Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York City. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide. Joel is known for his distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and insightful lyrics, as well as his prowess as a pianist.
Joel rose to prominence in the 1970s with a string of hit albums and singles. Some of his most famous songs include “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl,” “New York State of Mind,” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Throughout his career, Joel has received numerous awards and accolades, including six Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
In addition to his success as a musician, Joel has also pursued other ventures, including acting and philanthropy. He has performed sold-out concerts around the world and remains a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.
1. Piano Man
“Piano Man” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released in 1973 as the lead single from his second studio album, also titled “Piano Man.”
The song tells the story of a piano player at a bar who entertains the patrons with his music and observations about their lives. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the characters who frequent the bar, including the bartender, the waitress, the businessmen, and the regulars, all seeking solace and companionship in the music.
“Piano Man” features Joel’s signature piano playing and storytelling lyrics, accompanied by a folk-rock arrangement. The song’s catchy melody and sing-along chorus have made it one of Joel’s most enduring and beloved songs.
Upon its release, “Piano Man” became a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim and has since become one of Billy Joel’s most iconic and recognizable songs.
Over the years, “Piano Man” has remained a staple of Joel’s live performances and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres. It continues to be celebrated as a classic in the realm of folk-rock and singer-songwriter music, cherished for its storytelling and emotional resonance.
2. Uptown Girl
“Uptown Girl” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released in 1983 as the lead single from his ninth studio album, “An Innocent Man.”
The song is an upbeat pop rock track with influences of doo-wop and R&B. It pays tribute to the “uptown girl,” a term often used to refer to women from more affluent or upscale backgrounds. In the lyrics, Joel sings about his admiration for a woman from a privileged social class and his desire to win her affection despite their differences in background.
“Uptown Girl” features catchy melodies, lively piano riffs, and a bouncy rhythm that encourages dancing. The song’s upbeat and feel-good vibe made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The music video for “Uptown Girl” gained additional attention due to its playful concept, featuring Joel and a group of friends performing as mechanics who catch the eye of a group of wealthy women. The video also includes appearances by supermodel Christie Brinkley, who would later become Joel’s wife.
“Uptown Girl” remains one of Billy Joel’s most iconic and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody and timeless appeal. It has been covered and referenced in various forms of popular culture over the years, cementing its status as a classic in Joel’s extensive catalog of hits.
3. Just the Way You Are
“Just the Way You Are” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released in 1977 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, “The Stranger.”
The song is a heartfelt love ballad expressing unconditional love and acceptance. Joel wrote the song for his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, and it served as a tribute to her. The lyrics convey a message of appreciation for a person’s unique qualities and emphasize the beauty found in imperfection.
“Just the Way You Are” features Joel’s soulful vocals and a smooth, romantic melody. The song’s arrangement includes lush instrumentation, including piano, saxophone, and strings, giving it a timeless and elegant feel.
Upon its release, “Just the Way You Are” became one of Billy Joel’s most successful and enduring songs. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and won two Grammy Awards in 1979: Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
The song has since become a classic and remains a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. “Just the Way You Are” continues to be celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, beautiful melody, and universal message of love and acceptance.
4. We Didn’t Start the Fire
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1989 as a single from his album “Storm Front.”
The song is characterized by its rapid-fire delivery of historical events, cultural references, and notable figures from the post-World War II era up to the late 1980s. Each verse of the song mentions a series of events or names related to politics, popular culture, and significant moments in history. The chorus repeats the refrain “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning since the world’s been turning,” emphasizing the idea that the issues and events mentioned in the song have been ongoing throughout history.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” was inspired by Joel’s frustration with people blaming the younger generation for the world’s problems. He wanted to illustrate that many of the issues and conflicts in society were not new but had been ongoing for decades.
The song’s rapid pace and dense lyrics earned both praise and criticism. Some listeners appreciated its ambitious scope and historical insight, while others found it overwhelming or superficial. Nonetheless, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Billy Joel’s signature songs.
The accompanying music video for “We Didn’t Start the Fire” features imagery and footage corresponding to many of the events mentioned in the song’s lyrics, providing a visual representation of the historical references.
5. She’s Always a Woman
“She’s Always a Woman” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” It was also released as a single the same year.
The song is a ballad with a soft rock/pop feel, featuring Joel’s signature piano playing and introspective lyrics. In “She’s Always a Woman,” Joel sings about the complexities of love and the nuances of his romantic partner’s personality. The lyrics describe her as both strong and vulnerable, capable of both tenderness and toughness. Despite her flaws and contradictions, Joel expresses his unconditional love and admiration for her.
“She’s Always a Woman” became one of Billy Joel’s most enduring and beloved songs, known for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. It received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the music charts in several countries. The song has been covered by various artists and remains a staple of Joel’s live performances.
Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and acceptance have made “She’s Always a Woman” a classic in the singer-songwriter genre, cherished by fans around the world.
6. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is a song by Billy Joel, released on his 1977 album “The Stranger.” It is often considered one of Joel’s most ambitious and beloved compositions, featuring intricate storytelling and a dynamic musical arrangement.
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” features Joel’s signature piano playing, accompanied by a full band and lush orchestration. The song incorporates elements of rock, pop, jazz, and classical music, showcasing Joel’s versatility as a composer and musician.
Despite not being released as a single, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” has become one of Billy Joel’s most enduring and beloved songs. It is often cited as a highlight of his live performances and is celebrated for its storytelling prowess, musical complexity, and emotional depth.
7. Only the Good Die Young
“Only the Good Die Young” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” It was also released as a single the same year.
The song is an upbeat rock and roll track with elements of pop and gospel music. Lyrically, “Only the Good Die Young” tells the story of a young man trying to convince a Catholic girl to give in to her desires and live life to the fullest, even if it means breaking the rules. Joel playfully challenges the girl’s faith and traditions, urging her to seize the moment and take a chance on love.
“Only the Good Die Young” was controversial upon its release due to its suggestive lyrics and themes of religious rebellion. Despite this, the song became one of Billy Joel’s most popular and enduring hits. It received significant airplay on radio stations and reached the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Over the years, “Only the Good Die Young” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Joel’s live performances. Its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and playful lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as one of Joel’s signature songs.
8. The Longest Time
“The Longest Time” is a song by Billy Joel, released on his 1983 album “An Innocent Man.” It was also released as a single in 1984.
The song is a doo-wop-inspired track that pays homage to the music of the 1950s and early 1960s. It features a cappella vocals with no instrumental accompaniment, except for vocal percussion provided by Joel himself. The lyrics speak about longing for a lost love and the hope of rekindling the relationship someday.
“The Longest Time” was a commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, tight vocal harmonies, and nostalgic vibe.
The song’s music video features Joel and a group of singers performing the song a cappella in a subway station. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost the song’s popularity.
“An Innocent Man” album as a whole was a tribute to the music of Joel’s youth, and “The Longest Time” exemplifies this with its retro sound and doo-wop influences. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of Joel’s live performances.
9. New York State of Mind
“New York State of Mind” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1976 on his album “Turnstiles.”
The song is a jazz-influenced ballad that pays homage to Joel’s hometown of New York City. Lyrically, “New York State of Mind” captures the essence and atmosphere of the city, depicting its energy, hustle, and bustle. The song reflects on the experience of feeling at home in New York and the sense of belonging it brings, even during challenging times.
“New York State of Mind” features Joel’s soulful vocals and piano playing, accompanied by a lush arrangement of horns and strings. The song’s evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with listeners, making it one of Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs.
While “New York State of Mind” was not released as a single, it has become a fan favorite and a staple of Joel’s live performances. It has also been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a classic ode to the city of New York.
10. Honesty
“Honesty” is a song by Billy Joel, released on his 1978 album “52nd Street.” It was also released as a single in 1979.
The song “Honesty” is a heartfelt ballad that explores the theme of truthfulness and sincerity in relationships. In the lyrics, Joel sings about the importance of being honest with oneself and with others, even when it is difficult. He emphasizes the value of honesty in building trust and maintaining genuine connections with loved ones.
Musically, “Honesty” features Joel’s soulful vocals accompanied by piano and a subtle orchestral arrangement. The song’s melody is simple yet powerful, allowing the heartfelt lyrics to take center stage.
“Honesty” was a commercial success, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of Billy Joel’s most enduring and beloved songs, often cited as a favorite by fans for its emotional resonance and universal message.
The song’s timeless theme of honesty continues to resonate with listeners, and “Honesty” remains a staple of Joel’s live performances. It has also been covered by various artists over the years, further cementing its status as a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.