Billy Joel is an iconic American singer-songwriter known for his versatile musical style blending rock, pop, and classical influences. With timeless hits like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Just the Way You Are,” Joel’s career spans decades, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies resonate with audiences worldwide, reflecting on themes of love, life’s struggles, and societal commentary. Beyond music, Joel’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to connect deeply with listeners through his storytelling prowess and ability to capture the essence of the human experience in song.
1. You May Be Right
“You May Be Right” is a classic rock song by Billy Joel, released in 1980 on his album “Glass Houses.” The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, energetic guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics. It explores themes of self-awareness and defiance, with Joel singing about embracing his rebellious nature and challenging societal norms. “You May Be Right” became a commercial success, peaking on the music charts and solidifying Joel’s reputation as a prominent figure in rock music. Its anthemic chorus and lively instrumentation continue to make it a favorite among fans of Joel’s extensive discography.
2. The River of Dreams
“The River of Dreams” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1993 as the lead single from his twelfth studio album, “River of Dreams.”
“The River of Dreams” is a soulful rock song with a gospel influence. The song’s lyrics explore themes of self-reflection and redemption, with Joel singing about his journey through life and his search for meaning and purpose. The chorus features the refrain, “In the middle of the night, I go walking in my sleep, through the jungle of doubt, to the river so deep,” which reflects the song’s introspective and contemplative nature.
“The River of Dreams” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The song’s music video, which features Joel walking through various dream-like landscapes, won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1994.
“The River of Dreams” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song remains one of Joel’s most popular and enduring songs, and it is often regarded as a classic of his catalog.
3. Allentown
“Allentown” is a poignant song by Billy Joel, released in 1982 on his album “The Nylon Curtain.” The song tells the story of industrial decline and economic hardship in the town of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Joel’s lyrics capture the struggles of blue-collar workers facing job losses and the fading American Dream. The song’s somber melody and heartfelt vocals reflect Joel’s empathy for the working-class plight during a period of economic recession in the United States. “Allentown” resonated with audiences for its social commentary and remains a powerful anthem addressing the challenges of industrial change and economic uncertainty.
4. Piano Man
“Piano Man” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1973 as the lead single from his second studio album of the same name.
“Piano Man” is a folk rock song that tells the story of a piano player at a bar who entertains the patrons with his music. The lyrics describe the various characters at the bar and their stories, highlighting the role of the piano player in bringing them together. The chorus features the refrain, “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man, sing us a song tonight,” which has become one of Joel’s most iconic lines.
“Piano Man” was not an immediate commercial success but has since become one of Joel’s most popular and enduring songs. It is often regarded as one of his signature songs and a classic of the singer-songwriter genre. The song’s storytelling lyrics, catchy melody, and heartfelt delivery have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of Joel’s live performances.
5. Just the Way You Are
“Just the Way You Are” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as the third single from his fifth studio album, “The Stranger.”
“Just the Way You Are” is a romantic ballad with a soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s lyrics express unconditional love and acceptance, with Joel singing about his love for a woman and telling her that she is perfect just the way she is. The chorus features the iconic line, “Don’t go changing, to try and please me, you never let me down before,” which has become one of Joel’s most famous lines.
“Just the Way You Are” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1979. The song has since become one of Joel’s most beloved songs and a classic of the soft rock genre. Its timeless message of love and acceptance continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
6. Uptown Girl
“Uptown Girl” is a lively pop song by Billy Joel, released in 1983 on his album “An Innocent Man.” The song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and doo-wop influenced style. “Uptown Girl” celebrates the charm and allure of a sophisticated woman from a different social background, contrasted with Joel’s own working-class roots. The song’s infectious chorus and playful lyrics convey Joel’s admiration and infatuation with the “uptown girl,” creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. It became a commercial success, topping charts around the world and becoming one of Billy Joel’s signature hits.
7. We Didn’t Start the Fire
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1989 as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, “Storm Front.”
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a fast-paced, pop rock song with a unique structure. The lyrics of the song consist of rapid-fire references to historical events, cultural phenomena, and popular figures from the years 1949 (the year of Joel’s birth) to 1989 (the year of the song’s release). The song’s title and chorus suggest that the problems and conflicts of the world were not caused by Joel’s generation but have been ongoing throughout history.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The song’s music video, which features a montage of images and footage representing the events mentioned in the lyrics, was also popular and received heavy rotation on MTV.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” has been praised for its clever lyrics and innovative concept, which set it apart from typical pop songs. The song has since become one of Joel’s most famous and enduring songs, and it is often cited as a highlight of his career.
8. Only the Good Die Young
“Only the Good Die Young” is a spirited rock song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” The song features Joel’s distinctive piano playing and dynamic vocals. Its lyrics tell the story of a young man trying to persuade a Catholic girl to break free from her conservative upbringing and live life to the fullest. Controversial at the time for its themes, “Only the Good Die Young” became a popular anthem, known for its catchy melody and rebellious spirit. It remains a beloved classic in Joel’s repertoire, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with infectious rock rhythms.
9. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1980 as a single from his album “Glass Houses.”
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” is an upbeat, new wave-influenced song that criticizes the commercialization of rock music and the pressure on artists to conform to certain trends. The lyrics express Joel’s frustration with the music industry’s expectations, with lines like “You can dress in pink and blue just like a punk rocker” and “Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways, it’s still rock and roll to me.”
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Joel’s biggest hits. The song’s catchy melody, clever lyrics, and energetic performance helped to solidify Joel’s reputation as one of the leading artists of the 1980s.
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” has remained a popular song and is often regarded as a classic of Joel’s catalog. Its message about staying true to oneself and resisting societal pressures continues to resonate with audiences today.
10. My Life
“My Life” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1978 on his album “52nd Street.” The song features Joel’s signature piano-driven rock sound and introspective lyrics. “My Life” is a declaration of independence and self-assertion, where Joel sings about embracing individuality, making his own decisions, and living life on his own terms. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contributed to the song’s popularity, becoming a favorite among fans for its empowering message and memorable hooks. “My Life” remains a timeless anthem of personal freedom and resilience, showcasing Joel’s prowess as both a songwriter and performer.
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.
