As of writing this, it will have been 17 years since Billy Joel released new music, nearly two decades since the prolific singer/songwriter has given his deep fanbase something new.
Oh, he’s been plenty busy, with a residency at Madison Square Garden for years. But there’s a new song coming on February 1, 2024 — Turn the Lights Back On.
Which got me, a die-hard fan of his, thinking: What are his greatest songs of all time?
Not the easiest of tasks given the dozens he’s written. But I gave it a try with the top 15 greatest Billy Joel tunes ever:
15
We Didn't Start the Fire
Let’s start with a hot take: There are those who would argue that this is actually a terrible song. The rhymes don’t always work, the tune is too simplistic — heck, Joel himself has ripped on it.
But I’ll say this: It’s kind of an awesome exercise in songwriting. It’s entirely made up of historical moments through the decades, it’s super catchy and I can say that my generation of millennials learned a thing or two when we Googled a few of the events mentioned.
Now are you convinced it belongs on here?
P.S.: Sorry, Fall Out Boy, but your cover and additions weren’t great.
14
Only the Good Die Young
Sometimes, syrupy pop songs are popular for a reason. This one is just so good.
13
Goodnight Saigon
The song all about the Vietnam War is extremely emotional. And if you’ve seen Joel live, you’ve seen that he has those who have served sing it with him (see above).
12
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
One of his best story songs that tells a tale in three acts, with that ACK-ACK-ACK-ACK-ACK chorus.
11
Uptown Girl
He perfectly captures the Four Seasons with this throwback that’s just a delight.
10
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
Cynical, sarcastic and critical, it’s got a little bit of Elvis (Presley and maybe a little Costello?)
9
Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
One of the best songs of his to hear live, with that unmistakable opening and closing sci-fi-ish piano melody.
8
The Longest Time
Tell me you can listen to this without smiling. I dare you.
7
Piano Man
OK, so: It’s his signature tune, an all-time great of an addition to the great music of the 20th century catalogue. Why is it this low? Because while it’s a classic for a reason, it was just the beginning for him as a songwriter. He’s done better since then.
6
Just the Way You Are
It’s just gorgeous, a near-perfect love song with a simple message and a neat little Latin beat.
5
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
A story in a bottle (of red or white, whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight), with Brenda and Eddie falling in and out of love in a time-travel symphony from the present day in an Italian restaurant to the past and back again.
4
And So It Goes
Goodness, it’s beautiful and poetic.
3
New York State of Mind
The greatest song written about New York City (yes, better than that tune Frank Sinatra sang a lot, there I said it), a Ray Charles-esque ballad with that bridge that gets even better the second time he sings it.
2
Vienna
A timeless message — slow down, shut off the phone, reset — because your Vienna awaits if you can focus your fire and passion. All of that packed into one of his best hooks.
1
Summer, Highland Falls
It’s Joel’s best combination of lyrics — not a single wasted word in the bunch, a picture painted of a relationship on the rocks — and music. It’s sad, but it’s as real as he’s ever gotten. No wonder he thinks it’s one of his best songs, because he’s right.
