"Only the Good Die Young" from Billy Joel's 1977 album The Stranger features a tenor saxophone solo from Richie Cannata that adds a jubilant, almost celebratory quality to the song's controversial lyric about Catholic guilt and youthful desire. Cannata's solo arrives in C major at 152 BPM with an infectious rock energy, his playing reflecting the uptempo shuffle that drives the entire arrangement. The song was initially banned by some radio stations for its irreverent treatment of religious themes, which paradoxically helped generate publicity and contributed to its commercial success. Cannata was a core member of Joel's touring and recording band throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, and his saxophone and keyboard work became an integral part of the artist's sonic identity during this crucial period. The Stranger album, produced by Phil Ramone, established Joel as a major force in popular music and spawned four hit singles. Cannata's ability to shift between rock energy and jazz-influenced phrasing made him an ideal fit for Joel's genre-blending approach to songwriting. The saxophone solo on this track is brief but perfectly placed, arriving at a moment that maximizes its emotional impact and propels the song toward its exuberant conclusion. The track remains one of Joel's most popular concert performances.
