Legendary musician Billy Joel has surprised his fans with a brand new song, marking his first original release in 17 years. Titled 'Turn the Lights Back On,' the track serves as a heartfelt love ballad and a message to his loyal fanbase who have patiently awaited new music from the piano man.
The chorus of the song beautifully captures the essence of Joel's return: 'I'm late, but I'm here right now and I'm trying to find the magic that we lost somehow. Maybe I was blind, but I see you now as we're laying here in the darkness. Did I wait too long to turn the lights back on?'
Collaborating with songwriters Arthur Bacon, Wayne Hector, and producer Freddy Wexler (known for his work with artists like Ariana Grande and Post Malone), Joel has delivered a captivating composition that showcases his signature sound. Alongside the release of the song, a lyric video has been unveiled, and fans can also enjoy 'Turn the Lights Back On' on limited-edition 7-inch vinyl.
To add even more excitement, Joel is set to perform the song live at the upcoming Grammys on Sunday night. This will undoubtedly be a treat for both longtime admirers and music enthusiasts alike.
Retirement from songwriting had been an unexpected move for Joel after the release of his 1993 album, 'River of Dreams.' Disappointed with the album's reception and the lack of hits it produced, he felt disheartened and decided to step away from the music industry. Reflecting on that time, Joel expressed how he was in a constant pursuit of perfection and became frustrated when he fell short. Additionally, he confessed that his struggles with alcohol played a part in his decision to stop writing songs, as he used drinking as a coping mechanism.
Over his illustrious five-decade career, Billy Joel has created an extraordinary repertoire of timeless classics, including 'Piano Man,' 'New York State of Mind,' and 'We Didn't Start the Fire,' among many others. The last new material Joel released was in 2007 with two one-off singles, 'All My Life' and 'Christmas in Fallujah,' which he recorded with musician Cass Dillon. However, since 'River of Dreams,' Joel had only released cover songs, leaving fans eagerly anticipating original material.
While performing last year, Joel teased the possibility of new music, telling the audience, 'We've got a little something we've been working on you might hear sometime.' Now, with the arrival of 'Turn the Lights Back On,' fans can rejoice and hope for more songs to come. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2019, Joel expressed his openness to future creative endeavors, stating that he might come up with new ideas for songs, movie soundtracks, or even symphonies. He emphasized that the creative process itself is what truly matters to him and that he continues to learn and evolve with each creation.
Apart from his recent musical venture, fans can look forward to catching Billy Joel live in concert. He has upcoming stadium shows scheduled, including several dates alongside co-headliners Stevie Nicks and Sting. Additionally, Joel's celebrated decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City will come to a close this year, culminating with his 150th lifetime show at the venue on July 25. Reflecting on the residency, Joel expressed his surprise and gratitude for the incredible milestone and the unforgettable support from his fans.
Billy Joel's return to his songwriting roots has brought delight and anticipation to music enthusiasts worldwide. Through 'Turn the Lights Back On,' the piano man showcases why he is revered as one of the greatest musicians of our time. As fans savor this freshly released track, they eagerly await future offerings from the legendary singer-songwriter, eagerly embracing the creative journey he embarks on once again.
