Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious listener trying to figure out where to start, this complete (in chronological order) will guide you through every studio album from his raw beginnings to his epic farewell to pop.
Billy Joel may have stopped writing pop songs in 1993, but his catalog remains one of the most consistent in history. So pour a glass of red wine, sit at the piano (or just your Spotify queue), and press play. billy joel albums list
"My Life," "Big Shot," "Honesty" The Verdict: The Sophisticated Follow-up. Riding high on The Stranger , Joel got jazzy. Named after the center of New York’s jazz scene, this album won the Grammy for Album of the Year. It is cooler and more cynical than its predecessor. "Big Shot" shows his ability to write a blistering rock song, while "My Life" became a generational anthem of independence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious
"The Entertainer," "Root Beer Rag" The Verdict: The Sophomore Slump (with highlights). Joel was struggling with the sudden fame of "Piano Man" and battling record labels again. Streetlife Serenade feels a bit cynical, though "The Entertainer" is a sharp, cynical retort to the music industry. It features "Root Beer Rag," an instrumental showcase that proves Joel is as much a virtuoso pianist as he is a pop star. "My Life," "Big Shot," "Honesty" The Verdict: The
The "Welcome Home" album. After a disappointing stint in LA, Billy moved back to New York. The result is electric. This album contains "New York State of Mind" and "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)." Essential listening for any city lover.