Billy Joel, born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, is an iconic American singer-songwriter and pianist with a prolific career that has spanned over five decades. Hailing from The Bronx, New York, Joel is celebrated for his exceptional musical talents and versatile songwriting that effortlessly blends rock, pop, and elements of classical music.
Joel’s breakthrough came with the release of his album “Piano Man” in 1973, featuring the titular track that remains one of his signature songs. His music is marked by rich storytelling, poignant lyrics, and a distinctive piano-driven sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Throughout his career, Joel has produced an array of timeless hits, including “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and the soulful “Just the Way You Are.”
Beyond commercial success, Joel’s achievements include multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, a testament to his enduring influence on the music industry. His live performances, characterized by charismatic stage presence and crowd engagement, further cement his status as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. Billy Joel’s impact on the landscape of popular music is immeasurable, making him a beloved figure whose legacy continues to thrive.
1. Piano Man
“Piano Man” is a timeless and iconic song by Billy Joel, released in 1973 as the title track of his second studio album. It stands as one of Joel’s most recognizable and enduring compositions, showcasing his storytelling prowess and musical craftsmanship.
The song’s narrative unfolds in a bar setting where Joel, playing the role of a piano player, encounters an array of characters with their own stories and struggles. The melancholic yet hopeful lyrics capture the essence of the human experience, creating a vivid tableau of the people seeking solace and connection in a communal space.
“Piano Man” is distinguished by Joel’s distinctive piano melody and his distinctive voice, along with harmonica passages that add a folk-rock flavor. The chorus, with its memorable refrain “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man / Sing us a song tonight / Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody / And you’ve got us feeling alright,” became an anthem that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Over the years, “Piano Man” has become a classic and a staple of Billy Joel’s live performances. Its enduring popularity reflects its universal themes and Joel’s ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level. The song’s impact has transcended generations, making it a cornerstone of Joel’s remarkable musical legacy.
2. Just the Way You Are
“Just the Way You Are” is a classic love ballad by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, “The Stranger.” The song is one of Joel’s most successful and enduring compositions, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
The lyrics of “Just the Way You Are” express unwavering love and acceptance for a romantic partner, celebrating their unique qualities and affirming that they are perfect just as they are. Joel’s heartfelt and sincere delivery, coupled with a melodic and elegant musical arrangement, contributed to the song’s emotional impact.
The track earned Billy Joel two Grammy Awards in 1979: Record of the Year and Song of the Year. “Just the Way You Are” became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists and has been featured in films and television shows.
The enduring appeal of “Just the Way You Are” lies in its timeless message of unconditional love and acceptance. It remains a significant part of Billy Joel’s legacy, reflecting his ability to craft heartfelt and universally resonant songs that stand the test of time.
3. Uptown Girl
“Uptown Girl” is a lively and infectious pop song by Billy Joel, released in 1983 as the lead single from his album “An Innocent Man.” The song is notable for its upbeat and catchy melody, paying homage to the sound of the early 1960s and the music of artists like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
In “Uptown Girl,” Billy Joel sings about his attraction to a sophisticated and affluent woman from the upscale “uptown” part of the city. The lyrics depict a romantic narrative where Joel expresses his desire to be with this “uptown girl” despite their differences in social background.
The music video for “Uptown Girl” further enhanced the song’s charm. Directed by Jay Dubin, the video features Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, who was Joel’s girlfriend at the time. The video incorporates a playful and theatrical dance routine, adding to the retro and romantic atmosphere of the song.
“Uptown Girl” became one of Billy Joel’s most successful and recognizable songs. It topped the charts in the United States and several other countries. Its timeless appeal and nostalgic nod to the doo-wop and pop music of the 1960s have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a classic in Joel’s extensive repertoire.
4. Only the Good Die Young
“Only the Good Die Young” is a rock song by Billy Joel, released as the third single from his 1977 album, “The Stranger.” The song is known for its energetic rock and roll sound and controversial lyrics that touch on themes of religion and relationships.
In “Only the Good Die Young,” Billy Joel addresses a young Catholic woman, trying to persuade her to engage in a romantic relationship. The lyrics play with religious imagery and taboos, leading to some controversy upon its release. Joel has mentioned that the inspiration for the song came from his own experiences and observations.
Despite its controversial subject matter, the song became a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Billy Joel’s well-known and frequently performed tracks. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Joel’s dynamic vocal delivery contribute to its enduring popularity.
“Only the Good Die Young” showcases Billy Joel’s ability to blend rock, pop, and elements of other genres. Its inclusion on “The Stranger” album, which also features hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” contributed to the album’s critical and commercial success.
5. She’s Always a Woman
“She’s Always a Woman” is a beautiful and poignant ballad by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as a single from his album “The Stranger.” The song showcases Joel’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture complex emotions within a melody.
The lyrics of “She’s Always a Woman” explore the multifaceted nature of a woman who, despite her flaws and contradictions, is deeply loved by the narrator. The song portrays a nuanced and realistic depiction of a relationship, acknowledging both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the woman in question.
Musically, the song features a melodic and contemplative piano arrangement, complemented by Joel’s heartfelt vocals. The subdued and intimate quality of the music adds to the emotional impact of the lyrics. The chorus, with the line “She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes,” is particularly memorable.
“She’s Always a Woman” became a commercial success and remains one of Billy Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its timeless theme and emotional resonance have led to its continued popularity and inclusion in various compilations and retrospectives of Joel’s illustrious career.
6. My Life
“My Life” is an upbeat and anthemic song by Billy Joel, released in 1978 as the second single from his album “52nd Street.” The song is known for its catchy chorus and empowering lyrics, expressing a sentiment of individualism and resilience.
In “My Life,” Billy Joel sings about asserting one’s independence and living life on one’s own terms. The lyrics convey a sense of self-confidence and a determination to stay true to oneself despite external pressures. The chorus, with the repeated line “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life,” became a memorable rallying cry.
Musically, “My Life” features a lively and energetic arrangement, driven by Joel’s signature piano playing. The song incorporates elements of rock and pop, and its upbeat tempo contributes to its feel-good atmosphere. The track received positive reviews and became a hit, reaching the top of the charts.
“My Life” has endured as one of Billy Joel’s most popular and recognizable songs. Its use as the theme song for the television series “Boomerang” in the 1980s further solidified its place in popular culture. The song continues to be a staple in Joel’s live performances and remains a symbol of individuality and self-expression.
7. Vienna
“Vienna” is a reflective and introspective song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as a track on his album “The Stranger.” The song stands out for its thoughtful lyrics and melodic composition, showcasing Joel’s ability to blend pop and rock with introspective storytelling.
In “Vienna,” Billy Joel sings about the pace of life and the importance of patience and self-discovery. The lyrics encourage the listener to take their time and not rush through life’s experiences, using the metaphor of the city of Vienna to convey a sense of timeless beauty and wisdom.
The chorus of the song features the famous lines: “Slow down, you crazy child / You’re so ambitious for a juvenile.” The advice to slow down and appreciate life’s journey has resonated with audiences and contributed to the enduring appeal of the song.
Musically, “Vienna” is characterized by its piano-driven melody and Joel’s emotive vocals. The song’s arrangement reflects a combination of rock, pop, and a touch of classical influences, adding to its unique and timeless quality.
While not released as a single, “Vienna” has become one of Billy Joel’s beloved songs and is often cited as a fan favorite. Its thoughtful lyrics and melodic charm have led to its continued appreciation as a poignant and introspective piece in Joel’s extensive catalog.
8. The Longest Time
“The Longest Time” is a doo-wop-inspired pop song by Billy Joel, released in 1983 as a single from his album “An Innocent Man.” The song pays homage to the doo-wop genre of the 1950s and features intricate vocal harmonies.
In “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel sings about the experience of falling in love and the joy that comes with being in a committed relationship. The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s gratitude for finding lasting love after a period of waiting.
The vocal arrangement is a standout feature of the song, with Joel providing all the vocals himself through multi-tracking. The doo-wop style harmonies, reminiscent of groups like The Drifters and The Four Seasons, contribute to the nostalgic and timeless feel of the track.
“The Longest Time” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity has endured, and it remains a favorite among fans of Billy Joel’s music. The music video, featuring Joel and a group of friends singing a cappella in a street corner style, adds to the nostalgic charm of the song.
9. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” is an energetic and satirical song by Billy Joel, released in 1980 as a single from his album “Glass Houses.” The song is a commentary on the changing trends in the music industry and the pressure on artists to conform to popular styles.
In “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Billy Joel addresses the expectations placed on musicians to adapt to evolving fashions and genres. The lyrics express the sentiment that, regardless of changing musical trends, the spirit of rock and roll endures. The song playfully mocks the idea of trying to fit into the latest musical fads and questions the relevance of staying on the cutting edge.
Musically, the track features a blend of rock and new wave influences, with a driving beat and catchy melody. The song’s upbeat tempo and Joel’s distinctive vocal delivery contributed to its commercial success.
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” became one of Billy Joel’s biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity was further fueled by a memorable music video that captured the early 1980s aesthetic. The song remains a classic in Joel’s repertoire, celebrated for its catchy hooks and witty commentary on the music industry.
10. Moving Out (Anthony’s Song)
“Moving Out (Anthony’s Song)” is a rock song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as a single from his album “The Stranger.” The song is known for its upbeat tempo, energetic instrumentation, and narrative lyrics that tell the story of a young man, Anthony, making the decision to leave his family home and strike out on his own.
In “Moving Out (Anthony’s Song),” Joel explores themes of independence, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the generational gap between parents and their children. The chorus, with the repeated line “You should never argue with a crazy mind,” became particularly memorable.
Musically, the song features a lively and rhythmic arrangement, driven by Joel’s signature piano playing and a prominent saxophone solo. The energetic and danceable nature of the track contributed to its commercial success.
The character of Anthony in the song became a symbol of the working-class young man trying to establish himself, and the song resonated with audiences, becoming one of Billy Joel’s well-known and enduring hits. “Moving Out (Anthony’s Song)” showcases Joel’s ability to combine storytelling with catchy melodies, making it a standout track on “The Stranger” album.
Edward Tomlin 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.
