Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter. He famously plays the piano and incorporates it into his music. Joel was born in the Bronx (NYC) May 9th, 1949. His song’s and musical talent earned him a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, as well as a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2013, Joel received the Kennedy Centers Honor, the nations highest honor for influencing American culture through the arts.
Joel has sold over 150 million records worldwide. He’s been nominated for 23 Grammy Awards, and is the winner of 6. Joel also had 33 top 40 hits in the United States from the 1970’s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, all of which he wrote himself. His first hit was “Piano Man” in 1973. Since then Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States. His Greatest Hits 2-disc album is the third best selling album in the United States.
Billy Joel still tours, and will begin a US tour this April. In preparation, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 Billy Joel songs.
Did your favorite not make the list? Tell us in the comments below!
[ new page = 10: Big Shot]
At number ten “Big Shot” starts off our list. The song is great to describe that party gone wrong. Everyone has that friend, or knows that guy, who gets into drunken scraps. Well, this is the song that guy needs playing in his head. Whether you’re a big shot yourself or not, the song is fun, and an especially good karaoke choice.
[ new page = 9: You May Be Right ]
“You May Be Right” comes in at number nine of our list. The song is a party favorite and a ballad to the daredevil. With the lines “I may be crazy, but it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for,” the song pretty much sums up what we’re all thinking inside our own heads. Fast, fun, and loud, the song is a crowd pleaser.
[ new page = 8: Only the Good Die Young]
“Only the Good Die Young” ranks in at number eight of our list. The song is fun an ode to living life. It also includes some thoughtful commentary on organized religion, if that’s what you’re looking for. So, be it fun or to prove your own point, the song is one of Joel’s best.
[ new page = 7: Just the Way You Are]
“Just the Way you are” comes in at number seven. One of Joel’s ballads, the song is a sure crowd pleaser and couples favorite. There’s nothing more romantic than that musical “you’re perfect.”
[ new page = 6: Uptown Girl]
“Uptown Girl” ranks in at number six. The song is bittersweet as it describes the star-crossed lovers form different social classes. Every guy knows what it’s like to have liked that girl who was out of his league. Now, Billy Joel has immortalized that feeling of never living up to the in-laws expectations.
[ new page = 5: Piano Man]
“The Piano Man” ranks in at number five. The song is Probably Billy Joel’s most well known song. An interesting narrative, the song is deeply moving, and provides enough detail and blank spaces for the listen to easily insert themselves into Joel’s musical bar scène.
[ new page = 4: We Didn’t Start the Fire]
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” comes in at number four. The song is a fan favorite. For some, that’s because of its meaningful and thought provoking lyrics. For others, it’s because we have no idea what he’s saying and just love the FAST FAST FAST sound. Either way, it’s a great road trip (or anytime) song.
[ new page = 3: It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me]
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” comes in at number three. The song is a cool ode to nostalgia and rock n’ roll. Not surprising given the songs topic, the song had aged nicely. The song is perfect for those of us who remain too stubborn and hateful of new music to retreat to the perfection of classic rock.
[ new page = 2: The Longest Time]
“The Longest Time” comes in at number two. The song is sweet and upbeat. Fast paced and fun to sing a long to, it’s a great song for that couple that’s a bit less lovey-dovey and a bit more fun loving. The meaning is sweet and simple and sure to have even the coldest girl swooning.
[ new page = 1: She’s Always a Woman]
At number one comes “She’s Always a Woman”. The song is a beautiful ballad with a mysterious feel that never gets old. The lyrics are beautiful and the music haunting. Any woman would be thrilled to have this song dedicated to her.