Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who is considered one of the most successful musicians of all time. Born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York City, Joel emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry in the 1970s and 1980s with his distinctive blend of rock, pop, and classical influences.
Joel’s career spans several decades, during which he has released numerous hit songs and albums. Some of his most famous songs include “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “My Life,” “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “The Longest Time.” His music is known for its catchy melodies, poignant lyrics, and memorable hooks.
Throughout his career, Joel has received multiple awards and accolades, including six Grammy Awards. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest songwriters and performers in music history.
In addition to his music career, Joel is also known for his energetic live performances, often selling out arenas and stadiums around the world. He continues to be a highly respected and influential figure in the music industry, with his songs remaining beloved by fans of all ages.
1. You May Be Right
“You May Be Right” is a song by Billy Joel, released on his seventh studio album “Glass Houses” in 1980. It was also released as a single, becoming one of Joel’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances.
In “You May Be Right,” Joel delivers a high-energy rock song with catchy hooks and a driving beat. The lyrics depict the narrator’s rebellious and carefree attitude, as he embraces his wild side and refuses to conform to societal expectations. The chorus features the famous refrain “You may be right, I may be crazy, but it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for.”
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody contributed to its commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “You May Be Right” remains one of Joel’s most popular songs, known for its catchy tune and memorable lyrics. It has been covered by various artists and continues to be a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
2. The River of Dreams
“The River of Dreams” is a song by Billy Joel, released as the lead single from his twelfth studio album, also titled “River of Dreams,” in 1993. The song marked Joel’s return to recording after a hiatus following the release of his previous album “Storm Front” in 1989.
“The River of Dreams” is characterized by its soulful and gospel-influenced sound, featuring a prominent Hammond organ riff and a rhythmic beat. The song’s lyrics explore themes of self-reflection, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life. Joel sings about navigating the metaphorical “river of dreams” and searching for redemption and fulfillment.
The accompanying music video for “The River of Dreams” features surreal and dream-like imagery, with Joel depicted traveling down a river on a raft and encountering various symbolic scenes and characters. The video received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video.
“The River of Dreams” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Joel’s most successful singles. The song remains a fan favorite and is often included in Joel’s live performances, showcasing its enduring popularity and impact.
3. Allentown
“Allentown” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1982 as part of his album “The Nylon Curtain.” The song tells the story of the decline of the American manufacturing industry, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by workers in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the aftermath of factory closures. Joel’s poignant lyrics and somber melody capture the sense of disillusionment and economic hardship experienced by blue-collar workers during that period. “Allentown” became a significant hit for Joel, earning critical acclaim for its social commentary and emotional depth. The song remains a timeless reflection on the challenges faced by communities affected by industrial decline.
4. Piano Man
“Piano Man” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1973 as the lead single from his album of the same name. The song is one of Joel’s signature pieces and has become one of his most enduring and beloved songs.
“Piano Man” tells the story of a piano player at a bar who entertains the patrons with his music while observing their lives and struggles. The lyrics paint vivid portraits of various characters, including the bartender, a waitress, and other regulars, each with their own dreams and hardships. The chorus, with its iconic refrain “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man,” invites listeners to join in the communal experience of music and storytelling.
Musically, “Piano Man” features Joel’s distinctive piano playing, along with a folk-rock arrangement that includes harmonica, guitar, and strings. The song’s heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and universal themes of longing and camaraderie have made it a timeless classic, earning it widespread acclaim and enduring popularity for decades.
5. Just the Way You Are
“Just the Way You Are” is a timeless love song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1977 as part of his album “The Stranger.” The song was a major commercial success and remains one of Joel’s most enduring and beloved tracks.
“Just the Way You Are” is a tender ballad that expresses unconditional love and acceptance for a romantic partner. The lyrics convey a deep appreciation for the partner’s unique qualities and reassure them that they are loved just as they are, without needing to change. The song’s heartfelt sentiment, coupled with Joel’s soulful vocal delivery and melodic piano accompaniment, creates a beautiful and intimate atmosphere.
“Just the Way You Are” earned Joel critical acclaim and won two Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. It has since become a classic love song and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions, resonating with listeners around the world for its timeless message of love and acceptance.
6. Uptown Girl
“Uptown Girl” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1983 as the lead single from his ninth studio album, “An Innocent Man.” The song became one of Joel’s most successful and recognizable hits, reaching the top 10 on charts worldwide.
“Uptown Girl” is characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, featuring a lively rhythm and doo-wop-inspired harmonies. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a working-class man who is infatuated with an “uptown girl” from a higher social class. Despite their differences, the narrator expresses his love and admiration for the girl, hoping to win her heart.
The music video for “Uptown Girl” became iconic, featuring Joel as a mechanic who falls in love with a high-fashion model, played by Christie Brinkley. The video’s playful and lighthearted tone, along with its choreographed dance sequences, contributed to its popularity and helped propel the song to commercial success.
“Uptown Girl” remains one of Billy Joel’s most beloved songs, known for its catchy melody, nostalgic charm, and timeless appeal. It has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years, solidifying its status as a classic in Joel’s discography.
7. We Didn’t Start the Fire
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a fast-paced and iconic song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. Released in 1989 as part of his album “Storm Front,” the song is characterized by its rapid-fire delivery of historical and cultural references spanning several decades.
The lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” list various significant events, people, and pop culture moments from 1949 to 1989, capturing the zeitgeist of each era. The song serves as a rapid-fire journey through history, touching on everything from political events to cultural phenomena and technological advancements.
Joel’s intention with the song was to reflect on the tumultuous events of the 20th century and to emphasize that the problems faced by society were not caused by one generation alone. The refrain “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning since the world’s been turning” reinforces this message of collective responsibility.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States. It also garnered critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and innovative approach to songwriting. The song remains one of Billy Joel’s most well-known and recognizable works, serving as both a historical snapshot and a reminder of the enduring impact of the past on the present.
8. Only the Good Die Young
“Only the Good Die Young” is a song by Billy Joel, released on his 1977 album “The Stranger.” The song became one of Joel’s signature hits and remains one of his most popular and enduring songs.
“Only the Good Die Young” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and rock and roll-inspired sound. The lyrics tell the story of a young man trying to convince a Catholic girl to give in to her desires and break free from her conservative upbringing. The song’s playful and irreverent lyrics, combined with Joel’s energetic vocals, contributed to its controversial reception upon its release.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Only the Good Die Young” was a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remains a fan favorite and is often performed by Joel in concert, where it elicits enthusiastic responses from audiences.
Over the years, “Only the Good Die Young” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic in Joel’s catalog.
9. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1980 as a single from his album “Glass Houses.” The song is a satirical commentary on the music industry and societal attitudes towards popular music trends at the time.
In “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Joel critiques the pressure for artists to conform to changing musical fashions and the public’s tendency to dismiss older styles as outdated. The lyrics poke fun at the obsession with image and style over substance, as well as the constant demand for innovation and novelty in music.
Despite its critical undertones, the song features an upbeat and catchy melody, driven by Joel’s energetic piano playing and a lively rock rhythm. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and earning Joel a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s enduring popularity is due in part to its timeless message about the enduring power of rock and roll music, as well as its catchy hooks and memorable lyrics. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” remains a classic of Joel’s catalog and a favorite among fans of his music.
10. My Life
“My Life” is a song by Billy Joel, released as the second single from his album “52nd Street” in 1978. The song became one of Joel’s most popular and enduring hits, known for its catchy melody and upbeat, rock-infused sound.
In “My Life,” Joel sings about asserting independence and living life on one’s own terms. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and determination, with Joel declaring that he doesn’t care what others think and will continue to do things his own way. The song’s chorus features the famous refrain, “I don’t need you to worry for me ’cause I’m alright.”
“My Life” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Joel’s signature songs. Its memorable melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans, and it remains a staple of Joel’s live performances.
Over the years, “My Life” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as one of Joel’s most iconic songs. Its message of independence and self-confidence continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.