That's why music is such a universal medium- there's a lot for people to like, or not. And one's particular taste doesn't make anyone elses taste right or wrong.
Regarding Billy Joel, I'm not much of a fan of his pop songs, but the long, story songs are pretty interesting. And I think Captain Jack is one of those songs that I enjoy every time I hear it.
One more thing, a guy that can attract Christie Brinkley enough to get her to marry him has just a little bit of mojo going on.
I question the validity of that statement because I have listened to Billy Joel for 45 years and never have even seen the name Malin Akerman until you typed it just now.
I just Googled her and I see that she has had minor parts in a couple of films I have seen. Thirty years younger than Billy Joel, I'll look her up in 30 years if I live that long. I'll only be 94 then.