Billy Joel is a prolific singer-songwriter who has had an enduring impact on the music industry for more than four decades. With a career spanning over 50 years, Joel has produced an extensive catalogue of hits that have garnered him millions of fans worldwide. Known for his distinctive voice and masterful piano-playing skills, Joel’s music is a fusion of rock, pop, and classical influences that has stood the test of time. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the 10 best Billy Joel songs of all time, each of which has played a significant role in shaping his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
From his early days in the 1970s to his more recent releases, Joel has consistently demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences through his music. Whether it’s his iconic ballads like “Piano Man” and “Just the Way You Are,” or his more upbeat hits like “Uptown Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Joel’s music has transcended generations and continues to be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages. Through this list of his 10 best songs, we will explore Joel’s remarkable career and the impact his music has had on the world.
1. It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me (1980)
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” is a 1980 hit song by Billy Joel that served as a commentary on the changing music industry and the rise of new wave and punk rock music. The song features Joel’s trademark piano playing and catchy melody, with lyrics that poke fun at the trend of music critics who dismissed rock and roll as being past its prime. With its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics, the song became an instant hit and topped the charts, becoming one of Joel’s most successful singles of all time. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message, as well as its catchy tune that continues to resonate with audiences to this day. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” remains a beloved classic in Joel’s extensive catalogue of hits, and continues to inspire generations of music fans.
2. The Longest Time (1984)
“The Longest Time” is a 1984 hit song by Billy Joel that showcases his exceptional vocal range and harmony skills. With its doo-wop style, the song is a departure from Joel’s usual rock and pop sound, but it still manages to capture the essence of his musical genius. The lyrics are a tribute to the enduring power of love, with Joel singing about a woman who has captured his heart and who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it an instant classic, and it quickly became one of Joel’s most popular songs. “The Longest Time” has since become a staple of pop culture, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and continues to be a favorite among fans of all ages.
3. Uptown Girl (1983)
“Uptown Girl” is a 1983 hit song by Billy Joel that is widely considered one of his most iconic and enduring singles. The song is an upbeat ode to a high society woman from a wealthy background, with Joel’s lyrics describing the allure of her glamorous lifestyle. The infectious melody and catchy chorus have made “Uptown Girl” a classic of 80s pop culture, and the music video featuring supermodel Christie Brinkley as Joel’s love interest helped to propel the song to even greater heights. The song’s success was a testament to Joel’s versatility as an artist, as he effortlessly shifted from his signature rock and roll sound to a more pop-oriented style that appealed to a wider audience. “Uptown Girl” remains a timeless classic, and a testament to Joel’s enduring popularity as a musician.
4. Allentown (1982)
“Allentown” is a 1982 song by Billy Joel that reflects on the economic struggles of working-class Americans in the face of industrial decline. The song’s lyrics describe the hardships faced by the people of Allentown, Pennsylvania, a town that was once thriving due to its steel industry but has since fallen on hard times. Joel’s emotive delivery and poignant lyrics make “Allentown” a powerful commentary on the impact of economic changes on communities and individuals. The song’s success also reflects the social consciousness of the early 1980s, as many Americans were grappling with the effects of deindustrialization and economic restructuring. “Allentown” remains a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the struggles of working people, and the need for social and economic justice in our society.
5. New York State Of Mind (1976)
“New York State of Mind” is a 1976 song by Billy Joel that pays tribute to his hometown of New York City. The song’s lyrics evoke the sights, sounds, and energy of the city, with Joel’s emotive vocals conveying the sense of belonging and connection that he feels to his home. The song’s jazzy piano riff and soaring saxophone solo perfectly capture the essence of the city’s vibrant music scene, while the lyrics speak to the universal themes of longing, identity, and self-discovery. “New York State of Mind” has become an anthem for New Yorkers and music fans alike, and is widely regarded as one of Joel’s most enduring and beloved compositions. The song’s timeless appeal speaks to the enduring allure of New York City, and the sense of pride and belonging that it inspires in its residents and visitors.
6. She’s Always A Woman (1978)
“She’s Always A Woman” is a 1978 song by Billy Joel that celebrates the complexity and mystery of the women in our lives. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, confident and enigmatic, with Joel’s emotive vocals capturing the contradictions and nuances of the female experience. The song’s gentle piano melody and understated arrangement allow the lyrics to take center stage, and the result is a timeless ballad that speaks to the universal experience of love and relationships. “She’s Always A Woman” has become a classic of the romantic genre, and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s message of acceptance and understanding is a testament to Joel’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience, and the power of music to connect us all.
7. Just The Way You Are (1977)
“Just The Way You Are” is a 1977 hit song by Billy Joel that has become a timeless classic of the romantic genre. The song’s simple, yet powerful lyrics celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of the person we love, with Joel’s emotive vocals capturing the depth of feeling and emotion that comes with true love. The song’s gentle piano melody and understated arrangement allow the lyrics to shine, making “Just The Way You Are” a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the power of love and acceptance. The song’s success has made it a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions, and its timeless appeal continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. “Just The Way You Are” is a testament to Joel’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience through his music, and remains one of his most enduring and beloved compositions.
8. Only The Good Die Young (1977)
“Only The Good Die Young” is a 1977 hit song by Billy Joel that caused a bit of controversy upon its release due to its provocative lyrics about a Catholic girl who Joel is trying to persuade to give up her virginity. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, along with Joel’s impassioned vocals, make it one of his most popular rock songs. The song’s rebellious spirit and refusal to conform to societal norms make it a favorite among Joel’s fans, and the lyrics have become iconic in their own right. Despite the initial controversy surrounding the song, “Only The Good Die Young” remains a beloved classic of the rock genre, and a testament to Joel’s ability to push boundaries and challenge convention through his music.
9. Piano Man (1973)
“Piano Man” is a 1973 hit song by Billy Joel that has become an iconic classic of the singer-songwriter genre. The song’s lyrics describe the colorful characters that frequent a bar where Joel is playing piano, and the stories and struggles that they share with him. The song’s gentle piano melody and wistful harmonica solo evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, making it a poignant and emotive tribute to the human experience. The song’s success helped to establish Joel as a major force in the music industry, and its enduring popularity has made it a staple of radio playlists and live performances. “Piano Man” is a testament to Joel’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience through his music, and remains one of his most beloved and enduring compositions.
10. Pressure (1982)
“Pressure” is a 1982 hit song by Billy Joel that showcases his ability to blend rock and new wave elements into a unique and memorable composition. The song’s lyrics explore the feeling of being overwhelmed by the demands of modern life, with Joel’s emotive vocals and driving beat capturing the sense of urgency and intensity that comes with the pressure to succeed. The song’s catchy melody and powerful chorus make it a standout among Joel’s many hits, and the music video featuring Joel in a straightjacket has become an iconic image of the 80s era. “Pressure” is a testament to Joel’s ability to adapt to the changing times and remain relevant and influential in the music industry. The song’s message of resilience and determination continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a classic of the rock and pop genres.
Darren Jamison 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.
