Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who has achieved great success and acclaim in the music industry. Born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York City, Joel’s career spans over several decades, and he is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Joel’s music encompasses a variety of styles, including rock, pop, and classical. He is known for his catchy melodies, poignant lyrics, and dynamic piano playing. Some of his most famous songs include “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “Just the Way You Are,” “New York State of Mind,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Throughout his career, Billy Joel has received numerous awards and honors, including six Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Joel is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He has supported various charitable causes, including music education and environmental conservation.
Billy Joel’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, and he remains a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.
1. Piano Man
“Piano Man” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1973 as the lead single from his second studio album of the same name. It’s one of Joel’s signature songs and has become one of his most beloved and enduring compositions.
“Piano Man” is characterized by its storytelling lyrics, catchy melody, and Joel’s distinctive vocals. The song tells the story of a piano player at a bar, entertaining the patrons and sharing their stories while reflecting on his own life and dreams.
The lyrics paint vivid portraits of the characters at the bar, including the bartender, the waitress, and the regular patrons, each with their own struggles and aspirations. The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man,” has become iconic and is often cited as one of Joel’s most recognizable lines.
“Piano Man” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and became a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the charts in several countries. It has since become a staple of Joel’s live performances and remains a favorite among fans of his music, earning its place as a classic of the singer-songwriter genre.
2. 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.” It’s one of Joel’s most popular and recognizable songs.
“Uptown Girl” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, 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 protagonist expresses his desire to win her affection and make her his own.
The song’s catchy chorus and infectious energy contributed to its commercial success, with “Uptown Girl” becoming one of Joel’s biggest hits. It reached the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and received widespread airplay on radio stations around the world.
The music video for “Uptown Girl” features Joel portraying a mechanic who catches the eye of a group of high-society women, including his then-girlfriend, supermodel Christie Brinkley. The video’s playful and lighthearted tone helped further popularize the song and cement its status as one of Joel’s signature tracks.
3. Just the Way You Are
“Just the Way You Are” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as part of his album “The Stranger.” It became one of Joel’s most popular and enduring songs, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
The song is a heartfelt love ballad, with Joel expressing unconditional love and acceptance for his partner. The lyrics convey a message of appreciation for the person’s inherent beauty and uniqueness, reassuring them that they are loved just as they are.
“Just the Way You Are” features a memorable melody and lush orchestration, with Joel’s soulful vocals and expressive piano playing adding to the song’s emotional depth. It became a chart-topping hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and winning Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1979.
Over the years, “Just the Way You Are” has remained a favorite among fans of Billy Joel’s music and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. Its timeless message of love and acceptance continues to resonate with listeners around the world, making it one of Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs.
4. We Didn’t Start the Fire
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1989 on his album “Storm Front.” It’s a fast-paced and catchy pop rock song that features rapid-fire lyrics listing historical events, figures, and cultural references from Joel’s lifetime, spanning from 1949 (the year of his birth) to the year of the song’s release.
The lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” touch upon a wide range of topics, including politics, popular culture, science, and world events. Joel’s intention with the song was to create a snapshot of the significant events and cultural phenomena that shaped the world during his lifetime, while also challenging the idea that his generation was responsible for the problems of the modern world.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” received mixed reviews from music critics upon its release, with some praising its ambitious concept and catchy melody, while others criticized its simplistic structure and laundry list-style lyrics. However, the song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Joel a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year.
The music video for “We Didn’t Start the Fire” features footage of historical events and figures interspersed with images of Joel performing the song. The video’s montage-style presentation complements the song’s rapid-fire lyrics and adds visual context to the historical references.
Overall, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” remains one of Billy Joel’s most iconic and recognizable songs, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the events and cultural milestones of the 20th century.
5. She’s Always a Woman
“She’s Always a Woman” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” It’s a ballad characterized by its gentle melody, poignant lyrics, and Joel’s emotive vocals.
“She’s Always a Woman” is a love song that explores the complexities and contradictions of romantic relationships. The lyrics describe a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, independent yet capable of eliciting deep emotions in her partner. Despite her flaws and imperfections, the protagonist expresses his unconditional love and admiration for her.
The song’s melody is delicate and understated, allowing Joel’s heartfelt vocals to take center stage. The arrangement features piano, strings, and subtle percussion, creating a soft and intimate atmosphere that complements the song’s lyrical content.
“She’s Always a Woman” received widespread acclaim from music critics upon its release and has since become one of Billy Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs. It has been covered by various artists and remains a favorite among fans of Joel’s music for its emotional depth and timeless appeal.
6. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” It’s one of Joel’s most beloved and acclaimed compositions, known for its storytelling lyrics and intricate musical arrangement.
The song is divided into three distinct sections, each telling a different story. The first section, “Brenda and Eddie,” introduces the characters Brenda and Eddie, a young couple who marry after high school but struggle to maintain their relationship as they grow older. The second section, “The Bottle of Red,” describes a nostalgic look back at the past, with references to shared memories and experiences. The third section, “The Bottle of White,” reflects on the present moment and the passage of time, with a sense of resignation and acceptance.
Musically, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” features a rich and diverse arrangement, blending elements of rock, pop, and jazz. The song’s dynamic structure, catchy melodies, and intricate piano playing showcase Joel’s songwriting prowess and musicianship.
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” has become one of Billy Joel’s signature songs and a fan favorite at his live performances. Its storytelling lyrics, memorable melody, and emotional depth have earned it widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the greatest songs in Joel’s extensive catalog.
7. Only the Good Die Young
“Only the Good Die Young” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 on his album “The Stranger.” It’s one of Joel’s most famous and controversial songs.
“Only the Good Die Young” is a rock and roll song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics tell the story of a young man trying to convince a Catholic girl to break free from her religious upbringing and live life to the fullest. The protagonist suggests that she should give in to her desires and take a chance on him, arguing that “only the good die young.”
The song’s lyrics caused controversy upon its release, with some interpreting them as encouraging immorality and disrespecting religion. Despite this, “Only the Good Die Young” became a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The controversy surrounding the song only helped to increase its popularity, and it has since become one of Billy Joel’s signature songs. It remains a staple of his live performances and is widely regarded as one of his greatest achievements as a songwriter.
8. The Longest Time
“The Longest Time” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1984 on his album “An Innocent Man.” It’s a doo-wop-inspired pop song characterized by its catchy melody, tight harmonies, and nostalgic lyrics.
“The Longest Time” is an ode to the joy and pain of falling in love, with Joel singing about the longing and anticipation of being reunited with a lost love. The song’s lyrics express a sense of vulnerability and longing, as the protagonist reflects on the passing of time and the enduring power of love.
The song’s arrangement features layered vocals and a prominent bassline, evoking the sound of classic doo-wop groups from the 1950s and 1960s. Joel’s emotive vocals and the song’s infectious energy helped make it a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“The Longest Time” has since become one of Billy Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs, remaining a favorite among fans and a staple of his live performances. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and longing continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
9. New York State of Mind
“New York State of Mind” is a song written by Billy Joel, released in 1976 on his album “Turnstiles.” It’s one of Joel’s most iconic and enduring compositions, capturing the essence of life in New York City.
The song is a heartfelt homage to New York City, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the city’s energy, diversity, and resilience. Joel describes the sights and sounds of the city, from the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers to the people who call it home. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and affection for New York, as well as a longing to return to the city’s embrace.
Musically, “New York State of Mind” is a soulful and bluesy ballad, featuring Joel’s distinctive piano playing and emotive vocals. The song’s smooth groove and timeless melody have made it a favorite among fans of Joel’s music and a beloved anthem for New Yorkers.
“New York State of Mind” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic of American popular music. Its enduring appeal and universal themes of home and belonging continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
10. Honesty
“Honesty” is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1979 on his album “52nd Street.” It’s a ballad characterized by its introspective lyrics, gentle melody, and heartfelt vocals.
“Honesty” is a contemplative song that explores the importance of honesty in relationships. The lyrics reflect on the challenges of being truthful with oneself and with others, acknowledging that honesty can sometimes be difficult but ultimately necessary for maintaining genuine connections.
The song’s arrangement features piano, strings, and subtle percussion, creating a soft and intimate atmosphere that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. Joel’s emotive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and sincerity, adding to the song’s poignancy.
“Honesty” became a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Billy Joel’s most beloved and enduring songs, remaining a favorite among fans for its timeless message and heartfelt delivery.