It’s no secret that I rank Billy Joel as my number one artist of all-time. I’ve listened to his music since I was a kid, travelled across the world just to see him in concert, took piano lessons after being inspired by his playing, and felt immensely proud when my singing teacher told me that when I sing Billy Joel songs to her, my voice sounds best.
Clearly, I love the guy.
For no reason whatsoever, I’m going to share my top ten Billy Joel tracks. If you’re a fan, you might agree or disagree. If you’re not a fan – here’s a chance to get started! These choices are selected based off my own personal factor/rating scale – they might not be his most popular, and they won’t all be hits. They’re the ones that when I pop on my Billy Joel playlist (this happens very often), I can never skip them.
Without further ado – starting at number ten, a favourite deep-cut:
10. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant: A bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rosé instead? This is a live staple, and a most-loved song by die-hard fans. For more than 7mins, Joel takes us on a musical journey, showcasing his incredible backing band (in particular, saxophonist Richie Cannata, who performs multiple incredible solo parts that even the most staunch brass-hater won’t be able to turn their nose up at). The transitions between sections is flawless, culminating in a grandiose string section as the story winds to a close and returns to the soft ballad section that opened the track.
9. Souvenir: In complete contrast to Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, this is a 2min soft piano ballad which for me highlights Joel‘s fantastic tenor range, with lyrics that cut right to the bone – a reflection on the little things in life disappearing or ‘fading away’. . It includes Joel‘s homage to Chopin to open, which is a window into Joel‘s deep love for classical music. This song always reminds me of someone walking home late at night through a snowy city.
8. My Life: A Joel classic. I remember hearing this song on the radio in the car as a child before I even knew who sung it. I think most people would attribute Joel to either this song or Piano Man. The intro is undeniable. You know what it is before you even realise it’s on – and the worst part from a musician’s perspective is, it’s just SO simple! Joel reflects on wanting to be in control of his own destiny by not taking advice from others.
7. Uptown Girl: Yeah, yeah – you either love it or you hate it. I love it. Musically, it’s such a rich and interesting song harmonically – there is a lot happening, but so subtly and well managed that it doesn’t become tiring to listen to. Constant key changes and non-diatonic chord tones. The ‘An Innocent Man‘ album is packed full of ‘barber-shop’ style vocal harmonies, and Uptown Girl arguably is up there at the top (the winner is coming shortly…). It’s a bit of fun.
6. She’s Got A Way: When it comes to simple songwriting, Joel has a way. Up there with the best of the best in conveying a particular emotion utilising just voice and piano. This song perfectly embodies the craftsmanship of his talents – and I genuinely believe it’s one of his most underrated songs. Pure, raw and exposed – Joel often finds a unique perspective on common feelings (in this case – not being able to say through words how you feel about someone) that always hits the mark for me.
5. Vienna: This song is essentially a deep-cut, however has recently been thrust into the limelight via social media trends. It’s always been a fan-favourite, now it’s adored by the masses. The simplistic hopefulness of this song resonates no doubt, as Joel muses on enjoying the moment and not trying to achieve everything at once. When I sing for my teacher, this is what she asks me to sing – it’s a beautifully structured song which gives the opportunity for the tenor voice to shine – and Joel does brilliantly. It’s coupled with that iconic piano introduction and includes a rare, however completely fitting accordion solo – which ties together the song thematically.
4. Allentown: Classic Billy Joel. One of the most common reflections on Joel‘s music is how he captures the American experience, and (not being an American myself) I’d say that Allentown would be right up there with the best of those songs. The live version is even better. I find the ‘manufacturing’ theme (the actual mill sounds, the vocal motifs mimicking machinery, and the steady, rolling rhythmic feel of the song) works really well with the subject matter – a tale about blue-collar American workers in Allentown, Pennsylvania during the decline of the manufacturing sector in the 1980s.
3. The Longest Time: If someone ever tried to tell you that all Billy Joel songs sound the same – start with this one. An A Capella love song that has likely made it’s way into churches, cathedrals and gardens on any given wedding day. It’s fun, it’s rhythmic, it’s a little absurd – but it works, and it’s memorable. Not much to say about this one – when I hear that ‘dun, dun, dun’ vocal intro, I know I’m in for a treat.
2. New York State of Mind: If I may indulge in a humble brag – I have never in my life heard anything like a stadium full of New-Yorkers singing their heart out to this song, and cheering when Joel mentions any of the iconic New York locations mentioned throughout the song. This song has everything – the most perfect piano introduction to any song on record, Joel‘s incredible high tenor vocals, and his backing band sounding as good as ever. I don’t need to explain what this song is about – it’s a love letter to one of the greatest cities on Earth. The intro below is my favourite on film – there is something about the high shot that slowly pans down as the spotlight is on Joel and the piano that just feels so comforting.
1. Just The Way You Are: Perfection in the form of a song. Genuinely one of the best songs ever written in my opinion. A real message, a memorable melody, lush instrumentation with that unmistakable light bossa nova feel – just a perfect combination for a love song. Then – the saxophone. It just hits different. The live version below encapsulates everything good about this song. There’s some really poignant moments for me – first at 2:12 where Joel changes up the bridge vocal melody line perfectly; then at 3:40 where Joel again changes up the vocal melody and is singing his heart out when saxophonist Mark Rivera steps back into frame and he’s singing along too – which for some reason just feels so pure; then finally at 4:12 as the song is hitting it’s crescendo into the final saxophone solo, you can see Joel absolutely feelin’ the sax and the emotion of the song. A truly gorgeous performance of a classic song.
10 songs was incredibly hard to choose – having to leave off favourites like You May Be Right, Only The Good Die Young, Summer Highland Falls, And So It Goes, Root Beer Rag, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), and of course the legendary Piano Man is tough. As one of the most prolific and influential American songbook writers, keeping the list to 10 tracks feels like a crime. As an added bonus – check out Joel‘s version of To Make You Feel My Love (written by Bob Dylan) and a live version of the Beach Boys classic Don’t Worry Baby. Both fantastic versions in their own right – showcasing more of Joel‘s fantastic tenor range.
For new and old fans alike, take a step into an immensely enjoyable catalogue – it’ll be worth it. Let me know what your favourites are!
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