Billy Joel, the legendary singer-songwriter and pianist, has left an indelible mark on the world of music with his soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. With a career spanning several decades, Joel has crafted a vast repertoire of songs that have resonated with audiences across generations. From heartfelt ballads to lively rock anthems, his catalog is a treasure trove of musical brilliance. In this article, we delve into the realm of nostalgia and celebrate the Top 10 Best Billy Joel Songs of All Time. These timeless compositions have become anthems of our lives, evoking emotions and memories that continue to transcend time. From the iconic “Piano Man” to the introspective “Vienna,” each song on this list showcases Joel’s unparalleled storytelling ability and his talent for crafting melodies that linger in the hearts of listeners. Join us as we embark on a journey through Joel’s musical legacy, paying tribute to the profound impact he has made on the world of popular music. So sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics of Billy Joel’s best songs wash over you, reminding you of the power of music to touch our souls.
1. We Didn’t Start The Fire
This renowned Billy Joel song perfectly summarizes major world events that impacted the Baby Boomer generation. 'We Didn't Start The Fire' captures Billy’s passion for history by unflinchingly mentioning 119 people and events spanning across five decades in less than four minutes.
In this song, Joel employed a chronological format to list significant world events from his birth year of 1949 up until the release of this song in 1989, such as JFK’s assassination, Civil Rights Movement, Space Race, Vietnam War, LSD's popularity, and more.
Billy revealed that he wrote the lyrics "essentially to make rhymes sound good", but it is still a fascinating piece of art as it educates younger generations about historical facts. According to SongFacts website,"Joel created each line by randomly selecting things that rhyme and then using those rhyming pairs as foundations for each cascade of detail."
She's got a way of making me forget that I'm listening to the same love song for the thousandth time.
2. She’s Got A Way
This Billy Joel classic is a love song with a difference. 'She’s Got A Way' tells of the singer's fascination with his lover's unique qualities that are often overlooked. It was released in 1971 as part of Joel's debut album – Cold Spring Harbor. The melody is simple but emotional and the lyrics have been praised for their authenticity. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Barbra Streisand and Harry Connick Jr.
Adding to its charm is the simplicity of the instrumentation that perfectly complements Joel’s tender vocals. It may not be one of his biggest hits but it remains one of the most beloved among fans worldwide.
In his trademark style, Billy Joel uses memorable words alongside an evocative melody to create this masterpiece that audiences continue to enjoy and turn to for comfort.
Pro Tip: 'She’s Got A Way' is perfect for weddings, anniversaries or any romantic occasion where you want to express how much someone means to you.
Uptown Girl may be about a rich girl dating a working-class guy, but let's be real – we all know Billy Joel wrote it about Christie Brinkley.
3. Uptown Girl
The mesmerizing tune and unforgettable lyrics of the #3 selection from the '10 Best Billy Joel Songs of All Time' list make 'Uptown Girl' an absolute classic. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this iconic hit showcases Joel's masterful songwriting skills and ability to create a timeless melody that continues to appeal to audiences worldwide. The song's popularity led it to become Joel's first number one hit in the UK. Its optimistic spirit resonates with listeners of all ages, cementing 'Uptown Girl' as one of Billy Joel's most beloved pieces.
Additionally, the composition features playful verses wherein Joel elevates working-class people by valuing their character over wealth. Far beyond being a mere love song, 'Uptown Girl' is a piece of social commentary.
Expertly produced and performed by some of the top session players in the music industry at that time, this classic single even inspired a dance craze along with its legendary music video featuring supermodels posing as ordinary women. In one momentous scene, Christie Brinkley is shown flaunting her curves on Rollerblades – subsequently contributing towards an emerging fashion trend amongst teen girls at that time.
Overall, the universality and positive message embedded into Uptown girl precisely capture the essence of musical storytelling- unique yet relatable through timelessness, aesthetics and creativity.
Warning: Listening to 'The Longest Time' may result in uncontrollable urge to break into a cappella rendition with strangers on the street.
4. The Longest Time
Billy Joel's 1983 hit 'The Longest Time' ranks fourth in our list of his best songs.
- 'The Longest Time' is an upbeat, acapella-style track that showcases Joel's vocal range and musical diversity.
- The song features a catchy melody, layered harmonies, and playful lyrics about the joy of falling in love.
- It remains a fan favorite and has been covered by several artists, cementing its status as one of Joel's most enduring hits.
Although there are no explicit references to this particular song influencing other Billy Joel works or inspiring other artists, its unique style stands out among the artist's vast repertoire.
For those looking to replicate the success of 'The Longest Time,' it is worth considering the power of a memorable melody and catchy hook, as well as experimentation with different genres and musical styles. By incorporating these elements into their own work, aspiring musicians can pay homage to Joel's legacy while creating something entirely new.
Even your dad who wears socks with sandals can still rock out to this classic Billy Joel tune.
5. It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me
This Billy Joel classic celebrates the timelessness of rock and roll music. With upbeat rhythm guitar, harmonica solos, and catchy lyrics, "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me" is a perfect embodiment of the genre. The song speaks to those who may have outgrown their previous youthful image but still find themselves drawn to the beat. Its success cemented Joel's place in rock history and is a staple in any top hits list. The track showcases his ability to bring new life to old genres by mixing traditional elements with his own unique flair.
One reason for the popularity of "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me" is its straightforward message that regardless of trends or societal norms, rock and roll will always remain a fundamental part of our culture, bridging divides and bringing people together. Joel delivers this message with his signature wit and style that fans have come to know and love.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, Billy Joel wrote “It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me” as a sarcastic riposte when he was frustrated about pop songwriting critics at that time constantly blaming him for rehashing older song styles instead of being creative on his own.
New York State of Mind will make you feel like you're walking through the city that never sleeps, unless you're Billy Joel who probably sleeps like a baby after crafting such a masterpiece.
6. New York State Of Mind
This masterpiece by Billy Joel is a powerful ode to the "city that never sleeps". The song captures the essence of New York through its intricate piano melodies and soulful lyrics. It takes the listener to a place where they can feel the energy of the city, the hustle and bustle of Times Square, and the gritty authenticity of its neighborhoods. 'New York State Of Mind' showcases Joel's artistry as a musician and his love for his hometown.
The song was released in 1976 on his Turnstiles album and has since become an iconic anthem for New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers alike. Its enduring popularity is apparent through its frequent use in movies, television shows, and commercials.
In addition to its musical brilliance, 'New York State Of Mind' also offers a poetic tribute to the city's cultural diversity and rich history. It highlights New York's role as a beacon of hope for immigrants looking for a better life and celebrates its vibrant arts scene.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "New York State Of Mind" ranks at number 10 on their list of Billy Joel's 50 greatest songs.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/billy-joel-50-greatest-songs-85153/new-york-state-of-mind-1976-2-85367/
Even if you're having a bad day, listening to 'Just The Way You Are' will remind you that someone out there thinks you're perfect just the way you are.
7. Just The Way You Are
This hit single from Billy Joel's 1977 album, 'The Stranger', showcases his songwriting prowess. Its simple yet heartwarming lyrics express unconditional love and acceptance, making it a timeless classic. The song's catchy melody, coupled with Joel's soulful rendition, captures the listener's heart and conveys the message beautifully. Its popularity led to numerous covers by other artists.
'Just The Way You Are' was written as a gift to his first wife, as he didn't want her to change who she was for anyone else. It won two Grammys in 1978 and has since become one of Joel's most iconic songs. Fans have been captivated by its simplicity and heartfelt expression of love ever since.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the nuances of this song, listen to it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the beauty of simple emotions expressed through music.
Vienna may be known for its pastries, but Billy Joel's song is the sweeter treat.
8. Vienna
This song showcases both the depth and range of Billy Joel's songwriting abilities. 'Vienna' is a poignant ballad that explores themes of aging, regret, and the importance of taking life at one's own pace. The lyrics encourage listeners to slow down and appreciate the journey, rather than constantly striving for an unattainable destination. Musically, the song features a delicate piano melody accompanied by strings, creating an atmosphere that perfectly matches the introspective tone of the lyrics. Some consider it among his most emotive pieces.
Additionally, the song was written after Billy Joel encountered a middle-aged Austrian hotel worker who lamented that he had never had time to pursue his dreams due to societal pressure to conform to traditional roles and expectations. The encounter inspired Joel to reflect on his own life choices and write 'Vienna' as a manifesto for living in accordance with one's true desires.
In short, 'Vienna' is a beautiful example of Billy Joel's ability to craft meaningful lyrics and understated yet powerful music that stands the test of time.
Seems Billy Joel has a 'Live Fast, Die Young' philosophy, as this song about seducing a Catholic girl shows.
9. Only The Good Die Young
This Billy Joel classic challenges the notion of religious dogma and morality while celebrating living in the moment. The Grammy-nominated song has been interpreted as a defense of premarital sex and urges a catholic girl to enjoy all that life has to offer before it's too late. It features prominent piano, passionate vocals, and an infectious chorus that make it a fan favorite.
In addition, "Only The Good Die Young" ignited controversy upon its release due to its risqué lyrics. Despite this, it remains one of Billy Joel's most popular songs and a staple at his live performances. Its popularity has secured its place as number nine on our list of the ten best Billy Joel songs of all time.
Pro Tip: Despite being released over four decades ago, this tune still resonates with listeners today because of its timeless message and catchy melody. Even if you're not a fan of Billy Joel, you can still appreciate the honesty of a man who admits his only job skills are playing piano and making people feel alright.
10. Piano Man
This track is one of the top picks of all time by Billy Joel. The song "Piano Man" is a powerful number that reflects on the experiences of a piano player in a bar band. With soft and textured piano playing and brilliant lyric writing, this song truly showcases Joel's musical genius. What makes this tune even more special is its relatability to musicians all around the world, who have also played at bars, just like the narrator in the lyrics.
As one listens to "Piano Man," they can't help but feel as if they are transported back in time to the 70s when the song initially made waves. The gentle melody punctuated by crescendos at precisely placed moments throughout the piece makes for an unforgettable listening experience. On top of that, This song has one standout feature: its ability to immediately connect with listeners emotionally.
It's interesting to note that Joel initially wrote this song for his stint as a lounge pianist during his struggling days in Los Angeles before his big break. He performed it regularly at The Executive Room pub, where he worked until landing his first recording contract. That is why "Piano Man" resonates so accurately; it comes from real experiences-related aspects of regular people who kept hearing Joel pouring out every ounce of his heart into his lyrics and melodies.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
