Few artists have left a mark on popular music quite like Billy Joel. With a career spanning over five decades, the “Piano Man” has become a legend not just for his chart-topping hits, but for his storytelling genius and genre-defying sound. From soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, Joel’s music captures the full spectrum of human emotion—love, loss, ambition, nostalgia, and rebellion—all wrapped in unforgettable melodies and poetic lyrics. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his catalog, his songs have an uncanny way of feeling both personal and universally relatable.
In this countdown, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Billy Joel songs of all time—the tracks that have defined his legacy and earned permanent spots in pop culture history. These aren’t just the biggest hits or most streamed; they’re the songs that have stood the test of time, resonated across generations, and turned concert arenas into sing-along sanctuaries. So grab your harmonica, pour a glass of red or white, and get ready to relive the moments that made Billy Joel a household name. These are the songs that prove why he’s not just a musician—he’s a master storyteller and a true American icon.
1. Piano Man (1973)
“Piano Man” isn’t just a song—it’s a vivid slice of life wrapped in melody, the kind of storytelling that only Billy Joel could deliver. Released in 1973 as the title track of his second studio album, this semi-autobiographical ballad draws from Joel’s own experience playing piano at a bar in Los Angeles. The song introduces a cast of characters—real people, thinly veiled—who pour out their dreams, regrets, and loneliness over drinks and cheap laughs. Joel, the performer at the corner of the bar, becomes their confidant and silent narrator. Musically, the track is anchored by a waltzing rhythm, a plaintive harmonica, and a chorus that’s impossible not to sing along to. It’s a celebration and lamentation rolled into one, capturing both the camaraderie and quiet desperation of everyday people seeking solace in music. Over the decades, “Piano Man” has become Joel’s signature anthem—a song shouted in packed stadiums and softly hummed at closing time. Its enduring power lies in its relatability and emotional honesty. It doesn’t just tell a story; it invites listeners to sit at the bar and live it. Nearly 50 years later, it remains a cornerstone of American pop storytelling.
2. Uptown Girl (1983)
“Uptown Girl” is Billy Joel in full-on pop charm mode—playful, polished, and irresistibly catchy. Released in 1983 as part of his doo-wop-inspired album An Innocent Man, the song is a loving nod to the music of the early ’60s, with tight vocal harmonies, falsetto flourishes, and a toe-tapping beat straight out of a bygone era. Inspired in part by Joel’s real-life romance with supermodel Christie Brinkley, the song tells the classic tale of a working-class guy smitten with a sophisticated, high-society woman. Its narrative may be simple, but the energy and sincerity Joel pours into it make it unforgettable. The song was a massive hit—reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating charts internationally, especially in the UK where it hit No. 1. Even now, “Uptown Girl” bursts with youthful optimism and breezy confidence. Whether it’s the buoyant piano lines, the joyful backing vocals, or Joel’s charismatic delivery, the track still sparkles decades later. More than just a nostalgic tribute, “Uptown Girl” is one of those rare songs that manages to feel both retro and timeless all at once.
3. Just the Way You Are (1977)
“Just the Way You Are” is one of Billy Joel’s most enduring love songs—elegant, understated, and emotionally rich. Released in 1977 on his breakthrough album The Stranger, the track marks a shift in Joel’s songwriting, showcasing vulnerability and restraint. Written as a wedding gift for his then-wife Elizabeth Weber, the lyrics deliver a powerful message: real love is about acceptance, not idealization. The smooth, jazz-inflected arrangement—highlighted by Phil Woods’ breathtaking saxophone solo—lends the song a romantic sophistication that sets it apart from standard ballads. Joel’s vocal performance is gentle but confident, allowing the sentiment to speak for itself. Critics and audiences alike responded enthusiastically, and the song won both Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year in 1979. While its personal origins add an intimate layer, “Just the Way You Are” has grown into something far more universal—a celebration of unconditional love. It’s a staple at weddings, slow dances, and quiet evenings, still striking emotional chords nearly five decades after its release. In a catalog filled with hits, this song remains one of Joel’s most heartfelt and timeless achievements.
4. We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989)
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is one of Billy Joel’s most talked-about—and divisive—songs, but its ambition is undeniable. Released in 1989 as the lead single from Storm Front, the song is a rapid-fire history lesson set to a pulsing rock beat. Joel rattles off a whirlwind list of over 100 major events, names, and cultural references spanning from 1949—the year of his birth—to the year of the song’s release. From “Harry Truman” to “Rock and Roller Cola Wars,” the lyrics are relentless, nearly breathless, mirroring the chaos of the 20th century. While Joel has admitted he’s not particularly fond of the melody, the song’s cleverness and bold structure struck a chord with audiences. It became a chart-topping hit and a pop culture phenomenon, used in classrooms and parodied endlessly. More than just a novelty, the track taps into a deeper idea: every generation inherits a world already burning with conflict, triumph, and turmoil. In under five minutes, Joel captures the overwhelming pace of modern life and our collective desire to make sense of it. Whether you love it or loathe it, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is unforgettable.
5. New York State of Mind (1976)
With “New York State of Mind,” Billy Joel created a soulful, smoky homage to his beloved hometown that resonates like a jazz standard. Released in 1976 on his Turnstiles album, the song was never a major single, but it became one of Joel’s most cherished works, especially among fellow New Yorkers. Written upon returning to New York from a brief stint in Los Angeles, the song exudes the relief and comfort of coming home. Its slow, deliberate piano intro sets the tone for a reflective and heartfelt meditation on the city’s grit, glamor, and soul. Joel’s vocals—filled with sincerity and longing—flow seamlessly with the jazzy arrangement, conjuring images of late-night subway rides, skyline views, and old diners with coffee-stained menus. The emotional intimacy of the song makes it feel like a personal letter to the city, and that’s perhaps why it’s become a staple at his concerts and public appearances. Whether you’re from New York or have only visited, “New York State of Mind” invites you into its world with open arms and a familiar warmth. It’s not just a song—it’s a feeling.
6. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (1977)
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is a musical epic—a rich, cinematic tapestry that highlights Billy Joel’s masterful storytelling and compositional ambition. Released in 1977 on The Stranger, this nearly eight-minute suite defies pop conventions, shifting effortlessly through multiple musical styles and movements. It begins with a quiet piano intro set in a cozy Italian restaurant, then transitions into a jazzy interlude before diving into the energetic centerpiece: the story of Brenda and Eddie, high school sweethearts whose marriage unravels with time. Each section feels distinct yet seamlessly connected, mirroring the ups and downs of life and love. The song captures the nostalgia of youth, the sobering reality of adulthood, and the bittersweet way memories linger. Joel’s lyrics brim with specific details that make the characters feel real, like people you might’ve known or been. Musically, it’s adventurous without losing accessibility, showing Joel’s range as both a composer and a lyricist. Though never released as a single, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” has become a fan favorite, often cited as one of Joel’s greatest artistic achievements. It’s not just a song—it’s a short story set to music, brimming with heart, wit, and New York soul.
7. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) (1977)
“Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” is Billy Joel’s no-holds-barred critique of the rat race and the hollow pursuit of material success. Released in 1977 on his landmark album The Stranger, the song channels the voice of the working class with sharp lyrics and a piano-driven melody that struts with defiance. Anthony, the song’s protagonist, is a stand-in for anyone who’s been pressured to equate success with money, status, and long hours at a soul-crushing job. Joel delivers lines like “It seems such a waste of time, if that’s what it’s all about,” with pointed sarcasm, questioning the very idea of the American Dream. The staccato piano riff, paired with the now-iconic “heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack” refrain, adds a punchy rhythm that mirrors the frustration of the lyrics. The revving motorcycle at the song’s end drives the point home: sometimes the best move is to walk—or ride—away from the madness. “Movin’ Out” isn’t just catchy; it’s cathartic. It gives voice to the quiet rebellion inside so many who long for something more meaningful than a paycheck and a picket fence. Decades later, it still hits with relevance and attitude.
8. Only the Good Die Young (1978)
“Only the Good Die Young” is Billy Joel at his most provocative and playful. Released in 1978 as part of The Stranger, the song caused a stir from the moment it hit the airwaves. With its jaunty piano, infectious rhythm, and lyrics aimed at coaxing a Catholic girl into breaking the rules, the song drew both ire and intrigue. Several radio stations banned it, which ironically only fueled its popularity—nothing stokes curiosity like controversy. But beneath the flirtatious bravado lies a deeper tension: a clash between youthful desire and religious constraint, freedom and guilt. Joel’s lyrics toe the line between charm and rebellion, all delivered with a wink and a smile. Musically, the song is upbeat and bouncy, masking its bold themes with radio-friendly hooks and a breezy groove. Over time, the controversy faded, and what remained was a classic rock staple that still gets audiences clapping along. “Only the Good Die Young” is more than a rebellious anthem—it’s a snapshot of a moment when rock and roll dared to question the rules, dressed up in a piano-pop package that never gets old.
9. The Longest Time (1984)
With “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel transported listeners back to the golden age of doo-wop, crafting a song so authentically retro it could easily be mistaken for a lost hit from the 1950s. Released in 1984 on An Innocent Man, the song is a warm, harmony-rich ballad about the surprise of rediscovered love and the enduring nature of hope. Joel performed all the vocal parts himself, layering each harmony to create a full a cappella sound with minimal instrumentation—a bold move in the era of synthesizers and arena rock. The result is disarmingly simple and deeply charming. Lyrically, the song is about emotional vulnerability: the fear of opening up again, balanced with the sweetness of giving love another shot. Its timeless feel, heartfelt delivery, and stripped-down production have made it a fan favorite, often used in weddings, reunions, and nostalgic moments. “The Longest Time” is a testament to Joel’s ability to connect with audiences not through grandeur, but through sincerity. It’s proof that sometimes all you need is a good melody, a heartfelt lyric, and a few voices in harmony to create something truly lasting.
10. Vienna (1977)
“Vienna” is one of Billy Joel’s most quietly powerful songs—a tender ballad with wisdom far beyond its years. Released in 1977 on The Stranger, it wasn’t a hit at the time, but it has grown into a beloved cult favorite, especially among younger generations who connect with its message of patience and perspective. Inspired by a visit to see his estranged father in Austria, Joel was struck by how the elderly in Vienna remained integrated into daily life—unlike in America, where aging is often viewed as decline. That realization became the soul of the song. “Vienna” speaks to the dreamer in all of us, reminding us that life isn’t a race, and fulfillment doesn’t have to come all at once. Its melody is both delicate and haunting, with a soft piano line and understated arrangement that allow the lyrics to shine. Joel’s vocal performance is heartfelt and unhurried, matching the song’s core philosophy. It’s a rare pop song that urges listeners not to speed up, but to slow down—and that makes it enduringly relevant in a fast-paced world. Over time, “Vienna” has earned its rightful place among Joel’s most profound and moving works.
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.
