Few artists have left as indelible a mark on the music world as Billy Joel. Known as the Piano Man, Joel has been a master storyteller, weaving unforgettable melodies with lyrics that speak to the heart of everyday life. From smoky barroom ballads to high-energy pop anthems, his songs have transcended generations, resonating with fans across the globe. With a career spanning over five decades, Billy Joel has sold more than 150 million records, earned countless awards, and become a fixture in the American musical landscape.
But what are the songs that truly define his legacy? Which tracks have stood the test of time, capturing the imagination of fans and critics alike? Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a curious newcomer, this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Billy Joel Songs of All Time is your front-row ticket to the hits that made him a legend. These aren’t just chart-topping numbers—they’re cultural milestones, each with its own story, sound, and soul. So press play, turn up the volume, and take a journey through the timeless tunes that have made Billy Joel one of the greatest songwriters in history. Let the music—and the memories—begin.
1. Piano Man (1973)
Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” isn’t just a song—it’s a story, an anthem, and an experience rolled into one unforgettable tune. Released in 1973 on his breakthrough album of the same name, it introduced the world to Joel’s unique blend of storytelling and musicality. Inspired by his time playing under an alias in a Los Angeles piano bar, the song captures the heartache, humor, and humanity of everyday people searching for meaning, escape, and connection. With vivid characters like the “real estate novelist” and the “waitress practicing politics,” Joel paints a lyrical portrait of barroom regulars whose lives intersect for a few hours each night. Musically, the song’s 3/4 time signature, harmonica, and rolling piano melody create a nostalgic, almost cinematic mood. Though it wasn’t a major hit when first released, “Piano Man” has become Joel’s most iconic song—a singalong staple in bars and stadiums around the world. It’s a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, capturing the bittersweet beauty of shared loneliness and fleeting companionship. Decades later, “Piano Man” still resonates, proving that sometimes the most personal stories are also the most universal.
2. Uptown Girl (1983)
Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” is pure pop perfection—a bright, bouncy tribute to the sounds of the 1960s wrapped in the charm of 1980s flair. Released in 1983 as part of his album An Innocent Man, the song was inspired by his relationship with supermodel Christie Brinkley, who also starred in the iconic music video. Joel channels his inner Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, crafting a catchy doo-wop melody with stacked harmonies, handclaps, and joyous piano lines. Lyrically, it tells the classic tale of a working-class guy falling for a girl from a more privileged world, but the delivery is so full of fun and swagger that it feels fresh rather than cliché. The infectious energy helped the track soar to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in several other countries. Over time, “Uptown Girl” has become one of Joel’s most beloved hits—an instant mood-lifter and fan favorite. Whether you grew up with it or discovered it later, its toe-tapping rhythm and upbeat vibe make it impossible to resist. It’s Billy Joel at his most playful and polished, proving he could master nostalgia without sounding dated.
3. Just the Way You Are (1977)
“Just the Way You Are” reveals a softer, more vulnerable side of Billy Joel. Released in 1977 on his landmark album The Stranger, the song was written as a love letter to his then-wife, Elizabeth Weber. It’s a ballad of quiet assurance, offering unconditional love without grandiosity. Joel’s smooth electric piano and the tender saxophone solo by jazz legend Phil Woods give the song a sophisticated, jazzy feel that stood apart from the more rock-oriented tracks of the era. Its heartfelt message—“Don’t go changing to try and please me”—resonated deeply with listeners and made it an enduring favorite for weddings and romantic moments. The song earned Joel his first two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing his status as not just a rock artist but a master songwriter. Though their marriage eventually ended, the song has lived on as a timeless expression of devotion. With its understated beauty and emotional sincerity, “Just the Way You Are” remains one of Joel’s most iconic love songs and a defining piece of his musical legacy.
4. We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989)
Billy Joel took a bold swing with “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and the result was a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1989 on his Storm Front album, the song is a high-speed, chronological list of over 100 major world events, people, and cultural milestones from 1949 (Joel’s birth year) through 1989. With a rapid-fire vocal delivery and a pulsing rock beat, Joel crams decades of history into just over four minutes—touching on everything from “Marilyn Monroe” to “Vietnam” and “AIDS.” Rather than offering explanations or commentary, Joel lets the references speak for themselves, creating a collage of post-war history that’s chaotic, urgent, and strangely hypnotic. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his third and final No. 1 hit. Though it sparked mixed critical responses—some found it gimmicky, others praised its originality—it undeniably struck a chord. Teachers have used it in classrooms, and fans continue to dissect every line. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” stands as a fascinating experiment in pop songwriting: part history lesson, part anthem, and all energy. It’s proof that even the most unconventional ideas can capture the public’s imagination.
5. New York State of Mind (1976)
“New York State of Mind” is Billy Joel’s heartfelt ode to the city that shaped him. Written after a brief stint living in Los Angeles, the song captures his deep yearning for the energy, grit, and character of New York City. Released in 1976 on his Turnstiles album, it combines jazz-inflected piano, soulful saxophone, and passionate vocals to create a moody, immersive soundscape. Though never released as a commercial single, the song has become one of Joel’s most cherished pieces—particularly for New Yorkers who see it as an anthem of pride and resilience. Joel’s lyrics don’t romanticize the city; instead, they embrace its complexity and contrasts. Lines like “I’m taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River Line” evoke both longing and belonging. The song has been performed at major benefit concerts, sporting events, and moments of remembrance, further cementing its legacy. “New York State of Mind” isn’t just about a place—it’s about identity, roots, and the emotions tied to where we come from. Elegant, soulful, and deeply personal, it stands as one of Joel’s finest artistic statements.
6. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (1977)
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” isn’t just a song—it’s a full-blown musical journey wrapped in nostalgia and storytelling genius. Released in 1977 on The Stranger, this seven-minute epic takes listeners on a ride through multiple musical styles and emotional layers. It opens gently, with a soft piano intro and wine-and-conversation vibes, before shifting into jazz-tinged rhythms and then launching into the centerpiece: the story of Brenda and Eddie. Their tale of young love, dreams, and eventual disillusionment is told with vivid detail and cinematic flair, as if you’re hearing old friends reminiscing over dinner. Billy Joel masterfully weaves together different song sections—ballad, jazz, and rock—seamlessly, making this one of his most ambitious and unique compositions. Although it was never released as a single, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” has become a fan favorite and a staple in Joel’s live performances. It’s a testament to his skill as a composer and storyteller, blending drama, humor, and heartbreak into one unforgettable piece. The song captures the passage of time and changing lives with warmth and realism, making it resonate across generations.
7. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) (1977)
“Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” is Billy Joel’s sharp and spirited critique of materialism and the so-called American dream. Featured on his landmark 1977 album The Stranger, the song tells the story of Anthony, a blue-collar guy disillusioned by the rat race and questioning whether the pursuit of wealth and status is worth the sacrifice. From the very first bars, the track grabs attention with its distinctive piano riff and revving motorcycle sound. Joel’s lyrics are both biting and witty—“It seems such a waste of time, if that’s what it’s all about”—encapsulating the frustrations of working-class ambition in a society obsessed with status symbols. The song’s tight arrangement, energetic rhythm, and social commentary struck a chord with listeners, turning it into a classic. Though not Joel’s biggest chart hit, “Movin’ Out” has had a lasting impact, even inspiring a successful Broadway musical decades later. With its rock edge, lyrical sharpness, and blue-collar sensibility, the track remains a powerful reminder that true success might just mean walking away from what everyone else is chasing.
8. The Longest Time (1984)
With “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel delivered a charming, pitch-perfect throwback to the golden age of doo-wop. Released in 1984 on An Innocent Man, this sweet, harmony-rich track stands out not just for its style but for its execution. Almost entirely a cappella, every vocal part—from the soaring melodies to the low basslines—was sung and layered by Joel himself, showcasing his impressive range and vocal creativity. Lyrically, the song tells a tender story of finding love again after heartbreak, capturing the joy and hesitation that come with new beginnings. The line “If you said goodbye to me tonight, there would still be music left to write” beautifully reflects Joel’s eternal optimism and romanticism. Despite its vintage feel, the song resonated with 1980s audiences and reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a standout not just for its sound but for its warmth and sincerity. “The Longest Time” proves that sometimes simplicity, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion are all you need to create something timeless.
9. My Life (1978)
“My Life” is Billy Joel’s unapologetic anthem of independence and self-reliance, wrapped in an irresistibly catchy pop-rock groove. Released in 1978 on the album 52nd Street, the song kicks off with a bold piano riff that sets the tone for what’s to come—a defiant message to anyone who tries to control or judge another’s life. With lines like “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life,” Joel speaks directly to those tired of societal expectations or personal criticism. Backed by strong production and guest vocals from Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus of Chicago, the track radiates confidence and clarity. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and later gained new life as the theme for the sitcom Bosom Buddies. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message: everyone deserves the freedom to live life on their own terms. “My Life” stands as one of Joel’s boldest and most empowering hits, a pop anthem with bite that continues to resonate with listeners striving to assert their individuality.
10. Only the Good Die Young (1978)
Controversial, catchy, and bursting with rebellious energy, “Only the Good Die Young” is one of Billy Joel’s most talked-about and enduring hits. Released in 1978 on The Stranger, the song blends upbeat, radio-friendly melodies with provocative lyrics about youth, religion, and temptation. Joel tells the story of a young man trying to woo a Catholic girl, pushing her to break away from the strict confines of her upbringing. With lines like “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints,” the track raised eyebrows—and ire—from religious groups, some of whom attempted to ban it. Ironically, the controversy only boosted the song’s popularity. Musically, it’s irresistible: a toe-tapping beat, vibrant horn section, and playful vocal delivery that contrast with the lyrical subversion underneath. Despite—or perhaps because of—its polarizing reception, “Only the Good Die Young” became a radio staple and remains one of Joel’s most iconic tracks. It captures the thrill of youthful defiance and the eternal tug-of-war between desire and restraint, making it both provocative and undeniably fun.
Samuel Moore 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.
